New to site, introduction

[bcyak01]

My back pain started full time in 2008, so I have been living with chronic pain for the past 5 years.

I have been through nearly every test imaginable in my initial workup with an orthopedic spine specialist. By far, the worst of them was the "provocative" discogram in late 2011. This far I have avoided spine surgery. I got an SCS system in 2012 which decreased my med intake and pain levels. I consider it a success for the 1.5 yrs I have had it.

About a month ago now, my symptoms dramatically changed and worsened. I am nearly unable to walk (about 20 - 30 ft is my max, and that is with considerable pain and gait changes), I can only sit for about 30 - 45 min on a good day (that is with discomfort, and bad days is about 5-10 min). My work has been very gracious allowing me to work from home while I get appointments and consults lined up. Their patience will run out shortly I imagine.

So the latest symptoms are lower back stabbing/burning pain, into the butt and hip, running down my right leg to my ankle. I also experience numbness in my right foot from the ankle, through the instep, to my first 2 toes (L4-L5 dermatome).

I am afraid that I have put off surgery as far as I can, and will be embarking a the next chapter with my spine. 1 Dr. wants to do a 3 level ALIF with instrumentation. I am holding out hope of finding a Dr. who will consider ADR and only do the levels necessary. L3-4 and L2-3 are herniated and torn, but are not presenting current symptoms. Maybe we can not have to do those too?

Well, that's my spine in a rather large nutshell. I am browsing around getting acquainted with the site.

By the way, anyone here from the North Texas area? I would like recommendations on neurosurgeons. The one who did my SCS system is not necessarily who I want for this next step. I don't think he is an ADR-minded guy.

Well, bye for now everyone.

[NJ Gene]

Hi, This is Gene from Northern NJ (as you can guess by my name). For starters you might want to get an evaluation at the Texas Back Institute in Plano. Two well know U.S. surgeons for ADR, Dr. Jack Zigler and Dr. Scott Blumenthal, work out of there. Most patients who have undergone ADR at TBI seem to have positive outcomes. I hear more negative things about them as it relates to insurance. However, in some ways this can be looked at as a positive, because insurance is likely to cover a good part of the cost if you go there.

You should spend a lot of time on these boards and get to know the various surgeons both here in the U.S. and in Europe. Depending upon how serious your situation is, after getting multiple opinions, you might consider Europe. In Europe, you have the benefit of more advanced devices and more experienced ADR surgeons. Unfortunately, insurance is much less likely to cover the cost overseas, unless your policy has an international rider. However, you do get some tax benefits if you have to pay out-of-pocket, which I can go into another time. I would say get at least 3 opinions from U.S. surgeons as well as three from European ones after spending some time on these boards.

Good luck!!
Gene

[Grover771]

Hi,
I'm Deb "Grover" from Florida. I'm sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us.

I'm a Texas Back Institute patient and had my surgery July 2. Two level ADR L3-L5) with a fusion at L5-S1. I'm only 5 weeks post op, but am beginning to bend and twist a little more. My Dr. Was Scott Blumenthal, but ALL three (Zigler, Blumenthal and Guyer) are all good. They pioneered ADR in the states years ago.
Hubby and I did extensive research and review of surgeons in the states as well as overseas. It was our decision to go with TBI.

I've been recovering pretty well, with the exception of probably overdoing it alittle last week on a cruise (yes... I'm nuts)..I realize that now...and will wear the "Here's your sign" card on my forehead this week.

You can search these boards using key words that matter to your situation (I.e, two level, insurance, hybrid, surgeons, etc) and find helpful discussions.

Glad you're here and I wish you the best in your decision.

[Harrison]

Thanks Deb, for helping our new friend. You are hired!

Just to go the extra mile, here's the search URL, please bookmark it:

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