[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Fusion with Instrumentation L4-L5 2008

[Justin]

Hi Patti,

I will have to dust off my brain and get back to you.

[Patti]

Thanks Justin...

How are you feeling after your last procedure?

[Justin]

Thanks Justin...

How are you feeling after your last procedure?

I am making steady progress--I started Physical Therapy this week!

________________________________

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[Justin]

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[Justin]

If you can make the drive, Towson Orthopaedic Associates: Scoliosis & Spine Center of Maryland comes highly recommended.

[Patti]

Thanks Justin.

I met with both my GP and the ortho who operated on my shoulder and knee. I have the best GP..he spends time to listen to me when I cry about all this stuff..the constant pain, frustration etc. and has prescribed the pain meds to help me get through the day (currently taking two percs a day just to take the edge off..) He's compassionate but also pragmatic as we discuss the long term use of narcotics. So both of us are very careful. But I'm over the stigma of worrying about what others may "think."

So, he recommeded a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins..I'm sure you've heard about...the Mayo Clinic of Baltimore.

My knee guy is sending me to the head of orthopedics at Georgetown University, another world class institution.

Here's my fear, if I need more surgery, going through all of it again. I'm 18 months out from the last fusion...and as I've posted before, had shoulder, knee and gall bladder surgery since the fusion. (all within 16 months). I'm certain my central nervous system is about to go on strike. The pain center in the brain is pretty upset with me right now

Here's a question....how far apart are folks getting surgeries who have had revisions, multiple problems etc.?

[Justin]

Thanks Justin.

I met with both my GP and the ortho who operated on my shoulder and knee. I have the best GP..he spends time to listen to me when I cry about all this stuff..the constant pain, frustration etc. and has prescribed the pain meds to help me get through the day (currently taking two percs a day just to take the edge off..) He's compassionate but also pragmatic as we discuss the long term use of narcotics. So both of us are very careful. But I'm over the stigma of worrying about what others may "think."

So, he recommeded a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins..I'm sure you've heard about...the Mayo Clinic of Baltimore.

My knee guy is sending me to the head of orthopedics at Georgetown University, another world class institution.

Patti, this is great news! These institutions have extremely gifted clinicians and incredible facilities. (BTW: are you headed to Johns Hopkins [Baltimore] or the Mayo Clinic [Rochester]?)

Finding a physician that is an advocate is invaluable. Establishing a long-term plan and discussing "down the road" can not only establish goals in the future, but it can also remind you that your current situation is only temporary. It too shall pass.

Here's my fear, if I need more surgery, going through all of it again. I'm 18 months out from the last fusion...and as I've posted before, had shoulder, knee and gall bladder surgery since the fusion. (all within 16 months). I'm certain my central nervous system is about to go on strike. The pain center in the brain is pretty upset with me right now

Here's a question....how far apart are folks getting surgeries who have had revisions, multiple problems etc.?

Patti, you have been through a lot. In terms of the time-frame for revisions and addressing multiple medical problems, this would best be discussed with your treating physicians as they know your medical history in much greater detail. When are you scheduled to meet with your new referrals?

BTW: when you mention "revision surgery" are you referring to another surgery at the level of your fusion at L4/L5 or a surgery to address the issues at L5/S1?

Keep us posted! :thumpup:

[Patti]

Hey Justin..

Thanks for the "admin" work on the threads and your constant vigilance, commitment and support with this website. I have an appt. in Georgetown on Dec. 7th..That is the soonest as my guy is popular and booked. I'm waiting on Hopkins to call me back.

When I say revision...I'm talking about a couple of things. The L4-5 fusion was technically a revision of the 1980 laminectomy, at least that's what the surgeon called it...revision number one if you will.. so I'm not sure if that still needs work. I know from my MRI that L-5/S-1 has multiple issues..and as you recall, I'm upset that it wasn't addressed when he fused 4-5..again, judgment call....but I'm convinced that may be the culprit now.

How can I get in touch with you offline? I'm heading to Philly in a couple of weeks...actually, Collegeville, and want to drop you a line.

Patti

[ajj1001]

Here's my fear, if I need more surgery, going through all of it again. I'm 18 months out from the last fusion...and as I've posted before, had shoulder, knee and gall bladder surgery since the fusion. (all within 16 months). I'm certain my central nervous system is about to go on strike. The pain center in the brain is pretty upset with me right now

Here's a question....how far apart are folks getting surgeries who have had revisions, multiple problems etc.?

Hi Patti, I know exactly what you mean about more surgery and you have done an amazing job with what you have been through.

My original spine surgery was in 2002, I had an unrelated op in 2000, another unrelated op& procedures in 2004 and my revision 2009. My husband had major heart surgery in 2005 so we are hoping for an op free period sometime soon.

Take care
alison x

[Justin]

Hey Justin..

Thanks for the "admin" work on the threads and your constant vigilance, commitment and support with this website. I have an appt. in Georgetown on Dec. 7th..That is the soonest as my guy is popular and booked. I'm waiting on Hopkins to call me back.

When I say revision...I'm talking about a couple of things. The L4-5 fusion was technically a revision of the 1980 laminectomy, at least that's what the surgeon called it...revision number one if you will.. so I'm not sure if that still needs work. I know from my MRI that L-5/S-1 has multiple issues..and as you recall, I'm upset that it wasn't addressed when he fused 4-5..again, judgment call....but I'm convinced that may be the culprit now.

How can I get in touch with you offline? I'm heading to Philly in a couple of weeks...actually, Collegeville, and want to drop you a line.

Patti

Hi Patti,

Sure thing on the admin work--it is my pleasure. December 7th will be here before you know it. OK, now I remember the L4-L5 fusion being a revision for the '80 laminectomy and your ongoing issues with L5-S1.

Feel free to send me a private message or email anytime.