Page 1 of 6 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 57

Off for my smurf shot tomorrow

This is a discussion on Off for my smurf shot tomorrow within the Spine Patient Support: Body, Mind & Spirit forums, part of the Social and Support Forums category; Tomorrow morning we are off to the new surgeon to get a discogram and also a new technique he wants ...

  1. 08-17-2009, 12:13 AM #1
    Katie
    Katie is offline
    Senior Member Katie's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    1,800

    Default Off for my smurf shot tomorrow

    Tomorrow morning we are off to the new surgeon to get a discogram and also a new technique he wants to try, to get rid of the severe pain in my lumbar area.

    At a recent conference in London, England, he learned that an injection of Methylene Blue dye will often relieve spine patients of their pain. With all of my weird allergies, I'm a little nervous about trying this, but it is supposed to be pretty benign. I can't afford to tick off this guy, as he is my only hope in Canada right now for any kind of treatment. He assured me that if it didn't work, he will do surgery on my three bottom levels, with a fusion and two ADR. I just don't know how long I will have to wait to see if this is effective, but I should have more information when I get there.

    Fingers crossed that I don't look like that mouse that Justin posted a few days ago If I don't find a computer to use while there, then I'll give you an update on Thursday. Toodles everyone.
    Severe compression of spinal cord, flaval ligament, etc. at C4/5 & 5/6.
    Herniation and compression, at L3/4 to L5/S1 plus spondylosis at the latter level. Severe allergy to most metals.
    Three level surgery in Brazil with Dr. Luiz Pimenta on March 17/2010 using non-metal appliances. L5/S1-PEEK cage, ALIF; L4/5-PEEK cage, XLIF; C5/6-NuVasive NeoDisc. Three separate approaches, two minimally invasive. Currently minor residual back pain, from SI ligament and still overdoing things . Therapy and chiropractic treatments helping immensely. Gone from being almost bedridden to near normal activities including gardening. Life is gooooood!
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  2. 08-17-2009, 01:44 AM #2
    Cindylou
    Cindylou is offline
    Moderator Cindylou's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Posts
    2,380

    Default

    Good luck Katie! I hope you learn all kinds of things at this appt. and that you are one step closer to living a life with alot more quality to it. I don't even like to say, one step closer to living a pain free life, as I just don't know how realistic that is anymore. I am not speaking personally about you, but in general terms. I don't think it is wrong to wish and hope and pray for a pain free back. I guess I am slowly getting to this place of feeling 75-80% would be pretty great too. You know what I mean? Well, hope you are already in bed missy, because you have a few packed days ahead of you here. I will be praying for you Katie. Safe journey friend!
    • January 2000 MVA passenger, used jaws of life to retrieve me, neck injury and months of PT
    • June 2001 Bicycle accident, 2 compression fractures at T12/L1, Vertebroplasty Sept. 2001
    • April 2006 right hip, labral tear and repair
    • April 2007 3 level ProDisc @ L3/4, L4/5 & L5/6✷ ✷Lumbosacral transitional vertebra; Dr. Rudolph Bertagnoli
    • July 2, 2008 ALIF & Laminectomy @ L6/S1
    • July 30, 2008 re-opened 28 days later to remove bone cement that had leaked onto S1 nerve root
    • August 2008 Pulmonary embolism, double pneumonia, collapsed left lung, re-hospitalized 1 week
    • March 10, 2009 Right SI Joint Fusion
    • April 27, 2010 2nd right hip arthroscopy to remove adhesions and release psoas muscle
    • September 30, 2010 lumbar facet rhizotomy
    • December 9, 2010 12 bilateral lumbar trigger point and steroid injections
    • December 23, 2010 12 more bilateral trigger point injections w/o steroid
    • February 15, 2011 ESI bilaterally in lower lumbar...relief only for few days. Considering 1 more.
    Did Spinal Cord Stimulator trial from 5/11/11-5/17/11 with excellent results; Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery is Monday,
    July 18, 2011
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  3. 08-17-2009, 03:48 AM #3
    ajj1001
    ajj1001 is online now
    Senior Member ajj1001's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Manchester, UK
    Posts
    1,313

