Hybrid surgery authorized

[Mariaa]

Ok~ My WC update for anyone still following ~

As of Oct.13th 2006 WC authorized a fusion at L5S1 and ADR at L4. Authorization lasts 6 weeks.

This is the outcome of the 2nd surgical opinion I was sent to in La Jolla CA. with a WCAB appointed Neurosurgeon.

I honestly believe that w/o the assistance of the Patient Advocate that accompanied me on this appt. this outcome may not have materialized.

This has been a lenghty process of trying to recover the offer for surgery back in 2003 by WC (a 2 level ADR and then later surgeons saying a hybrid surgery would be in my best interest) and then rescinded in 2005~

I'd like to wait until after the holidays to have surgery tho as I plan on visiting my 85 y.o. father in Florida before having any surgery of that magnitude.

Thanks to everyone who has been supportive of me and endured this trek w/me~ your thoughts and prayers most surely have been helpful!

[bobb0]

Mariaa, it's good to hear that you seem to have made some headway with WC, but you've been there before, right? Good for you and your patient advocate.
Are you leaning towards this procedure? If so, the six week term will require you to do this before the hoidays correct?
After all these years how are you feeling about the possiblity of something finally happening?

bob

[Mariaa]

Bob,
I feel scared. I know what I'm like now and it's not half bad w/ESIs and drugs... but after the ESI's wear off, I'm not hardly able to do things for myself. I worry about increased nerve pain or a recurrence of the nightmare of pain I had for 5 years following my last surgery...

I cannot have the surgery before the six week period is out, just talked to my father in Fla. and he has to have some tests done so I need to be there for him.. it takes me 3 plane seats lying down to travel to Florida but if I can handle this, I'm going as he needs me there.

I hate how limited I can be~ but I fear greater limitations~ and I also hope that increasing the ROM in L4 will not further upset how L3 is functioning as it's a disrupted disc w/annular tear but currently per 2 discograms, nonconcordant for pain. Fusion scares me.. have to also hope that my t score of -2.2 is really not any worse when going in and seeing what the bone is really like~

There, I've put out my spinal fears. I have no medical fears really as I'm otherwise healthy altho I do know sometimes more surigical intervention can create other health probs. Just have to hope and pray that all will go well~ and I will be better/stronger~

Catch me when I've been weaned off my ESIs on my last leg.. then I'm ready to jump on the surgical table and get rolling!

[ans]

M:

Sorry about your father.

So you're seriously thinking of this surgery despite your t-scores to be done in the States?

I did not know an ADR (Pro-Disc?) can increase the ROM more than naturally at L4-L5. I too have problem there and was told a lateral approach there would take care of that by Dr. R. (Just like that!). The imposible question is can there be "first symptom"/almost prophylactic surgery at the higher level to me.

Good luck. ans

[Mariaa]

ans,
I guess I meant when I have increased ROM from having a hopefully fully functional spine w/fusion and ADR combo~ then I hope that L3 won't be *freaking out* and need help..

[hucky]

Maria,

At long last ! This is fantastic news, when do you think you'll go in and get done? I'm so happy for you Maria.

I hope your Dads testing goes well for him. Make sure you get plenty of rest while your there. You don't want to be worn out before you have your op.

Take care

Hucky