I am 39, was diagnosed in '99. I've been able to maintain a somewhat normal life with physical therapy, chiropractic, etc. But was told after my last x-ray, that I WILL need surgery, probably sooner than later. And I am terrified.
2006-08-27 17:41:14 · 5 answers · asked by msuzyq 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Mine is L4-L5, L5-S1, and I do the decompression therapy.
2006-08-27 18:33:59 · update #1
39 is very young to have advanced disc problems. Were you in any previous trauma? The traction therapy you are in will not hurt, it will basically unload the spine, but it will not stop, or reduce the rate of decline of your back. There are different surgical procedures that can be done, and the latest is the now FDA approved artifical disc, or you may have surgical decompression with fusion. There are options, make sure you investigate them. Remember the surgery is optional, if you can maintain, as you say, a somewhat normal life then the surgery is up to you not your doctor. The only time surgery not an option is if you begin to lose bowel/bladder control. By conservative care you may be able to delay any surgery for quite a while.
2006-08-27 19:20:52 · answer #1 · answered by mr.answerman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am 49, had this surgery at the age of 39. Mine was L4-L5 also. I am now facing the surgery again at a area above the other. I have been able to postpone for about a year now but now I give up. I will have it soon. I had a spinal fusion done. They took a section of my hip bone and fused that in place. I had a difficult time because of other medical issues. If you have the surgery remember to use pillows to brace your back when you lay on your side, one in front, one in back ,this helps because you won't be able to lay on your back. I still have a hard time doing that. Check and see also about donating your own blood for transfusion if you need it. I had 2 units of mine and 1 other unit. This was one of the worst surgeries I ever had and I have had 11, BUT this was worth it and I will do again. Just remember it takes time to heal and take care of you, you are the only one that knows how you feel. I have been there and done that. It is scary but you will be surprised at your ability to handle things. If I can help anyway e-mail littlebitpurple@hotmail.com
2006-08-28 05:05:32 · answer #2 · answered by meemaw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mother has had surgery for that condition. She had two actually due to different discs having the problem and wearing to far down.
What type of surgery are they considering and where will they be entering? My mom's was in the C(3/4?) region and they had to go in through the front of the throat. It was scary and there was a recovery time not to be taken lightly - but she did well after that. (Long story about that in which her sister got mad at her, shook her and undid all the doctors work.... but before that she was doing really well).
Any surgery is scary, but just do your homework - talk to the doctor, find out the success rate of the procedure, the rate among his own patients, etc. The more information you arm yourself with the less scary it will all seem.
2006-08-27 17:52:01 · answer #3 · answered by zombie_togo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, im 27 and have been diagnosed with the same thing. They told me that i will have to do disk replacement therapy, but i am too young to do it now. I have been in constant pain for the last 3 years, but I found a chriopractor that does descompression that is supposed to be reallly helpful. I would suggest to look into it.
http://www.orthopedictechreview.com/issues/novdec03/pg36.htm
2006-08-27 17:51:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mother had it done. Best thing ever. She woke up with no pain whatsoever and has had no setbacks in two months.
Just research your surgeon. My mother's doctor sent his own father to her surgeon. He was a blessing.
2006-08-27 17:48:24 · answer #5 · answered by RAR24 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