Tinnitus, Deafness and Ear Problems Support Group

This group is for those coping with Tinnitus (ringing ears or ear noise), hearing loss, and all ear issues. Join to find support and get advice from others.

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PreciousBama 08/04/2008

I just want to thank loyr, earitated, brad and sooz for your kind words and prayers for my back surgery. I got up this morning and I just could not go thru with it at this time. It is a very invasive surgery but anyway this month is not the time but I know it will come. Next thing, hopefully I will get the Namenda this week and good news on mammo.
Thank you all very much
Brenda

loyr 08/04/2008

only you know when its time, stick to your gut feelings. Hope you are doing well!!!! I pray you get good news on your Mamo.

deleted_user 08/05/2008

Is your surgeon recommending fusion?

Hi Brenda, I'm hoping your dealing with the ears and back as best you are able. Unless tinnitus is rather severe, chronic pain can be a far more taxing condition to contend with.

I received your message about the back (and ADR) and wanted to get back with you. The best advice given by doctors is to "listen to your body". When you're at a point that the back pain is more than you can contend with --and all conservative treatments have been exhausted-- thats when most consider back surgery. The trick is to avoid surgery long as possible, but having surgery before causung further nerve damage

Fortunately, artificial disc replacement is now allowing patients with DDD/herniated discs to replace damaged discs and avoid fusion. But the procedure is new, not everyone is a candidate and insurance is just catching on.

Bentley fox has had ADR (artificial disc surgery) and has the "ear thing" too. She is absolutely brilliant and very willing to help.

PreciousBama 08/05/2008

Snow, thanks for your response. Yes the dr. explained the process very well and I have read about it and I got scared and backed out for now. He would remove the deteriorated and collapsed disc and put a cage, do bone graft, rods and screws remove bone spurs. Easy for him to say but it scared shit out of me. I had two weeks to think about it. I will try epidural and pain pills i guess. I have been down now for 2 days in pain. Tinnitus is severe but like you said if you have another pain, it does not seem to bother me as bad. I am going to try Namenda and I get it tomorrow. I have gone one year like this trying different things with a pain mgmt dr. He said I was not candidate for ADR and something about insurance is not paying yet. Right now, my foot is numb and legs are so week and back is throbbing. I guess you say it is time for surgery, right? I messaged Bentley fox but I have not checked my messages. thanks for your concern. Brenda

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