Foraminectomey

**Gilbert P** · 05-07-2009, 11:23 PM

Hi All

I am done with injections,nerve root block etc.

My PM wants to do a decompression or Foraminectomey

Does anyone have any experience with this,I realize this is a band aid at best and my ins will pay, still trying to hold off on ADR.

I would like more results on ADR 15 years down the road.

Thanks

Gilbert P

**Justin** · 05-08-2009, 12:02 AM

Originally Posted by Gilbert P

Hi All

I am done with injections,nerve root block etc.

My PM wants to do a decompression or Foraminectomey

Does anyone have any experience with this,I realize this is a band aid at best and my ins will pay, still trying to hold off on ADR.

I would like more results on ADR 15 years down the road.

Thanks

Gilbert P

Hey Gil,

I'm sorry that you're "on to the next step" -- contemplating surgical intervention. However, I know you are a man that does his research and I know that will serve you well in your ultimate decision regarding your spine.

I had a decompression in 1997, but it was done emergently after a skiing injury. It did help...for awhile. I think it just delayed the inevitable surgery that I needed down the road (either a 2-level fusion or ADR--well, that was after 2 motor vehicle accidents so it's hard to say really).

Anyway, I've spoken with a lot of people that have had successful results with decompression. This technique has been continually improved over the years and some of the surgeries are incredibly minimally invasive. I've also talked with patients that have required more surgery due to the continual degeneration of their spine post-op. I'm not saying the decompression accelerated or caused further degeneration, but it did play a role. When you do anything invasive, there is collateral damage that can't be avoided--only minimized.

Please remind me: how is the general health of your spine? I know you have some degeneration at almost all of your lumbar levels (please correct me if I'm wrong). What exactly is the operation proposed--what levels are they thinking need to be addressed? Did they give you a timeframe in which you should move forward or is this to be discussed down the road with your docs?

To be honest, I think spine surgery is going to be incredibly advanced in 15 years. ADRs are going to look like the first hip/knee replacements. People will say: "They actually put those in people?!?!"

Good luck and keep us posted on what you're thinking. We are here to support you along the way!

**Gilbert P** · 05-08-2009, 09:33 PM

Hi Justin

Thanks

Tried to add my signature ??

Thanks Gilbert P

**Gilbert P** · 05-08-2009, 09:35 PM

Hi Justin

Thanks again for the support, I do not nhink i can hold out for 15 years that will pit me at 65

The signature came up on the next post.
Are you ready for next week

Best wishes

Gilbert P

**treefrog** · 05-09-2009, 06:38 PM

Unfortunately waiting for the next best surgical intervention, is not always the best way to go. There will always be better things on the horizon, will you always be waiting? Then there will never be resolution to the pain.

I think it is wise to move forward, before it becomes too late.

Gil, I hope that you have resolution of your pain. That you can be at peace with the treatment decision you make.

**Gilbert P** · 05-10-2009, 11:22 AM

Cathy

You are so right I need to face the facts and get er done Please keep me posted on your surgery with Dr B. And the levels he will fix.

Thank You

Gilbert P