Really Confused

joejoe · #1 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 05:52 PM

I went to see Dr Delamarter yesterday. We went over the results of my Discogram, and CT that followed it. As previously thought L1-2,2-3,and 4-5 were all bad. 3-4 was the only one showing normal. He recommended a double level fusion at the upper 2 levels, and a double level disc replacement at the lower 2 levels. He recommended replacing 3-4, because he said with the stress of the fusion and replacement below it would only be a matter of time before that disc gave out. We are looking at September for a surgery date as long as work comp approves it. Also I plan on getting another opinion before the surgery. Will Keep you informed...

nomorepain · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 07:03 AM

Joe, Dr Rick is my Doc also, read my posts, i have the lumbar prodiscs, but if your questioning his ability, don't he is one of the best. i know i checked him out thoroughly. Surgery isn't fun by any means, but listen to what he is recommending, ask questions till he puts you at ease about your situation, be informed this is what it is all about, staying informed.

Maria · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 02:30 PM

Wow! makes sense re the 3/4 disc in terms of not leaving it alone and it being stable tho that sure is a whole lotta work you're going to have done. What's the explanation for fusion at upper levels vs. disc replacements? I'm sure there's a very good one I'm just wondering why. Also did I miss something re multi level disc replacement being FDA approved yet? I'd be surprised if WC authorizes the surgery here in CA as I've been told thru my WC PTP (primary treating physician) that I can't even get epidurals authorized at this point let alone surgery. He said it's like that for everyone in CA right now not just my case which I heard him telling someone else in another room the same thing.

Perhaps you've got a better insurance carrier since you've been working for the Port of LA and also since your case is still in litigation or at least still actively going on.

Who is your 2nd opinion going to be from if you don't mind me asking? With this much work I'd be asking for 5 or 6 opinions probably ( I did and only had 2 to 3 levels involved). And surprisingly they all agreed (yet since I felt better I didn't have more surgery tho my case is 28 years old so finally the old spine actually did autofuse saving me the trouble of more surgery).

Good luck with whatever you decide and whomever you go with and with WC authorizing everything the way recommended.

joejoe · #4 (**permalink**) 08-28-2010, 11:21 PM

Well Good news, Work comp approved my surgery. Set for Sept.23rd. Feel like its a 2 headed sword. On one hand surgery got approved with out any problems, Thought we would have to appeal it. On the other hand the fear of having the surgery is setting in. Still gotta do the bone density test, and the pre op physical. Will keep you informed...

Maria · #5 (**permalink**) 08-29-2010, 06:22 AM

So what exactly will you be having done?

dshobbies · #6 (**permalink**) 08-30-2010, 03:47 AM

And who is doing it?

joejoe · #7 (**permalink**) 08-30-2010, 06:34 PM

I will be having a fusion at L1-2, and L2-3. I will also be having a double level disc replacement at L3-4, and L4-5. Rick Delamarter will be doing the surgery at Cedar Sinai....

dridobits · #8 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010, 08:28 AM

It's normal to have fears over spinal surgery but I really think your doing the right thing and you can't get a better surgeon. Think of it also as a priviledge. I couldn't get to see Dr.Delemarter as I had cancer within the five year mark and I couldn't even get an appt. it's a tough decision and there are risks.

I had a double level fusion, front and back (bone density shot from chemo). I was in agoznizing pain for over ten years, lost over ten years of my life to pain, depresssion, no work, no life and suffered a lot. I wish I hadn't waited so long. I'm nine months out and I feel like a new person. Before you know it, six months will be gone and you may not believe how glad you are you did this.

Recoery for me was all unknown, many strange feelings I never expected physically but I think I'm over the worst of it.

I wish you the very best of luck!!!!

joejoe · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 01:37 AM

Had Surgery 12 days ago. So far most of my old symptoms are gone. With the extensiveness of my surgery im not sure what is normal pain and what is not. Right now Dr Delamarter wants me medicated to allow all the new hardware to set in. I go for my follow up appointment on Friday. I guess the hardest thing is trying to find a comfortable spot to sleep. Dr wants me wearing a brace 24/7. I was able to get out of bed 3 days out of surgery and start walking. Now that im home my wife and I try to walk up and down the block 2 to 3 times a day. I guess its a matter of time now. Just wanted to keep everyone updated.

Maria · #10 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 05:44 AM

Hi JoeJoe,
So you're over the hump.. done had your surgery! Congrats on your recovery to date and hope you continue to progress at this rate. Sounds pretty good esp. for the magnitude of surgery you underwent

thanks for the update and please pop back in and keep us informed as time goes on. Wishing you all the best w/continued recovery