My T12 exploded during a traumatic injury I had no choice but to have a fusion. Fortunately the neurosurgeon was very experienced. Didn’t have to use a cage, all the bones came back to place and Fortunately the bones missed my spinal cord and nerves during the accident and I have had no numbness, tingling, or nerve issues before or after surgery. Praise God 🎉
Also: Surgeons are, let's not forget, human. We are, unfortunately, not perfect. We do the best we can, within our constraints. Thank you for your very kind compliment; I may use your comment in one of my videos ("Pure heart and clean hands")... you summed it up perfectly. Thank you 🙏
I’ve listened to a multitude of spine surgeons and this guy seems Sincere and Honest and Very Caring and Surprisingly Humble. Thank you for your comments
His key comment was the vast majority of patients do very well after surgery. I’m one. Over a year’s time I had 4 Epidural’s in my L4 L5 and S1 and the pain in my right buttock and down my leg came back even worse. I am 4 weeks post op surgery. L4 L5 and S1 had cages inserted and were fused. I’m getting around great and no more pain shooting down my leg. People do your due diligence. Make sure you have exhausted all other remedies.
I have the same horror story, I started in 1988 now 2024 I am much worse off and barely functional, the pain is awful. I've had 3 different Doctors some of the best in Dallas, Texas but it just didn't work for me, now I'm 78 years ago and in bad shape 😢
@@shirleybarton1946 Sorry for your pain. I’ve experienced the same problem as yours. Sometimes the pain makes me feel the worthiness of living without any quality or purpose. Merry Christmas 🎄
@@willowJ-nb3iy I'm sorry that you are experiencing this 😔 it's an awful thing to not be able to enjoy your life whatever you have left without being in constant pain. Please try to have a Very Happy Blessed Christmas. God loves you ❤
Work comp delays on surgery Screwed me over, Needed fusion at L5 S1, took a year and did only laminectomy, failed back surgery syndrome, it's been hell ever since. 😢
@SpineSurgeonSpeaks thank you, surgeons were great, not there fault, severe DDD entire lumbar now and partial sacral fused and stenosis, if they just would have fused L-4 L-5 S-1 like they wanted, life is tough.
Im almost positive my first surgery failed simply because they wanted the chance to do a second surgery. I had herniated discs L4,L5 and L5,S1. They only removed part of one disc claiming the other one wasnt bad enough to worry about yet. Well, i was in worse pain after that surgery. I did a lot of research and found another surgeon. 2.5 years later, both discs are replaced with spacers, parts of vertebrae removed and fused L4-S1 now. Im 2.5 months out of that surgery. Research, research, research...
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks I'll check it out if I haven't already. I found your channel a few days ago. Most of the videos I've come across on spine surgery are 5-7, even 10+ years old. That seems strange to me considering how much and how quick technology changes.
Okay I am watching your video and you just explained exactly what I am dealing with in my spine at the 8:47 mark. I have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. I have facet cysts that swell and make my spinal nerves very angry. I have back pain daily and the facet cysts get so swollen and irritated that they are not responding well to anti inflammatory meds. I had to lay off of them due to my kidney function declining. I had decompression surgery on June1, 2015 in the L5, S1 area. Now due to the shifting and facet cyst swelling, I have sciatic nerve pain that starts in my lower back, goes around the groin and down my left leg. I was never told that I would be facing another surgery because I thought I was one and done. Now I see that having another surgery may not fix my back pain at all. I am so tired and tired of hurting because the instability has affected my quality of life, my daily activities and my marriage. I am afraid of going through fusion surgery but living with the pain is worse. I work as a business officer so there is no good time of the year to be out of work for 3 months. I hate I found myself in this position, but glad I found your channel. I will continue to do my research before agreeing to another surgery, but there are no guarantees. Thank you so much for your advice.
I slipped a disc around L4 when I was 26 yrs old. My GP told me it was not unusual of someone working in the building trade ( bricklayer ) and that it was wear and tear. ( at 26 yrs?). Anyway I am now 73 and still suffering. My last surgery in 2016 / 17 I had a L4/ L5/S1 fusion at Nottingham Queens Medical. The day after when my wife and son came to see me I was apparently in good spirits. They said the surgery went successfully. However, from day two onwards from what I have been told things changed dramatically and instead of ending up in the hospital for 3/4 days, I was there four and a half weeks. My wife discovered that they had tore into my spinal canal and as I had to remain motionless for ten days they overdosed me with Ketamine and morphine. My wife said I was in a really bad temper and saying nasty things to her and others. I had my Father and Brother visit me from Wales ( they had died years previously ). They had constructed a scaffold outside the window and a pop concert had taken place the day before. These were the side effects of too many drugs to keep me motionless. Since then and increasing daily, i suffer with more pain in my back than ever. Now that I am expecting Pain Management at the hospital to concentrate on lessening the pain my hopes are vanishing. None of them will admit that things did not go to plan and their sympathy towards what pain can do for you not just physically but mentally but also the stress and pressure it puts in my case ( my dear wife ). From being allowed the privilege of retiring at leisure and be free to organise each day as it comes? she is now a carer and nurse and has no quality time for herself as would be expected when retired. She can’t plan ahead because each day there is a problem. We are due to attend my dear Uncle’s funeral on Monday next in Wales. We are going to travel down on Saturday ( health permitting ) so I can have Sunday to rest after the journey to be prepared for Monday. But I will not know until Monday if I am able to attend health wise. My advice is this, think very very hard about surgery to your spine. It cannot be reversed and not all consultants are as good as they think they are.
Oof, I had the same problem and surgery etc, but I realize now that it’s better to do a laminectomy if the discs are calcified, because if they go tearing up the disc it is quite likely it will reherniate uncontrollably, it’s not the surgeons fault, they have a tough decision to make but I stopped thinking that they would hurt me on purpose. My sciatica is unbearable and my back is absolutely destroyed from the operation but a few months post op is not grounds to say it’s better or worse, disc replacements aren’t going to fail right away, but let me know how you’re doing in 5 years. I’m putting off a fusion as long as possible but yea, life sucks.
Had a microdiscectomy l4-l5 almost 20 years ago and I am so happy I did. I had c4-c6?fused 11 years ago and I am so happy I did. Both places hurt from time to time but nothing like before.
I’ve survived three helicopter crashes which damaged my lower back with three crushed disks this happened when I was a teenager and early twenties. Later in life I got bad headaches and went to a chiropractor which was a big mistake and he actually made it worse. Then I went on a keto diet to get off my type 2 diabetes drugs and after losing 60 lbs in two and half months and it cured my arthritis and back problems so I’m now 85 and after five years on keto and fasting diet I now feel much better with no back pain and no arthritis in any joints.
This is useful to any potential patient considering orthopedic surgery. The way every alternative is explored is illuminating. Altogether, the explanation gives a person a succinct answer regarding possible symptoms and outcomes. I was once considering a shoulder procedure after banging it on a sidewalk when I tripped while out running. The doctor did not think surgery would be the way to go in my case. I admit I was skeptical: it felt almost disarticulated; but I thanked him and went on with my life strengthening the area as best I could. After viewing this excellent outline by the spine surgeon, I feel like I know more than I did before about how things could go wrong. Everything is sensibly and rationally mapped out and there are valid reasons why. Thank you, Doctor! Sometimes no surgery is the best alternative.
I just put all the dots together. Diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome due to mis diagnose wrong surgery. You explained everything so delicately beautiful. Definitely would be great to have a consultation with you.
Age 30 I have grade 1 posterolisthesis of l5 over s1 vertebra i have seen few surgeon and most of them recommend me surgery right away and there was 1 who said you wont need surgery at-least for next 10-15 years just do some stretching and core strengthening everyday very thankful to him i am doing better now .
It's best to proceed carefully and thoughtfully. Get a consultation with a spine-specialist, and maybe a second opinion if you're not sure. Good luck to you.
Dr Khan is an excellent surgeon. Watch his videos, very interesting, and you will learn a lot. I suffered 3 years with back pain. After he performed my surgery, it was only a matter of a few weeks with PT, and I feel great!! It's not even been a year since i had my surgery. THANK YOU!!
Is there a cure or should you go for another surgery if you have nerve damage from the surgery, like drop foot and unstable leg, weakness of the abductor muscles
Due an accident I had to have neck and back surgery -14 screws , 2 rods and 5 years of intense therapy and doing great. I’m 64 years old and living as close as to a normal life as possible.
Great to hear that you are doing so well! It is not easy to recover from two spine surgeries, especially after a trauma. Wishing you all the best int he future.
I had a fusion L5-S1, the Dr used 2 cages and went in through the back. The first 5, or 6 months I was great. Then, it started, scar tissue started growing, now, the S1 issue is S1 - S2, and with pain management since 2003. At 75, I am still actively donating time to both the town and Mil. I am always in a little pain, but I will not increase my meds.
I just had a 360 Revision spinal fusion surgery. 3 surgeries done in within 4 days. June 21st. I had Pseudoarthrosis & my 2 bottom screws came loose, so I found a new surgeon & that’s what he put together. Removed my old hardware from spine day 1. Day 2 cut my belly for anterior fusion then day 3, put the screws in my spine properly. 4 blood transfusions. Now, I’m recovering at home
Wow, that's a lot of surgery, great to hear that you are recovering well! Sometimes a surgery like that is needed to treat pseudoarthrosis, and most patients do very well afterwards. Wishing you all the best, thank you for sharing 👍
I'm due to have lumbar surgery in 2 weeks. They will be going through my stomach and then my back. Why did they do the anterior and posterior on two different days? I also want to ask how your post op recovery was.
Thank you very much for this video. I have just received a DDD diagnosis in l5-s1. After my personal investigation, I concluded that as a degenerative problem maybe it will be in the best of my interest to treat it as a degenerative problem and do everything possible to manage and slow down degeneration in the other vertebrae (I don’t know if this is possible but I will try to find out) more than a back pain problem. Thank you for inviting us patients to learn, ask, question, investigate and think… (Apologies for my English as I am not a native speaker😅).
