discussion Tomorrows surgeon appointment

[ojays]

Great result so far Dave, I would say go for it personally.


I had a spinal fusion several years ago, after 30 years of pain killers and physio.


I had complete faith in my surgeon who didn't pull any punches with the difficulties involved


The odds were 85% successful, 10% unsuccessful, 5% possible paralysis, however if I didn't have the surgery I would be in a wheelchair in my 60's.


Two damaged vertebrae joined together with what the surgeon termed, a medical rawlbolt surrounded by medical body filler.


However I have never looked back (no pun intended) and only the occasional twinge.


It's a personal choice I know, but I for one am happy with the results.


Gregg

 

[yak face]

Just caught this one dave, best of luck with whatever you decide , cheers tony

 

[Guest]

What a decision. Sounds like the prognosis is good though. Keep us posted on developments, and being a religious chap, I will be praying for you.

 

[dave]

also just found this,


Major surgery where you have a choice like this must be a difficult decision to take, I do not envy you. But whatever your choice I hope the outcome is the best for you.

 

[Dave Jay]

Thankyou guys, ive arrived home and have had some good news but need to consider everything before i say yes.
The surgeon says that my MRI on the spine shows good bone thickness in the medial area where the rod would be placed. The anterior sector of the T4 is malformed now on healing, but wont cause issues further than possible uncomfortable ache later on, but id have that anyway.


If i decide to go ahead, they will remove the pins, and the truss bar and insert a solid bar, with attachments to the medial and posterior parts of the spine, allowing the thorrasic area to become solid. It does mean ill have no ability to bend that part of my back, so bending down to pick things up or ducking undr things wont be possible ill need to relearn simple tasks, but the prognosis of the surgery is normally good, within 90% of cases.


The downside is, the spinal bone tissue can develop and grow over the entire bar, becoming spurred and that wpuld cause increased pain, requiring aditional surgery later. I think that i can live with that if it means i walk, and can drive a normal car, do normal things.


If i go ahead, the possibility is i go under in jan 2016, with an outlook to being up walking by May next year.


Thanks all for the fingers toes and everything crossed, it seems i may have a reprive!

Great news Dave, something to aim for. You have our ongoing support and best wishes.

 

[Guest]

That looks pretty positive, but as you say a lot to think about. Best of luck.

 

[Guest]

That sounds good Dave and with all us Daves on here right behind you all the way then the outlook is very positive.

 

[Guest]

Follow your heart man, and we're all rooting for you!

 

[Guest]

As you are already in a wheelchair, the prognosis looks good to me.

 

[Guest]

Go for it Dave, several years ago I broke my neck in a car crash C3 and was told I would never walk again, not only do I walk, run, swim and do everything else I also ended up back working, onwards and upwards buddy

 

[Guest]

Best wishes. This would be the best thing ever I imagine. Look forward to some good news later on