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When is it too late for disc replacement

Posted , 3 users are following.

fi03229
fi03229

Hi,

I am really needing some advice as I think being mislead recently by a neurosurgeon. I had a large disc removed L5/S1 due to Cauda Equnia and DDD in 2013. Since then I have been left in pain and recovering slowly from the impact of the Cauda Equnia. Three weeks ago I suddenly got new Cauda Equnia symptoms and went to A&E where they done a MRI which found that the disc is very degenerated and this where I need advice. I asked about a disc replacement and he advised that due to the disc being so degenerated that no surgeon would perform surgery to increase the disc height and I should fuse naturally. I am in severe pain and may lose my job if this pain continues. Also I would like a disc replacement as fusion surgery is major surgery as well losing motion at that segment creating problems at adjacent levels. When is it too late for disc replacement? Many thanks 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • katie43849
    katie43849 fi03229

    Posted

    Hi

    Firstly I'm very sorry to hear of your recurring agony. I suspect the first operation wasn't carried out properly?.

    Can you get a second opinion?

    I would opt for the fusing option, if it's possible.

    Good luck with your plan.. Let us know how you get on please!

    Thanks

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy fi03229

    Posted

    I believe for disc replacement the quality of the bone is important. Is fusion any more major than disc replacement? Having to go through your front to do it means pretty delicate surgery I would have thought. Have you checked  on Youtube to view the two operations?  
  • fi03229
    fi03229

    Posted

    Hi,

    Many thanks for your replies, it means a lot as I feel quite isolated at the moment with this problem as the doctors don't to seem to know what they are doing! 

    I went back to the GP and explained what the neurosurgeon said and that I wanted a second opinion at a different hospital where they carry out disc replacements. He was actually very agreeable and referred me straight away and I have an appointment next month. I am hoping there is something they can do as I am still getting intermittent Cuada Equnia symptoms and the neurosurgeon can not explain why this is happening. Finding myself again in this situation is bring back all the psychological trauma I experienced two years ago when they delayed for almost 4 weeks to recognise that I had Cuada Equnia and I was left with so many problems. 

    Many thanks again.       

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