Thank you for sharing, I am glad that my video was helpful to you. DDD at L5/S1 is very common, but whether or not to have surgery is a different matter than you need to carefully discuss with your physician/surgeon. I made a video which may be of interest to to you: "Don't have spine surgery if..." ua-cam.com/video/ovSTtD08Olw/v-deo.html Wishing you good health and good luck 👍
Absolutely right 👍 great tips,ive recently had bone fusion surgery done a mnth ago,and procrastinated my surgery bout 10 yrs,yes therapy, medication and pain management injections etc,just time consuming and no results with therapy and injections Medication and still being able to walk after,but yes L-4&L-5 slip disc & very successful,Doc Mathew Alexander in corpus Christi TX such a great professional surgeon,yet blessings to you all ,take care,know a decompression only works temporarily,do not return back to heavy duty activities.
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks thank you ,two months after procedure,and have experience waking up pain ,left side hip,and without medication,a lot of fatigue ness,pain,lost of strength,, assuming to early into the rehabilitation to say anything.but still with therapy.
Thank you for the video. I had an open laminectomy (L5-S1) 12 years ago. It was so far successful but unfortunately I fell off the stairs 4 months into healing. All my symptoms came back and it was found that it caused a herniated disc on L4-L5) so a second surgery was done. My condition really improved. Until 6 years after when all my symptoms came back. 3 years later they found that I developed a lot of scar tissue and that my spine became unstable so after exhausting all noninvasive modalities and consulted several doctors, all of them concluded it was FBSS. I just had my multilevel spine fusion (L2-S1) and is now on the way to recovery.
Thank you for your kind words, appreciate it. Recovering from multiple spine surgeries is never easy; wishing you an excellent recovery! Good luck to you 👍👍
Hey Doctor please reply My Dad 50 MRI findings are suggestive of spondylotic changes of the cervical spine with broad-based posterocentral and right paracentral disc protrusion with posterior marginal osteophyte (disc osteophyte complex) and ligamentum flavum thickening at C6-C7 level causing narrowing of the right lateral recess, focal secondary spinal canal stenosis and significant bilateral (right > left) traversing. nerve root compression. The compressed cervical cord at C6-C7 level also demonstrates focal Intramedullary T2 hyperintensity representing myelomalacic cord changes / focal cord edema. Mild posterior disc osteophyte complex with ligamentum flavum thickening at C5-C6 level is also seen causing indentation over the ventral cervical cord surface with no significant intramedullary signal Intensity change.Does he need surgery
Dr you truly understand because am listening to how you explain this is like wow someone who understands... most dr won't break down this feel like your going crazy.. when the pain exists...
Great video thank you. My spine is Hypermobile and has started to cause havoc. Bone spurs, spinal nerve compression, and herniated disks. No idea what my drs will do. Anyone else?
I had sciatica down my right leg. First, they put me through physical therapy, which didn't help. Then I had corticosteroids in my lumbar spine every 3 months for a year. Finally I had surgery with a hemilaminectomy and removal of bone spurs. After 3 weeks of painful recovery, I was pain free. That was 2 or 3 years ago.
One of the best videos I’ve seen when regards to back surgery, myself I’ve had two back surgery. Would have loved to seen and heard this video prior to my surgeries however, I was lucky I had good surgeons and my surgeries were basically 20 years apart. I now understand much more about how and why the surgeon did what he did once again thanks for the video.
At 24 years old, freshly graduated from college I had gradually worsening sciatic pain. Ended up having lumbar laminectomy. No fusion, but complete disc removal, by an excellent neurosurgeon. He said I might need another surgery within 10 years. I didn't. I'm 70 now and have degenerative disc disease. Really don't trust the medical/hospital industry after the co-vid debacle. But wondering about a steroid injection to alleviate the pain. I keep a cane nearby, but pain lessens after moving around a bit by mid day. Worse in mornings. I've found a 30 hour fasting session will lower inflammation noticeably. Teeter incline board Really helps, but it's very temporary.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Glad to hear that yoru spine surgery was so successful. Yes, the healthcare-industry has lost a lot of credibility because of the c***d era... no doubt about that. Wishing you the best of luck and the best of health.
It is soooo refreshing to see an honest and open Surgeon! THANK YOU for your honesty! Where are your located and are you taking patients for consultations?
This is the best surgeon you all find. Dr Khan performed surgery on my daughter's back and a year later on mine. Excellent results for both of us. I was amazed at how quick I was healing with the PT program he recommended, too. Thank you, Dr. Khan!!
Excellent video.and informative. I had leminectomy 50 years ago. Some six months ago had fall on escalator. Now I have been waiting for L 4/5 S1 fussion I have spondylitis and bone spurs. Bad groin butt thighs. Have C5;6,7 bone spurs both arms just very worried I don’t smoke 73 years just very worried. Floppy right foot not much can’t walk far need to lay not much life. Don’t like taking MS Contin but I have faith in Dr
I had a laminectomy in 2009 for spondylosis and stenosis. Ended up with a L4-5 fusion. The bones pinched off the spinal cord, so I couldn't stand anyone. When they did the fusion, they found the little butterfly shaped thing from the laminectomy floating around unattached. That explains the excruciating pain that nothing could touch. 12+ years now of a normal life! 💥
I enjoyed this video - plain-language, circumspect, and well-chosen diagrams/models. On another point: at least as important as financial incentives (which i actually don't think figure centrally in most doctors' 'life calculus'), is the uncomfortable feeling of impotence in the face of desperate patients, and the fear that said patients will trot off to another, and more 'accommodating', specialist. This eventuality makes doctors feel threatened and potentially inferior to their peers. And noone wants to feel impotent or inferior.
My new surgeon straight up lied to me. About needing a 3rd lumbar fusion. First 2 fusions went great, some relief of pain. For my third i had a second opinion the surgeon said i didnt need the fusion but if i think it might help my pain do it. My surgeon told me he could get me pain free which i didn't really believe, but went through with it. Post op discharge pain was the same . Then he said i needed a spinal cord stimulator and his partner will do it . After my second revision with the implant im having i taken out.
This was very informational! I had a discectomy laminectomy 9 years ago that didn’t go well. I had 2 other surgeons say that I should have had a fusion. I am now at the point where my left buttocks and leg down to foot hurts 24/7. I went to another surgeon and he said I need a laminectomy and multi level fusion. I’m scared to death to do this after reading horror stories from people and seeing my mother go through 4 fusion surgeries with permanent nerve pain from her first front the screw breaking or coming loose and on a nerve for 5 months until they went back in and figured it out.
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic back pain I strongly urge you to look into, and certainly with your pain specialist and your physician, spinal cord stimulators. It's not for everyone for various reasons but it works better than any medication without side effects or risk of addiction. It's an outpatient procedure that in many cases only takes about an hour and it gives you instant control of pain that you can dial in to specific areas as opposed to having to take a pill and wait to see if it helps and my experience is no pills stop pain. With medicine it's a question of how fuzzy do you need to be to tolerate the pain. You end up spending at least half a day waiting for the pill to work and it never does. Stimulation not only works but is instant at the push of a button and you can adjust it in so many ways to overpower the pain in whatever part hurts and at the level of the pain, 1 to 10. You can't change the strength of a pill or target a body part. I have 2 of them as a result of a head on car wreck and they changed my life. Literally. I hope this is helpful.
I was actually really mad because my doctor gave me the impression that the pain that I was having when they did my back surgery, which was a ALIF 360 L4S1 and when I woke up, I thought that the nerve pain would go away. I had no success. I spent five days in the hospital and then I went home and I just thought that OK I will get better in three months six months one year and it never did and I kept going back to the doctor saying what’s wrong. Why is it not working and all the doctor did was show me off to a pain specialist and basically write me off and never saw me again. And he told me there’s nothing I can do for you anymore. You need to go to pain specialist consider doctor, but he had too much of an ego and didn’t really care about the patient that he was saying which is very sad now I’m still suffering for the last six years from the surgery, but I’ve been suffering for 10 years with this problem. That’s never gone away.
Sorry to hear about your difficulties. It is not easy to deal with such a problem, because it affects all aspects of life. Maybe you could get a second opinion from one or two spine surgeons to see if they have any recommendations. Wishing you the best of luck and the best of health 🙏❤️
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks you’re so kind thank you so much and please keep posting information. Could you post information on a posterior cervical laminectomy C3 through C6. Could you explain when you decide to do that type of procedure and how is it done?
It took 5 years to get over the L4-L5 fusion. First fusion with my own damn bone harvested didn’t take. One year later I had to ReDo the damn surgery. It took me 5 plus years to feel ok
Thank you Doctor. Your candid, clear acknowledgment of your and others experiences are a refreshing reflection on the realities of surgery and it’s complexities, uncertainties, and at times inabilities. Surgeons are talented, adventurous, and for the most part conscientious individuals who want to aid others whom are suffering. Still, only the Creator can “perfectly” heal all patients. As we and surgeons are imperfect at best, we can only expect their imperfect best. Does that mean a surgeon has committed some error because the patient does not gain relief after surgery? No. It means that, since we live in this world, we need to accept that which we cannot change. Perhaps that reality is even more difficult than the unsuccessfully treated patient?
I had stenosis/arthritis/disc degeneration in L5/L6 and dealt with it for years. I started injections and ablation 6 years ago and had a laminectomy 2 years ago. The laminectomy did fine for 6 months then the back and sciatica pain came back. I went back for more injections and ablations which worked until they didn't and pain management sent me back to the surgeon. Surgeon did an L4/L5 fusion a month ago and the sciatica was gone instantly and recovery is going well. Another complication, that I just figured was sciatica, is severe knee pain. Never went to a ortho because I figured it was sciatica related. I was wrong. My primary did an xray and they diagnosed stage 4 arthritis in both knees. Now I'm waiting to see the orthopedic surgeon.
Thank you for sharing. Glad to hear that you are recovering well from your fusion surgery. Yes, sometimes it is possible to have a pinched nerve in the back *and* joint-arthritis at the same time. It is relatively common. Best of luck in the future.
First time watching. I subscribed, with thumbs up. Everyone who watch this should subscribed because you gave great clarity. In what state do you practice?
I had what the Dr called a simple L4-5 laminectomy, when the dura tore and the surgery finished. The Dr came to my hospital room and said this did not happen in surgery, this was preexisting. Sadly, I was sent home with Cauda Equina Syndrome and the Dr in complete denial 😢.
