have these three doctors communicated with each other to come up with one plan of action? I am sorry disability is not easy to get and it is so needed in many cases....I hope you will find a good plan to follow that gives the relief you need...

Bill,
When I have had conflicting opinions, I have gone to a fourth and even 5th surgeon.
Two are saying it's the same level, just recommending different surgical options.
Fusion at L5-S1 is difficult to fuse, and if it is bone on bone, natural fusion will happen.
Can you manage with pain meds, muscle relaxers and other treatments?
A discetomy might not be a bad option to consider first, since the recovery time is shorter but I think if I were you, I would get at least another opinion or two.

No they don't talk to each other . The 2 neurosurgean are competing .lol Thanks both of you.

Why is disability fighting this? Do all these Drs file information for you?
There is obviously something wrong if 3 Drs are suggesting possible surgery.

Most of the dr.s around here will not fill out ssd paperwork they will only give their records.

A disco-gram is the ONLY test that will show a torn disc. It is probably one of the most painful tests there are. I have had 9 back surgeries; six of which were disc fusions. Two were torn discs. no other test will show a torn disc; so if you have not had a disco-gram; then they are guessing. If you have one disc fused; then plan on a lifetime of having more done. They don't tell you this up front; but whenever you fuse a disc; it puts added stress on the ones above and below the fused one. This causes them to fail prematurely; and then you have to have another fused. And it just keeps on going like that until the are all fused. If you live that long. After starting with the L5-S1 disc being torn; and then had the fusion surgery; I tore the L4-L5 disc. Then I herniated a disc in my neck. now I have 4 fused discs in m neck. M best recommendation after 9 surgeries is; don't do it unless you can't stand it anymore. By the way; it takes between 9 and 10 months to be able to go back to work after a lumbar surgery; if your job is at all physical. At least that is how long mine were. Although; mine were back in the late 90's and earl 2000's; so the ma have better techniques now to shorten the recovery time. If I had it to do over again; I never would have fuse any of the discs. I am now 1005 disabled and can never work again; and haven't been able to since 03'. I am in constant screaming pain; and have los everything; including m wife.; who go tired of taking care of me. Remember; surgeons wan to cut. That is the only way they make an money.

Thank you 51percent and classicarman. I read a torn disc can be seen on mri depending on place and size. The surgeons want me to put off surgery as long as possible. Nice to know it would lead to more surgery. Definitely something to think about and probably put off till I get final decision from ssd. If I can't get it I have no choice but have surgery and hope for the best.

CrazyHaze.....

Do you have no other choice than the 2 neurosurgeons that you've metioned? Do you have any major Universities near your town, where they might have a teaching Hospital? That particular situation can usually be one of the best place to find the best Surgeons and Neurosurgeons. If you could find a great Neuro at a Teaching Hospital that is joined to the University you could get a really good Dr. and it would be a 3rd Opinion which wouldn't hurt, since this is a major thing they are tackling with your back, I'd try as many as I can until I find one that A. Makes me feel comfortable, B. Is willing to help me and seems caring and genuine, C. Has a great Neurology and Neuro Surgical Department with Great Dr.'s, D. Is a place that your current PM doc will work with for aftercare.


This is just some things I thought might help you look outside the box a little.

OCP

Neither of my two torn discs ever showed up on and MRI; a CAT Scan; or a Milogram. The reason it is so hard for an MRI or any other scan to show a torn disc; is that the all take horizontal slices of pictures. A torn disc is also horizontal. So it is very unlikely that like mine; that it would show up on an MRI. A disco-gram; is a test where they put you under a fluoroscope; and inject de directly into your disc at 700 pounds per square inch. If your disc is not torn; it does not hurt; and all that happens is your disc gets dark. If it is torn; the dye will flow out of the disc and is clearly visible on the screen. At the same time; you never felt so much pain in your life. So a Disco-gram shows a torn disc right there on the table. You will know before your surgeon.

The domino effect that I was telling you about once you fuse a disc; is known by all neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. The just don't tell you about it up front. I know full well how painful a torn disc is; and a herniated disc as well. I would have still never had the first one; if I know I was going to need 8 more over the next 17 years. I would try to get by on pain meds as long as you can take the pain. Don't do the surgery until it becomes unbearable. Or you will be headed down the same path that I have been on. I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!