Need "unofficial" medical advice from fellow nurses.

[loerith]

I have 2 badly herniated disks {L4-L5, L5-S1} with a hemangioma and some osteophytes. Quite painful to say the least. I am off work again now and have been for a month. I tried the Pain Management route and the experimental medial nerve block hurt me more than helped me. After much prayer and talking with lots of people, I am thinking I have 2 options:

1) receive some kind of supernatural healing {in my case - Christian}

2) have a laminectomy

I have had 2 spinal surgeries in the past. A laminectomy about 15 years ago which I did great with and cervical fusion at 2 levels that did not go so well.

My neurosurgeon says he can do the lapro/micro type lammy but that there really isnt much difference in the post-op recovery time. I have also tried physical therapy.....no go.

Any input greatly appreciated.

Peace and Love,

loerith

[dianah, ASN]

I have no wisdom to offer, only DO YOUR RESEARCH. Do a google or yahoo search, or whatever, for what may help/be offered, even alternative therapies.

We always have choices, although some are infinitely more difficult to make than others. I wish you decreased pain and increased hope. -- D

[Sadie04]

I've taken care of many post-op lami patients and they seem to do very well, but I would do lots of research on the neurosurgeon - is it the same surgeon that did your previous surgeries? What issues did you have with the spinal fusion?