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Started By
Message
Spinal fusion help
Posted on 4/2/24 at 12:09 am
Posted on 4/2/24 at 12:09 am
Fellas,
I’m at the point I require a fusion for L5-S1 and L4-L5 to have any quality of life.
I have visited with Kevin McCarthy and Kelly Scrantz in BR, both with same recommendation.
Does anyone have experience with these procedures and/or with these surgeons or have good recommendations for excellent surgeons; willing to travel to get best help.
Thank you
I’m at the point I require a fusion for L5-S1 and L4-L5 to have any quality of life.
I have visited with Kevin McCarthy and Kelly Scrantz in BR, both with same recommendation.
Does anyone have experience with these procedures and/or with these surgeons or have good recommendations for excellent surgeons; willing to travel to get best help.
Thank you
Posted on 4/2/24 at 7:04 am to ValhallaAwaits
My wife did a disk replacement. No fusion. From what we were told this is a newish procedure and not all docs do it. Recovery time is a lot faster, no worries about the fusion not taking or affecting other areas. Immediate relief with very little recovery time.
Procedure was done in Houston.
Procedure was done in Houston.
Posted on 4/2/24 at 7:39 am to ValhallaAwaits
I had fusion of L3,4,5. I went orthopedic route. You’re headed neuro route. I had XLIF procedure. Wasn’t a candidate for disc replacement. I had too much arthritis. Took me a full year to recover but your journey will be different.
I’ve heard great things about Scrantz. Hear he’s a dick person but great surgeon.
I’ve heard great things about Scrantz. Hear he’s a dick person but great surgeon.
Posted on 4/2/24 at 9:15 am to ValhallaAwaits
I circulated a ton of fusion cases. Technology these days is great and 2 level fusions can be done minimally invasive. I'm a fan of going to Neuro over Ortho for these procedures. If you want to do research, ask your surgeon what implant company they use for interbody and screws/rods.
Posted on 4/2/24 at 10:32 am to tke_swamprat
Thank you for the input folks, appreciate it. Scrantz seems to be a sharp guy and flat out said it will be painful initial recovery. I will reach out to see why fusion with spacers vs disc replacement is being suggested.
Posted on 4/2/24 at 10:50 am to ValhallaAwaits
Last we saw my wife's surgeon, there aren't many places that will do lumbar disc replacements (at least in Texas). If I recall correctly, Texas Back Institute does them and is supposedly getting better results than anywhere else. According to her surgeon, the results aren't consistent and most surgeons will not do lumbar disc replacements.
This post was edited on 4/2/24 at 10:51 am
Posted on 4/2/24 at 10:55 am to ValhallaAwaits
Just wondering if you've exhausted all the non surgical options.
Posted on 4/2/24 at 4:19 pm to CSinLC
Chiro: check
PT: check
Stretching: Helps get going
ESI shots: check
Facet ablations: check
Microdiscectomies: check
Shots and burns ad nauseam
No narcotics just whiskey some nites
PT: check
Stretching: Helps get going
ESI shots: check
Facet ablations: check
Microdiscectomies: check
Shots and burns ad nauseam
No narcotics just whiskey some nites
Posted on 4/2/24 at 6:33 pm to ValhallaAwaits
I did all those things you mentioned. You’ll know when it’s time. Recovery was painful but not excruciating pain. You’re dealing with pain daily already.
Posted on 4/2/24 at 6:54 pm to Popths
You definitely understand. I’m at that point where I’m never not hurting. I understand how I got here and look forward to any improvement.
What would you say was toughest part of recovery and what should I do to set myself up for best recovery? Thank you.
What would you say was toughest part of recovery and what should I do to set myself up for best recovery? Thank you.
Posted on 4/2/24 at 10:17 pm to ValhallaAwaits
Get off the opioids ASAP. I slept in my recliner for 2 months after. Walk as much as you can as soon as you can. On nights I couldn’t sleep, I walked in the house. Follow doctor’s orders. Expect a long recovery. Mine took about a year but you’re taking a different route going neuro instead of ortho. All back situations are unique.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 3:09 am to Popths
Appreciate it. Good point re: recliner.
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