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Katie View Post
    Fingers crossed that I don't look like that mouse that Justin posted a few days ago If I don't find a computer to use while there, then I'll give you an update on Thursday. Toodles everyone.
    Praying it goes well for you and blue is my favourite colour! Look forward to hearing from you on Thursday.
    Alison 46 year old female
    2012 Doing Rehab
    2011 Sept 3rd Op Removal of old instrumentation and PLIF L4/L5 - L5/S1 both adr in situ
    2010 May Discogram on L2/L3 & L3/L4
    2009 May 2nd Op Failed revision fusion on L5/S1 with Charite ADR in situ
    2008 Caudal epidural exacerbated nerve symptoms. Prolapse L2/L3
    2007 L5/S1 Facet deterioration
    2002 March 1st Op ADR Charite - L4/5, L5/S1
    2000 Disc prolapses L4/5, L5/S1
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  4. 08-17-2009, 05:59 AM #4
    Dave
    Dave is offline
    Senior Member Dave's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Grand Haven, Michigan
    Posts
    517

    Default

    Good Luck Katie. Praying for some relief for you.
    Blue is cool.
    Dave

    Diagnosed with DDD in Nov, 2007. MRI, EMG
    C3/4 C4/5 C5/6 C6/7
    Surgery 06.04.08--C5/6 and C6/7 w/Prodisc
    C4/5 deterioration progressing quickly
    MRI on lumbar shows disc herniation at L5/S1, stenosis at L3/4, L4/5, spondylosis and DDD at L2 through S1 in July, 2009
    Nerve Root, Facet Injections and Epidural every 3 months. Ongoing treatment for continued degeneration.

    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  5. 08-17-2009, 07:19 AM #5
    dalhousie
    dalhousie is offline
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    351

    Default

    Best of luck Katie. I hope this new treatment really helps. Will be interested to hear what you think of it. Blue's my favourite colour as well so you'll be one cool dude!
    1993 Back pain age 29.
    1998-2001 DDD at L1/2. 10 admissions for discography/epidurals/facet injections/disc injections/RFA's.
    2005 ALIF at L1/2 with BMP & good result: pain free
    2007 DDD at L4/5 unresponsive to epidural. Discography: early degeneration, anular tear & bulge. Limited response to core strengthening.
    2009 ADR (activ L) L4/5.
    2012 Myofascial Pain Syndrome T10-L2
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  6. 08-17-2009, 08:57 AM #6
    daveinaustin
    daveinaustin is offline
    Senior Member daveinaustin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    231

    Default

    Best of luck!!! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers today.

    -Dave
    Discectomy/Laminotomy, 1999
    L4-S1 DDD, 10/06
    Stalif Fusion L5-S1, 3/07
    Intrepid Fusion L4-L5, 7/08
    Increasing pain since solid fusing, 1/09
    Bilateral Transforaminal Injections 3/09
    Facet Joint Injections (L3-S1) 4/09
    RF Ablation (Medial Branch) 5/09
    CT Scan, MRI w/ contrast (no new info) 5/09
    Latest:
    - I wake up with no pain
    - Stand/sit for 15 mins., pinching pain begins
    - Pain at center, core L4-L5
    - Lying down, pulsing/throbbing pain for 2-3 hours
    - Taking 6-8 Norcos/day
    SCS Implant 8/31/09
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  7. 08-17-2009, 09:20 AM #7
    Justin
    Justin is offline
    Founder / Administrator Justin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Philadelphia
    Posts
    4,504

    Default

    Katie, good luck on Tuesday! I hope this very promising intervention for the reduction of spine pain will greatly help in your situation.

    Justin Averna
    Founder & President, Spine Patient Society™
    www.SpinePatientSociety.org
    A 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Nonprofit & Charitable Organization

    • 1994: Football Injury, Severe Hyperextension
    • 1997: Snow Skiing Injury
    • 3/7/1997: Laminotomy L4/L5
    • 1999 & 2003: Motor Vehicle Accidents (not at fault both times) --> Grade V Annular Tears L4/L5 & L5/L6
    • 11/15/2003: 2-Level ProDiscฎ L4/L5 & L5/L6*, *lumbosacral transitional vertebra --> Dr. Rudolf Bertagnoli
    • 4/2008: 4.5 years pain-free before "new" leg pain
    • 5/14/2009: Dynamic Stabilization System L4/L5, Dr. Rudolf Bertagnoli
    I'm here to help.
    Questions? Suggestions? Need help with registering, creating a signature, etc.?
    justin (at) spinepatientsociety.org