I had cervical fusion and my surgeon didn't file the plate enough. So now it overhangs to adjacent disk spaces. Long, bone spur. The pain is unbearable. Please excuse me because I have not slept in two nights and this happens quite frequently because of my pain thanks
Three back surgeries right on the L5-S1 spinal fusion done on 2020; it's 2024 going on 2025 and i'm billions times worse than ever, and i'm a wheelchair dependent for the rest of my life/ my updated MRI results shows two times in a roll that my condition is progressing/ my entire right leg hurts so bad with lots of numbness and tingling sensation. I've been living in torment all year around none stop
Where is this surgeon what state and hospital I have sciatica can't walk or go anywhere I have lots of pain plus I have 3hernia disk L3 L4 L5 I need surgery I can't take the pain from the back down my leg thank you
I have degenerative arthritis and was assaulted causing 4 herniated discs. After an MRI, I was given an emergency appointment with a university hospital.
Yes, I understand your dilemma. Recovering from spine surgery if you have AS is very challenging. Best to think long and hard about this decision. Wishing you the best of luck and the best of health in the future 👍
I'm currently disabled with this. Laminoplasty, l 4_l6 and s1, but, I'm making a recovery after almost 25 years. Interested? Feel free to confirm this, I have all records.
The neurosurgeon that performed my lumbar lamenectomy in 2009 told me not to sit for longer than 30 mins at a time. To get up and walk/move around. So far so good with my surgery but my eldest sibling had hers fail twice...she blamed it on her sitting at the computer for too long. The third surgery she had they had to go in from the front! 😬 Not sure what doc did her surgery but im so thankful i had an experienced, older neurosurgeon. I'd avoid using a young inexperienced specialist with such a sensitive surgery.
I truly can’t thank you enough Dr. Khan for being so transparent and a True Doctor (who’s often compared with God)! Because here in India medical profession has become a money minting game where, there’re no sentiments for patients nor transparency. Surgeons intimidate patients by showing the gloomy picture and push them to surgeries! I’ve been suffering from multiple disc bulges including L4, L5, S1 wherein my feet have become numbed and have severe burning 247365 since past 8-9 years. But I’m avoiding surgery as it might result in irreversible spinal infection and also post op complications. Thanks again doc 🙏
I am humbled by your generous words, thank you. Being a surgeon is a true privilege, and it is always best to be honest and straight-forward with patients. Wishing you all the best in the future, good luck to you
Okay I am watching your video and you just explained exactly what I am dealing with in my spine at the 8:47 mark. I have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. I have facet cysts that swell and make my spinal nerves very angry. I have back pain daily and the facet cysts get so swollen and irritated that they are not responding well to anti inflammatory meds. I had to lay off of them due to my kidney function declining. I had decompression surgery on June1, 2015 in the L5, S1 area. Now due to the shifting and facet cyst swelling, I have sciatic nerve pain that starts in my lower back, goes around the groin and down my left leg. I was never told that I would be facing another surgery because I thought I was one and done. Now I see that having another surgery that may not fix my back pain at all. I am so tired and tired of hurting because the instability has affected my quality of life, my daily activities and my marriage. I am afraid of going through fusion surgery but living with the pain is worse. I work as a business officer so there is no good time of the year to be out of work for 3 months. I hate I found myself in this position, but glad I found your channel. I will continue to do my research before agreeing to another surgery, but there are no guarantees. I have had steroid shots, PT, chiropractic care, currently in PT now, dry needling, med management, you name it, I have done it or been referred for it. Thank you so much for your advice. This video is very helpful and I am reviewing your other videos for more information. I got a second opinion as the first surgeon just sent me to have shots and RFA treatment. After getting tired of being a human pen cushion, I got my second opinion and he found I had instability in my cervical spine that was corrected with fusion in August 23. He was able to get another MRI due to a positive Hoffman sign (you got a video for that) as I was more focused on my lower back pain I didn’t notice the signs of numbness and tingling in my hands. I just thought I was sleeping wrong. Now I have to focus on my lumbar surgery with no leave time and a lengthy rehab journey ahead. I am just tired of this journey. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you for your very thoughtful comment, I understand completely. Sometimes hindsight is 20/20, agreed. As a patient it can be very difficult to make decisions about whether or not fusion is a good idea for you because there is an element of uncertainty associated with this choice. I wish you the best of health and good luck 👍
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks just had spinal fusion 10-28-24. Recovery harder than expected, but carefully optimistic. I’m only a week and few days. Off opioids after 5 days. Have not found updated recovery videos for expectations for recovery. Most are 2-3 years old and my experience has been quite different. Can you provide any? Would like to stay in touch with you about my recovery and help others if possible that are facing this decision and choice. Thank you for what you do.
After 4 failed surgery's on my L4/L5 L5/S1 10 years taking pain medication i really dont see an end to the pain , i am now suffering worse pain than before the operations i wish i had not had the procedures.
I know a few people who have surgery, only to go back and have a second surgery, that still doesn’t work. I’ve been offered a 7 hr operation, I declined I’d rather work with what I have. Light walking helps, with stretching and light exercise. Lifting heavy objects is a no no for me, you know your limits and have to work with them.
I had My back fusion surgery in the early 2000's that left me with chronic major back problems & chronic serious pain so bad that I now stand slouched over and I have to walk with a cane and some days I can't walk at all and I'm in constant pain. Back fusion surgeries have a very high rate of failing and do not correct your back problems. I ended up having a second back fusion because according to my surgeon my first one failed. After about 13 yrs a different better surgeon sat me down and told me that the back fusions did more harm to my back than good and he went in and literally took out all the hardware because the hardware in my back literally did no good except he couldn't remove one screw because it was broken and it was titanium and titanium isn't supposed to easily break. I had decompression surgery too and disc removal. I also have major permanent nerve damage on my left side from my waist down to my toes.
So sorry. I know and remember that pain all too well even though its been 15+ years since. Worst pain I've ever had...natural childbirth didn't even compare but I think it is because that leg pain was constant...day in and day out. Lost 11 lbs in 2 weeks. My pinky toe is still numb from the nerve damage. I really feel so awful for you and wish I had an answer to solve your pain 😔. I will say a prayer for you.
Hi I just listened to your podcast about failed back surgery, I’m short listed for surgery due to severe spinal pain both cervical and lumbar, I have been thinking hard about this wether to go ahead or put up with the pain, I know that older l get the more painful it’s going to be but also may take longer to recover, so I’m confused about which way to go, thank you for your help and information
No one even mentioned that it could very much possibly be done wrong by the surgeons. That’s what happened to me!After BBS, it led to Spondylolisthesis and now sciatica. I’ve not seen any hopes for me in the near future 😊😅
Omg, I wish I had you for a Dr. I’ve been through ringer with failed back surgery. I had spondylolisthesis and severe spinal stenosis. My life has been a debilitating hell. Looking at a pump stimulator🙏
Thank you for reaching out, appreciate your kind words. Recovery from spine surgery is not easy, agreed. Wishing you the best, hope you feel better soon 🙏
Spine should be operated only on three indications 1. Cauda equina syndrome 2. Unstable symptomatic spine 3. Trauma spine causing spinal cord compression.
What about smoking makes you not heal? Is it nicotine in general? Because I don't smoke but I do indulge in nicotine via zyns. Would my herniated discs heal better if I quit nicotine?
I had laminectomy with all my back complications, nerve pain osteoarthritis spondylolisthesis degenerative disc disease severe L5 S1 stenosis after months worse off
MRI findings are suggestive of spondylotic changes of the cervical spine with broad-based posterocentral and right paracentral disc protrusion with posterior marginal osteophyte (disc osteophyte complex) and ligamentum flavum thickening at C6-C7 level causing narrowing of the right lateral recess, focal secondary spinal canal stenosis and significant bilateral (right > left) traversing. nerve root compression. The compressed cervical cord at C6-C7 level also demonstrates focal Intramedullary T2 hyperintensity representing myelomalacic cord changes / focal cord edema. Mild posterior disc osteophyte complex with ligamentum flavum thickening at C5-C6 level is also seen causing indentation over the ventral cervical cord surface with no significant intramedullary signal Intensity change. Does 50 years with little pain need surgery
I had microdissectomy of my level 5-S1 last December2020 for sciatica. Before surgery, I could walk about 4 miles without pain. Now I hv pain when I walk, especially uphill. Please tell me why and what I should do. Femaile, 72 years old. Thank you Doctor. Hope to hear from the doctor soon.
Sorry to hear about your difficult situation. I cannot give you advice about your particular condition (since I don't know the details) but it is always a good idea to get a second opinion from another surgeon. Wishing you all the best.
I had a laminectomy and discectomy in my thoracic spine T8-9 for a big herniated disc, the pain was radiating to the ribs and abdomen, I did all the treatments prior of the surgery and didn’t help also another MRI to see if the herniated disc had shrunken and it didn’t. I had this surgery 1 year ago and the pain in my ribs subsided, but I still have pain in my back, buttocks and hips that I didn’t have. MRI showed a little piece of the disc got into the Foramen space after surgery and is pressing the nerve. I don’t want to do anymore surgeries, but my life changed completely because I can’t work or enjoy life with my husband like before. Does time heals the spine by itself ? What do you recommend? Thank you in advance 😊
I had congenital bilateral pars defects that resulted in spondylolthesis. I had laminectomy, fusion and decompression. I got little benefit and now have bilateral si joint pain.
Dr I had a L5S1 13 years ago no pain after. Developed sciatica problems again mri showed bulge in same area. Had surgery 5 months ago took it easy but siatica is back I can do ok with advil Tylenol every six hours in PT now. In your opinion will pt and stretches help with scar tissue which is what I believe has happened this time
I had Anterior Spinal Fusion of L3, L4, and L5 in 2009,and I'm still going strong!! Good old South African Surgeon!!! Do have Sciatic pain now and then, but not bad!
