Back Surgery? Best Options?

Question

My boyfriend is now missing the lower three disc in his back. He's managing to pain alright, with meds and losing about 135lbs. But it's getting to the point he doesn't want to be on the meds forever and is worring about the long-term effect the meds will do. So now he's looking into surgery and wants to know his options and all the questions relating to them. He's already gone to a few doctors, but he still doesn't like the odd of recovery. He's a very active person and still wants to be able to do what he's already doing. Hunting, fishing, 4 wheeling and so on. Out of the few people he knows that have had similar back surgery, only one has full recovered. Any thing that might point me in a better direction and answers will be very much appreciated.
Thanks

He's been to three neurosurgeons. and he's not liking that there's a 60/40 chance of not recovering good enough to be able to do what he already does.

He is actually missing the disc. Bone on bone. He's noticed that with the loss of weight it's help a lot. He's got feeling back in his legs, but he noticed he's somewhat afraid to do stuff that might make the pain worse for a few days later. He knows surgery is his best option but what one? He's looking more for disc replacement.... anyone know someone that has had this done. He's only 25 y.o. and he wants to be able to live his life.

Answer 1

cundy_pi.

He should see a neurosurgeon. He should not allow an orthopedic surgeon anywhere near his spinal cord.

The spinal cord houses most of the autonomic nervous system and is very delicate.

Neurosurgeon only and soon!.

Answer 2

When you state he is missing 3 lower discs I assume you mean they are bulging? Once upon a time they would recommend surgery, but not anymore, because they realized that the chances of being pain free for life were not as good as they first thought. Remember, the discs dehydrate as we age, so I am 49, have a prolapsed disc that enjoys sitting on the nerve roots and takes my legs away, but unless I loose the bowel and bladder they are NOT going to remove it. Instead they are stating that as I age, the disc will dehydrate and basically shrink. They have me on fentanyl pain patches, which does help and it means I can still have a mobile life. Hunting, Fishing, 4 wheeling, at some point he will have to give all this up, usually to become a Husband and Dad. The choice is up to him, but I know while I was not happy with 'no surgery' now 12 months down the road, I am happy that I did not go for surgery. Good Luck

Answer 3

I agree with Jim D about the neurosurgeon.
My experience was much the same. I ended up having a spinal fusion L1-L5 and although it can put some limitations on physical function, I still do what I want without the pain I suffered from for years.