When I had issues with Dr.s I kept going til I found one who listened to me and what I was saying.
You could have 3 neurosurgeons and they will all tell you something different.

Last year when I was extremely sick, I had 3 doctors telling me all something different...
1 said it was the flu, 2nd said it was an ulcer, and 3rd said it was gallbladder. I asked the ER doc, how the hell are patients supposed to know who to believe when you all say something different??? He kinda chuckled and said I can see where a patient would be confused. Ya think??!!
Go with your gut and what your body is telling you.

If you have 2 doctors that disagree significantly, then a 3rd opinion is not a bad idea. I would say however many opinions it takes to make you feel comfortable is the way to go.

Now here is my opinion. You definitely don't want to just jump into more surgery. First of all, I prefer a neurosurgeon for anything to do with the spine...way too involved with your nervous system to be handled by an orthopeadic doctor. I leave wrists and ankles and other bone stuff to the ortho's.

Since the neuro says no surgery, find out what his alternatives are. There is no harm in trying less invasive measures first. If you do end up needing surgery again, then so be it, but don't jump in. The outcome is too uncertain.

Every day you wait is a day that allows for further medical advancement. Who knows what procedures will be discovered and perfected in the near future, but they are probably worth waiting for if you can.

Some doctors think differently to others.
I would get a 3rd view and see what he thinks.
I do and it's amazing what the 3rd doctor thought.

Thank you all for your comments. The neuro dr called me this afternoon. I guess he did not have time to look at mri closely. So he said that I needed a fusion but knew I did not want that if something else could be done. So he wants a discogram be done and go from there so I feel better about him. Meantime, I made appointment with chiro for Monday. should I just cancel that.
Brenda

Hi Brenda, glad the Dr was able to call you back. I'm sure that was a relief for you.
As far as the chiro visit, if it were me, I would cancel that apt until you have had the discogram done. Just my opinion, but you could always call back the surgeon and ask what they think.
Wish you the best with the discogram, I have had them and they are not too pleasent. Make sure to have a driver.
Hope your weekend is a good one!

Andra, thanks.
Not too pleasant. Can you feel the needle? is is worse than epidural? Well with epidural you don't feel it. Oh me, I hate pain.
Brenda

I am having the discogram April 2 and am already nervous. the person that called me said it was no fun.
brenda

I have had two spinal surgery's, and they are definatly not fun. Both times it was a laminectomy, with fusion, and cage, and screws. I got only temporary releif from both of them, and now they are contemplating a third surgery. Please be sure it is with a reputable neurosurgeon. My pain has been excruciating lately, and I will definately go for surgery if they say so. I have not had any relief at all from pain mgmt, or hard drugs. I went thru some terrible withdrawels coming off of those pain meds. Ended up in the Hosp. for several days. Never will I go on them again, so I will take the surgery, and pray for the best. I cannot sit or stand comfortably for more than 5 minutes.
I hope you get that third opinion, and whatever happens, I hope you get rid of your pain. Your body will tell you when it is time for surgery. When you have no life left, and just lay around because everything makes you hurt like heck, then it will be time. I no longer can even go shopping, or out with friends, etc. I hope better for you. You will be in my prayers...

Hi Brenda,
The caller was right, it isnt fun.
I was awake for mine, as the Dr said you need to be awake, cuz when they do the procedure and what feels like pressure and air being shot into your spine. They did this to know what disc exactly was the problem.
They will know what disc is causing problems when ya yell. At least I did. Hurt like hell at first, but they give you a good cocktail before they start, just enough to keep you somewhat comfie.
After that procedure, a few months later I had an IDET done in hopes to postpone a fusion, but didnt happen that way.

Anyways, make sure to have a driver afterwards, you wont be able to drive home, and not for a few days after.
My Dr did it on a Fri so I had the weekend to recoop.

Keep my posted on how you are doing.

Andra,
If I hurt in the back area say all across, how will he know which disc is problem. Do you have degenerative discs. I think this is a good thing to do but i am so scared. I will probably jump when they start it.
brenda