Hi Dr Khan My 76 yr. old mother was told she needed a spinal stenosis surgery 2 days ago. I have new concerns now after watching your video as I am her care giver. #1 Where do you practice? 😊 #2 We live south of Dallas , if you are not close to us , is there a colleague you would refer? My main concern is that we get this right with 1 procedure understanding that there are no guarantees. Thank you for your videos , you have been blessed!!
Thank you for reaching out. I practice in Milwaukee, WI. I personally don't know of any spine surgeons in Dallas, but I am aware of Dr. Chester Donnally (a UA-camr) who practices in Dallas. Wishing your mom the best. Good luck.
Had it done twice 😢 Its just a hot mess! Sadly I felt like first doc did a number on me that it/was unfix able. Now I’m in pain 24/7 . Then have been talked in to trying all kinds of other stuff… And well no one can repair and PM is SO AFRAID to change my medication due to the opioid crisis.
Dr. Kahn I have had multiple surgeries/fusions, after years of shots and therapy . S1 thru L2, 10 screws 2 rods. Lamina removed, and the spinal canal widened. It still didn't stop the pain, burning and weakness. I was then advised to try a spinal cord stimulator. The trial was abandoned because they could not insert the wires thru bone spurs and scar tissue. It was then recommended to go straight to permanent because insurance didn't want an open trial with my diabetes. So I got a permanent nevro stimulator, and after over 30 programs, still not much relief. Always my second opinion saw no course better than my primary surgeon. Since the stimulator failed and pain actually got worse, I got another opinion and of course, MRI. And now the level above my fusion is herniated. This third surgeon wants me to start to merry go round of shots because an operation would be difficult having to go under my 12th rib and move my lung. Should I try the shots, again, or just give up. I've had awful back pain for decades and I really have no hope for relief. Thanks Dr.
Thank you for reaching out. The situation you described is obviously quite challenging. I always tell my patients that recovery after spine surgery is usually quite challenging, but in some cases it can be extremely difficult (as you have described). Unfortunately I cannot diagnose your condition or recommend a treatment since I have not had a chance to examine you (or review your records). But, having said that, if your pain is unrelenting, you may want to talk to your pain-management doctor about an implanted pain-pump. I am not sure if that is the right answer for you, but it is something you can discuss with your PM-doc. Good luck and good health to you ❤️🙏
I have S1 L5 4 L3 L2 fusion and now I have scar tissue also C3 thru C7 fusion all do to stenosis and degenerative disc never a day without pain. The surgery was a success but scar tissue was inevitable so make sure you really need surgery
Hey Dr. Thanks for the above. Sebastian here from South Africa. Had an L5-s1 Microdiscectomy. Shooting nerve pain was gone but 1 year later I am struggling with my facet joints that cause tingling and sensations all through my legs. Would/can a microdiscectomy lead to facet arthrosis because the joints are loading more? How does one fix this?
Without a physical examination and review of imaging studies, it is unfortunately not possible to answer your question. There are many nuances that need to be considered.
My doctor told me the same thing I had a laminectomy done because my nerves damage was so bad from spinal stenosis I lost feeling in the waist,the left side of my foot, also cause incontinence i didn't have a choice and i don't have any pain at all but i still have issues with incontinence so my surgery wants to go back in the help with this situation I didn't get a fusion but i might have to request this when i get my second one done...thank you for this information
Thank you for reaching out. CES is a rare condition and an emergency surgery is necessary in most cases. Wishing you good health and good luck with your 2nd surgery 👍
I had a cervical surgery , still being in pain I was told I needed a spinal fusion. I regret the spinal fusion surgery . I have never been in so much pain in my life . I am worse off now than I was before. I have nerve damage. My toes are constantly numb. I have shooting pains down my legs and my feet. It feels like I have a TENS unit on and turn it up too high. My legs are weak. I can barely go up the steps. I never know when my legs may fall out from under me. I wish I would have just stayed in the pain I was in without having this surgery. If anyone were to ask my opinion, If they should have a spinal fusion I would say absolutely not.
I’ve had a spinal fusion 10 years ago I never fully fused I couldn’t find a dr to do a revision. My surgeon said he would if I didn’t fuse but unfortunately that didn’t happen . Now I’m having further issues my pain has never gotten better only worse. I have pseudoarthrosis
OMG…. You’re speaking my language 😮.. 20 yrs later with failed back surgery and still have chronic pain as we speak. Fusion L5-S1 and hardware removal 11:mos post surgery, and the pain became worse. Had surgery at 40 yrs and now am almost 60 yrs old. I am in so much pain. I need a solution 😮😢. Where are you located? I live in Chicago.
Sorry to hear about your difficulties, it is never easy to recover from a difficult surgery that did not achieve desired results. I am located in Milwaukee, WI. If you would like a consultation please call my office at 414-276-6000. Thank you.
My posterior T5-10 and anterior T6-8 fusion was due to 3 compression fractures in T7,8. I then got osteomilitis and further deteriorated the disks. My rib cage is horrible where the grafted the rib back in as well as having pain in the back. The did corrections as well. Now my T11 is compressed 2.5 years later. I’m in so much pain, even with pain meds. Not sure what to do and I know this wasn’t elective, but necessary.
I was forced by a doctor in queen Square in London to have this surgery when I was only a teenager but it only made my spine weaker and the after pain of the surgery with the staple stitches was something else I was crying in my sleep with pain I used to wake up and my pillow wet and tears still coming from my eyes the pain was that bad
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks I have a general question. Is there a reason synthetic lumbar disks are used more? It's been explained to me by my pain specialist, a fusion will result in transfer of the load to the next vertebrae down & pain will reoccur. It seems synthetic disks for some are the answer.
Lumbar disc replacements have mostly fallen out of favor, while cervical disc replacements are being done more and more. Here is my video about disc replacement which may be of interest to you: ua-cam.com/video/3vt-qLOWdaE/v-deo.html
Debating best approach, DDD with broad anular and other sizes bulging discs from L2-S1 with Lumbar foraminal stenosis ranging from Moderate to severe at all those levels, which affects both legs. What kind of questions should I be asking and which is better in this case Orthopedic or Neuro?
I've had 8 back operations through the back and another 1 through the front and now I'm fused from S1 to T6 and most of my opps were because the Titanium rods and screws kept breaking and in the end the rods and screws were changed to Colbolt Chrome and I've stopped working and have been at home for the past 11 years or so now but the Titanium cages the surgeon put in the front have become unstable and causing horrific pain that the surgeons say just one more opp will sort it out but I've given the surgeons 9 time's to fix it and I've just got too the stage that I will just go to the grave with these broken and unstable cages but unfortunately I'm on 30 mg of morphine and 400 mg of tramadol and 4000 mg of panado a day with 600 mg tegratoll and sleeping tablets and still live with unbearable pain each day ...........
If you find this video helpful, you may also want to check out this video:
"Don't have spine surgery if..."
ua-cam.com/video/ovSTtD08Olw/v-deo.html
Can you talk about total facet replacement surgery. its newer than fusion i believe, difficult to find detailed information on tho .
Please, how can I contact you?
Can I know where are. Thank you
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Had my spine surgery 8 years ago, now at 68 still feel great!
Awesome, great to hear that.
Where did you have it done??
What was the name of your surgeon?
@@Garminrules You’re the lucky few. Do something good for those who requested the information of your surgeon’s name. Be generous 🎄🎅
@@christinerussell1132dr benjamin crane I believe he's at St Clare Fenton, Mo now.
My T12 exploded during a traumatic injury I had no choice but to have a fusion. Fortunately the neurosurgeon was very experienced. Didn’t have to use a cage, all the bones came back to place and Fortunately the bones missed my spinal cord and nerves during the accident and I have had no numbness, tingling, or nerve issues before or after surgery. Praise God 🎉
Wow, parallel lives. Same here, but mine was a six disc. Accident was 2/2022
It takes courage to admit as a surgeon that there are situation where you just don’t have the answer. Pure heart and clean hands. Much respect
Thank you 🙏❤️
Also: Surgeons are, let's not forget, human. We are, unfortunately, not perfect. We do the best we can, within our constraints. Thank you for your very kind compliment; I may use your comment in one of my videos ("Pure heart and clean hands")... you summed it up perfectly.
Thank you 🙏
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks….we prefer our surgeons to have clean hands
Everything said is what my surgeon has done so this video is reassuring
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaksdoctors don't know the correct MRI technique for perineal cyst?
the most honest spine specialist i ever seen
Thank you, happy to hear that the video was helpful.
I’ve listened to a multitude of spine surgeons and this guy seems Sincere and Honest and Very Caring and Surprisingly Humble. Thank you for your comments
Very kind of you, thank you 🙏
Nicholas Voss in Flowers Hospital, Dothan Al., like this but his beside manner not great which no problem for me, very good spinal surgeon
His key comment was the vast majority of patients do very well after surgery. I’m one. Over a year’s time I had 4 Epidural’s in my L4 L5 and S1 and the pain in my right buttock and down my leg came back even worse. I am 4 weeks post op surgery. L4 L5 and S1 had cages inserted and were fused. I’m getting around great and no more pain shooting down my leg. People do your due diligence. Make sure you have exhausted all other remedies.
Agreed 👍
I have the same horror story, I started in 1988 now 2024 I am much worse off and barely functional, the pain is awful. I've had 3 different Doctors some of the best in Dallas, Texas but it just didn't work for me, now I'm 78 years ago and in bad shape 😢
@@shirleybarton1946 Sorry for your pain. I’ve experienced the same problem as yours. Sometimes the pain makes me feel the worthiness of living without any quality or purpose. Merry Christmas 🎄
@@willowJ-nb3iy I'm sorry that you are experiencing this 😔 it's an awful thing to not be able to enjoy your life whatever you have left without being in constant pain. Please try to have a Very Happy Blessed Christmas. God loves you ❤
Work comp delays on surgery Screwed me over, Needed fusion at L5 S1, took a year and did only laminectomy, failed back surgery syndrome, it's been hell ever since. 😢
Sorry to hear about your difficulties. It's never easy.
Wishing you all the best in the future.
@SpineSurgeonSpeaks thank you, surgeons were great, not there fault, severe DDD entire lumbar now and partial sacral fused and stenosis, if they just would have fused L-4 L-5 S-1 like they wanted, life is tough.
