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The Big File All issues not easily categorized in the above forums are here. Comments on general health, diet, "getting comfortable," and more are here.


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  #1  
Old 11-19-2008, 08:27 PM
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trkdoc714 trkdoc714 is offline
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Default New guy, Advice needed

After the longwinded background information, a viable question will follow.

I underwent a laminotomy/ discectomy for L5/ S1 in late June of 2006. After several months of pain on/ pain off, another MRI pointed to a recurrent disc. I underwent that surgery in 04/ 2007.

I've had two MRIs and one Myleogram (nobody warned me about the myleogram) since then. All agree that I have DDD in three more discs, the surgeries on L5/ S1 ultimately were successful. It has no signs of fragmentation or excessive scar tissue.

All tests indicate:

L2/ L3 Disc desiccation, disc space narrowing with posterior annular tear with minimal disc bulge but no significant central canal or neural foraminal narrowing.

L3/ L4 broadbase bulge and mild facet joint arthropathy with mild narrowing of central canal and bilateral mild to moderate foraminal narrowing, left greater than right.

L4/ L5 has an annular tear and broadbased disc bulge with moderate narrowing of the central canal. There is facet joint arthropathy with moderate bilateral neural foraminal stenosis.

L5/ S1 is dessicated It has a mild bulge with minimal narrowing of the central canal. The neural foramina are patent.

Two orthopedic and one neurosurgeon just look at me and tell me none of these issues are problematic (individually) but my PCP thinks that together the dynamics of normal motion create the variable levels and areas of pain I experience. All but the neurosurgeon has offered to fuse L5/ S1. He wanted me on pain meds and physical therapy.

Here's the question (finally):

Is this the way your individual journeys started or am I just going to the wrong doctors? Although a new member, I've been reading your stories for several months and value your input.

Thanks,

Bob
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  #2  
Old 11-19-2008, 09:12 PM
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Harrison Harrison is offline
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Default Welcome!

Bob, thanks for finding us and posting. To answer your questions..."yes" and "yes!" I think most of us have been there, so that's why we try to help each other out...there are so many challenges. Sorry, there's more ahead.

I'll chime back in later, or you can call me this weekend. We are here to help!
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Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004
Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston
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  #3  
Old 11-19-2008, 09:15 PM
mango
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Default Yea Me To

I have alot of the same issues that you do Except My L5- S1 DDD Laminoctomny 15 years ago. Now things are bad, looking into ADR Sent all my info to Stenum for ADR surgery, still no answer and it seems to be the wrong place to have surgery at many levels .I am also new to this site and it scares the hell out of me. what do we do? who do we see? who will pay?
How will i live my life?One Day at a Time??
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  #4  
Old 11-19-2008, 09:33 PM
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trkdoc714 trkdoc714 is offline
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Mango,

Yes to one day at a time. I wish this was the worst I've ever been through but it's not. It's just the current bump in the road. We'll all reach down and gather the strength we need to get through these problems. It looks like we have a great support network to help out with answers and advice, so let's draw on the positives and heed the warnings. Good luck, you're not alone!

Bob
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  #5  
Old 11-19-2008, 09:44 PM
mango
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Default Thanks Bob

Yea your right

I go to the club every day and walk three miles on a tread mill. Ride bikes, lift weight with legs only stretch alot, do some pilates ,some p.t. and now Rolfing.

Thanks Gil:
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  #6  
Old 11-19-2008, 10:09 PM
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Hi Bob and welcome to the forum. I had four level ADR at Stenum Hospital in Germany in November 2006. There are many different stories, outcomes, suggestions for research, support, and all around good people that will help you in finding your own way.

Hang in there. It sounds like you have gone through many tests with some answers to why you are in such discomfort. Now comes the hard part with the myriad of places to scope for solutions to your issues.

Again, welcome and, I hope you get what you need here.

Terry Newton
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1980 ruptured L4-L5
1988 ruptured SI-L5
1990 ruptured C5-C6
1994 ruptured C6-C7
1995 Hemi-Laminectomy C5-C6, C6-C7 Mayo Clinic
Bicycle Accident 2004
MRI, EMG, Facet Injections, Epidural Blocks, Lumbar Discogram.
Stenum Hospital Surgery November 4, 2006
Prestige Disc C5-C6, C6-C7
Maverick Disc S1-L5, L4-L5
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  #7  
Old 11-20-2008, 07:20 AM
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trkdoc714 trkdoc714 is offline
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Thanks Terry. I'm keeping a positive attitude about it all. Yesterday's visit with the 3rd orthopedic surgeon was kind of fun. He told me due to the mild arthropathy in the facet joints at L3 thru L5 that the ADR wouldn't work for me. He was ready to send me for an EMG (frequently used at Gitmo) until I had him look in my inch thick file for the results from earlier this year. That's when he said fusion was the way to go.

My copay is $25 for specialists so I look at it as being cheaper than most other forms of entertainment. Is it wrong to play with these guys?

Tomorrow the pain management specialist is giving me the "shotgun" approach epidural. That should carry me through the holidays and if it works, I'll repeat the procedure until I can afford to pursue other avenues. I received the Stenum DVD last week. It looks promising.

Thanks again,

Bob
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  #8  
Old 11-20-2008, 07:26 AM
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trkdoc714 trkdoc714 is offline
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Richard,

Thank you. I'm not used to sharing so it hopefully my longwingded posts will shorten up somewhat.

Bob

Last edited by trkdoc714; 11-20-2008 at 07:27 AM. Reason: Forgot to address the post.
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  #9  
Old 11-20-2008, 07:27 AM
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trkdoc714 trkdoc714 is offline
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back pain = poor computer skills?

Last edited by trkdoc714; 11-20-2008 at 07:46 AM. Reason: entered twice.......again, new guy.
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  #10  
Old 11-20-2008, 12:13 PM
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Default Your PC Skills Are Fine

And people do read the "long" posts. It's cathartic for all...so busy those digits of yours!

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Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004
Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston
Founder & moderator of ADRSupport - 2004
Founder Arthroplasty Patient Foundation a 501(c)(3) - 2006
Creator & producer, Why Am I Still Sick? - 2012
Donate www.arthropatient.org/about/donate
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