Update on my visit to the surgeon

[ga7sh]

Hey all,

I joined a short while back, and promised to update you guys on my visit to the surgeon.

For those who wish to know, I have bilateral L5 spondilolysis + grade 1 L5S1 spondolisthesis with root compression.

I've had the appointment booked with the surgeon for about 6 months and August 20th was the day! I went to the surgeon with my girlfriend, and took all the relevant documents with me.

The doc saw us in his office, and listened to what I had to say and then took me into the other room to test my reflexes and whatnot and then we went back into his office.

I right away let him know of my one fear: that he suggests that physical therapy + exercise is the solution he recommends. I told him of all the things I have tried, and I suggested we discuss the various surgical options at this point.

He said he would need to see some up to date test results before he can make a decision, so he wanted me to get 4 tests done:

-xray
-bone density scan
-mri
-CT scan

I've already done the first 2, and the other 2 are scheduled for October 7th.

Once he has the results from all 4, he'll call me back to discuss his findings and what our options are.

I was pretty happy with my visit, as the doctor couldn't deny the amount of research my girlfriend and I have done, and it showed that we knew what we were talking about, so he took us a bit more seriously.

For now, there's not much I can do, but wait to get those tests done, and hope that my visit back to the doc doesn't take too long...

Thanks for reading

[Katie]

Congratulations for doing your homework. It isn't easy to wade through all the information out there and then make sense of it.

And also congrats for finding a doctor who seems to be willing to work with you. Unfortunately, when you come prepared with information to many of them, they feel threatened and get defensive, and are very difficult to work with. Sounds like you found a good one.

Please keep us posted, as the time will fly by. I'm glad you have great support with your girlfriend also. Make sure to take notes either right in the office or as soon as you get out, as the details seem to disappear quickly. They pile up fast

[Justin]

Ghaith,

This is great news! It sounds like you are moving closer to a "solution" for your spine problems. As Katie mentioned, a big :thumpup: up to you and your girlfriend for doing your research. An informed Spine Patient is a huge plus when seeing a spine surgeon--it helps paint the picture that you are actively involved in your care and that you are truly trying to "cover all the bases."

October 7th will be here before you know it. I hope your pain remains manageable and that you are able to move forward when all of your diagnostics are performed.

Please keep us posted. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me.

[KBear]

Great job on doing your homework :thumpup: That's the biggest hurdle in my opinion. You will have the tests done before you know it and be on your way to getting better.

[ga7sh]

Thanks guys

I know! I had my first 2 tests 2 weeks ago and it feels like just yesterday!
I can't wait until the time for talking is over and the time for doing is here hehe.

Have a great long weekend (those of you who have one)!

[ga7sh]

Hi everyone!

short version:
Has anyone seen noticeable results thanks to the brace?
Is it something that could be used as permanent solution?
If this is not something worth looking into, then doing it for 3 months seems like a waste of time if I'm going to go for surgery anyways, no?

long version:
I just came back from the surgeon's office earlier today and I have an update for you guys as well as some questions.

I took the 4 tests as requested and booked my follow up shortly after. The appointment was today. I went with my gf and saw the surgeon.

First thing he said was that everything in my lumbar region was anatomically correct and that there was no vertebrae damage.

He then proceeded to ask me if I am experiencing pain daily. I told him the truth: I am feeling extreme pain daily and every now and then it shoots up and becomes unbearable, as well as causing my whole left leg to numb and feel heavy (which is something new, I wasn't experiencing that before..)

He nodded, and explained that at this point surgery is a very real and very likely option but that he needed to, as my doctor, explain the risks involved. He mentioned the usual risks associated with that type of surgery (infection, bad hardware, impotence, incontinence, paralysis, etc..) and to be honest I was aware of this already. But the though of having to go through life with this much pain, and I'm only 26....I want to take that risk :S


He mentioned one last thing. He wanted me to try the brace.
He said that one of his patients backed out of surgery at the last minute because of chicken pox or something, and the doctor suggested that he get a back brace in the meantime while he reschules the surgery. The patient felt so much better after using the brace that he decided he didn't need to go through surgery at all.

