Conditions Not Covered In Other Topics
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Wed, 11/04/2009 - 14:36
Michaelsmom
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Joined: 09/17/2009
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Requesting Advice for 1 Neurosurgeon Appt.

My son (27 years old and in the military) has degenerative disc disease and herniated disc.He's been in pain for over a year. He has been through everything the orthopedic doctor has asked him to do...shots, Graston Technique etc and they told him they could not help him. I believe the only tests he's had is an x-ray and MRI. He's now has an appointment with a Neurosurgeon I have two questions.

1. If this was your first appointment what would you ask the doctor.

2. Do you believe seeing a Neurosurgeon will a better way to go and will they be able to access what is causing the pain.

I hope I have posted this in the correct place.

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Wed, 11/04/2009 - 14:45
#1
marirlpn
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Joined: 12/09/2008
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Points: 952
welcome to SH

Here is a good article from this site:

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/preparing-meet-a-spin...

Personally, I prefer a neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgery only.

Best wishes to you,

Marianne

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Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
C5/6 fusion 1/08
L4/5 fusion 7/08

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Wed, 11/04/2009 - 21:02
#2
J.J.Grey
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Neuro

I would first want to know what type of surgery that he would suggest and 2nd I would ask how many of these surgeries he has done. How many were successful? What is his definition of successful? Pain free, stability etc. What are the risks associated with the surgery? What will the recovery be like? I must tell you that I am not a fan of surgery unless there is no other option at all. Reason being that there are no guarantees with surgery and once it is done it can not be undone. Some folks actually experience more pain after the surgery and some folks get great relief. I think that the odds are about 50/50 last time I checked. Also surgery at one level can weken the levels above and below requiring more surgery at a later date. You are doing the right thing by gaining as much knowledge as you can before meeting with the surgeon. I would also suggest getting at least 2 opinions and making sure that they are both fellowship trained spine specialists. These are all just my own personal opinions. Good luck and keep us posted.

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I am in no way associated with the medical field. Anything that I post comes from personal experience only.
DDD, Facet Arthropathy, DJD,Collapsed Disc, Sleep Apnea
PT, Epidurals, Facet Blocks,Medial Branch Block, Rhizotomy,Discogram,Annular Tare L3/L4 Endoscopic MicroD and PLDD,
Methadone, Percocet, Baclofen, Welbutrin

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