Considering Revision Surgery

[phylly]

Hello,
I have the Prodiscs L4-S1. I am over a year out and 8 months ago I had a decompression surgery for continued leg pain. I have been in severe back pain ever since. My life is pretty much at a standstill. I am now considering a revision surgery. I can either fuse over the prodiscs from the back or try to take them out, put in bone or a cage in the front and fuse from the back. I have had several opinions and know that going back in from the front can be life threatening. The Dr. that will try to go in from the front to take out the discs will stop if he can't do it. Will that be too late? I still have my life to lose, or a leg. I am not taking this lightly but have heard that the best results for success are taking the discs out. Does anyone have any articles supporting this. Any opinions would be appreciated.
Phylly

[Sandra L]

Phylly

I'm curious, what does Dr. Delamarter say?

Revision surgery sounds so extreme. Are there other options that you've looked into?

So, so sorry to hear you're still in severe pain. Will pray for you to make the right decision.

Sandy

[berry]

Dearest Phylly

I'm so sorry that it has got to this stage and you are contemplating a revision surgey. They are a difficult challenge with risks but have been done with successful results. I too have read that the best results are removing the prostheses. I have sent you a pm.

Thinking of you

Lynda

[Liz]

hi phylly,

i'm so sorry for what you are facing. In my non-medical opinion, i believe it's better to remove the Prodisc and fuse b/c of micro-movement that may remain and cause pain if the device is left in. That said, i'll probably have to leave one of mine in and hope a stabilization is enough.

i'm curious what Dr. Regan will propose since your facets look OK.... i hope maybe just one level is causing your symptoms.

since you have a vessel guard like i do, i was told it *may* be possible to remove the Prodisc anteriorly at L4-5, but this as you know is very risky even with the best of vascular surgeons. i understand wanting to risk it though for a better quality of life. I recall when Linda was facing a revision of her Prodiscs that a device to remove L4-5 Prodiscs "easier" through an anterior approach was in development, but i'm not sure the status of this.

have you asked the surgeons what chance of improvement they expect for you after a 2-level revision to fusion??

if i can help at all over the next few wks feel free to PM me and i'll give you my number.

hang in there and all the best,
Liz

[phylly]

Hi Liz,
I did PM you. Actually my facets do not look okay on the last CTmyelo. I will let you know what Dr. Regan says on Wednesday. Thanks again for you responses, they mean a lot.
Phylly