Back Surgery and Neck Surgery
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Fri, 11/06/2009 - 19:16
VAX therapy
Hi,
I'm Dixiejo and am new to this group, looking forward very much to learning from others.
Recently, I had 2 back surgeries - kyphoplasties. While they stabilized the 4 vertebrae, it also left me with 1 vertebra leaning into and compressing the spinal cord, a 30% reduced spinal canal in that area (stenosis) and also levescoliosis.
I also have 9 herniated disks, DDD, arthritis and fibro.
Am allergic to all NSAIDs. Just started using Forteo.
But the surgeries left me weak as a newborn kitten and with a lot of pain. The people at rehab therapy say they don't know what they can do to help me. My doc says no PT because of my risk of fractures. I do not have osteoporosis.
I'm at a loss for what I can do and don't live near top facilities.
I read about something called VAX therapy on the web, and am wondering if anyone has tried it and what their opinion is of it.
Any ideas of comments most welcome.
Dix
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of the VAX decompression therapy, but I have never tried it. I've seen a few posts from people who have tried it and gotten some relief and some who have tried it and felt worse. i suppose it all depends on your situation and what your doc says.
All the best to you,
Linda
Ruptured discs L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1 May 2007
One ESI in 2007 with lots of PT
Microdiscectomy and foraminotomy L5/S1 December 2007
Worsening of symptoms (back pain, sciatica, right leg weakness) June 2008
New MRI and Discogram show all three discs torn through the annulus, left to right, all three levels
2 ESIs unsuccessful in managing pain
PT, Duragesic pain patch and percocet for break-through
Was told nothing could be done for me because I had three levels and DDD
Given option of three-level fusion after being told nothing could be done
Surgery was November 19, 2008 fusing L3/4 to S1
Attempted PLIF (from both sides) on November 19th.
Rods and pins were placed, but scar tissues prohibited removal of the old discs.
On November 24th, I had ALIF (opened from top of pubic bone to the bottom of my left ribcage) and removed the torn discs, placed dowels with cadaver bone, and some of my own bone marrow mixed with BMP. I left the hospital on the 26th of November.
Currently suffering temporary (hopefully) nerve damage of both legs and total numbness of right foot. Strange tingling in both feet at 4.5 months out of surgery. Numbness still exists in right foot at almost 9 months out.
Weaned off Fentanyl patches and only take occasional percocet for pain.
Before you consider VAX D I recommend you discuss it with the person who did your kyphoplasty and anyone else you've been treating with such as the physical therapist.
If your physical therapist has said PT is not an option then VAX D may not be either as it is a form of cyclical traction and pulling action could be harmful to the area that underwent kyphoplasty and other discs and/or vertebrae. If you have any spinal hardware (pins, plates, screws, rods, etc) then VAX D is not an option.
C5-C7 PLIF & foraminotomy 5/2008
C5-C7 ACDF 5/2006
L4-S1 PLIF w/hardware 5/1993
L5-S1 PLIF 5/1987
Multiple knee surgeries '82 to present
I tried Vax-D when I'd hit the "it's either this or surgery" point. I know that there are people that do benefit from it, but myself- it made me worse, at least for a few months. My round of scheduled treatments was 20 sessions, but I only got through 10 before my Primary doc (who had suggested I try Vax-D before going to the knife) and I decided to end it. I wasn't receiving any benefit whatsoever and my hip and back started having new flare-ups and new pain radiation issues.
Mine is a disappointing story, because of course I wish it had helped me as it has others. But then again- there are cases where things do turn out a lot worse than when started. And I agree with the others- since you've already had trauma to your spine in the form of surgery, you're likely running a higher risk from trying it out. Talk with surgeons, neuros, etc., and get their input.
28 years old; significant back pain & occasional leg pain; tried: acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, medication, decompression therapy, epidurals, facet joint injections (all no to limited results); lumbar microdiscectomy @ L4-5 July 22, 2009 (and now we'll see what happens...)