New Update

Gil Denis · #1 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 12:01 AM

Hi All

I just returned from another consult with Dr Robert Hollis from Casper Wyoming.
He was very honest and to the point no Bull%^$# I like that.
His recommendation after we get a new set of MRI and X Rays would be to Fuse L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1 ans something new also fuse my SI joint
When I asked if I could ever be pain free his reply was likely not

He also commented that my spine would continue to degenerate and need more surgery in the coming years

This is very discouraging news

I am scheduled to see Dr Pettine in Loveland Colorado on April 14 I hope it goes better their.

My best to all who suffer and search for the answer " never give up"

Gil

Maria · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 03:31 AM

Hearing when fusing multiple levels the S1 level could give pain that may not otherwise be happening so maybe that's why the surgeon suggested that along w/a 4 level fusion. It seems w/a fusion of that magnitude L1 would have to be fused eventually as well... are none of your levels ADR worthy such as L2 or L3?

Good luck w/further consults Gil. I have learned to take some of what surgeons say w/a grain of salt. I was told long ago that I would need a 3 level global fusion and didn't have it and after a while I was told that if I had done the 3 level global fusion I would most likely need the other 2 lumbar levels fused in ?? amt. of time (could not predict). I'm pretty sure that might have been an accurate prediction.

I've read about a few persons I think that have had magnitudes of fusion such as you're mentioning and have had good outcomes. Pretty sure when it comes to this it picking a great surgeon to do this magnitude of work is important and equally important is patient selection.

Please continue to keep us posted and I definately wish you the best w/all your consultations and overall outcome no matter what surgical avenue you pursue!

mmglobal · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 03:51 AM

when did your SI joints implicated?

jsewell · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 05:03 AM

Good luck with the next apt. in April. It is hard to think of all those levels fused. I am almost all fused except below L2 and above C4. I can still move!!! But i have no experience with the lower lumbar levels except pain.
keep us posted
judy

Maria · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 01:51 PM

Gil,
I don't remember if you've had SI joint pain/dysfunction before or not though now I remember that I did for a long time so when my doctor suggested a 3level global fusion back about 2000 he also mentioned fusing the SI joints because he said that it's common for persons w/multi level lumbar fusions to end up w/SI joint pain afterwards... of course I didn't do the fusion or any other recommended surgery to date.

Oops that title isn't right for what I'm writing. I was going to say not to get discouraged by what you're hearing re surgical recommendations. If you have findings and complaints there probably will be a variety of recommendations. Continued good luck w/upcoming consultations and although it might sound like it I'm not trying to steer anyone else out of surgery just into careful consideration (which obviously you're into) re choices re recommendations.

Gil Denis · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2011, 03:45 PM

HI All

I never had my SI joint tested for pain, I think Maria was correct that with such a large fusion that my SI joint would become painfull area?
Also so would the levels above the fusion?

When I suggested ADR " I would not qualitify" ?

He is a young Dr and this was more to satisfy WC with a follow up.

I would love to go over the pond for surgery but do not have the finances

Gil