Im almost positive my first surgery failed simply because they wanted the chance to do a second surgery. I had herniated discs L4,L5 and L5,S1. They only removed part of one disc claiming the other one wasnt bad enough to worry about yet. Well, i was in worse pain after that surgery. I did a lot of research and found another surgeon. 2.5 years later, both discs are replaced with spacers, parts of vertebrae removed and fused L4-S1 now. Im 2.5 months out of that surgery. Research, research, research...
Thank you for reaching out. I hope you are doing well after surgery.
I made a video about this issue:
ua-cam.com/video/ovSTtD08Olw/v-deo.html
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks I'll check it out if I haven't already. I found your channel a few days ago. Most of the videos I've come across on spine surgery are 5-7, even 10+ years old. That seems strange to me considering how much and how quick technology changes.
Okay I am watching your video and you just explained exactly what I am dealing with in my spine at the 8:47 mark. I have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. I have facet cysts that swell and make my spinal nerves very angry. I have back pain daily and the facet cysts get so swollen and irritated that they are not responding well to anti inflammatory meds. I had to lay off of them due to my kidney function declining. I had decompression surgery on June1, 2015 in the L5, S1 area. Now due to the shifting and facet cyst swelling, I have sciatic nerve pain that starts in my lower back, goes around the groin and down my left leg. I was never told that I would be facing another surgery because I thought I was one and done. Now I see that having another surgery may not fix my back pain at all. I am so tired and tired of hurting because the instability has affected my quality of life, my daily activities and my marriage. I am afraid of going through fusion surgery but living with the pain is worse. I work as a business officer so there is no good time of the year to be out of work for 3 months. I hate I found myself in this position, but glad I found your channel. I will continue to do my research before agreeing to another surgery, but there are no guarantees. Thank you so much for your advice.
I slipped a disc around L4 when I was 26 yrs old. My GP told me it was not unusual of someone working in the building trade ( bricklayer ) and that it was wear and tear. ( at 26 yrs?). Anyway I am now 73 and still suffering. My last surgery in 2016 / 17 I had a L4/ L5/S1 fusion at Nottingham Queens Medical. The day after when my wife and son came to see me I was apparently in good spirits. They said the surgery went successfully. However, from day two onwards from what I have been told things changed dramatically and instead of ending up in the hospital for 3/4 days, I was there four and a half weeks. My wife discovered that they had tore into my spinal canal and as I had to remain motionless for ten days they overdosed me with Ketamine and morphine. My wife said I was in a really bad temper and saying nasty things to her and others. I had my Father and Brother visit me from Wales ( they had died years previously ). They had constructed a scaffold outside the window and a pop concert had taken place the day before. These were the side effects of too many drugs to keep me motionless. Since then and increasing daily, i suffer with more pain in my back than ever. Now that I am expecting Pain Management at the hospital to concentrate on lessening the pain my hopes are vanishing. None of them will admit that things did not go to plan and their sympathy towards what pain can do for you not just physically but mentally but also the stress and pressure it puts in my case ( my dear wife ). From being allowed the privilege of retiring at leisure and be free to organise each day as it comes? she is now a carer and nurse and has no quality time for herself as would be expected when retired. She can’t plan ahead because each day there is a problem. We are due to attend my dear Uncle’s funeral on Monday next in Wales. We are going to travel down on Saturday ( health permitting ) so I can have Sunday to rest after the journey to be prepared for Monday. But I will not know until Monday if I am able to attend health wise. My advice is this, think very very hard about surgery to your spine. It cannot be reversed and not all consultants are as good as they think they are.
Oof, I had the same problem and surgery etc, but I realize now that it’s better to do a laminectomy if the discs are calcified, because if they go tearing up the disc it is quite likely it will reherniate uncontrollably, it’s not the surgeons fault, they have a tough decision to make but I stopped thinking that they would hurt me on purpose. My sciatica is unbearable and my back is absolutely destroyed from the operation but a few months post op is not grounds to say it’s better or worse, disc replacements aren’t going to fail right away, but let me know how you’re doing in 5 years. I’m putting off a fusion as long as possible but yea, life sucks.
Had a microdiscectomy l4-l5 almost 20 years ago and I am so happy I did. I had c4-c6?fused 11 years ago and I am so happy I did. Both places hurt from time to time but nothing like before.
If done for the right reasons, with the right technique, spine surgery can be life-changing (for the better). Glad to hear you did so well.
I’ve survived three helicopter crashes which damaged my lower back with three crushed disks this happened when I was a teenager and early twenties. Later in life I got bad headaches and went to a chiropractor which was a big mistake and he actually made it worse. Then I went on a keto diet to get off my type 2 diabetes drugs and after losing 60 lbs in two and half months and it cured my arthritis and back problems so I’m now 85 and after five years on keto and fasting diet I now feel much better with no back pain and no arthritis in any joints.
This is useful to any potential patient considering orthopedic surgery. The way every alternative is explored is illuminating. Altogether, the explanation gives a person a succinct answer regarding possible symptoms and outcomes. I was once considering a shoulder procedure after banging it on a sidewalk when I tripped while out running. The doctor did not think surgery would be the way to go in my case. I admit I was skeptical: it felt almost disarticulated; but I thanked him and went on with my life strengthening the area as best I could. After viewing this excellent outline by the spine surgeon, I feel like I know more than I did before about how things could go wrong. Everything is sensibly and rationally mapped out and there are valid reasons why. Thank you, Doctor! Sometimes no surgery is the best alternative.
Your kind words are very much appreciated. Thank you for watching, glad that the video was helpful to you.
I just put all the dots together.
Diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome due to mis diagnose wrong surgery. You explained
everything so delicately beautiful.
Definitely would be great to have a consultation with you.
Age 30 I have grade 1 posterolisthesis of l5 over s1 vertebra i have seen few surgeon and most of them recommend me surgery right away and there was 1 who said you wont need surgery at-least for next 10-15 years just do some stretching and core strengthening everyday very thankful to him i am doing better now .
Wishing you good health and good luck.
Really like this Doctors honesty. I am very nervous about the severe back pain that I am having and don't know what to do!
It's best to proceed carefully and thoughtfully. Get a consultation with a spine-specialist, and maybe a second opinion if you're not sure. Good luck to you.
Dr Khan is an excellent surgeon. Watch his videos, very interesting, and you will learn a lot. I suffered 3 years with back pain. After he performed my surgery, it was only a matter of a few weeks with PT, and I feel great!! It's not even been a year since i had my surgery. THANK YOU!!
I am honored by your kind words! Thank you ❤️🙏❤️
Where is Dr. Khan located? Blesisngs~
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks
Is there a cure or should you go for another surgery if you have nerve damage from the surgery, like drop foot and unstable leg, weakness of the abductor muscles
Due an accident I had to have neck and back surgery -14 screws , 2 rods and 5 years of intense therapy and doing great. I’m 64 years old and living as close as to a normal life as possible.
Great to hear that you are doing so well! It is not easy to recover from two spine surgeries, especially after a trauma. Wishing you all the best int he future.
I had a fusion L5-S1, the Dr used 2 cages and went in through the back. The first 5, or 6 months I was great. Then, it started, scar tissue started growing, now, the S1 issue is S1 - S2, and with pain management since 2003. At 75, I am still actively donating time to both the town and Mil. I am always in a little pain, but I will not increase my meds.
I just had a 360 Revision spinal fusion surgery. 3 surgeries done in within 4 days. June 21st. I had Pseudoarthrosis & my 2 bottom screws came loose, so I found a new surgeon & that’s what he put together. Removed my old hardware from spine day 1. Day 2 cut my belly for anterior fusion then day 3, put the screws in my spine properly. 4 blood transfusions. Now, I’m recovering at home
Wow, that's a lot of surgery, great to hear that you are recovering well!
Sometimes a surgery like that is needed to treat pseudoarthrosis, and most patients do very well afterwards. Wishing you all the best, thank you for sharing 👍
"
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks that’s exactly what it was.
I'm due to have lumbar surgery in 2 weeks. They will be going through my stomach and then my back. Why did they do the anterior and posterior on two different days? I also want to ask how your post op recovery was.
Take care; fearless
Thank you very much for this video. I have just received a DDD diagnosis in l5-s1. After my personal investigation, I concluded that as a degenerative problem maybe it will be in the best of my interest to treat it as a degenerative problem and do everything possible to manage and slow down degeneration in the other vertebrae (I don’t know if this is possible but I will try to find out) more than a back pain problem. Thank you for inviting us patients to learn, ask, question, investigate and think… (Apologies for my English as I am not a native speaker😅).
Thank you for sharing, I am glad that my video was helpful to you.
DDD at L5/S1 is very common, but whether or not to have surgery is a different matter than you need to carefully discuss with your physician/surgeon. I made a video which may be of interest to to you:
"Don't have spine surgery if..."
ua-cam.com/video/ovSTtD08Olw/v-deo.html
Wishing you good health and good luck 👍
Absolutely right 👍 great tips,ive recently had bone fusion surgery done a mnth ago,and procrastinated my surgery bout 10 yrs,yes therapy, medication and pain management injections etc,just time consuming and no results with therapy and injections
Medication and still being able to walk after,but yes L-4&L-5 slip disc & very successful,Doc Mathew Alexander in corpus Christi TX such a great professional surgeon,yet blessings to you all ,take care,know a decompression only works temporarily,do not return back to heavy duty activities.
Thank you for reaching out, great to hear that you are recovering well.
Wishing you the best of health and the best of luck in the future! 🙏👍
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks thank you ,two months after procedure,and have experience waking up pain ,left side hip,and without medication,a lot of fatigue ness,pain,lost of strength,, assuming to early into the rehabilitation to say anything.but still with therapy.
Thank you for the video.
I had an open laminectomy (L5-S1) 12 years ago. It was so far successful but unfortunately I fell off the stairs 4 months into healing. All my symptoms came back and it was found that it caused a herniated disc on L4-L5) so a second surgery was done. My condition really improved. Until 6 years after when all my symptoms came back. 3 years later they found that I developed a lot of scar tissue and that my spine became unstable so after exhausting all noninvasive modalities and consulted several doctors, all of them concluded it was FBSS. I just had my multilevel spine fusion (L2-S1) and is now on the way to recovery.
