Good news .... and bad news.

**ajj1001** · 07-02-2010, 11:21 AM

Went for my discogram results and see if there was a way forward. First the good news, L2/L3 & L3/L4 are looking good. Phew, huge relief

. However the bad news is that things aren't any better with the PLIF at L5/S1 and the charite at L4/L5.

So more surgery is listed, done my pre op and now its waiting for revision number 2

. Going to fuse from L4/L5 - L5/S1. Waiting time is months and months. This is a good thing as surgery will be next year and that gives me time to get prepared. Always said I didn't want another op this year, just not up to it.

**KBear** · 07-02-2010, 11:25 AM

Glad that the upper levels are good, but sorry you have to go through another surgery. You may have already told us this, but my brain is shot, so will ask again.... Why do they think that you did not fuse?

**Cindylou** · 07-02-2010, 11:26 AM

Oh Alison....I am so sorry. It's just not right. I am so worried about my SI Joint not being fused either due to increased pain and am afraid to even make the doctor appt. to find out.

Hang in there and yes, I am glad it won't be till next year anyway.

**ajj1001** · 07-02-2010, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by KBear

Glad that the upper levels are good, but sorry you have to go through another surgery. You may have already told us this, but my brain is shot, so will ask again.... Why do they think that you did not fuse?

Going to put more instrumentation and whatever (bmp/bone graft) to try to bridge the gap. With a moving disc still in there its a difficult thing to fuse as there is still movement. The centre of the charite is now extruded well towards my back, looks very yucky.

Mark and I went for coffee and cake after the appt (a huge diet busting chocolate muffin!). We had a big chat and both think this is my best shot at being ok(-ish) for the next 30 years so is worth a go. I'm still a little shocked though very pleased that the higher levels need nothing doing to them. Hate surgery and here I am agreeing to my third spine surgery, mad

.

**KBear** · 07-02-2010, 11:46 AM

That makes sense. I'm guessing removing it is just too risky? You are a lot tougher than me, I can not imagine having to do spine surgery again; but I guess we do what we got to do. I'm glad you feel good about this being the best option for getting your life back.

**dalhousie** · 07-02-2010, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by ajj1001

Went for my discogram results and see if there was a way forward. First the good news, L2/L3 & L3/L4 are looking good. Phew, huge relief

. However the bad news is that things aren't any better with the PLIF at L5/S1 and the charite at L4/L5. So more surgery is listed, done my pre op and now its waiting for revision number 2

. Going to fuse from L4/L5 - L5/S1.

Originally Posted by ajj1001

Going to put more instrumentation and whatever (bmp/bone graft) to try to bridge the gap. With a moving disc still in there its a difficult thing to fuse as there is still movement. The centre of the charite is now extruded well towards my back, looks very yucky.

It's good that your upper discs are looking OK

. That's something to hang on to. I guess another surgery will have been in the back of your mind for a while but it's still hard to take

when this is confirmed. Does your specialist think that this time by fusing both it is more likely to fully fuse the area?

After I'd fully recovered from my first op I started having problems with another disc & I felt cheated that I was going to have to start all over again. I guess by next year you should be very mentally prepared for it. It's quite a wait though. Is it expected to be January time then?

Really hope things work out for you in the long run

.

**sportsnut3007** · 07-02-2010, 04:54 PM

That is good news, too bad you have to wait so long though.

**ajj1001** · 07-02-2010, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by sportsnut3007

That is good news, too bad you have to wait so long though.

the waiting is a good thing for once, i promised myself a year without surgery so i'll be properly up for it next year.

Originally Posted by Ruth

After I'd fully recovered from my first op I started having problems with another disc & I felt cheated that I was going to have to start all over again. I guess by next year you should be very mentally prepared for it. It's quite a wait though. Is it expected to be January time then?

Really hope things work out for you in the long run

.

Being mentally prepared is a big part of the battle as you know, not sure that you would be up to the rehab afterwards otherwise!

**linda** · 07-02-2010, 06:53 PM

Hey Allison,
I am so sorry that you are going to have to have another surgery but hopefully this one will bring you the relief you so deserve. I am going to have to go look at a picture of the Charite so I can see the parts of it. Too bad they just can't knock it back into place somehow. You have been through so much and I wish you the very best.
Take Care,
Linda