instrumented fusion with decompression

[Mona~on~wheels]

My sister has osteo arthritis. She just had double knee replacement. Her back hurts all the time. She's been to many Drs. about her pain & they all said there's nothing they can do but give her pain meds.
New specialiest last week said he could do an operation instrumented fusion with decompression & she'd be pain free. Done lots of them & it's a piece of cake. That kind of attitude.
While the other Drs. said there's no way to help.

She doesn't know whether to have the surgery. Anyone here have it? Know about it? Thoughts about it?

Anythng will help. Thanks in advance.

[SCI-Nurse]

I would advise your sister to ask this surgeon/physician for a list of his patients who have had success with this surgery. If he/she is unwillingly to do so then that says a lot. We are all consumers whether seeking medical cares/treatment or getting your car fixed. Ask how many times the surgeon has performed this procedure and what were the medical conditions of the patients.

pbr

[thehipcrip]

What the doctor is recommending is a laminectomy, in which the back of the vertebrae are removed to give the cord and nerves more room (decompression) and using hardware like plates and screws or rods to fuse the vertebrae together for more stability.

I have both laminectomies and am fused (both from C2-T4), although my fusions were done with bone grafted from my pelvis instead of hardware. There are others here who have had these procedures, but since they were performed for different reasons than relief from osteoarthritis, their experiences with the surgery won't be helpful to your sister in making her decision.

PBR's suggestion about contacting other patients with your sister's condition who've had these procedures is the best way for your sister to get first-hand info about the surgery and the surgeon.

I hope she's able to get relief. Please encourage her to use the pain meds her doc has offered. They can help her recover some quality of life if she can get past the myths about addiction, fears about being stigmatized, and such.

[Sue Pendleton]

I wouldn't add any non-emergency surgeries until your sister has completely rehabilitated her two new knees. She is probably walking differently as she heals and that can up the pain levels. But if she's all through that I would get a second opinion after doing what PBR suggested. Spinal surgery is rarely easy busi.

[GL]

Hi Mona
IMHO I would try to seek other surgeons opinions because of the possible risks and all ... Even just having their perspectives & ideas may help your sister find options & possible better or alternative pain mgmt until she heals from the previous Double knee surgery .

I wish her much relief
It is so hard
Surgery is no fun
Wishing you both my best
Sincerely ;
GL

[GL]

I know finding good Dr's is hard here But Maybe there is a Specialist who can help her in the meantime i'll see what surgeons , Dr's to pass along

[Mona~on~wheels]

That you ALL for your help. We both appreciate your help so much!
I'm going to print this & let her do all that you have suggested & will let ya'll know what she finds out & does. I can always depend on you all to help.

Mona