HAD MY CONSULTATION WITH NEUROSURGEON YESTERDAY

I had my consultation yesterday morning in Indianapolis. He gave me some rather bad news. After a very detailed examination and review of the MRI films, he told me that there was nothing he could do for me surgically. The degeneration is worse than thought. My bottom three disc are collapsed totally and one is badly ruptured. On top of that I have severe neuropathy in both legs. I knew I had it in my feet but was unaware of the leg problems. He told me that the only possibility might be to have disc fusion done but was not to optimistic about that. He also told me that a disc fusion is very hard to heal with a person with neuropathy, plus the fact that despite loosing over 190 lbs I am still considered obese and that would make surgery very difficult. Recovery time would be very long. He has me scheduled to see another neurosurgeon on the 23rd of January whose specialty is disc fusion. He is supposed to be the best in the field of disc fusion. It would be a very major surgery. I agreed to go see him and hear him out. In the meantime I have to realize I am going to have problems walking the rest of my life. Although I am really bummed out right now, I can handle being back in the motorized wheel chair again. I have all the handicapped equipment that was given to me by the VA a couple of years ago, like my power wheel chair, shower stool, elevated toilet seat, hospital bed, walker, canes etc. So as things get worse I will be able to live my life fairly comfortably. He said they will be able to give me medications to relieve some of the pain as time goes on. Gee a dope attic. I am trying to handle this all the best I can. I guess all those things I was looking forward to doing after WLS will not be possible now. But what the heck things could be a lot worse. Fortunately I have a wonderful wife to take care of me, even though it is a real burden on her. Sorry to vent too much, but you have been such a great support group to me that I know you understand. I will let you all know what happens when I see the other neurosurgeon on the 23rd. Even if he is willing to do the surgery I will have to evaluate the risk versus the inconvenience of not being able to have a functional life style. I just must move on now and take it day by day. So now I will press on to doing what I need to do and share my humor rather than complain. I am thankful for the WLS which certainly has its benefits for me now. I now leave it all in God's hands. I appreciate all your prayers. Dan

Dan, I am so sorry to hear about your news. I am hoping you find out some better news on the 23rd. I am sure it will be a hard decision to make. I know you will seek your faith and family to help you though this tough road you are about to embark on. You and your family are in my thoughts. Hopefully we might see you and Ann at the clothing exchange. Bonnie

Dan, I am so sorry for the disappointing news. I really feel for you. I, too, have degenerative disc disease in my tailbone area. Mine is not as severe as yours. But it was one of the (many) reasons for me to have WLS. I knew that if my condition got worse, my husband would not be able to care for me at the weight I was. Keep in mind that your weight loss has probably decreased your level of pain and increased the chances that you and your wife will be able to meet the demands of your care in the future. Keep your chin up and do your research, there may be other options such as a disc implant. In the mean time, please know that you are in my prayers. God made us and He can heal us. Annette

Dan I am so sorry to hear about these problems. I wonder if there are any "alternative" medicine options? I am assuming you go to a Chiropractor? What does he say? I'll keep my fingers crossed for good news on the 23rd!! Sam

I am so sincerely sorry. Sounds like you are trying to see the glass half-full, but still, how disappointing. I will certainly keep my fingers crossed that the next doc has some good news. Belle

Dan, So very sorry to hear about the bad news. Hopefully the other surgeon will have some better news. You & Ann will certainly be in my prayers.

your humor and attitude will take you far in this dan....try and keep a positive attitude and that will take you far....

Dan, I am sorry that the news was not what you had hoped for! Maybe on the 23rd you will find out something a little better! Keep your faith and know that you have a lot of thoughts and prayers through all of us here in your OH family! Ann is a true angel, she will take great care of you! I wish you the best. Know that you and Ann are both in my thoughts and prayers! Hugz Dawn Hope to see ya all soon!

Papa Dan, Im sure hope whatever treatment u decide on gets u the relief you are looking for. You have come so far and we need to get u out of that darn chair. I'll keep u in my prayers and dont u give up...I know u have faith. You are truely blessed to have Ann there by your side. I will look forward to hearing how the second neurosurgeon feels about your diagnosis. I was also thinking its a good thing u got the wt off when u did....can u imagine how bad this would be if u still had that extra 150 lbs pushing on those three disc's? Take care

Dan my hubby has had 5 spinal surgeries.. the first was a fusion.. they are not all what they are cracked up to be asnd still rarely relieved the pain he was in.. he has been on morphene for 10 years..the best thing they started doing for him is the injections.. they help!! Dont let them just say they cant do anything.. surgicly no maybe they cant and shouldnt BUT pain wise YES they can , Ron goes to Dr Driehurst at St Fransis Beech Grove and he has done injections. THE CAN prolong getting you back in that wheel chair!!! Make sure they refer you to pain management!!!! As long as Dr Pritz isnt the second opinion you are going to be in good hands.. Would be great if it was Dr Luris but I think he has retired... he was a GREAT Neuro with NO bedside manner. PS for reasons I CANNOT say.. Please keep ED in constant prayer!!!!! Prayers, Linda