surgery
 

Had surgery on L4-5 and S-1 years ago. Healed nicely until osteomylitis set in. Had implant of lifeport and iv therapy of vancomycin for four months. Now have L3 lying on top of hardware. Also many disc problems on cervical and thoraic. Don't fear surgery but I do fear infection and the thought of being paralized. Have degenerative disc disease. Does anyone have any input? Take flexoril, advil and injections. Legs often give out and arms.

Hi KA and welcome to the forum,

Four months on a/b is something all ADR recipientres are concerned with. Infection is a possibility with any implant, knee, hip, disc... We've had interesting discussions about taking a/b prior to dental work because of the bacteria in your mouth being released into your body. Some do, some don't.

However you've been through that and are now gun shy which is to be expected.

If you don't have a current MRI, it's probably time to get one. You have unidentified issues. Also, all doctors are not created equal. If you're happy with your current spine surgeon, go back to him/her or if not, seek other opinions. It might also be a good time to find a pain management specialist for meds more suitable to your circumstances.

Funny that you're afraid of becoming paralyzed. I was too. Truth is, I'm sure it can happen but I haven't read of anyone with disc problems suffering that consequence.

My best to you, Dale

just a hi
 

Kathleenann,
Sorry not to respond to your thread sooner and no I've no input that would be helpful altho I wanted to welcome you to the forum and I do hope that you will progressively get better.

I've had 2 discectomies years in the past, problems continued but I have not had more surgeries recommended as fearful of more failure/pain tho live pretty comfortably on low dose opioid pain and Neurontin, for now that is...(sporadically wonder when the other shoe will drop when something tweaks my spine).

thanks again for posting and I hope things improve markedly for you somehow.

Ow. What a hard road you've been through. I note that you are in PN. If you have questions, I hope that you can get them from different and Ace docs. Can you travel to NYC for an opinion or two? I'd see Dr. Bitan. I'm sorry that you fell on the harsh side of statistics and hope you get better. I hope some docs can answer all of your questions. My best - Allan