Success after 3 years of suffering

Keano16 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2010, 08:41 AM

Yes, the fusion proces has obviously started. As you can see carbon cage position is not ideal, but this do not influence on the outcome of the surgery.

Maria · #2 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 05:18 PM

Keano,
Wishing your Mom the best with continuing recovery and very glad to hear she did so well with her fusion!

My L5S1 has autofused (tho my OSS says there's still enough movement to give me pain at times) and has alleviated a great deal of the pain I used to experience tho I don't know if I can be that hopeful or wait that long for L4 and L3/4 (L5S1 surgery in '89).

So yeah.. it's super great to hear of someone with an excellent fusion result! Long live that success (and of course kudos to the surgical expertise!)!

mmglobal · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010, 01:27 AM

Roberto, how is your mom doing? I hope the news is good!

Mark

jim77xlh · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010, 02:53 AM

I've been told that I need a 3 level cervical fusion and told I need to do it as soon as possible to avoid potential permanent nerve damage, and not regain current lost use of my left arm. I was surprised to see Mark's post about sometimes needing fusion instead of ADR. When is this the case? From what I've read, it seems that ADR is always preferable. My surgeon is "annoyed" that I cancelled the fusion surgery scheduled for September 7th and just gave me a hard sell this morning in his office. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Jim

cherylstewart67 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim77xlh

I've been told that I need a 3 level cervical fusion and told I need to do it as soon as possible to avoid potential permanent nerve damage, and not regain current lost use of my left arm. I was surprised to see Mark's post about sometimes needing fusion instead of ADR. When is this the case? From what I've read, it seems that ADR is always preferable. My surgeon is "annoyed" that I cancelled the fusion surgery scheduled for September 7th and just gave me a hard sell this morning in his office. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Jim

i guess it depends on what is the need for the surgery. if you have ddd then fusion will most likely not help. it may lead to more ddd because of the stress. if it is from an injury fusion may be better. not every case is the same as we all know. wolfs law states that the stress from the fusion can lead to other levels going out later. i am having sever issues. i had 2 level fusion with bone plate and screws then peek cage at another level. now my levels above and below thatare shot. i am having sharp stinging pain in my hands and now face pain from the stress on my cranial nerves. my c 2/3 is nto supporting my head very well.

dshobbies · #6 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 06:49 PM

Deteriorating facets joints will also cause a contra-indication for ADRs. They will not relieve your pain and will more than likely cause further facet damage.

Keano16 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-02-2010, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmglobal

Roberto, how is your mom doing? I hope the news is good!

Mark

Hi, she is doing pretty fine. We made follow-up MRI and X-Ray last month and images look great. Of course, considering how many surgeries and trauma she had, her spine does not look like my own.

She has some strange left leg and left lower-back pain. We believe its caused by left screw and we plan to diagnose that with intraforaminal infiltration in left side at left screw site.

Thanks for asking, all best.

Keano16 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-13-2011, 01:24 AM

Just little update.

THIS IS A MIRACLE!!!

Please don't think people with 5 back surgeries and failed back surgery syndrome will ever have pain-free life.

However, my mom's case is true miracle and art made by doctor Robert Saftic (did I said thank you hundred times already?!)... When comparing her pre-fusion state and current state, there is huge difference. Now, she really has her life back. She is out few times a day, we receive a lot of guests, she attends all birthday parties, regularly goes to church, daily routine is here, house work is done.......... Thank you God and dr. Saftic for this miracle!

Regards,
Roberto.

Hooch · #9 (**permalink**) 02-13-2011, 07:09 AM

Wonderful news for your family.

dshobbies · #10 (**permalink**) 02-13-2011, 06:06 PM

Any success story brings hope to so many others. Glad your mother is doing well and thanks for posting.

mmglobal · #11 (**permalink**) 02-15-2011, 11:55 PM

Keano, thanks for keeping us up to date. Fusion successes often get lost in the patient forums that have such a high degree of focus on motion preservation technologies. Many patients develop an irrational fear of it and will not consider it, even when it is their best option. Like all spine surgeries, there are many successes and failures out there and none should be undertaken lightly.

Stories like you mom's will help others to make an informed choice, understanding that failures are way over-represented on the internet.

I hope to hear of her continued success. As I've said before, you deserve a lot of credit for the way you researched and learned what you needed to know to help her to make the best choice.

All the best to you and your family. I hope we get to meet soon.

Mark

Maria · #12 (**permalink**) 02-16-2011, 05:20 PM

Keano,
I have noticed in the last few years I'm reading more good outcomes for fusions even multi level on the forums that I have frequented.

Not sure if this represents better surgical techniques overall in last few years or just people understanding the importance of returning to forums they once frequented as "back pain" people and returning to post their successful outcomes and not just failures.

Whichever I'm thankful people take the time to let others know of successful outcomes. It's even somewhat more impressive to hear of that in an older person with multiple previous surgeries!

It does sound pretty miraculous though re your Mom's case and most definately just plain wonderful! Hats off to the surgeon re his surgical skills and your Mom re her recovery!