Thank you for your kind words, appreciate it.
Recovering from multiple spine surgeries is never easy; wishing you an excellent recovery!
Good luck to you 👍👍
I hope you get better soon x
Hey Doctor please reply My Dad 50 MRI findings are suggestive of spondylotic changes of the cervical spine with broad-based posterocentral and right paracentral disc protrusion with posterior marginal osteophyte (disc osteophyte complex) and ligamentum flavum thickening at C6-C7 level causing narrowing of the right lateral recess, focal secondary spinal canal stenosis and significant bilateral (right > left) traversing. nerve root compression. The compressed cervical cord at C6-C7 level also demonstrates focal Intramedullary T2 hyperintensity representing myelomalacic cord changes / focal cord edema. Mild posterior disc osteophyte complex with ligamentum flavum thickening at C5-C6 level is also seen causing indentation over the ventral cervical cord surface with no significant intramedullary signal Intensity change.Does he need surgery
Dr you truly understand because am listening to how you explain this is like wow someone who understands... most dr won't break down this feel like your going crazy.. when the pain exists...
Thank you. Sorry to hear about your difficulties; wish you good luck and the best of health 🙏
Great video thank you. My spine is Hypermobile and has started to cause havoc. Bone spurs, spinal nerve compression, and herniated disks. No idea what my drs will do. Anyone else?
I had sciatica down my right leg. First, they put me through physical therapy, which didn't help. Then I had corticosteroids in my lumbar spine every 3 months for a year. Finally I had surgery with a hemilaminectomy and removal of bone spurs. After 3 weeks of painful recovery, I was pain free. That was 2 or 3 years ago.
What a pleasure to have such an honest open professional presentation. Thank-you Dr.!
My pleasure!
Thanks for being honest with us ❤
Thank you for your kind words, glad that is was helpful 👍
One of the best videos I’ve seen when regards to back surgery, myself I’ve had two back surgery. Would have loved to seen and heard this video prior to my surgeries however, I was lucky I had good surgeons and my surgeries were basically 20 years apart. I now understand much more about how and why the surgeon did what he did once again thanks for the video.
Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated.
Wishing you the best of health 🙏
Had a lamenectomy and fusion in August 2024. Experience pain when I fail to take my pain tablets on a daily basis
At 24 years old, freshly graduated from college I had gradually worsening sciatic pain. Ended up having lumbar laminectomy. No fusion, but complete disc removal, by an excellent neurosurgeon. He said I might need another surgery within 10 years. I didn't.
I'm 70 now and have degenerative disc disease. Really don't trust the medical/hospital industry after the co-vid debacle. But wondering about a steroid injection to alleviate the pain.
I keep a cane nearby, but pain lessens after moving around a bit by mid day. Worse in mornings.
I've found a 30 hour fasting session will lower inflammation noticeably.
Teeter incline board Really helps, but it's very temporary.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Glad to hear that yoru spine surgery was so successful.
Yes, the healthcare-industry has lost a lot of credibility because of the c***d era... no doubt about that.
Wishing you the best of luck and the best of health.
It is soooo refreshing to see an honest and open Surgeon! THANK YOU for your honesty! Where are your located and are you taking patients for consultations?
Thank you for your kind words, appreciate it.
My office is located in Milwaukee, WI.
www.MustafaKhanMD.com
Office: 414-276-6000.
This is the best surgeon you all find. Dr Khan performed surgery on my daughter's back and a year later on mine. Excellent results for both of us. I was amazed at how quick I was healing with the PT program he recommended, too. Thank you, Dr. Khan!!
Which county is he in?@@pennymoldenhauer5511
Excellent video.and informative. I had leminectomy 50 years ago. Some six months ago had fall on escalator. Now I have been waiting for L 4/5 S1 fussion I have spondylitis and bone spurs. Bad groin butt thighs. Have C5;6,7 bone spurs both arms just very worried I don’t smoke 73 years just very worried. Floppy right foot not much can’t walk far need to lay not much life. Don’t like taking MS Contin but I have faith in Dr
I had a laminectomy in 2009 for spondylosis and stenosis. Ended up with a L4-5 fusion. The bones pinched off the spinal cord, so I couldn't stand anyone. When they did the fusion, they found the little butterfly shaped thing from the laminectomy floating around unattached. That explains the excruciating pain that nothing could touch. 12+ years now of a normal life! 💥
I enjoyed this video - plain-language, circumspect, and well-chosen diagrams/models. On another point: at least as important as financial incentives (which i actually don't think figure centrally in most doctors' 'life calculus'), is the uncomfortable feeling of impotence in the face of desperate patients, and the fear that said patients will trot off to another, and more 'accommodating', specialist. This eventuality makes doctors feel threatened and potentially inferior to their peers. And noone wants to feel impotent or inferior.
There is a lot of truth to your statement.
My new surgeon straight up lied to me. About needing a 3rd lumbar fusion. First 2 fusions went great, some relief of pain. For my third i had a second opinion the surgeon said i didnt need the fusion but if i think it might help my pain do it. My surgeon told me he could get me pain free which i didn't really believe, but went through with it. Post op discharge pain was the same . Then he said i needed a spinal cord stimulator and his partner will do it . After my second revision with the implant im having i taken out.
This was very informational! I had a discectomy laminectomy 9 years ago that didn’t go well. I had 2 other surgeons say that I should have had a fusion. I am now at the point where my left buttocks and leg down to foot hurts 24/7. I went to another surgeon and he said I need a laminectomy and multi level fusion. I’m scared to death to do this after reading horror stories from people and seeing my mother go through 4 fusion surgeries with permanent nerve pain from her first front the screw breaking or coming loose and on a nerve for 5 months until they went back in and figured it out.
Thank you, glad you found the video helpful. Wishing you good luck and the best of health in the future.
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic back pain I strongly urge you to look into, and certainly with your pain specialist and your physician, spinal cord stimulators. It's not for everyone for various reasons but it works better than any medication without side effects or risk of addiction. It's an outpatient procedure that in many cases only takes about an hour and it gives you instant control of pain that you can dial in to specific areas as opposed to having to take a pill and wait to see if it helps and my experience is no pills stop pain. With medicine it's a question of how fuzzy do you need to be to tolerate the pain. You end up spending at least half a day waiting for the pill to work and it never does. Stimulation not only works but is instant at the push of a button and you can adjust it in so many ways to overpower the pain in whatever part hurts and at the level of the pain, 1 to 10. You can't change the strength of a pill or target a body part. I have 2 of them as a result of a head on car wreck and they changed my life. Literally. I hope this is helpful.
I was actually really mad because my doctor gave me the impression that the pain that I was having when they did my back surgery, which was a ALIF 360 L4S1 and when I woke up, I thought that the nerve pain would go away. I had no success. I spent five days in the hospital and then I went home and I just thought that OK I will get better in three months six months one year and it never did and I kept going back to the doctor saying what’s wrong. Why is it not working and all the doctor did was show me off to a pain specialist and basically write me off and never saw me again. And he told me there’s nothing I can do for you anymore. You need to go to pain specialist consider doctor, but he had too much of an ego and didn’t really care about the patient that he was saying which is very sad now I’m still suffering for the last six years from the surgery, but I’ve been suffering for 10 years with this problem. That’s never gone away.
Sorry to hear about your difficulties. It is not easy to deal with such a problem, because it affects all aspects of life. Maybe you could get a second opinion from one or two spine surgeons to see if they have any recommendations.
Wishing you the best of luck and the best of health 🙏❤️
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks you’re so kind thank you so much and please keep posting information. Could you post information on a posterior cervical laminectomy C3 through C6. Could you explain when you decide to do that type of procedure and how is it done?
I had inadequate pain management after cancer surgery and almost took my life.
It took 5 years to get over the L4-L5 fusion. First fusion with my own damn bone harvested didn’t take. One year later I had to ReDo the damn surgery. It took me 5 plus years to feel ok
Thank you Doctor. Your candid, clear acknowledgment of your and others experiences are a refreshing reflection on the realities of surgery and it’s complexities, uncertainties, and at times inabilities. Surgeons are talented, adventurous, and for the most part conscientious individuals who want to aid others whom are suffering. Still, only the Creator can “perfectly” heal all patients. As we and surgeons are imperfect at best, we can only expect their imperfect best. Does that mean a surgeon has committed some error because the patient does not gain relief after surgery? No. It means that, since we live in this world, we need to accept that which we cannot change. Perhaps that reality is even more difficult than the unsuccessfully treated patient?
Appreciate it. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I know few people who had a back surgery and all of them developed secondary pain issue. Got worse...
Unfortunately, that can happen, and it does happen. A very difficult situation for all involved.
I had stenosis/arthritis/disc degeneration in L5/L6 and dealt with it for years. I started injections and ablation 6 years ago and had a laminectomy 2 years ago. The laminectomy did fine for 6 months then the back and sciatica pain came back. I went back for more injections and ablations which worked until they didn't and pain management sent me back to the surgeon. Surgeon did an L4/L5 fusion a month ago and the sciatica was gone instantly and recovery is going well.
Another complication, that I just figured was sciatica, is severe knee pain. Never went to a ortho because I figured it was sciatica related. I was wrong. My primary did an xray and they diagnosed stage 4 arthritis in both knees. Now I'm waiting to see the orthopedic surgeon.
Thank you for sharing.
Glad to hear that you are recovering well from your fusion surgery.
Yes, sometimes it is possible to have a pinched nerve in the back *and* joint-arthritis at the same time. It is relatively common.
Best of luck in the future.
I'm 54 years old got a fusion from L5 thru L1 10 screws 4 disc's 2 rods living a normal life and still bodybuilding 😅
You are a lucky man!
First time watching. I subscribed, with thumbs up. Everyone who watch this should subscribed because you gave great clarity. In what state do you practice?
Thank you for your kind words, appreciate it. My practice is located in Wisconsin.
I had what the Dr called a simple L4-5 laminectomy, when the dura tore and the surgery finished. The Dr came to my hospital room and said this did not happen in surgery, this was preexisting. Sadly, I was sent home with Cauda Equina Syndrome and the Dr in complete denial 😢.
