Jay Schaeffer (Looking into a 2 level fusion [L5-S1 and L4-L5] and 1 level ADR L3-L4.)

[jaybike]

laminectomy that made me worse, spinal cord stimulator, seeking advice on double fusion and one adr at bottom of spine

[KBear]

Welcome Jay. Can you tell us a little more about your spine history and diagnosis? That will help us with sharing our opinions. It sounds like you are looking at a hybrid surgery with 1 ADR and 2 fusions? Are you saying the ADR below the fusions? Lumbar I'm assuming?

[jaybike]

Welcome Jay. Can you tell us a little more about your spine history and diagnosis? That will help us with sharing our opinions. It sounds like you are looking at a hybrid surgery with 1 ADR and 2 fusions? Are you saying the ADR below the fusions? Lumbar I'm assuming?

Well I have had several diagnosis. All say the bottom three discs are bad
here is one famous doctor recommendation
Here is the opinion from Dr. Clavel:
>>
>> The previous surgery has damaged enough facets at both L5-S1 and L4-L5.
>> My plan would be a 2 level fusion (L5-S1 and L4-L5) and 1 level ADR L3-L4.
I had back pain for 30 years but could always bike till about 2 years ago. Become a hydracodone taker. Just did Pilates but could not even go for a long hike. So i choose minimally invasive surgery by a local doctor. He called it a decompression. The facet damage and or hitting the nerve has made me much worse since

[Cindylou]

Welcome Jay, although sorry for the circumstances that bring you here. Have you done a lot of conservative treatment already? Could you expound on all that you have had done? That will also help us help you. I think possibly a 2 level fusion with an adr above it could be a very reasonable surgery for you. Have you had a discogram done yet to help determine which discs are your pain generators? We have had a few people on here who went to Dr. Clavel for surgery in Spain and had nothing but rave reviews about him and the care they received. I would definitely get several more assessments of your condition by qualified docs before you do anything definitive. Other folks will chime in too. Hope this helps a little, while waiting to hear back some of your answers to my questions. Good luck! Again, welcome aboard. Cindylou

[Gilbert P]

Jay
I have the same issues, Looking for the surgeon with lots of experience and how to finance the operation

Got to go to P.T. will get back to you

Gil

[jaybike]

Welcome Jay, although sorry for the circumstances that bring you here. Have you done a lot of conservative treatment already? Could you expound on all that you have had done? That will also help us help you. I think possibly a 2 level fusion with an adr above it could be a very reasonable surgery for you. Have you had a discogram done yet to help determine which discs are your pain generators? We have had a few people on here who went to Dr. Clavel for surgery in Spain and had nothing but rave reviews about him and the care they received. I would definitely get several more assessments of your condition by qualified docs before you do anything definitive. Other folks will chime in too. Hope this helps a little, while waiting to hear back some of your answers to my questions. Good luck! Again, welcome aboard. Cindylou

I have spinal cord stimulator, physical therapy, meditation, rolfing, prolotherapy, meditation, relaxtion training, alpha wave machines, walking, back brace, Have seen 5 spine surgeons in Dallas, two that two adr mentioned the hybrid approach. After the first doctor screwed me up and treated me like dirt I have PARANOID of western medicine, but want some or part of my life back. And yes I have had every test know to man, discogram, mylogram, mri, emg, cat scan!
Also I think European care is more about the patient than money, even compared to the best American docotors.
Also concern of coming back and needing revision is my only real regret.

[Hooch]

Gday Jay, totally understand your paranoia about medicine after they've done a job on ya. I'd caution that the European doctors are the same as their cousins across the Atlantic, and it is a market, so it is about money.. but at least be sure you've got a good surgeon this time.

I'm sure you'll find a way out of this hole.

"Alpha wave machine", haven't heard of that one, sounds like it's designed to turn you into The Hulk or something like that.

[KBear]

Jay, I see you are in the DFW area, have you seen Texas Back Institute? They have a great reputation and are top notch surgeons. Had my insurance been willing to pay for surgery, Dr. Zigler of TBI was going to do it. Unfortunately insurance being the a-holes they are decided I was too young for ADR, so I was in a clinical trial in Florida. I still do my follow up at TBI and I've been super happy with them.

[Justin]

Hi Jay,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I wish you the very best with the decisions that are ahead. Please let us know when / if we can help.