Considering Revision Surgery

treefrog · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 04:53 PM

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having continued pain that requires you to think about revision. That is a very scary prospect. But it does sound like you have very competent doctors, who know what they are doing.

I am distressed to hear you say, you think women do worse with ADR than men. Is that based on the number of women you've heard of on these boards who have needed revision surgery? That scares me. I really want ADR or hybrid surgery to be the right answer for me. I don't want to live my life this way, let alone even worse off than I am now.

Well, I will be hoping for the best for you. It sounds like you are making the right choice, for your situation.

Cindylou · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 09:29 PM

Wow, Phylly. Revision surgery scheduled in 3 weeks? That's great that they are able to accomodate your desires so efficiently. I think I would do the same thing. What's your actual date of surgery that is scheduled? Where are you having it? I could not get my hip replacement on the books until March 20th, which seems like forever from now. I will definitely keep you in my prayers. Hang in there.

Cindylou

phylly · #3 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009, 03:41 AM

Hi Cindylou,
I am scheduled for February 10th. I just asked for the first available date. It may change but I can't stand myself anymore and the longer I wait the worse I get. i want to be strong enough to recover. I will see Dr. Regan on Wednesday and ZI hope that will help me decide that I am doing the right thing with the right Dr. I will keep you posted and I am scared to death but I have to go ahead.
Phylly

phylly · #4 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 04:05 AM

I had my appointment with Dr. Regan today. He was very nice and also said that the discs should come out if I want the best possible result. He proposed taking them out through the side muscle so as not to risk any vascular injury. He would then do a muscle sparing surgery (sextant) in the back if possible. His plan is similar to the back surgeon I like in orange county. I live in orange county and the appointments I have had in LA have been grueling. After the appointment we called the Dr. here and spoke about the side procedure. He will actually do a very similar procedure, although not through the muscle. At this moment I am leaning toward doing it closer to home and not going with Dr. Regan. Dr. Carlson will be there for me after the surgery and since I am a work in progress, he will be there for me later too I hope. I know that Dr. Regan has had more experience with this but I have already had surgery with a guru and it really didn't help me. So here I am, now scheduled for Feb. 10th. I am freaked out but want to get on with it. It is a 6 hour surgery, front and back. I can only hope for the best and know that my doctors are excellent and will do the best job for me.
Thank you all who have sent info and articles. I want you to know that I devour everything I can read. It is hard to make a decision but at least for now I have. Thank you all for reading my posts and helping me. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
fondly,
Phylly

mmglobal · #5 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 05:23 AM

30 miles closer should not be an important data point. Lateral explantation of a keeled device is something that's been 1/2 a dozen.... maybe a dozen times worldwide?

Will Carlson not be there for you if you were to choose someone with more experience explainting ADR?

Carlson is a good surgeon... I've met many patients of his... should be a good option... but not because he's closer.

In any case... I look forward to hearing great results!!!

Mark

sarah.p · #6 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 07:09 AM

Hi Phylly,
Sorry its taken me so very long to reply to the post.
Wow, you really dont have very long until your revision surgery at all!! How are you feeling about it, I know that it probably feels very big and frightening right now, but I like you am willing to try things in an attempt to gain a better quality of life.
I would love to keep up with your posts and see how you are doing through the whole process,if you dont mind and I will be thinking of you so very much.
I have two problems which need addressing with my spine, the first revision surgery for me will be in April, and that one is to stabilise my failing fusion with the peek rod system and more screws.
The surgeon has only just obtained the information regarding the problems with my facets at the Prodisc site, which is the much more painful issue of the two, so I will need to wait and see what his thoughts are on a future plan for that one.
We certainly have a challenging year ahead of us, but lets hope that it will all be worth it in the long run, and reduce our pain.
Im thinking of you, and hope that you are feeling ok.
warmest wishes and hugs
Sarah xx

dshobbies · #7 (**permalink**) 01-29-2009, 03:34 PM

Phylly,

Of course you're freaked out, it's only human nature and very naturally, a hard decision. But you have not one, but two doctors who feel this is doable and you have every reason to expect good results.

In less than two weeks you'll have a new life. Most people have to wait more than two months, more often three or four and you'll be so busy just getting ready, hopefully you won't have too much time to think.

My thoughts are with you, Dale