Spine Surgery

[kenm]

Well I have not posted much over the 9 months because I had developed pain and numbness in my right arm (right handed). I went through all kinds of testing and drug including physical therapy and nothing helped. They finally did a MRI and found I had bone spurs and bulged disc's at C5-6 & C6-7. They send me to a Neuro Surgeon and he wanted to fuse my neck. After the doctor told me what was involved and the problems I decided it was not for me. I went home and started searching on the INTERNET for another solution, I found the Laser Spine Institute in Tampa Florida. I sent them my MRI report and contacted me and said they could help me. I put them threw the ringer asking questions and checked them out @ the BBB, medical site and I found no issues. After one month I flew to Florida and had my first appointment on February 26, 2007. When I got there it was amazing to see the people there. From people in wheel chairs to people like me. I had my surgery on February 28, 2007. Right after surgery I already had my relief and I spoke with other patiences who had been in wheel chairs for years and it was the first time they had walked in years and the day after their surgery. They alleviate the pain and symptoms of the sufferers around the world of spinal conditions through gentle, minimally invasive arthroscopic laser procedures, offering a successful alternative to traditional open back and neck surgeries, fusions and artificial disk replacements.
I am home now and feel great I am going back to work on Monday. If I had gone with the fusion as the Nero surgeon had wanted I would be out for months and a very poor success rate.

If any of you out there have spine problems I would suggest looking these guys up. Even if you have already had a spinal fusion they still may be able to help.They will do the second opinion for free. Laser Spine Orthopedic Surgery - Spinal Surgery Experts

[beomaster5500]

Awesome! Great to hear! I too have "issues" in my neck and will look into this because I have been blowing off the inevitable!

[pipsmom]

Ken,
I'm glad to hear that you are feeling good and now able to go back to work. That is wonderful news. I wish I had read this 3 years ago when a friend of mine hurt her neck. She had the fusion done and has never been the same since! I am not saying that the fusion doesn't work for some but in her case I wish she hadn't had it done. Now she has no mobility in her neck and to look at things she must turn her body and one of her arms is basically useless.
Her injury happened at work and she has been fighting them on compensation since but in my opinion no money in the world can pay for the life she lives now. I am so glad you chose another option! GOD bless!

[bruno]

ken,
Congratulations on finding MIS to be a successful alternative for your condition, hopefully now leaving you with good mobility and being pain free.

What was once considered to be cutting edge, MIS is now becoming a common alternative to the typical, traditional surgical procedures. My neighbor just had this produre for hip replacement and she was up walking the same day! Too bad you couldn't find a facility closer that uses the same procedure.

Good luck with your recovery and I hope to see more of you on the forums!
bruno

[kenm]

Originally Posted by pipsmom

Ken,
I'm glad to hear that you are feeling good and now able to go back to work. That is wonderful news. I wish I had read this 3 years ago when a friend of mine hurt her neck. She had the fusion done and has never been the same since! I am not saying that the fusion doesn't work for some but in her case I wish she hadn't had it done. Now she has no mobility in her neck and to look at things she must turn her body and one of her arms is basically useless.
Her injury happened at work and she has been fighting them on compensation since but in my opinion no money in the world can pay for the life she lives now. I am so glad you chose another option! GOD bless!

Sorry to hear about your friends problem. I would still try to contact them and see if they can help. I have a customers wife who had the same thing happen and she is talking to them to see if they can help. It never hurts to talk if you can get your life back!!

[crhemi]

That's great! Thank you...
I have L-4, L-5 disc bulges and have lived in pain for 20 years. Surgeons wanted to cut me with no guaranties.
I'll look into this.

[kenm]

Thank you for all the kind kind words and encouragement. If this helps even one member of the forum it would be worth it.

I might add, I have one 3/4" incision with three stitches.

[srt8danno]

Wow ken that’s quite a testimonial! Congratulations on finding the place and having a successful procedure. Spinal injuries and treatments can be so tricky and you certainly don’t want to do the wrong thing. You were wise to look around and see what other options were available for you….thank goodness for the Internet.
Welcome back and hope to see you posting more!

[300 Addict]

It's great to here that you found a place to deal with your medical issues. Quality of life is very important for everyone, and to know that someone found out what was wrong medically and having it taken care of, is truly a blessing. Congratulations!