Two Level Fusion

[Gilbert P]

I just returned from my spine Doc and finally she wants to fuse my L5-S1, L4-L5 and L3 to L1 are also bad and may need surgery in the future
When asked about ADR her reply "they do not work for lumbar spines"
She would do a PLIF with cages
Any way i will find a better surgeon and possibly get it done. Looking at Dr.B and others with two realy bad disc and two going bad I am in a pickle.
Back went out yesterday and now cant walk, sit etc.
Thank You for all of your kind support.
Life is hard but why do we have to have it this hard

Thank You

Gil

[KBear]

Sorry about that, I can't believe she wouldn't even consider ADR. Definitely better knowing now that, rather than be a guinea pig on her first one! What about a hybrid?

[JMG007]

I had been told by several doctors that I needed a 2 level fusion L4-L5 and L5-S1. Additional degeneration at L3-L4.
I sent my medical records to Dr. B. they advised that they woud do a 2 level ADR. My wife and I were making our plans to go to Germany and get fixed.
I then Found the bonati Institute (Bonati.com). I went their for evaluation, not really expeting them to be able to help in any way. I was very impressed and agreed to try thier procedure.
I am know 8 weeks post op. They did 2 procedures all on my left side L5-S1. NO HARDWARE. they remove bone around the foramine exposing the nerve as it exits the spine, allowing the vertabre to compress compleatly and self fuse without pinching the nerves.
I have no pain on my right side.
I am now returning to them in 2 weeks for them to work on the left side.
I assume their are other doctors out their that can do the same type of procedure. I am not advocating Bonati. Though I am traveling from Chicago, to FL for them to do the work. I JUST WANT TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT THEIR ARE OPTIONS THAT DO NOT INVOLVE HAVING HARDWARE INSTALLED.

[Gilbert P]

Hi JMG007

Thanks for the information I am aware of the Bonati in Hudson FL. I was scheduled to go and canceled I was worried as the disc space collapses what happens to your facet joints Auto fusion is rare and the process can take years.I am understanding that a fusion only works if the vertebare are held solid with hardware so they can fuse properly.

I am glad to hear you are doing well and pray it continues all spines are not created the same

Take Care and Thank You

Gil

[Cindylou]

Gil, I am sorry for your latest news, however as I ponder over it, maybe this is the best treatment for you. Of course, I know you will get several additional consults and weigh all your options......but at least a plan is beginning to take shape for you, my friend. And you said it best: "all spines are not created equal." And that's the truth. Try and hang in there....I know it's rough going right now.

My best to you,

Cindylou

[Greg]

I just returned from my spine Doc and finally she wants to fuse my L5-S1, L4-L5 and L3 to L1 are also bad and may need surgery in the future

When asked about ADR her reply "they do not work for lumbar spines"

• I truly hope that she was talking about just your situation and not Lumbar Spines in general.....if she was I agree with you, GO FIND SOMEONE ELSE!

She would do a PLIF with cages
Any way i will find a better surgeon and possibly get it done. Looking at Dr.B and others with two realy bad disc and two going bad I am in a pickle.

Back went out yesterday and now cant walk, sit etc.

• So sorry you feel that way right now....wish I could help Gil!

Thank You for all of your kind support.
Life is hard but why do we have to have it this hard

Thank You

Gil

At least a plan is starting to form you....it might not be much right now but you've started and thats what counts. I wish you the best of luck. I agree that sometimes it doesnt seem fair for us to have such a hard life. But at least we can learn and build from it and become better more knowledged people in the end. Everything happens for a reason and though we may not understand and maybe comepletely disagree with the way things are going, in the end it'll all work out as the big man upstairs knows what he's doing....just wish he wouldnt have to make it so damn hard in the process. Keep your head up Gil, you can pull through this and you'll be a better person in the end!

[kwmillie]

Hello,

I am new here and I just wanted to say good luck with whatever it is that you are going to end up doing. I had a 3 level/360 fusion and that didn't work, but it was surgeon related not really the fusion..... As far as Dr.Bonati and the methods that he uses, he is in a LOT of trouble here in Fla., he has several malpractice lawsuits going, and his reputation here is horrible, so I wouldn't go that route at all!

Get several opinions and then go from there. Wish you luck and I hope that everything turns out OK for you.

Millie

[Gilbert P]

Greg You are right on

At least a plan is starting to form you....it might not be much right now but you've started and thats what counts. I wish you the best of luck. I agree that sometimes it doesnt seem fair for us to have such a hard life. But at least we can learn and build from it and become better more knowledged people in the end. Everything happens for a reason and though we may not understand and maybe comepletely disagree with the way things are going, in the end it'll all work out as the big man upstairs knows what he's doing....just wish he wouldnt have to make it so damn hard in the process. Keep your head up Gil, you can pull through this and you'll be a better person in the end!

Millie You are so right It si like putting a Bain Aid on a cut that has already healed.

C L Thanks for your wisdom I will prevail

Moving Forward

Gil

[Carmen]

Hi Gil,
I went back and found your post. I cannot walk either. I am on high meds right now and am worried that I will not be able to wait until June 23. Everyday I am worse. I am trying as hard as I can to just get by until then. I had my pre op and I guess everything is okay. I will know for sure in two weeks. You need to get something done or at least set find a doctor and set a date. I am not sure where you live but it might be a good idea to post it. If you can, I think Germany with Dr B. would be your best bet. (from all I have read on here) You need to start working on that now. Hang in there and read all the posts about the good doctor in Germany. Carmen

[Gilbert P]

Hi All

THANK YOU ALL

I AM HANGING TOUGH, BUT MY WIFE IS HAVING A REALLY HARD TIME

THANKS

GIL