Vertebrae: Lumbar vertebral body height is well-maintained. Postsurgical changes of bilateral laminectomies noted from L2 to L4. Alignment: Normal L1-L2: Intervertebral disc height loss noted. Mild...
Kim, I hope things are going better for you and I do realize the thread is old. I am in need of this same 4 level surgery on the neck and I am terrified of this making things worse. Just got my MRI...
Didn't know morphine could be prescribed OTC, thought it was only given in a hospital setting. When my back flare-up with severe thigh pain, toroidal didn't do anything! Glad it helped you out! :)...
I will post the results of my MRI in a few days, when I did it yesterday, was supposed to be for the back but they slid in the neck as well which I know will be very ugly!!...
My apologies, i didn't see I had additional replies. I am set for an MRI next Monday. Meanwhile things have calmed down with the help of therapy but unfortunately whatever is being pinched has left...
Well, went to two ERs today. Revisited the ER again on base, nothing happening there so I went long distance to the big VA. Got another shot of toroidal and some tramadol and doing x-rays tomorrow...
hello, When we left IL 2 years ago, we agreed with the ortho surgeon to hold off on the surgery because i wasn't as bad off as we thought, I continued with PT and at home PT. Been ok with that but I...
Hello, Been a few years since I posted in this forum. Right now my back is in the midst of one of my horrible flare ups to where the lower back will get so painful that the pain radiates into the...
Thank you straydog, and I am sorry I didn't post to the page. The nuerosurgeon and I agreed to hold for a while since my symptoms wasn't as bad as some he's seen. But yes at the same time I've...
Hello to everyone, I have been diagnosed with CKD stage 3 because of elevated creatinine levels of 1.49 and 1.44 over the last few months and GFR is at 59.2 then rose to greater than 60 with my last...
just curious, how many follow up visits do you have with the doctor after your surgery? guess it may vary?...
thank you for the quick reply!...
Had to ask anyone if they've had experience with the bone growth stimulator? I do my pre op with the neurosurgeon in a few days but any heads up info would be appreciated!...
I'm going into my 8th surgery; back, right shoulder, right hip, 4 failed carpal tunnel surgeries (two to both hands and both forearm decompressions). I also have two small tears in my left shoulder....
Hi stray dog they are definitely saying four level. I will definitely read up on the SSD, appreciate the info, thanks!...
Hi Straydog, I actually had asked him about a second MRI since the VA did the first one last August. They did end up doing a Myelogram with contrast which narrowed down which levels needed to be...
hello, Scheduled for surgery in a 3 weeks....
Hi Darla, I know the post is old but from it, did you apply for SSI and if so, was it successful? I may do the same. Thanks for the info!...
Hello, Just a quick update. Dr. called me Tuesday with the CT results. As suspected, there is significant pinching on the nerves that will require a multi level surgery. c3-4, c4-5, c5-6, c6-7...
thanks Darla, was there a bone graft associated with the surgery and if so what part of the body did the bone come from?...
thanks Straydog for that breakdown and easy to understand! Darla, by all means don't sugar coat it! :) I don't mind hearing the good and bad. In fact I watch you tube videos on the actual procedure...
I take it a CT Myelogram with contrast is equal to or greater depth than an MRI stray dog?...
Thanks Darla for the info and straydog! I had a bunch of questions when I saw him early last week to where he almost had to put me out of the office. I had asked about the MRI that I had from the VA...
Hi Darla, Sorry for so many questions but its been almost a year now so how is your mobility in your neck at this point? I was told that you loose mobility once you do any type of fusion in the neck....
WHOA! : ) Well I have started my journey starting with labs and CT myelogram next Friday. So I will have the summer to enjoy but was hoping to do it asap. Thanks for the site straydog! Appreciate the...
Forgot to ask how long the surgery was?...
Hi Darla, Glad to hear you're doing better! Why was disk replacement not an option? What was your first week like? Thanks for any info!...
hello, Just a quick update. Looking potential August for a "4 level fusion". I was asking about disk replacement but I guess they feel this is best. Has anyone had a 4 level done or know someone who...
BTW, can anyone recommend a good cervical brace or at home inexpensive traction machine until I do surgery that I am anticipate won't be till about late june or july. Thanks.!...
hello, another quick update from my C6 C7 injection yesterday. Unfortunately the tingling in the finger are there and prior to this procedure they are tingling more often. Good news is my range of...
No, MRI is less than 12 months old. I thought the injections would do better than they did being previous injections worked very long term in my shoulder....
Hello, Just a quick update. Having one more injection next Friday. Overall the injections don't work, at least for me they haven't. The doc will ask what percentage improvement did I have and I can...
Hello! Next injection is 10 May and follow up appointment to check on the affects of the two injections will be determined and surgery would be discussed then, 28 May, GEEZ! Guess I would be looking...
Hello, just a quick update. Had an injection at the C3-C4 level. Have one more injection at the C-5/6 level on May 10. At that point we will determine when surgery will be done and at what levels....
Seashell thank you for that text book analysis! :) And to the last 2 replies, I greatly thank you as well. The neurosurgeon does want me to do 2 more injections here shortly which I am willing to do....
The outside neurosurgeon is saying 2 more injections so he can narrow down what level triggers the tingling and pain in the bicep and tricep area. He is hoping this may eliminate the need for a 2...
Hello, Hope everyone is well! In retrospect I could kick myself for not going through with the surgery right off the bat. I thought I would try conservative treatments first including therapy that...
Hello, Another update. I looked back at the neurosurgeon's notes from the VA in sept which are in front of me. It clearly states I opted for injections and he agrees injections at the C3/4 & C-5/6...
Hello, Just a quick update. Had my first round of injections on Tuesday past. Instant relief to the bicep, tricep, and shoulder area but still a little tense in the back of the neck. This morning...
The appointment I just had was with the second opinion. They offered injections but I will decline because I am already scheduled with the VA for injections but I will use the civilian provider for...
I also had been taking naproxen as needed which has been fine but with these flare ups, naproxen can't touch it!!...
Hello everyone! Just a quick update. I see my 2nd opinion doc tomorrow, the one that offered surgery as a first option but I understand why that my situation is a lot more serious than I originally...
Thanks stray dog!...
Thanks Daria! Wow, 4 levels!, glad to hear you are doing much much better!...
Merry Christmas everyone! I have thought about it and I will definitely do the injections and then probably shortly thereafter do the surgery. I was going to wait out till the end of my daughter's...
Happy Holiday to everyone! Just a quick update. I had my 2nd opinion appointment on Monday and the PA's opinion matched the VA's opinion and she asked what would I say if she offered surgery right...
Had my consult today and won't be until 22 Jan 2019 until I can get an injection, meanwhile I will be attending a second opinion shortly. I am very hopeful the injections will help and I plan to...
Tomorrow is my consult at the VA and the 17th the second opinion. How would some of you decide between the two opinions?? Thanks for any advice!...
Thank you much and Happy Thanksgiving!...