New here, looking for fusion sucess rates

yvette · #1 (**permalink**) 12-20-2006, 01:28 PM

Well I think I maybe shut out of adr as an option now. I believe by looking at my xrays that my vertebrae have moved more than three mm. I am waiting for surgeon to look at my new ct and flex/ext xrays. However its probably moved 20 percent or 1/5 which probably knocks me out of being candidate. Someone called me from Charite yesterday and confirmed that it has to be les than 3 mm. Not the answer I want. I am fighting fusion in my mind here.

I know for along time it was basically that I needed adr chronic back pain. My doctor had told me to try to walk alot, and I did, I was walking miles a day, it didn't help my back pain at all. Now I have nerves impinged and bone spurs etc and my legs and feet kills me more than my back. frustrating. Oh and heres a good one, I was talking to my husband about fusion etc and he told me I should just quit thinking about it all.

Oh yeah a surgery that will affect the rest of my life for the good or the bad and I should just put it out of my mind, while I sit here in pain and can't do anything.

Michelle · #2 (**permalink**) 12-20-2006, 10:54 PM

What a huge decision-affecting your entire life! I know this is all-consuming to you right now-been there!- but all I can say is try to relax. Find out what the surgeons say. And I say surgeonS because I really think you need at least 2 to make an informed decision. You will find a patient who is thrilled with every different type of surgery out there. You will also find those who regret their decision with every breath. All you can do is look at your options, listen to your doctors, and do a lot of research. You're on the right track! Just because ADR worked for me, doesn't mean it's right for everyone. But be open minded, and see what the surgeons say. You may be surprised! Hang in there, and hope you keep coming to the forums!

dshobbies · #3 (**permalink**) 12-20-2006, 11:02 PM

Just one quick word of warning, which you may already know. When choosing any doctor for a second or... opinion, make sure they are well versed and capable of performing all your options. It seems that some doctors who can't or won't do adr's, put them down and claim you are not a good candidate when that may not be necessarily true.

Still, others who are new to adr's my be looking to put another notch in their belt. So forewarned is forearmed.

Happy holidays, Dale

yvette · #4 (**permalink**) 12-21-2006, 01:14 AM

I've actually had the opposite problem in the past, all the doctors kept telling me I am the perfect candidate for the surgery, but they don't do it. And told me not to be the guinea pig either, to wait until they have lots of practice.

Now waiting on neurosurgeons apt and do have another second opinion scheduled in jan. - Trying to relax. Thanks

mmglobal · #5 (**permalink**) 12-22-2006, 03:58 PM

Yvette,

These are tough choices. You might want to get a second opinion from a surgeon with extensive ADR experience, AND experience with marginal cases.

For those with marginal indications, doing ADR surgery with a surgeon without the extensive experience is more risky. They have not discovered the limits yet.

Also, hearing that "you are not a candidate" from a surgeon without this experience is also less valuable than an opinion from the surgeon who's been there... done that. "You are not a candidate" IS NOT THE SAME AS; "you are not a candidate for me at my experience level." I've heard of surgeons who have said this and have sent their patients to more experienced surgeons... but they are the exceptions, not the rule. For the most part, I see either ill-advised surgeries by inexperienced surgeons, or patients sold on fusions while being told things like, "2-level ADR surgeries are not possible."

Do your homework... make informed decisions. Contact me off the forum if you want my help in seeking opinions from the most experienced surgeons in the US or around the world.

Mark

yvette · #6 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 05:10 PM

I am first going to wait until friday to see the results of the amount of the vetebrae's movement. And then go from there. I am actually feeling better the last few days...knock on wood...except my feet are still killing me. However I haven't been doing ANYTHING either lol. Thanks for the advise.