Questions to Ask?

[newlygurl]

I was wondering what are the important questions I need to ask an ADR surgeon on my 1st appt. I am being referred by my pain management doctor who told me, on my last appointment, that I would be a "good candidate for ADR".

I'm 44 and at this point can no longer load or unload the dishwasher, washer or dryer (bummer, huh?). I cannot swim in the ocean, play any sports, sit or stand for long periods....etc

Most of my pain is low back, buttock, and hip area and sometimes thigh area. I also have calf pain on and off which everyone I've asked says that it is unrelated. (?)

Another question I have is, are 3 c-sections (bikini cut) considered a contraindication for ADR surgery?

Any replies would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[Harrison]

Hi Sherry. You may have already seen the first topic in this forum on risks and contraindications. It's a mix of different topics, but it should be very helpful to you in forming your thinking and questions for your doctor.

As far as I know, your C sections would not disqualify you from surgery. But bear in mind that there is no universal set of standards. That's why I started this informal list some time ago!

Question: why does your L5-S1 look like a trauma? What is distinctive about it?

[Juli]

I might ask him some things like:

1. Explain the reasoning for his diagnosis. If he did not do a discogram to determine for sure that a specific disc recreated the pain, I would be concerned.

2. How many of the type of surgery that he is recommending has he actually done? Does he use a surgeon to open?

3. What type of disc does he use and why.

4. How long is the hospital stay afterwards, and recovery period.

5. What does he do for pain management immediately after and then after you have been released from the hospital.

[newlygurl]

Juli: Thanks for the questions. I will be sure to write them down.

Harrison: I don't know why they have said it looks like "trauma". The funny thing about everyone that I have seen is I never feel like I get an answer to what is exactly the problem. DDD seems to be the best answer.

What I want to gain from ADR is the ability to clean my house, plant flowers in my yard, hang clothes on the line, go the grocery store, play volleyball and softball with my kids and teach. Hope I'm not asking too much.

Thanks for your responses.