should i go for surgery, i am doctoral student n just to enter into career

Posted , 4 users are following.

i am diagnosed grade 1 sponylolystheis at L5/S1. it did not progressed since it was diagnosed one and half year ago. due to continuous travelling on car on bad road for 4 days with just 4 to 5 hours put me to pain (pain was non-radiating on left hip). got epidural injection at lumber region. first month was bad, however started with physiotherapy plus vitD and painkiller medicine. Right now no pain, can walk now. my doctor advised me to go for surgery on 26th november. i took time for my PhD thesis defense, that is over now. as per plan i will go to hospital for surgery, but now pain i donot feel much. i have got 6 month research tour to McGill university canada, but have to leave just for fear of getting bad situation there. I have one week to decide, what to do???.My dr suggested surgery last year too, but i managed to complete my phd research that time. Dr is much confident for best results however.

I am messed up with no final decision....please guide 

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    God opens doors that no one can shut and closes doors that no one can open.

    I'll pray that He will help you with your decision and that you body will receive healing.

  • Posted

    I am glad you asked Amjad. I have had a discectomy and Laminectomy of L5-S1 a year back. While I am glad I got it done, the pain at the time had become unbearable. 

    To my mind you may decide on non invasive procedures too...in fact i would advice you do not get surgery till its absolutely necessary, since going for it does not mean you ll be 100% painfree. At best some stiffness and pain in case of overexercising will continue. At worst you may remain with the problem. 

    The question is are you really that badly off. Is there possibilty of Cauda Aquina (loss of control on bowel movements). Are you in excessive pain?

    You may want to clarfy these issues from your doc.

     

    • Posted

      thanks for ur comment.

      no issue with bowl movement. initially very much pain just at left uper part of buttock. this time i got epidural injection on 29 october. first 10 days were painful. later got better. i was on absolute bed rest with some pt.  after a month Dr advised me surgery. i was to defend my phd thesis, so i delayed surgery. thesis was defended sucessfullly. right now (21december 2016), i did not have pain while i take rest most of the time with two times excercises as per description of physio. yesterday i walked one kilometer sucessfully. 

      i am submitiing my final thesis to university by this week. Later i m to decide what to do???surgery or not????

       

  • Posted

    Hi.  I feel your pain  I had 3 back surgeries in 3 years.  I am fused from L2-L5.  The surgeries were successful.  I unfortunately, was one of those patients whose body did not like the foreign hardward hence the second surgery to remove.  I have no hardward except for the cage and bone holding me upright.  Then had small fener bender and developed an 8mm cyst hence the 3rd surgery.  Since then my light has been one of excruciating pain radiating down mostly the right leg and now the left.  Had nerve conduction tests done and do have nerve loss.  Oh happy day.  Been through all the pain injections.  Recently did a trial for the NERVO spinal stimulator.  Yet5 again I was the only patient who had no visible improvement.  I was told by the rep, I wsas his first patient where they used every setting imagingable and every combination.  Had it removed.  Now awaiting approval for SUNBURST OR BURST by St. Judes Hospital.  This one affects interrupting the signal getting to the brain.  In the meantime after 4 years I gave in to my Dr. and started on a low dose opiod.  Trust me for me to take synthetic morphbine, as the real stuff will kill me, my pain has been non stolp 24/7 365.  

    Therefore, I understand your reluctance folr the surgery.  My advice is exhaust every other avenue open to you before you go for surgery.  For me the surgery was a God send except for that darn car accident.  No fault has paid $50,000 of my medical  bills.  Now I must use my insurance with a much higher copay.  Bit if this new stimulator works, it will have all been worth it

    I wish you luck with your decision and do seek out the best neurosurgeon nol an orthoapedic surgeon and do get second opinions.  I had 4 before I settled on my surgeon.  No regrets.  If I had to do it all over I would.  I am now 75 and if I didn't have this nerve pain, the Golden Years, might bed looking good.  But right now not so much.  Good luck in you decision whatever that may be.  You do what is right for you and don't be pressured one way or the other..

    • Posted

      thanks for ur detailed reply. I was feeling it my with each word i was reading. you are brave. i have spent every penny and time to reach at doctoral level, and that i am. i will start my practical career within next three months.
    • Posted

      Congratulations on all your hard work.  It seems to have paid off.  Wishing you God's speed for everything falling into place for you.  Just take it one day at a time.  If it is meant to happen now, it w ill.  If not, then later.  Good luck in all yhour endeavors.

      Dee

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