Finally getting cervical Myleo CT, Left shoulder MRI, and 7 month X-rays!!

[Sariera]

Hello Jarrod,

I am a new member of this forum, and I am sorry if my english is not very good because I am spanish (and french canadian).
I am presently in spain because my family leaves in Barcelona. I am presently on seack leave for lumbar problems, and I am considering to be treated by Dr. Clavel.

I wanted to hear about yor experince and if you recommend me to go to this neurosurgeron and if you know about other people that has been operate by him.
I thank you very much for your opinion
Sariera

[dshobbies]

Hello Sariera and welcome to the forum,

Please tell us a little more about yourself. Your English is good enough for us to understand so please don't worry about it.

What levels are involved? If this because of an injury or just a plain bad back? Why don't you start a new thread - we're here to help.

Dale

[Sariera]

Hello Dale,

Thank you for your answer.
In fact is the first time that I am in a forum, so don't know very well how it works: if all the members see the message, if I have to write a message in each forum or if there is a better way to reach most of them.

My diagnostic now: In fact I have for the moment only one level involved. I have a bilateral spondylolysis L5-S1 with very small spondylolysthesis on L5, with a dimorphism of L5. Small discal protrusion of posterior projection in L5-S1. They suggest that the spondylolysis causes a dynamic foraminal stenosis with bilateral compression of both L5 nerves. I have low back pain and bilateral lower extremities pain with a L5 distribution since November 2010, and with neurological claudication when walking, standing, or doing an effort, and it is getting little better if I sit for a while.
Before that: I had back pain all my live but it was supportable and intermittent. We knew that I had spondylolysys on the right side, discovered in Spain in 2006, but nobody has given importance to that in Canada. From 2006 I have been had pain in both arms also , on the elbows until have been finished in permanent pain burning sensations. The investigation have done as result that I have a sensitive axonal polyneuropathy, but they didn't find the origin, even in Canada and in Spain. So that has been the problem between the opinions of specialists, most of them cannot say if my symptoms came from my back or from the polyneuropathy, even if the neurologist said that where different thinks. After doing all kind of conservative treatments all have concluded that is needed the surgery, and the two best have suggested and artrodesis, fusion L5-S1 by opening and doing also autograft.

Question: at this moment my principal questions are:
- Because I have neurologic claudication, I need also a decompression of the L5 nerves in the foramen? I don’t want to have to do a second surgery, but also it a is more risked surgery.
- If there are somebody who has had the same problem and symptoms, and what were the results of the surgery?
- Finally I want to have opinions about Dr. Clavel, even if the surgeries are different than the mine
I thank you all for your possible answers and specially to Dale
Sariera

[Maria]

Welcome to the forum! I agree that your english is easy enough to understand and far better than my written Spanish!

I read what you've stated regarding your clinical findings and about your symptoms. It sounds good that you only have one level to deal with surgically (hopefully). Was that determined with a discogram and CT scan as well as MRI?

If you want to start another thread with your information you could do that in the main forum and your questions can be answered specifically although I believe they will be answered here as well. It just enables someone to more easily see that you are asking questions or writing about your individual case.

Again welcome and hopefully you'll get answers here that are helpful in your decision making process.

[jsewell]

Sariera,
I hope i spelled your name correctly. Welcome to ISpine. I am going to try to let you know how to start your new thread.
First go to discussion forums. Then click on the ISpine one , then at the top left corner of the ISpine you will see new thread. Click on that and tell all of us your story.
I have no experience with the doctor you have mentioned, but i have read of him on this forum somewhere. Somebody knows him, you may start 2 threads , one with the Doctors name and the one of your story.
I have had extensive spine surgery and need to update my signature. I just had fusion of L3 and L4 . It takes a while to feel better, but i am improving every week.
YOu will get more answers and input from your own thread (that is what these stories are all called)
judy

[dshobbies]

Sariera,

I really don't have the experience to answer any of your questions but, has your doctor warned you that with a fusion, you have the risk of if affecting the next disc on top in a few years, perhaps needing more surgery, etc. I do not know if your symptoms can be helped with an ADR but before you commit to any surgery, you should completely understand why, how is will help, what are the possible downfalls, is there something better... etc. Only when you know and understand the facts of your circumstances can you make the best decision for you. This always includes second opinions and more. You owe it to yourself.

Good luck, Dale

[Sariera]

Thank you also to Judy and Dale,

Thank you judy for your precis information. I have just begin one threat. I will see.
How long it is to feel better

Dale
Is there better and ADr than a fusion? All the doctors (3) agree with a fusion because th problem is the spondylolysis. I dont, know...

Thank you for your help

[Sariera]

Thank you Maria,

I have been diagnoticatd by and MRI. I think that you have answered my in another forum? If ti is the case I thank you for your information. I am trying to pass trough all this information first

Thanks a lot

sariera