I have had 2 back surgeries, both fusions.
My last fusion in 2002 fused L4-L5-S1
this was performed by an anterior
approaching utilizing spinal cages. This
surgery did relieve the majority of the
nueropathy in my legs but did very little
for back pain. Over the last six months
my pain has increased substantially, I now
take morphine 15mg 3 times a day,
hydrocodone 10/500 as needed, Roabaxin
1500mg 3 times a day, naproxen 500 mg 2 a
day, and some anti-depressants. My last
x-rays show Apohyseal Joint Sclerosis
L3-S1 inclusive. I know that this means
hardening of the facet joints. The doctor
said basically that my back is fusing
together from the scar tissue build up
that is calcifying and that unless I start
taking it easy that the scar tissue can
compress the nerve roots to the point of
paralysis. He also stated that if the
scar tissue was removed that it would just
grow back, possibly more aggressively.
Also a point of curiosity is that an MRI
performed in Mar 05 stated I had
Degenerative Facet disease distally, but
made no mention of scar tissue. I am at
the point now where my reflexes are
compromised, loss of strength, as well as
constant burning in the lower extremities.
What should I do now?
|
DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 16777211
Thanks: 17
Thanked:0
Back Pain Answer A16 Posted: 12-26-05 18:33pm
Looking at your medical history, your age,
and your current condition you need a
COMMON EXPERT OPINION from a
rheumatologist, a neurosurgeon, a
neurologist, an orthopedist and a
physiotherapist. A "Common Expert
Opinion" is a consistent diagnoses from
all of these specialists.
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov, General Practitioner. Dr. Gjuzelov practices medicine for the general public and is affiliated with the Republic of Macedonia Public Health Institution. For more information about Dr. Gjuzelov or other eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Back Pain Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.
The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
