Need Surgeon advice ASAP!

[2 Young 2 Hurt Like This]

Hey Everyone,

I've decided that I will be getting the 2 level ADR L3-4; L4-5. Now that's taken care of I have to choose which Surgeon I want to it. It's between Dr. Carl Lauryssen and Dr. John Regan.

Has anyone had anything done by either of these two surgeons or know anything about them that would Be helpful?

Thanks a bunch!
~Liz

[2 Young 2 Hurt Like This]

I've decided I want Dr. Carl Lauryssen to do my 2 level ADR. On Friday I spent day playing phone tag with his doctor office and my lawyer. I've gotten the go ahead from my lawyer and the approval from the finance company. On Monday I will be setting up my pre op. I'm going to requesting a bone density test and donation my own blood. Is there anything else I should be looking into or asking his assistant about? I've already started taking calcium and vitamin D.

[sahuaro]

Sorry I didn't see your post earlier or I would have replied. I have heard good things about Lauryssen. Dr. Regan did my one-level cervical and a friend's 3-level cervical and we are both delighted with the outcome.
I really doubt that at your age, there will be a problem with bone density (unlike us old folks) and would check with your doctor about taking calcium and vitamin D. While they're taking blood pre-op, you might want to have a vitamin D level assayed. Otherwise, your surgeon will give directions about stopping aspirin and various herbal and vitamin supplements prior to surgery.

Bottom line, I wish you all success in your upcoming surgery!

[2 Young 2 Hurt Like This]

Hey Sahuaro,

No need to be sorry. For over a year I though I was going to have Dr. Lauryssen do my surgery. I met with Dr. Regan last week and liked how he ran his office and everything about him. After meeting with him I thought for sure I wanted him to do the surgery. I put more thought into it and change my mind back to having Lauryssen do it. It was a hard choice to make but in the end I feel that I've made the right one. I kinda feel like either way I have nothing to worry about. They are BOTH extremely qualified. I'm happy with my choice.

I thought nothing about getting a bone density test before I became an active member of this site. I've seen a few people mention they should have gotten one and it would have saved them in the long run. I also thought a bone density text was for older people. When I asked Dr. Regan about it he told me that everyone no matter how young or old they are should have one done. I've lose 75 lbs over the last year and he told me that's even more of a reason to get one. The bone density test and donating my own blood is more of a precaution then anything else. I don't want to look back after its all said and done wishing I should of done it. Going into something like this I need all the peace of mind I can get! Dr. Regan also told me it would be a good idea to start taking calcium and vitamin D.

All my life consist of these days is research. I know what I am getting into and I want to know what to expect. I'm the type of person who worries to much so the more answers I have to my questions the better I feel. No matter how silly, weird, dumb I might think it is I will still ask. Its my back and my life in the end and if I don't ask who will?

Thank you and I will keep you along with everyone else posted!

[sahuaro]

Liz:
Thank you for posting Regan's recommendations--I think that is important information for all here and I certainly stand corrected!

I'd still recommend getting a vitamin D level as long as they are taking blood anyway--even here in sunny Arizona, too many people (including me and my daughter, who is only slightly older than you) have deficiencies.

[2 Young 2 Hurt Like This]

Sahuaro

I will be getting that checked as well. I forgot to include that in my 1st response. I stay home most of the time so I am sure its probable not what it should be. I'll be honest I'm not sure what pre op consist of but my best guess would be that they are going to check my blood. I'll have to ask more tomorrow when I call Dr. Lauryssen office so I can know what else I need to prepare for.

[2cool4U]

Originally Posted by 2 Young 2 Hurt Like This

Sahuaro

I will be getting that checked as well. I forgot to include that in my 1st response. I stay home most of the time so I am sure its probable not what it should be. I'll be honest I'm not sure what pre op consist of but my best guess would be that they are going to check my blood. I'll have to ask more tomorrow when I call Dr. Lauryssen office so I can know what else I need to prepare for.

Be sure to check the actual numerical result rather than getting a report that it is normal. Many labs are quoting the normal range as 20-100, while much research is pointing to 40-50 as a more acceptable minimum for total vitamin D level. Many physicians aren't aware of that.

-tc-

[kimmers]

2young2hurt,

I think it is wise to be researching and I get your point about all you are doing these days is researching.
i did a lot of that before my surgery.
I think a well-informed patient is a smart patient.
Good luck with the surgery.
Sounds like you made a sound choice.

K