Spine fusion for leg pain

RNing is hard on your spine.

There are too many neuros to go back to Dr Callous. It is a big deal having spinal fusion. It can provide great relief.
But, there are artificial discs.
Was the bone fragment from the vertebrae of the sacrum, the result of impact or osteoporosis.
You may want help from a drug like Forteo. It helps secure any hardware and promotes healing. Lots of surgeons prescribe it for a few months before surgery and a period of time after.
Get consults with orthopedic surgeons or other neurosurgeons Some will consult free if you send your MRI. Your insurance should cover second opinions.
And there are lots of gentle surgeons. Anyone can have a bad day. Sometimes we don't realize that the person is having a heart attack or midlife crisis, sometimes it is a new cancer diagnosis or a fight with the wife, bad news from the stockbrocker.
It may be years before he gets over it. Don't schedule with him.
Keep us posted!

If the epidural? helped, you might get another to get you through to the surgery.

Hi @asilyag , I'm very sorry to hear about your leg pain and really hope you are able to find relief soon and get your life back on track. Urgency like that is awful but it's totally understandable that you don't want to rush into surgery, and if you do get it, I really don't think this surgeon is the one for you. That must be scary to feel like maybe it'll be too late unless you act now, but I'm not sure I'd trust any doctor with my spine unless I first knew he really cared; I think that can sometimes be just as important as expertise. I don't know where you're at or if radiculopathy is one of his specialties or not, but I know that Dr. Jamal McClendon at Mayo AZ does spinal fusions (I had mine from him for my scoliosis and must admit I've got a slight case of hero worship). The thought of spinal fusion upset my stomach, but I agreed to have it because I felt like he was being honest with me, knew what he was doing, and would do the best job he could for me. It's been a couple years and so far I'm happy with the results. Good doctors are out there; I hope you find the right one for you soon and are able to get your pain solved once and for all.
Hugs & prayers

Thank you for your thoughts and time. My family has reassured me that there are other surgeons too. Just bizarre and as a nurse I know when they are baffling you with bs. I’ve had two spinal injections by two different pain specialists in the same practice. The first inj didn’t help at all. Given in the L5-S1 area. It raised me off the table when he hit the nerve though. The second one given in the L3-L4 site was a little less painful to get but helped tremendously. Starting to wear off after 6 weeks. I love the idea of this blog to share our experiences.

Thank you for your reply. Just reading your words is reassuring that there are kind, concerned people out there. I live in Ohio. I’m going to start doing my homework to get a second opinion.

@asilyag I'm sorry you had a bad experience with surgeon #1, and I agree, he is not worth your time or your dime. I was rejected by 5 surgeons before I came to Mayo Rochester and I had surgery there. I was loosing the ability to control my arms, and I'm an artist, and was very worried. That was 2 years of seeking help only to be denied, so 6 months for you isn't going to be substantial. I wish I had come to Mayo first and not wasted my time. My diagnosis was confusing because of unusual symptoms and they just didn't understand. I had spinal cord compression in the central canal at C5/C6 and it caused pain all over my body. If you were in an emergency situation, that's different, and often there is a wait of 2-3 months for a consult with a good surgeon. If you want compassionate care and excellence in talent, going to Mayo is a good choice. I can't speak highly enough of my neurosurgeon, Jeremy Fogelson, and he was kind. In Ohio, you also have Cleveland Clinic and that is a good place too. You need other opinions, and with lower spine surgery several opinions are preferable because recovery is more difficult with bearing most of your body weight there and you need a good surgeon to get it right. I'm sure you know that being a nurse. Do you know what your spine diagnosis is now and what sub-specialty of a spine surgeon would be a good fit?

My story:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/

Not sure about a sub specialist. I have foraminal stenosis bilaterally at L3-4. postsurgical changes from hemilaminotomy at L5-S1 with a far distal compression of the L5 nerve root.

@asilyag A spine deformity specialist would do a lot of lumbar surgeries and surgery at the
L5 S1 junction. I always researched the literature of any surgeon I wanted to see. Did you find any surgeons you would be interested in seeing? I know that sometimes seems like a daunting task to find a doctor you can really trust when you haven't met them before. Sometimes you don't know until you see them if you want them to be your doctor. I saw 6 surgeons, and if they wouldn't take time to answer my questions I knew I couldn't trust them. Are you willing to travel to find the right surgeon?

Dear Asilyag - Listen to Jennifer! She is extremely knowledgable. Comments: (1) Bedside manner. Not all surgeons are so gruff and abrupt - but as an RN you know that. My neurosurgeon and I started off on a strictly patient-doctor relationship which eventually grew to a warm and open relationship. But it took awhile. (2) You waited too long. I'd doubt that diagnosis. Keep searching! (3) Artificial disks (or spacers depending on what section of the spine is referred to). I have six titanium disks/spacers and they work fine, will last forever, and they don't set-off TSA magnetometers. (4) Type of neurosurgeon. My spine is "a mess" created by living 70+ years with continually advancing degenerative arthritis. "My guy" specializes in complex spine surgeries (that's me!) and I couldn't be happier! Over the years my spine had twisted to the right and downwards. The process was so slow I was unaware of these changes - unaware until I got straightened up. Somehow the neurosurgeon straightened all that mess, I now stand square shouldered, plus I regularly get comments from friends like, "You are standing so tall!". The solution is out there! You'll find it. (And don't let a grumpy surgeon attitude keep you from getting what you need.)

Yes to all the comments that urge you to get second, third and however many opinions you need. I’m 75 and had multi- level laminectomies and a L4-L5 fusion 10 months ago. I have recovered well and even returned to playing golf 2x/week. Finding a neuro or Ortho spine specialist you trust is key to recover. I got three opinions before deciding on a neurosurgeon who was genuinely caring and listened to me. Not all neurosurgeons are callous and cold or want to right to major spine surgery. There are many minimally invasive procedures today that can help. Unfortunately for me they were not appropriate. I wish you luck in finding a doctor who is honest and caring.

I read your story. Insightful and wonderful! Thanks for sharing.