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spine doctors/neurosurgeon recommendations
I have severe scoliosis, l4-l5 herniated disks with nerve impingement, lumbar stenosis, left leg numbness and weakness and constant pain. I have had MRI's and seen a neurosurgeon and spine doctors. Doctors ordered PT and spinal injections. I did PT and this made the situation worse of which now my left leg is numb. I can not take the injections due to other health complications. The neurosurgeon basically said that I needed spinal reconstruction with rods and screws but due to my age (63) it was too risky and could cause other complications. Now all my life I have dealt with scoliosis BUT it was not until May 6th of 2024 my problems with pain started only in the l4 l5 area. I feel hopeless and in limbo and am at the end of my rope with no help and moving from one spine doctor saying that he did not see anything wrong to another doctor saying that I needed spine reconstruction. I don't know who to believe?? I live in WV and thus I am far from many doctors. I am looking for recommendations from others regarding reputable doctors that will provide answers and treatment that will help. I am willing to travel in order to get a definitive answer and help. I would love to get an appointment with Mayo Clinic but I am not sure how to go about doing that or who to make the appointment with . I am asking for help this one final time. I believe doctor's look at my age and then write me off. How cruel and lacking of empathy. Any suggestions/help would be greatly helpful and appreciated. Thank you.
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Hi Cookie,
I 've been dealt with Scoliosis most of my life-first diagnosed at 9 years of age and began physical therapy. My back continued to get worse and I was placed in a Milwaukee Back Brace for 3 years, (approx. 13 to 16 years old), along with P.T.
At 19 one of my sisters was working for a hospital PT department and the Director recommended that I get a consult with the top Scoliosis surgeon in So. California at that time. He determined that my spinal curves had continued to progress even with the brace on and that they would continue to do so.
He recommended that I have a T2 to L2 spinal fusion, stating that if I didn't I would be confined to a wheelchair by the time I was 25. The surgery was a success and still is-- I am close to 68 years old now.
Unfortunately, the area below my spinal fusion deteriorated with a multitude of issues which led me to consulting with several doctos in California, and 1 at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester Minnesota, who was recommended to me. Last May, at 67, I had the remainder of my spine to pelvis corrected abd fused by Dr, Jeremy Fogelson. My surgery was a success and my whole experience at Mayo Clinic was amazing!
Here's a link to the info. on Dr. Fogelson.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/fogelson-jeremy-l-m-d/bio-20055624!
When I first called Mayo Clinic, I contacted a Mayo Coordinator via the number, listed in the attachment below, and I requested Dr. Fogelson. You will want to make certain that Mayo Clinic accepts your health insurance.
Sending you best wishes and prayers🙏🙏🙏🙏
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1 ReactionTo Cookie - Scroll all the way yo bottom of this page and in a blue box it says request appointment. Do that! I’ve read on this forum that you don’t need a referral to Mayo Clinic. Don’t give up, they will lead you in the right direction. Good luck to you.