Connect
← Return to Can anyone advise of trying pain management to put fusion surgery off
Discussion
Can anyone advise of trying pain management to put fusion surgery off
Spine Health | Last Active: Aug 17, 2023 | Replies (19)Comment receiving replies
@augal91 What you are experiencing is a disc that is collapsing, and you must have some sense of how fast that is changing because you have had 2 micro-discectomies. As the vertebrae bones get closer together it is closing down the space between the vertebrae where the nerve roots exit the spinal cord.
I do understand wanting to put off major surgery. What does your surgeon say about when is the right time for surgery? What surgeons can't predict is precisely when permanent nerve damage will happen if decompression surgery is not done. There is usually a wait to get on the surgery schedule that can be a couple months. I waited 5 or 6 weeks from my consultation for surgery, but it also took 2 years for me to find a surgeon who wanted the job. My surgery was a cervical fusion and my disc had collapsed 50%. Yours is L5S1 where you are bearing most of your body weight on the spine. That complicates the procedure and the recovery.
If you make the choice now to go forward with surgery, you are in control of that decision. If you wait, and your condition deteriorates rapidly, you may be headed to emergency surgery and not have choices as to what surgeon performs the procedure. These are questions to ask of your surgeon as to how that would be handled if you choose to wait and get into some serious pain. Pain management injections also come with some serious risks like cauda equina syndrome that leaves patients in permanent pain because of inflammation around the nerves.
This link from Medical News Today describes Cauda equina
"What is cauda equina syndrome (CES)?"
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cauda-equina-syndrome
Here are some discussions in the Spine Health Group about cauda equina which is also called arachnoiditis. In the first discussion, a member describes this as the result of a spinal injection that was placed incorrectly.
"Arachnoiditis: Trying to find a specialist"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-am-looking-for-a-doctor-in-nc-that-treats-patients-arachnoiditis/
"Anyone been diagnosed with arachnoiditis after spine surgery?"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/arachnoiditis-2/
"Cauda equina syndrome (CES)"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-story-in-short/
You'll have to weigh the risks of waiting and the risks of spine injections. I had one cervical spine injection that caused me to have new nerve pain that went on for months and I had cold sensitivity for over a year. It did eventually resolve. I think in my case, it was an inflammatory reaction to the injection itself because it happened immediately during the injection. I was having burning electrical shooting nerve pain that wasn't controlled and I said never again on spine injections. Some people are helped by them, but they don't fix anything.
Will you discuss the risks with your surgeon as you decide if you should schedule surgery sooner or if it is OK to wait?
Replies to "@augal91 What you are experiencing is a disc that is collapsing, and you must have some..."
Connect
Thank you so much for your insight and sharing your experience. So much has happened in exactly one year and just extremely frustrated. The first epidural and then microdisectomy was due to extreme herniation at L5S1 and I recovered completely from that surgery and was back 100% for a few months until I simply had an extreme cough and re herniated the same disk. I tried epidurals before each surgery as insurance required but none helped in any form, if anything I believe they made it worse. Then the second micro on same area. No pain but left with tingling and numbness on portions of left side from hip to toe. Then 2 months ago began feeling tightness and went to the Dr. and he advised another epidural and PT. I did all of these and the PT even made reference that my pelvis was tilted but didn't think that was the issue with my back. So now here we are with things getting worse. All of the above was done under the care of my Ortho which is a spine specialist and I like but his recommendation is anterior fusion.
Those close to me, many in the hospitals in this area have highly suggested seeking a neurosurgeons opinion. I met with a recommended one last week and have an MRI set in 10 days and then will immediately meet with him to read it and decide next steps.
The questions you mentioned are exactly ones I have down. I want to know how many of these has done and the risks if I delay.
I refuse to get another epidural and am curious as to what other "pain management" options there might be and chances of prolonging surgery... I will NOT do this though if he advises that long term damage is higher.
I would appreciate input as well on ortho vs. neuro....I'm leaning toward my issues being so nerve related to neuro but this is all so overwhelming and I want to choose wisely, not just quickly.
I have an international trip that is important to me in October and my ortho said traveling wouldn't be possible if I did the surgery. A local neurosurgeon told me I would be able to if I felt up for it....
But everything I'm reading says otherwise. I"m curious as to what this new neurosurgeon advises, I will also be in the middle of a home move Oct/Nov. Of course, if after counsel and prayer, we feel we must go ahead and do the surgery I will have to adjust as necessary. I"ve missed out on so much already but understand if I don't choose wisely, can miss out on so much more.
A year ago I was an active 53 yr old taking cate of my grandson, running 3 miles 3x a week and enjoying life. Now I can no longer even pick up my grandson....
I know a lot of info but wanted to be open as to what I'm working with as this is uncharted territory for me, I seek wisdom from those who've gone before me....