Alternative to Fusion
 

Okay all, crazy couple of weeks. Firmly decided not to get a fusion for my severe stenosis in L5-S1 region. I am investigating some arthroscopic surgery centers in Tampa Florida where I currently am and will make a decision on which one soon. I am having my consultation at one tomorrow, and the other the next day. Will post about both. Thanks for following me on my journey to alleviate my pain!

Hello,

Are you speaking about spinal canal stenosis or foraminal stenosis?

Usually, arthroscopic procedures (endoscopic) are less successful with spinal canal stenosis, and more successful with foraminal stenosis.

Please beware... you try minimally invasive surgery hoping to get more years out of a degenerating disc. If the disc is alreay substantially degenerated, the chance of getting years out of a MISS decompression surgery is relatively low.

My beef with many of the MISS surgeons is that they often will do surgery on a poor candidate. They may feel justified because being MISS, they will not hurt you. However, if you self pay for a MISS surgery, then can't afford the following surgery, they actually did harm you by limiting your options.

Mark

It is a foraminal problem. And I will be able to have insurance pay for it. I spoke for hours with them on the phone over multiple days and finally got a procedure okayed.

Good news Karrey!

IMHO, if what you need is what they specialize in, these clinics are great because that's all they do all day, every day.

Please keep us posted. Surgery date?

Mark

That means peace of cake for experienced endoscopic spine surgeon.

Good luck

Hey all, I'm replying to this thread to tell you I had my second consultation yesterday but didn't get around to writing up a report. I will post it in a minute!