I had cervical fusion and my surgeon didn't file the plate enough. So now it overhangs to adjacent disk spaces. Long, bone spur. The pain is unbearable. Please excuse me because I have not slept in two nights and this happens quite frequently because of my pain thanks
This is a good topic for a video... This can be a problem. Hope you have sought a second opinion.
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks I'm in the process. Thank you.
YOUR VIDEO IS AWESOME AND EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE & HELPFUL . . . THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!
Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate it.
Glad to hear that you found the video helpful.
Three back surgeries right on the L5-S1 spinal fusion done on 2020; it's 2024 going on 2025 and i'm billions times worse than ever, and i'm a wheelchair dependent for the rest of my life/ my updated MRI results shows two times in a roll that my condition is progressing/ my entire right leg hurts so bad with lots of numbness and tingling sensation.
I've been living in torment all year around none stop
Such a very forthright and honest presentation on this intimidating discussion. Thank you for this‼️
Thank you for your kind words, glad to hear that you found it helpful 🙏
Where is this surgeon what state and hospital I have sciatica can't walk or go anywhere I have lots of pain plus I have 3hernia disk L3 L4 L5 I need surgery I can't take the pain from the back down my leg thank you
My practice is located in Milwaukee, WI.
For more information:
www.MustafaKhanMD.com
Yep, I had bone merow taken from my hip, and it still has pain from it
I have degenerative arthritis and was assaulted causing 4 herniated discs. After an MRI, I was given an emergency appointment with a university hospital.
Excellent Dr. you explained so many things about failed BACK surgery, thank you.
Thank you for the compliment, appreciate it 👍
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks You are very welcome Dr. the patient's really appreciate a Dr like you! 😊
My L4 & L5 surgery eliminated 10+ pain. The damage was due to injuries.
Great to hear that you are doing so well, best of luck to you in the future.
I had back fusion 2014. My husband passed away 2019, and I've lost 60+ pounds. I have pain again, and it's a new pain and a neck fusion to
I have ankylosing spondylitis for 22 years it started at the age of 25 I had both hip replacement but i refused to go for a spine operation
Yes, I understand your dilemma. Recovering from spine surgery if you have AS is very challenging. Best to think long and hard about this decision. Wishing you the best of luck and the best of health in the future 👍
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks do you think if a person has AS an they back is hunch shud the they go for a spine surgery
I'm currently disabled with this. Laminoplasty, l 4_l6 and s1, but, I'm making a recovery after almost 25 years. Interested? Feel free to confirm this, I have all records.
The neurosurgeon that performed my lumbar lamenectomy in 2009 told me not to sit for longer than 30 mins at a time. To get up and walk/move around. So far so good with my surgery but my eldest sibling had hers fail twice...she blamed it on her sitting at the computer for too long. The third surgery she had they had to go in from the front! 😬 Not sure what doc did her surgery but im so thankful i had an experienced, older neurosurgeon. I'd avoid using a young inexperienced specialist with such a sensitive surgery.
I truly can’t thank you enough Dr. Khan for being so transparent and a True Doctor (who’s often compared with God)! Because here in India medical profession has become a money minting game where, there’re no sentiments for patients nor transparency. Surgeons intimidate patients by showing the gloomy picture and push them to surgeries!
I’ve been suffering from multiple disc bulges including L4, L5, S1 wherein my feet have become numbed and have severe burning 247365 since past 8-9 years. But I’m avoiding surgery as it might result in irreversible spinal infection and also post op complications.
Thanks again doc 🙏
I am humbled by your generous words, thank you.
Being a surgeon is a true privilege, and it is always best to be honest and straight-forward with patients.
Wishing you all the best in the future, good luck to you
Okay I am watching your video and you just explained exactly what I am dealing with in my spine at the 8:47 mark. I have been diagnosed with spondylolisthesis. I have facet cysts that swell and make my spinal nerves very angry. I have back pain daily and the facet cysts get so swollen and irritated that they are not responding well to anti inflammatory meds. I had to lay off of them due to my kidney function declining. I had decompression surgery on June1, 2015 in the L5, S1 area. Now due to the shifting and facet cyst swelling, I have sciatic nerve pain that starts in my lower back, goes around the groin and down my left leg. I was never told that I would be facing another surgery because I thought I was one and done. Now I see that having another surgery that may not fix my back pain at all. I am so tired and tired of hurting because the instability has affected my quality of life, my daily activities and my marriage. I am afraid of going through fusion surgery but living with the pain is worse. I work as a business officer so there is no good time of the year to be out of work for 3 months. I hate I found myself in this position, but glad I found your channel. I will continue to do my research before agreeing to another surgery, but there are no guarantees. I have had steroid shots, PT, chiropractic care, currently in PT now, dry needling, med management, you name it, I have done it or been referred for it. Thank you so much for your advice. This video is very helpful and I am reviewing your other videos for more information. I got a second opinion as the first surgeon just sent me to have shots and RFA treatment. After getting tired of being a human pen cushion, I got my second opinion and he found I had instability in my cervical spine that was corrected with fusion in August 23. He was able to get another MRI due to a positive Hoffman sign (you got a video for that) as I was more focused on my lower back pain I didn’t notice the signs of numbness and tingling in my hands. I just thought I was sleeping wrong. Now I have to focus on my lumbar surgery with no leave time and a lengthy rehab journey ahead. I am just tired of this journey. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you for your very thoughtful comment, I understand completely.
Sometimes hindsight is 20/20, agreed. As a patient it can be very difficult to make decisions about whether or not fusion is a good idea for you because there is an element of uncertainty associated with this choice. I wish you the best of health and good luck 👍
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks just had spinal fusion 10-28-24. Recovery harder than expected, but carefully optimistic. I’m only a week and few days. Off opioids after 5 days. Have not found updated recovery videos for expectations for recovery. Most are 2-3 years old and my experience has been quite different. Can you provide any? Would like to stay in touch with you about my recovery and help others if possible that are facing this decision and choice. Thank you for what you do.
After 4 failed surgery's on my L4/L5 L5/S1 10 years taking pain medication i really dont see an end to the pain , i am now suffering worse pain than before the operations i wish i had not had the procedures.
Sorry to hear about your difficulties. Wishing you the best of luck and the best of health 👍
I’m going in for my 4th surgery in two weeks. I feel your pain 😢
Try stem cells it's all natural
Stem cells don’t help with pinched nerves
I know a few people who have surgery, only to go back and have a second surgery, that still doesn’t work. I’ve been offered a 7 hr operation, I declined I’d rather work with what I have. Light walking helps, with stretching and light exercise. Lifting heavy objects is a no no for me, you know your limits and have to work with them.
I had My back fusion surgery in the early 2000's that left me with chronic major back problems & chronic serious pain so bad that I now stand slouched over and I have to walk with a cane and some days I can't walk at all and I'm in constant pain. Back fusion surgeries have a very high rate of failing and do not correct your back problems. I ended up having a second back fusion because according to my surgeon my first one failed. After about 13 yrs a different better surgeon sat me down and told me that the back fusions did more harm to my back than good and he went in and literally took out all the hardware because the hardware in my back literally did no good except he couldn't remove one screw because it was broken and it was titanium and titanium isn't supposed to easily break. I had decompression surgery too and disc removal. I also have major permanent nerve damage on my left side from my waist down to my toes.
So sorry. I know and remember that pain all too well even though its been 15+ years since. Worst pain I've ever had...natural childbirth didn't even compare but I think it is because that leg pain was constant...day in and day out. Lost 11 lbs in 2 weeks. My pinky toe is still numb from the nerve damage. I really feel so awful for you and wish I had an answer to solve your pain 😔. I will say a prayer for you.
please explain pripiformas muscle surgery
Thank You Dr. what about; surgery insertion of Cedula Madre as about to take at 78 years? Your advise
Hi I just listened to your podcast about failed back surgery, I’m short listed for surgery due to severe spinal pain both cervical and lumbar, I have been thinking hard about this wether to go ahead or put up with the pain, I know that older l get the more painful it’s going to be but also may take longer to recover, so I’m confused about which way to go, thank you for your help and information
I know this is a different area but C2-C7 in neck done 4 years ago. Still good. Lower back really jacked but no nerve pingement so we've left it along
No one even mentioned that it could very much possibly be done wrong by the surgeons. That’s what happened to me!After BBS, it led to Spondylolisthesis and now sciatica. I’ve not seen any hopes for me in the near future 😊😅
That is (thankfully) factually incorrect.
@ I’ve seen so many with my own eyes because I was a CORT before retirement. Not all doctors are good at all especially nowadays.
Omg, I wish I had you for a Dr. I’ve been through ringer with failed back surgery. I had spondylolisthesis and severe spinal stenosis. My life has been a debilitating hell. Looking at a pump stimulator🙏
Thank you for reaching out, appreciate your kind words.
Recovery from spine surgery is not easy, agreed.
Wishing you the best, hope you feel better soon 🙏
I have severe stenosis also. Would you mind getting back to me about surgical treatment; I need someone to talk to. This is HORRIBLE!
Spine should be operated only on three indications
1. Cauda equina syndrome
2. Unstable symptomatic spine
3. Trauma spine causing spinal cord compression.
@@dsa4931#1 - 1/2 way there #2 yes #3 No
Thank you for this valuable information! Really appreciate your honesty
Glad it was helpful!
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks I've had back problems for 10 years it's finally come to the point I have to have surgery! Really like my surgeon
I need help its been 4 years since my spine surgery and I'm still unable to walk well and in pain daily
Same here except just one year out
My father is headed for surgery number 7. He’s 81. Horrific suffering.
What about smoking makes you not heal? Is it nicotine in general? Because I don't smoke but I do indulge in nicotine via zyns. Would my herniated discs heal better if I quit nicotine?
