Spinal Laser Surgery

Dakotazeb

Dakotazeb

Well-known member
About 12 years ago I was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis which is a narrowing of the openings in the spinal column where the nerves extend out from. I puts pressure on the nerves and a caused sciatic nerve issues, lower back pain, etc. I originally had a lot sciatic nerve pain but have managed over the years to control it with stretching and exercise. At the time it was diagnosed the doctor said to put off surgery as long as I could. But over the past 6-12 months my lower back and hips have been killing me and I think it's time to do something. I have an appointment with my orthopedic doctor next Tuesday. I'm going to visit with him about the new laser surgery to correct this problem. I was wondering if anyone on this site has had the laser surgery and if so the results.
 
Something that might help is a RF burn (Radio Frequency). Easy and you won't even feel it. Takes them about 10 minutes after all the BS. May last you a year. Mine lasted 2 months, but I have other problems. It did allow me to Elk hunt though. Besides my 3 herniated discs, I have Spinal Stenosis and degenerative disc disease, I lost about 2/3's of the muscle in my right quad from that nerve being damaged and not sending the muscle the right message. Finally just had 2 levels fused. I am still having problems with the lower level that was not fused. Ask about that RF burn and if you can get by without the laser. Seems like when the go in once, they have to keep going back in. Best of luck.
 
George,

Have a very good friend at church who has SS and was operated for it last year. He had very good results and he now can walk , stand and sit wo/pain. I will check with him. Best of Luck with the treatment and fingers crossed you can get back in the game before long!

Rod
 
We have a friend that had a bulging disc and she was to a point she couldn't walk. Went into the clinic in a wheelchair and a couple hours later walked out pain free.

Blue, the RF might be a temporary fix to get you by for a short while. I've had injections, etc. to do the same. But I'm at the point I need a permanent fix. The doctor told me 12 years ago that I would finally reach this point. But back then the laser surgery didn't exist.
 
I have read good things about it. If you are a candidate I would do it. Being in that pain everyday is zero fun. If my disc would have not collapsed, I would have tried it. Keep us posted on how it goes. Might be an option for me with 2 other disc's so I am interested on how you do with it.:thumbsup:
 
BleuBijou said:
I have read good things about it. If you are a candidate I would do it. Being in that pain everyday is zero fun. If my disc would have not collapsed, I would have tried it. Keep us posted on how it goes. Might be an option for me with 2 other disc's so I am interested on how you do with it.:thumbsup:
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Will do. I have to see my regular doctor to get an MRI scheduled. I see him in the morning. Then once the MRI is done I'll head to the spine guy that does the laser in Sioux Falls and see what they can do. I've really been suffering the past few months and it keeps getting worse. Exercise, stretching, drugs, hot packs, cold packs, nothing helps. Need to get some relief before hunting season or I'll be on the bench this year. :(
 
Hey George,

Have been following this thread and wish you the best as you joourney through this ordeal.

JOn
 
Went to my family doctor this morning. After taking several x-rays he is not so sure it's the spinal stenosis that is my current problem. X-rays all looked good. Discs looked good and there were no signs of arthritis. He wants me to try some medication and physical therapy before I spend the money on a MRI. So that's what I've agreed to do. If that doesn't improve things in 2-3 weeks then he will schedule the MRI.
 
Best of luck with this George.
 
Watch out for the opiate type pain killers. Many people get hooked not knowing what they are taking. I hope you can find a solution to the problem, sounds like a drag.
 
MRI tomorrow. The pain this weekend became unbearable. This afternoon I had a spasm and couldn't even walk. Had to have the wife help me from the kitchen to the bedroom so I could lay down and apply ice. It was tough to even get in a prone position on the bed. Sure hope the MRI tells us what the problem is and there is a relatively easy fix.
 
Good Luck George!! Us with back problems all know what the "Happy Place" is. Mine is the fetal position. When mine got exacerbated my happy place was gone and I basically crawled into the Doctor's office to pick up a perscription as they can't call in for narcotics. They did not help the pain, but put me to sleep so I would forget about the pain until I woke up. Took 6 days until it subsided. Iced so much, I burned my back. It peeled for a week. I know what your going through. I still can't cough or sneeze without my legs being up or it drops me. Hope when the Doc see's your film, it is an easy fix.
 
So Sorry to Hear this George.

Fingers crossed they find the problem and can get it fixed before the season.:)

Rod
 
Surgery

Best of luck with the MRI. Hopefully it will give the Docs a real look at what's going on. Don't dawdle if you think you need a second opinion. Some Doc's get it done for me & some Don't.
 
Dakotazeb said:
MRI tomorrow. The pain this weekend became unbearable. This afternoon I had a spasm and couldn't even walk. Had to have the wife help me from the kitchen to the bedroom so I could lay down and apply ice. It was tough to even get in a prone position on the bed. Sure hope the MRI tells us what the problem is and there is a relatively easy fix.
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Good luck George.
 
Had the MRI yesterday and got the results today. There is degeneration around the L5 putting pressure on the nerves. I'm headed to Sioux Falls tomorrow to the Avera Pain Center for an injection. If the injection doesn't get thing calmed down then it looks like some kind of surgery.

It really sucks being in pain like this day after day. Really depressing. Then to top it off I got a touch of the flu last night. Aches, chills and crapping my guts out. Gotta get better as it sure as heck can't get much worse.
 
Hang in there George--good things come to good people----YOU QUALIFY----

Get well :)
 
I hope things work out. I sure have had good results with my new hip. I did that at the Orthopedic Institue in Sioux Falls.
 
I had the epidural injection yesterday. They said it could take a few days to take effect but about noon today I could feel it kicking in. I feel better tonight than I've felt in several weeks. Just hope it has a long term lasting effect.
 
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