Comments on: Bulging Disc Surgery – What questions should I ask my doctor prior to surgery?

By: knicname

knicname — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:09:15 +0000

I would get a 2nd opinion, mds don’t mind. I have a bulging disc L5-S1 and sciatica in 1999. I had 2 1/2 mos. of acupuncture and have not had sciatica since. My back didn’t hurt for 4 years.

I would ask what are complications of operation. Can the discs fuse & limit my mobility and how. Can P/T/ do away with that or to what extent?
What does microsurgery consist of?
How many operations of this type has he done?
What % have been successful.?
What makes a surgery successful?
Can there be loss of sensation?
Any danger of excessive bleeding?
Is the surgery a permanent solution or will more surgeries be needed? In how many cases?
How common are infections with this type of surgery? Complications?
What exactly does the surgery do to the disc and the bulging part? Can the disc “rebulge”?
What if I try p.t. 1st?
Can it cause a pain syndrome?

I would also suggest Googling http://www.mayoclinic.com>>diseases & conditions>>>bulging discs.

Best of luck

By: AlphaHilo64

AlphaHilo64 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:20:46 +0000

I know three people who faced this same dilemma. All the doctors said surgery should be the last resort, and two said “There is a seventy percent chance that you will be seventy percent better.” Well seventy percent of seventy percent, is forty-nine percent…..One doctor said he could do ten surgeries on the L4,L5 region, and five would be better and five would be worse, and he could not determine which way the surgery would go……Back surgery is a serious consideration, and the rule of thumb is, as long as you can bear the pain, don’t have the surgery……..My neighbors wife just had surgery on L4,L5, and in the course of the surgery, had a hemmorage, which left her legs paralyzed. The second surgery drained the blood from the spinal column, and she has had two months of therapy, to regain the use of her legs……..Ask about the risks, and carefully consider the chances of success…….The alternative to the disc repair is a fusion of the spine utilizing pedical screws, and a plate or rod…This entails removal of a peice of bone from the pelvis, which is inserted to space the pedicals. It is a very painful surgery, and can cause lower digestive tract problems by paralyzing the small intestine……and again, this may be temporary, but may be permanent……I am not trying to scare you, but the risks of back surgery are high, and ask about the possibility of complications, and the projected success ratio with this particular doctor…….Some are “gifted”, some are not…..I hope this helps……….

By: LoFlo

LoFlo — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:20:59 +0000

She can get a second opinion from another doctor. Not in her shoes, so don’t know how much she’s tried already but if she’s determined that surgery is her best option, she should ask the doctor to explain the procedure thoroughly, including whether they plan on fusing the discs – and why/why not. She should get an idea of what to expect post surgically, how to roll over and if she’ll need assistance. She should ask about how much pain to expect and how to recognize signs of infection, what activities to avoid or adjust. She should ask how much improvement the doctor expects her to realize as a result of surgery over other treatments – if she hasn’t done that already. And, she should go with her gut feeling, if she feels any doubt as to whether she should have the surgery, or how she feels about her doctor, she can always put it off. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

By: gracie

gracie — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:34:17 +0000

Ask how long the surgery will take? How long will she be in the hospital? What will activity limits be and for how long? Will she have any permanent changes to motion and activity? What kind of physical therapy will she need after? What pain meds will they use? What are the risks? Are there any alternatives to this surgery? I would also get a second opinion, since many hospitals now do different procedures, some which are much less invasive.

By: Ed C

Ed C — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:52:21 +0000

Postpone the appointment and look in yellow pages for a chiropractor in your area that is a graduate of Palmer chiropractic school. I had a damaged disc in my neck and through traction, ice and adjustments I no longer have the problem. In the past I have had bulging discs in my lumbar region and followed the same course and no longer have that problem. Surgery is the last option… Do not take lightly the opening of the flesh to correct anything.

I have found over forty years and many states that Palmer grads make the best chiropractors. Try it what do you have to lose?