I've recently been diagnosed with degenerative spine disease. I was diagnosed to have three bulging discs in my lower spine (lumbar.) I've since herniated one or more discs over the past week and my Doctor took me off Vicodin and put me on Morphine. Needless to say the pain has significantly decreased, and the side effects are mild. The spine specialist suggested surgery only as a last resort. She said it might not help at all and could possibly make it worse. The question is, should I have the triple disc replacement or should I remain as I am. Slowly but most definitely becoming hooked on the Morphine for an indefinite amount of time?
2006-06-29 15:30:46 · 7 answers · asked by dizbuster 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
This is a difficult one, and I understand your concern. Although I'm not faced with a surgical possibility, I too am in a situation where it is a choice of pain or addiction...sleep or addiction...functioning or addiction. I have some degenerative Arthritis in my lumbar spine in addition to fibromyalgia and some central nervous system issues. Acid reflux prevents me from using NSAIDS like Advil or Aleve. I'm left with Tylenol with
Codein... or pain. My stomach and esophagus can not tolerate the more caustic meds. So I have no answer for you, but I do feel for you. I would be weary of a "could make it worse" situation. I was faced with that at an early age myself. I was losing circulation and feeling in my arms. Being a pianist/vocalist and conductor, the possibility of severing a nerve in surgery as opposed to dealing with the meds and such was a no brainer for me. Good Luck with your decision.
2006-06-29 15:42:09 · answer #1 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry you are having this problem, but I admire your determination to get lots of information before making a decision.
You mentioned that you've seen a spine specialist; that suggests that your city is probably large enough to have a chronic pain clinic. I would suggest consuting with them on alternative, perhaps synthetic, drugs that might be less addicting, this is their specialty and they should be the most current source of information. They might also be able to direct you to different doctors that treat your problem in a different way.
Good Luck! When you've gathered good information, you will make the best decision for YOU!!
2006-06-29 15:43:55 · answer #2 · answered by onenonblonde 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always reccomend a second opinoin. In the meantime, I would not be concerned about the morphine. If you are in pain, thats what it is for. When the time comes, You can be weaned back off. I bet it feels good to be out of pain mostly for now. Enjoy the moment because I know you have had some pretty rough times.
My prayers are with you. In Jesus Name.
2006-06-29 15:35:21 · answer #3 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inquire of other patients who have had the surgery. Some pain and scar tissue might arise, still leaving you with Morphine and as the doctor stated, a worse off condition. Get second opinions, for top notch surgeons concerning your condition, pros and cons, as there are no guarantees
2006-06-29 15:38:03 · answer #4 · answered by DollyLama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two of my patients have got spinal surgery in India.One was treeated for spondylolistheis by spinal fusion and the other for disc protrusion by microdiscectomy.Both of them are very happy with the results.Their pain and other symptoms due to nerve compression have totally gone.
Spinal Surgery is very cheap in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges spine surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.I have also read that they arrange financing for american and canadian patients as spine surgery is not covered by insurance.They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website.
The cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your spine surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.both my patients had gone to India through the forerunners healthcare company.The spinal fusion patient stayed in INdia for about 20 days and the microdiscectomy patient for about a week.hope this helps.I strongly recommend this company to you as this can be of big help to you.
Source(s):
http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
2006-07-02 20:37:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have it done you don,t want to be addicted to morphine bad habit.
2006-06-29 15:34:45 · answer #6 · answered by lizardlover42000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go on morphine since resistant appears or since you cant walk..dr giving you this answer..
2006-06-29 15:33:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