I had laminectomy with all my back complications, nerve pain osteoarthritis spondylolisthesis degenerative disc disease severe L5 S1 stenosis after months worse off
MRI findings are suggestive of spondylotic changes of the cervical spine with broad-based posterocentral and right paracentral disc protrusion with posterior marginal osteophyte (disc osteophyte complex) and ligamentum flavum thickening at C6-C7 level causing narrowing of the right lateral recess, focal secondary spinal canal stenosis and significant bilateral (right > left) traversing. nerve root compression. The compressed cervical cord at C6-C7 level also demonstrates focal Intramedullary T2 hyperintensity representing myelomalacic cord changes / focal cord edema. Mild posterior disc osteophyte complex with ligamentum flavum thickening at C5-C6 level is also seen causing indentation over the ventral cervical cord surface with no significant intramedullary signal Intensity change.
Does 50 years with little pain need surgery
I had microdissectomy of my level 5-S1 last December2020 for sciatica.
Before surgery, I could walk about 4 miles without pain.
Now I hv pain when I walk, especially uphill.
Please tell me why and what I should do.
Femaile, 72 years old.
Thank you Doctor.
Hope to hear from the doctor soon.
Sorry to hear about your difficult situation.
I cannot give you advice about your particular condition (since I don't know the details) but it is always a good idea to get a second opinion from another surgeon.
Wishing you all the best.
I had a laminectomy and discectomy in my thoracic spine T8-9 for a big herniated disc, the pain was radiating to the ribs and abdomen, I did all the treatments prior of the surgery and didn’t help also another MRI to see if the herniated disc had shrunken and it didn’t. I had this surgery 1 year ago and the pain in my ribs subsided, but I still have pain in my back, buttocks and hips that I didn’t have. MRI showed a little piece of the disc got into the Foramen space after surgery and is pressing the nerve. I don’t want to do anymore surgeries, but my life changed completely because I can’t work or enjoy life with my husband like before. Does time heals the spine by itself ? What do you recommend? Thank you in advance 😊
I had congenital bilateral pars defects that resulted in spondylolthesis. I had laminectomy, fusion and decompression. I got little benefit and now have bilateral si joint pain.
Dr I had a L5S1 13 years ago no pain after. Developed sciatica problems again mri showed bulge in same area. Had surgery 5 months ago took it easy but siatica is back I can do ok with advil Tylenol every six hours in PT now. In your opinion will pt and stretches help with scar tissue which is what I believe has happened this time
I had Anterior Spinal Fusion of L3, L4, and L5 in 2009,and I'm still going strong!! Good old South African Surgeon!!! Do have Sciatic pain now and then, but not bad!
Iainfinlau 18:00
I am in Cape Town
Who was your surgeon?
I got severe spinal canal stenosis. Is it okay of I go for surgery? If so what kind of surgery would be good for the same problem?
Hi Dr Khan
My 76 yr. old mother was told she needed a spinal stenosis surgery 2 days ago. I have new concerns now after watching your video as I am her care giver.
#1 Where do you practice? 😊
#2 We live south of Dallas , if you are not close to us , is there a colleague you would refer?
My main concern is that we get this right with 1 procedure understanding that there are no guarantees.
Thank you for your videos , you have been blessed!!
Thank you for reaching out.
I practice in Milwaukee, WI.
I personally don't know of any spine surgeons in Dallas, but I am aware of Dr. Chester Donnally (a UA-camr) who practices in Dallas.
Wishing your mom the best. Good luck.
@ thank you sir
Had it done twice 😢
Its just a hot mess! Sadly I felt like first doc did a number on me that it/was unfix able. Now I’m in pain 24/7 . Then have been talked in to trying all kinds of other stuff… And well no one can repair and PM is SO AFRAID to change my medication due to the opioid crisis.
Sorry to hear about your difficulties. Wishing you the best of luck and the best of health in the future.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. Helpful 🙏
Glad it was helpful 🙏
This is the reason why I avoid the Spinal fusion recommended for me six years ago.
Dr. Kahn
I have had multiple surgeries/fusions, after years of shots and therapy . S1 thru L2, 10 screws 2 rods. Lamina removed, and the spinal canal widened. It still didn't stop the pain, burning and weakness. I was then advised to try a spinal cord stimulator. The trial was abandoned because they could not insert the wires thru bone spurs and scar tissue. It was then recommended to go straight to permanent because insurance didn't want an open trial with my diabetes. So I got a permanent nevro stimulator, and after over 30 programs, still not much relief. Always my second opinion saw no course better than my primary surgeon. Since the stimulator failed and pain actually got worse, I got another opinion and of course, MRI. And now the level above my fusion is herniated. This third surgeon wants me to start to merry go round of shots because an operation would be difficult having to go under my 12th rib and move my lung. Should I try the shots, again, or just give up. I've had awful back pain for decades and I really have no hope for relief. Thanks Dr.
Thank you for reaching out.
The situation you described is obviously quite challenging.
I always tell my patients that recovery after spine surgery is usually quite challenging, but in some cases it can be extremely difficult (as you have described). Unfortunately I cannot diagnose your condition or recommend a treatment since I have not had a chance to examine you (or review your records). But, having said that, if your pain is unrelenting, you may want to talk to your pain-management doctor about an implanted pain-pump. I am not sure if that is the right answer for you, but it is something you can discuss with your PM-doc.
Good luck and good health to you ❤️🙏
Thank you.
My pleasure. Thank you for watching.
I have S1 L5 4 L3 L2 fusion and now I have scar tissue also C3 thru C7 fusion all do to stenosis and degenerative disc never a day without pain. The surgery was a success but scar tissue was inevitable so make sure you really need surgery
You are correct.
Every surgery is a trade-off. Choose carefully (and hopefully wisely).
Hey Dr. Thanks for the above. Sebastian here from South Africa. Had an L5-s1 Microdiscectomy. Shooting nerve pain was gone but 1 year later I am struggling with my facet joints that cause tingling and sensations all through my legs. Would/can a microdiscectomy lead to facet arthrosis because the joints are loading more? How does one fix this?
Without a physical examination and review of imaging studies, it is unfortunately not possible to answer your question. There are many nuances that need to be considered.
My doctor told me the same thing I had a laminectomy done because my nerves damage was so bad from spinal stenosis I lost feeling in the waist,the left side of my foot, also cause incontinence i didn't have a choice and i don't have any pain at all but i still have issues with incontinence so my surgery wants to go back in the help with this situation I didn't get a fusion but i might have to request this when i get my second one done...thank you for this information
Thank you for reaching out.
CES is a rare condition and an emergency surgery is necessary in most cases. Wishing you good health and good luck with your 2nd surgery 👍
I had a cervical surgery , still being in pain I was told I needed a spinal fusion. I regret the spinal fusion surgery . I have never been in so much pain in my life . I am worse off now than I was before. I have nerve damage. My toes are constantly numb. I have shooting pains down my legs and my feet. It feels like I have a TENS unit on and turn it up too high. My legs are weak. I can barely go up the steps. I never know when my legs may fall out from under me. I wish I would have just stayed in the pain I was in without having this surgery. If anyone were to ask my opinion, If they should have a spinal fusion I would say absolutely not.
I looked at the spine center you work at and your website. Do you offer telemedicine consults?
Please call my office to request a consultation (Ph: 414-276-6000)
Thank you. I will.
I’ve had a spinal fusion 10 years ago I never fully fused I couldn’t find a dr to do a revision. My surgeon said he would if I didn’t fuse but unfortunately that didn’t happen . Now I’m having further issues my pain has never gotten better only worse. I have pseudoarthrosis
OMG…. You’re speaking my language 😮.. 20 yrs later with failed back surgery and still have chronic pain as we speak. Fusion L5-S1 and hardware removal 11:mos post surgery, and the pain became worse. Had surgery at 40 yrs and now am almost 60 yrs old. I am in so much pain. I need a solution 😮😢. Where are you located? I live in Chicago.
Sorry to hear about your difficulties, it is never easy to recover from a difficult surgery that did not achieve desired results.
I am located in Milwaukee, WI.
If you would like a consultation please call my office at 414-276-6000.
Thank you.
thanks for the taking the time for us
Thank you for the compliment, appreciate it 👍
My posterior T5-10 and anterior T6-8 fusion was due to 3 compression fractures in T7,8. I then got osteomilitis and further deteriorated the disks. My rib cage is horrible where the grafted the rib back in as well as having pain in the back. The did corrections as well. Now my T11 is compressed 2.5 years later. I’m in so much pain, even with pain meds. Not sure what to do and I know this wasn’t elective, but necessary.
I had three hours of spinal fusion and decompression surgery lil over a month ago and and my back feels more broken than before.
I never smoke.
Recovering from a spine surgery is not easy. Wishing you all the best in your recovery.
I was forced by a doctor in queen Square in London to have this surgery when I was only a teenager but it only made my spine weaker and the after pain of the surgery with the staple stitches was something else I was crying in my sleep with pain I used to wake up and my pillow wet and tears still coming from my eyes the pain was that bad
Excellent video Dr, thank you.
Thank you for your kind words, appreciate it 🙏
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks I have a general question. Is there a reason synthetic lumbar disks are used more? It's been explained to me by my pain specialist, a fusion will result in transfer of the load to the next vertebrae down & pain will reoccur. It seems synthetic disks for some are the answer.
Lumbar disc replacements have mostly fallen out of favor, while cervical disc replacements are being done more and more.
Here is my video about disc replacement which may be of interest to you:
ua-cam.com/video/3vt-qLOWdaE/v-deo.html
@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks thanks you !
Debating best approach, DDD with broad anular and other sizes bulging discs from L2-S1 with Lumbar foraminal stenosis ranging from Moderate to severe at all those levels, which affects both legs. What kind of questions should I be asking and which is better in this case Orthopedic or Neuro?
Good info sir! 👍
I've had 8 back operations through the back and another 1 through the front and now I'm fused from S1 to T6 and most of my opps were because the Titanium rods and screws kept breaking and in the end the rods and screws were changed to Colbolt Chrome and I've stopped working and have been at home for the past 11 years or so now but the Titanium cages the surgeon put in the front have become unstable and causing horrific pain that the surgeons say just one more opp will sort it out but I've given the surgeons 9 time's to fix it and I've just got too the stage that I will just go to the grave with these broken and unstable cages but unfortunately I'm on 30 mg of morphine and 400 mg of tramadol and 4000 mg of panado a day with 600 mg tegratoll and sleeping tablets and still live with unbearable pain each day ...........
Sorry to hear about your difficulties. It is never easy.