Does anyone have any experience of spinal fusion (back surgery) and what the outome is like?
Answers:
I have treated many patients over the years who have had spinal fusions and the results can vary considerably.
There are many factors to consider here:
- why is the fusions being done? I have seen fusions performed where it was not necessary and alternatives may have had a better outcome. There are other forms of surgery available now including disc replacements.
- I have seen patients who had one area of the spine fused, and because the biomechanics of the spine changed and the forces were transmitted to the area above the fusion, ended up needing another fusion years later above the original.
- how experienced is the doctor who performs it? Some doctors get better results than others.
I once read a story about one doctor, who had low back pain, going to see a surgeon for advice. The surgeon advised the doctor to have a lumbar fusion. When the doctor asked the surgeon for any research to show that lumbar fusion actually works, the surgeon couldn't produce any.
Some doctors are paid astronomical amounts by the surgical supply companies to use their fusion hardware. As a result, the doctor is more likely to opt for a spinal fusion because he will get kickbacks as a result. The doctor will also get paid more for doing a spinal fusion than other types of spinal surgery. Some doctors do not always have your best interests at heart!
Personally, I would not consider having a spinal fusion done unless I had the following:
- constant, unremitting pain going down one or both legs.
- obtained at least three opinions from both orthopedic and neuro surgeons
- loosing control of my bladder and bowels
- unable to walk more than 10-20 feet without my legs giving way
- had saddle anaesthesia (numbness and tingling around my pelvis and genitals).
This is just my personal and clinical experience from 15 years in the field.
A few yrs. ago my ex had this surgery. She had 2 discs fused. The outcome was remarkable! She has no trouble or pain whatsoever now. She had a remarkable surgeon. Please, make sure your surgeon knows what he's/she's doing. Good luck!
You should get a second opinion of another spinal surgeon and ask this question.
my brother in law had it done a couple of years ago he has scoliosis and has never felt better getting ready for some more done
Had C4-C7 (cervical discs) fused in March 2006; scar is healing well; have had no return of the constant pain and headaches experienced prior to this; had been in agony for 3+ years; still have a slight numbness in left forearm but Dr says this will improve. The quality of my life was greatly improved.
Two of my patients have got spinal surgery in India.One was treated for spondylolistheis by spinal fusion and the other for disc replacement.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.i strongly recommend you to talk to this company,checkout your options with surgery from them.
Hope this helps.
http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com...
The information post by website user , Helpde.com not guarantee correctness.