Has Anyone Had Back Surgery???

my_genre · 12-02-2005, 08:14 PM

Hey Everyone! I was in a car accident 1.5 years ago, a kid ran a red light and hit me at 60 mph in my driver's side door (yep, I was driving).....well long (very long) story short, I met with a neurosurgeon yesterday and he plans on replacing 3 disks in my back, that are totally crushed, with artificial ones. He said that would totally fix all my back problems and I would be back to the way I was before the accident, after my 6-8 month recovery. I have to get down under 200lbs. before he can do it though, because the artificial disks are only rated for 200lbs. and under, so it will be awhile.

I am really excited, because I cannot do anything since my accident...it all hurts and I have exhausted all my other resources. I am also scared that it is such a MAJOR surgery. Have any of you had this type of surgery done or know someone who has?

-Debra

Tricia K. · 12-02-2005, 09:06 PM

My Mother had back surgery about 4 years ago to fuse some herniated discs. She's much better than she was before but still not 100%. She's had to go through some cortizone treatments since the surgery but as long as she doesn't over-exert herself, she's fine.

my_genre · 12-02-2005, 09:55 PM

Trish,
Thanks for the feedback. They had originally discussed fusing my vertebrae, but said because I chose to be banded, have successfully lost weight since then, and I am young that replacing my discs is the way to go. I will have no limitations in activities or range of motion after I recover and they last 80 whopping years.

I am glad your mother did well with her surgery. Does her back ever hurt her when it is cold or it rains?

Thanks Trish,
-Debra

Tricia K. · 12-02-2005, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my_genre

Trish,
Thanks for the feedback. They had originally discussed fusing my vertebrae, but said because I chose to be banded, have successfully lost weight since then, and I am young that replacing my discs is the way to go. I will have no limitations in activities or range of motion after I recover and they last 80 whopping years.

I am glad your mother did well with her surgery. Does her back ever hurt her when it is cold or it rains?

Thanks Trish,
-Debra

Debra,

You're very welcome for the feedback. I can completely understand why your doctor would choose replacement rather than fusing due to your age. My Mother was 56 at the time so it was the only option for her.

Thanks for the kind words about my Mother. From what I understand, she has no pain when it's cold or when it rains.

- Tricia

Staci · 12-05-2005, 01:56 PM

Hi
I had back surgery about 4 years ago for a herniated disc and I am doing OK. Still not 100%, I have trouble with a numb leg and foot due to nerve damage, but much better.
Staci
Orlando FL
banded in Mexico 12/16/04

terri b · 12-05-2005, 10:34 PM

I have been very lucky, I had L 4 and 5 fused in 1979 and have not had any problems since. Since then I have had the best posture! I can not slouch, but that is not good for you either.