Confused New Member....

[forestmoon3]

Greetings to everybody!
It never ceases to amaze me how many people out there have spine problems.....Also how difficult a journey it is to get to the bottom of.....Only when i asked for a second opinion and have been treated outside of my 'catchment' hospital did my GP finally acknowledge me with non-glazed eyes!
Also he has stopped trying to persuade me to 'give up work', i do not have a strenuous job and i do have the freedom to get up and walk around the office when i can....He couldnt get his head around the fact that i NEED to carry on working otherwise i would have lost the plot!
Anyway, i seriously need some advice. My surgeon has told me that the L5-S1 disc is that of a 90 year old woman, he performed a microdiscectomy in September but did warn me that he wasnt 100% sure that the small disc bulge there was causing the problem. Still i was very dissapointed to find myself in the same situation post surgery.
So, after having another MRI he has sent me away to look into ADR and cage fusion surgery which of course i have been doing.....
He has said that if it were up to him, he would prefer to do the fusion surgery but if i felt that ADR as better suited then he will do it...

These are my current thoughts:
ADR sounds a little less strenuous on the other discs and i like the idea that i wont lose so much flexibility.....Before the back problem really took hold (2009ish) i was very sporty, yoga, running, cycling everywhere and gym visits 4-5 times a week. I would like to be able to resume these activities without fearing a return to problems...The rest of my spine is 'Perfect'.
HOWEVER: I'm a little worried about the different types of 'disc' and i dont yet know which one my surgeon will use, also the whole metal allergy thing and the long-term effects of introducing metal into the body. And, of course how these 'discs' wear and corrode over time...How long do these things last?
I like the idea that (from what i have read) recovery from ADR seems to be a little quicker?! Is this right?
Once the fusion is complete...Thats it, no going back. Whereas with ADR i guess at least if there is a problem itcan be rectified and/or taken out THEN fused?

Its such a big decision to try to get my head around, and, of course for my children and partner. I want to run with my girls along the promenade and go for an early morning cycle ride with my partner again. Im kinda done fighting this really, i cant continue to take the meds, i feel as if im living through a mass of fuzzy fog. I try very hard not to take the oramorph but some days i just dont cope.....I get confused easy (GP says this is down to the amitryptiline?), i'v taken meds at the wrong times, i screw up meetings, appointments, forget to make phonecalls etc. This just isnt me and i hate it....
But most of all my children want their mum back......

Sorry to sound so sad
Maisy
xx

[ajj1001]

Hi Maisy, welcome to the forum from the cold and wet north! How far away is southampton from you?, if its do-able one of the best ADR surgeons in the country Mr Boeree is there. Under the Choose and Book system you can request referral from your GP.

As to the options if the ADR doesn't work then you are looking a huge life threatening surgery to take it out and then fuse. I'm on my second attempt at a revision and I have lost my job and am on disability. Getting the right option first surgery is the most important thing.

Whatever option you go for you will be facing lifestyle changes, low impact activities are recommended whether you go for ADR or fusion.

alison x

[forestmoon3]

Hi Alison, Thanks for your response i really appreciate the input here. I have been thinking hard about some of the things you have said and i'm handing a letter into my GP today asking for a referral to see the guy you mentioned. I've been finding his name all over the place to do with spinal issues and surgery......But Who knows even IF i will get to see him....Can my GP refuse? I dont know i guess i just need to wait and see. A big thank you again, i feel as if im actually DOING something about this instead of just worrying about it!!! Just one more thing.....I wonder if you could point me in the direction of YOUR story alison, whats happened with your adr? etc Best regards, Maisy

[forestmoon3]

I have been in contact with Mr. Boeree's PA. A referral may not be possible, she writes:

"I will need to check with Mr Boeree but my understanding is that at the moment Southampton University Hospitals Trust are declining out of area referrals due to the long waiting times just to service the local population. I will be able to clarify this with Mr Boeree tomorrow"

Will have to sit tight and be patient, not a strong virtue of mine i must say.....

xxx

[ajj1001]

I had heard the same on our uk ADR board yesterday, there aren't many talented surgeons around. What town/city are you in?

[forestmoon3]

Hiya,
I posted on the adr uk site too......Trying to devour as much info and recommendations as possible at the mo.
We live in Burnham On Sea, I have been attending Frenchay in Bristol and believe me i had to fight to go there...
Its not that i have a problem with my guy at Frenchay at all, its just i think i need to be absolutely sure about things. Also i think maybe Mr. Hutchinsons comments about Disc replacement threw me off course a little.
My mother has the same problem as me, but her entire spine as affected. She is literally shrinking, she went for a scan because she had blood clots and they couldnt believe the state of her spine. i guess this worries me a little, if i have a genetic predisposition to this then fusion might be a foolish option for me personally.
Anyway your advice was great, thank you!
xx