I am sure most of you veteran XBAer's remember my prior posting of when I got my second back surgery a few years ago. A discectomy on my L4-L5 disc due to a herniation. That was my second time herniating that same disc. Prior to that I had a double herniation in my L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs. That also ended in surgery with a double discectomy which took me out for a while.
Well, here comes round three. Recently, my back has been acting up a ton. Lots of pain in the lower back area, pain shooting in my left leg, having difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, etc. Stuff that had happened before in the past. I gave up detailing automobiles and have been also taking it easy when it comes to photography as my hobby, due to the pain. I have been going to NM Orthopedics for the past several months.
I have done X-Rays, MRIs, Injections and so on, and have been quite busy with them. I finally talked to a Doctor on Wednesday, and he told me that the next step would be a fusion of the L4-L5 area, basicly the big problem spot. He gave me two choices, I could do a partial fusion, which they only fix one side, or they can do a level 2 fusion, completely fusing the area. Basicly I would end up with screws in my spine and can now set off metal detectors like a champ all ninja style.
He also told me that with the level 2 fusion, I would lose 30% of my mobility. It would mainly affect anything that had to do with my back, ie. Sitting, bending, etc. If it were movement in my hips, I would be fine with that. He also mentioned that with this level 2 fusion, that it will affect me 20 to 25 years from now and most likely ruin the disc area above the fusion, which could potentially put me in a dub edition wheel chair.
So he gave me a bunch of paper work and wants me to think the whole thing over. My next appointment is in January (yes way too long) and I am personally leaning towards the level 2 fusion and not the partial. If their gonna go in there, might as well be in one shot. In 20 to 25 years, I would be close to 50 years of age, I don't know if I would really care if I was in a chair then. But I dunno.
What do you guys think? Have you had any experiences with this procedure or know someone who has been through it? I know some of you had talked to me on live, and you all know I value your feedback.
Thanks for reading and please share your thoughts or opinions.
Gabriel
Well, here comes round three. Recently, my back has been acting up a ton. Lots of pain in the lower back area, pain shooting in my left leg, having difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, etc. Stuff that had happened before in the past. I gave up detailing automobiles and have been also taking it easy when it comes to photography as my hobby, due to the pain. I have been going to NM Orthopedics for the past several months.
I have done X-Rays, MRIs, Injections and so on, and have been quite busy with them. I finally talked to a Doctor on Wednesday, and he told me that the next step would be a fusion of the L4-L5 area, basicly the big problem spot. He gave me two choices, I could do a partial fusion, which they only fix one side, or they can do a level 2 fusion, completely fusing the area. Basicly I would end up with screws in my spine and can now set off metal detectors like a champ all ninja style.
He also told me that with the level 2 fusion, I would lose 30% of my mobility. It would mainly affect anything that had to do with my back, ie. Sitting, bending, etc. If it were movement in my hips, I would be fine with that. He also mentioned that with this level 2 fusion, that it will affect me 20 to 25 years from now and most likely ruin the disc area above the fusion, which could potentially put me in a dub edition wheel chair.
So he gave me a bunch of paper work and wants me to think the whole thing over. My next appointment is in January (yes way too long) and I am personally leaning towards the level 2 fusion and not the partial. If their gonna go in there, might as well be in one shot. In 20 to 25 years, I would be close to 50 years of age, I don't know if I would really care if I was in a chair then. But I dunno.
What do you guys think? Have you had any experiences with this procedure or know someone who has been through it? I know some of you had talked to me on live, and you all know I value your feedback.
Thanks for reading and please share your thoughts or opinions.
Gabriel
. Jokes aside, either way in my opinion, I see myself being in some kind of pain. If I don't get the surgery, I'm obviously still hurting. If I get the surgery, it sounds like I could be in pain, here and there. As far as daily routines, I can't say how much I will be able to do something until the surgery happens.