    Disclosure: I have no financial relationships with any surgeons, spine clinics, device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, etc. -- the SPS Board of Directors serve without compensation.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  8. 08-17-2009, 12:33 PM #8
    KBear
    KBear is offline
    Moderator KBear's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Denton, Texas
    Posts
    2,941

    Default

    Good Luck, I think a blue nose would add personality to your features! LOL Blue is also my favorite color Can't wait to hear how it all goes and so happy you found a surgeon who is willing to help you.
    31 years old- 1/06- In wreck with 18 wheeler at 25 years old; 6/06- Head on collision on Interstate, both wrecks other drivers fault. Numerous MRI's, PT, chiropractic, acupuncture, TENS therapy, massage therapy, facet injections, epidural injections, Nerve study, Discogram, confirms pain in L4/5, IDET, decompression, Bi-lateral neurotomy L3/4/5, denied by insurance twice, in Active L clinical trial, had surgery March 17, 2009 in Miami, FL- received Active L disc at 29 years old. Pain and medication free as of October 2010!Mommy to Emma- 8 years, Ava- 6 years & had baby Eli after ADR, via c-section on March 25, 2011 , completely pain free still!
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  9. 08-18-2009, 12:15 AM #9
    Cindylou
    Cindylou is offline
    Moderator Cindylou's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Posts
    2,380

    Default

    I don't mind if you even turn green......my favorite color!
    • January 2000 MVA passenger, used jaws of life to retrieve me, neck injury and months of PT
    • June 2001 Bicycle accident, 2 compression fractures at T12/L1, Vertebroplasty Sept. 2001
    • April 2006 right hip, labral tear and repair
    • April 2007 3 level ProDisc @ L3/4, L4/5 & L5/6✷ ✷Lumbosacral transitional vertebra; Dr. Rudolph Bertagnoli
    • July 2, 2008 ALIF & Laminectomy @ L6/S1
    • July 30, 2008 re-opened 28 days later to remove bone cement that had leaked onto S1 nerve root
    • August 2008 Pulmonary embolism, double pneumonia, collapsed left lung, re-hospitalized 1 week
    • March 10, 2009 Right SI Joint Fusion
    • April 27, 2010 2nd right hip arthroscopy to remove adhesions and release psoas muscle
    • September 30, 2010 lumbar facet rhizotomy
    • December 9, 2010 12 bilateral lumbar trigger point and steroid injections
    • December 23, 2010 12 more bilateral trigger point injections w/o steroid
    • February 15, 2011 ESI bilaterally in lower lumbar...relief only for few days. Considering 1 more.
    Did Spinal Cord Stimulator trial from 5/11/11-5/17/11 with excellent results; Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery is Monday,
    July 18, 2011
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  10. 08-18-2009, 10:29 PM #10
    Gilbert P
    Gilbert P is offline
    Senior Member Gilbert P's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Jackson Hole WY
    Posts
    876

    Default

    Hey Kate

    How did it go ? Are you blue or green. what does it matter to be pain free red is o.k. to

    All The Best

    Gil
    L5-S1 lam 1994
    L2 to L5 DDD
    L3 -L4 hern Dec 2007.
    L4-L5 Annular fissure with mild central stenosis and moderate facet hypertrophy.
    L5-S1 bilaterial neural foraminal narrowing with inferior effacement.
    L2-L3 Right-sided neural foraminal narrowing
    L3-L4 related to posterolateral hypertrophic spurs and facet hypertrophy.
    C3-C4 limited DDD
    15 injections Depo. P.T. 18 months 9 dose packs,
    Nerve Block Injections.4 ESI S1
    L5-S1 Foraminotomy 09
    L4-L5 Microdiscectomy 09 ReHerniation 4-2010
    Surgery 6-29-11 L4-L5-S1 Decompression Fusion L5-S1 and Coflex F implants

    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
Page 1 of 6 123 ... LastLast
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Forum Rules