So the doctor wanted me to go get a brace and use it for 3 months and if it helps make the pain bearable then we won't need surgery. I asked if there is any chance that the brace heals the condition and he said no; it would only make it more tolerable, but the pain could go down to the point it is acceptable.

That's not a result I am willing to accept, to be honest. The way I see it, the brace is not a cure, but a a band-aid solution at best, and something I would need to follow through for the rest of my life.


My question is as follows:

Has anyone seen noticeable results thanks to the brace?
Is it something that could be used as permanent solution?
If this is not something worth looking into, then doing it for 3 months seems like a waste of time if I'm going to go for surgery anyways, no?


thanks guys!

[Katie]

Can you describe the type of brace he is wanting you to use? I've worn a soft support brace on and off for several years, and sometimes it helps, and other times it makes things worse.

My surgeon wanted to try a new technique this summer and I went along with it. It seemed to help for about a week, then the pain returned. I don't regret the 'experiment', and it made the doctor more willing to work with me at the time. I chocked it up to building interpersonal relations with him

I wouldn't want to put off a surgery for three months for something like that though. Unless there was a lot more than one patient who had great results...those aren't good enough odds for me. I guess it depends on how strongly he is wanting you to do this. You've already gotten all the other tests he required. I wish I had more experience with the brace. Mine may be way off base, and not at all what you are asking about.

[daveinaustin]

It's great to hear that the framework looks good. However, there are a few questions:

Is your doctor a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon?
If you are to have back surgery, which specific, surgical methods has he considered?
What medication do you take, and how effective is it in reducing your pain?

Back surgery can be a serious life commitment, depending upon procedure. Also, you might consider several medical opinions. Since this is under spinal fusion, I'm assuming total disc replacement. However, there are many fusion options, especially if the framework looks good.

In the big picture, three months is not long. But, if you are living with constant level 7-9 pain, and if the spondolisthesis and sciatica continue to worsen, it may be better being treated sooner than later.

You have a whole community to research and ask questions to. Please do not hesitate to ask.

-Dave

[ga7sh]

Thanks very much for your replies!

Katie-
The prescription paper says "lumbar brace semi-rigid"
I went to the health store next door after my visit to the doctor, and I asked them what this prescription would look like. The lady showed me this one: The Healthy Back Store - Back related products for sitting, working, sleeping, relaxing, and self therapy. The Healthy Back stores are located nation wide.

I tried it out for a bit, and despite being quite tight and fitted, i felt like i can still stand or sit in an incorrect posture. I told her I'd think about it, and decided to research it before shelling out the money for it.


daveinaustin-
To answer your questions:

Is your doctor a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon?
He's an orthopedic surgen, does it really make a difference?

If you are to have back surgery, which specific, surgical methods has he considered?
spinal fusion is what i heard, but other than that i am not sure of details

What medication do you take, and how effective is it in reducing your pain?
NOVO-NAPROX 250MG and then NOVO-NAPROX 500MG as well as several OTC painkillers. They were very ineffective in reducing the pain. Also I was very uncomfortable taking something that would mask the pain when i knew fully well that the underlying cause is not being treated.


Again, thanks for your help guys. I am going to do my research on the brace this weekend and I guess I will give it a shot, but as mentioned, 3 months is way too long of a trial. I'll try it for a month and then make my judgement....(to go through with the surgery). The doctor said I would need 3 months of rest afterwards, followed by several months of physio to get me back in shape!

[Justin]

My question is as follows:

1. Has anyone seen noticeable results thanks to the brace?
2. Is it something that could be used as permanent solution?
3. If this is not something worth looking into, then doing it for 3 months seems like a waste of time if I'm going to go for surgery anyways, no?

thanks guys!

Hi Ghaith,

I hope you are doing well. I know you are in Canada, so multiple opinions from surgeons can be quite difficult and time consuming. With that said, I will answer your questions above:

1. A semi-rigid brace can be helpful in terms of reduction of pain. However, when a brace like the one you posted is worn for an extended duration, muscle atrophy can result.
2. This is not a permanent solution.
3. In my opinion, 3 months is excessive.

daveinaustin brings up many good points to think about.

I have one question for you: What did your MRI and CT studies show?
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