Newbie with more problems

[dshobbies]

Hi Fran and welcome.

You've had a long history of back pain/problems and have been through several surgeries. Unfortunately, fusing discs actually promotes further degeneration as you've already experienced. You've already tried the lesser invasive remedies and it might be time again for more surgery but which one?

You might try calling Mark GPN Artificial Disc Replacement ADR. He's a spine patient advocate and can facilitate consultations with the best doctors all over the world.

However, another consideration is insurance. Depending on your circumstances (and fight), they might have the final word.

Good luck to you, Dale

[mmglobal]

Sounds like you were pretty lucky to retain such a high functioning lifestyle for so long after a history that starts with multi-level fusion in 1970. I'm so sorry that you've had such a long litany of surgeries and have experienced so much 'domino effect'.

There are many options available, some that cannot be considered by your local surgeons. Please take your time and discover all your options before pulling the trigger... you can only go to the well so many times... there is a law of diminishing returns on spine surgery.

Good luck... all the best,

Mark

[Fran]

Originally Posted by mmglobal

Sounds like you were pretty lucky to retain such a high functioning lifestyle for so long after a history that starts with multi-level fusion in 1970. I'm so sorry that you've had such a long litany of surgeries and have experienced so much 'domino effect'.

There are many options available, some that cannot be considered by your local surgeons. Please take your time and discover all your options before pulling the trigger... you can only go to the well so many times... there is a law of diminishing returns on spine surgery.

Good luck... all the best,

Mark

Mark,
First I want to say Thank You. In reading your stats, I believe that you have been so inspurational and helpful to many guys and gals out there from starting this Forum.
Yes, I have been fortunate to have a very understanding Family doctor who taught me how to lower pain dosages after many years of use (Davon 100, 1970-1982 or so, Darvocet n100, '82- about 95, Ultram 50mg, from 95 to pesent) . He taught me if you will, the phychological method of pain tolerance which allowed me to be very productive in between my surgeries. He has been so helpful and caring and it's with his guidance that I have gotten through a lot of this. The only thing is I wished I would have looked further into other methods, but as I said before, I tried MANY, MANY therapies before going to the knife. It's just that the old Bod can't put up with medication like it used to and it's getting depressing having a grown family, 2 grandchildren and not be able to do what I know I can. I am so thankful for a very living and caring family as well. Without that I do not believe I would have cared as much. However, good news is ALWAYS present and that is I am following yours and others direction on FULLY investigating other alternatives. In the end it will all work out. It's just gettin' there that's a pain in the a$$.
Thanks much for your encouragement and need I say... Take care of yourself as well!!!
God Speed, Talk to you soon!
Best Regards,
Fran F.

[Fran]

Originally Posted by dshobbies

Hi Fran and welcome.

You've had a long history of back pain/problems and have been through several surgeries. Unfortunately, fusing discs actually promotes further degeneration as you've already experienced. You've already tried the lesser invasive remedies and it might be time again for more surgery but which one?

You might try calling Mark GPN Artificial Disc Replacement ADR. He's a spine patient advocate and can facilitate consultations with the best doctors all over the world.

However, another consideration is insurance. Depending on your circumstances (and fight), they might have the final word.

Good luck to you, Dale

Dale,
Thanks for the info, I will definately look into it. And you are RIGHT ON as far as fusion only bringing on future issues due to rigidity. That being said I have always had my eyes wide open and first tried many other remedies. Good news is that now with SO much info available than ever, I can look further into alternatives, which is what I'm doing now.
The patch I started at 8:30 a.m. Chicago time yesterday did not wotk. After about 7 hours I got dizzier and dizzier, until I had no further choice but to remove it. I vomited then and am back on the old stuff till I talk to Doc again tomorrow (he was out today). I talked to the Fentanyl Hot Line and they said about 25% of people using the drug get sick. I am going to ask Doc if I can try one more time with lower mcg/h (had started with 75 mcg/h).
Don't laugh about this one!!! I had 5 children by 1993 Must have been the meds LOL.
Good luck Dale and again, thanks for the information. I want to try my best to get something other than fusion IF it turns out that I need it.
Take care, God Speed!
Best Regards,
Fran F.