Patients share advice about choosing the best spine surgeon for your
back pain relief
In this section patients share their insights into
how they chose the right back surgeon for their back pain
relief, including seeking a second opinion, using the internet
to research a surgeon, and what they are most (or least)
pleased with in the surgeon they chose. Be sure to submit
your advice to be published on the site!
Hi, I had a L5 fusion & L4 Pro-disc surgery just done May 2nd, 07. I was in so much pain before that I would have been unable to do anything w/o surgery. I have 2 small kids and at the time was 33, just had a b-day! But, my surgeons were blunt and no non- sense about what I needed and what was going to be done. It was all done thru the front and I was in the Hosp. 6 days. I had a illness that I contracted during that time there an they wanted to keep me longer but I got on some meds and all went well. I went home and was taking care of myself right away (stairs,shower). I had a toilet lift adapter and used a walker for 2 weeks becoz I was a lil unsteady but my front muscles were the only pain I had till I came home-then my legs started to get muscle issues and hurt extremely awful. My surgeon gave me meds right away and it stopped that. I am healing wonderfully so far, 1.5 months+ now after and I am able to sleep knowing that I will be back to normal in a few weeks. I was terrified reading the ones that weren’t so lucky before I went in-but I’d not change my mind if I had to go again. My surgeon was amazing and his side kicks, the treatment we received and are still is amazing. This surgeon to me is a gift from God. Changed my whole life, & my kids see the benefits too. GB Cyn
From: Cyn - Minnesota, USA
Following years of conservative treatment, including epidurals, I really did not think as much about the credentials of the surgeon as I was more concerned about the expected end result of pain relief. Following a dual fusion/discectomy of my lower cervical spine, although I was concerned about the post-op unusual symptoms of increase pain in my elbows, shoulders, pain radiating to my wrists, and overall weakness, I discussed undergoing repair of another two-level injury of my lower back with the same surgeon. I did not feel comfortable with this surgeon, and it seemed she was not comfortable performing additional surgery on me. Thus, I went back to the pain specialist who recommended two other surgeons, both having about the same amount of experience and graduates of medical schools in Philadelphia. The first surgeon told me outright that because of the number of levels involved he would not attempt any surgical procedures. While he saw three, the next surgeon disagreed and felt a dual would alleviate the pain immediately. I underwent a dual fusion/discectomy of L3-L4 and L5-S1, but the pain worsened. With a car accident less than three months after the operation, wearing a poorly fitted, custom made back brace for eight months, and no PT afterwards despite obvious deconditioning, the pain only intensified. I now have spinal stenosis in both low back and neck, and kyphoscoliosis in my thoracic spine. I made an error in judgment and should have left well enough alone. That was four years ago--as long as I can walk, I wouldn't consider spine surgery again.
From: Susanna – New Jersey, USA
I was lucky enough to finally meet my surgeon, after two years of workmans comp medical bullshit, to assess my back injury. My diagnosis was a crushed disc, just above my pelvis, and slight swelling in the disc above it. My first surgery was anterior (through the front side). I FELT NO PAIN AFTER MY SURGERY, EXCEPT IN MY STOMACH MUSCLES, which were cut. I had no pain in my legs, hips, or back. Unreal. My physical therapy began a couple of months later. I was told at best, I would be 65%-75% of what I used to be! Still better than the hell I was living in, for sure. After a few months of therapy, I can honestly say "I WAS BACK TO DAMN NEAR A 100%, BEFORE THE INJURY", NO LIE!!! I had a follow up appt. with the doctor - damn I was happy and so was my family. Finally this crap was behind me.
I was warned that, due to unnecessary wear and tear due to the prolonged waiting time between diagnosis and treatment, a second surgery was possible. I was optimistic – I was gonna be back the way I used to be, happy and working. That was Feb. of 2000. Nevertheless, I had to have another surgery in March of 2002, four more fused discs. Ouch, did it up good this time!!! Through this whole ordeal, my surgeon never once bullshit me on my prognosis!! I am currently a stay at home pops, and in better shape than before. THANK YOU, DOCTOR!
From: EZJONNYG-AZBOY – Arizona, USA
On 10-9-06 I learned what real pain was all about. That was my first visit to the ER and the beginning of my 80 day journey through our medical community. The next day I was referred to the wrong specialists by my PC Dr, that really began the delay in my getting to a surgeon for two and half weeks. After seeing the 1st MRI, the neurosurgeon said surgery at L4 and L5 was my only hope, but wanted a 2nd MRI. Two days later, and with the 2nd MRI, he changed his mind and recommended I get a 2nd opinion. When you make appointments with surgeons, make sure they are still operating because my 2nd only consulted and gave pain shots, (but that was not explained in the insurance directory), so the 2nd had to find me a 3rd to do the surgery. My 2nd opinion Dr was great. He found the REAL problem on the MRI that the radiologist missed (a bulging disk at S1 causing great pain and loss of feeling in and control of my left foot) and called the radiologist right then and asked for a revised report. He also called the 1st Dr. to discuss his findings and tried to get him to do the surgery, but Dr #1 was not convinced, (ego) and I was forced to find a 3rd surgeon. A week later I met the 3rd Dr. and the next morning I'm on table, because waiting as long as I had was risking permanent loss of feeling in the foot. He asked why I waited so long. I told him what you have just read, and believe me, this is the abbreviated version. Don't be afraid of surgery. I would crawl to the operating room the next time.
From: Paul – Florida, USA
I had L4-5 fused in 1995 with hardware and only fair results. Post-op pain was excruciating and my surgeon was very lax at pain management. The back pain returned two years later along with severe hip and leg pain on the right side, and he said I needed further fusions L3-S1; I scheduled the surgery but backed out at the last minute because of fear of pain and sought another surgeon. He fused L4-S1 and screws were inserted again. I experienced very little pain afterward due to his commitment to pain management. I was unfortunately blinded in my right eye which is apparently an anesthesia issue. I'm now with another specialist. My advice: Find a doctor who believes in post-op pain management; seek more than one opinion and discuss the problems that can occur with post-op sight loss. It is a very rare occurrence, but it can happen and there is virtually no recourse that I'm aware of.
From: Alicia - Kansas, USA
I am 6 wks post-op from having an anterior cervical disectomy and fusion, L5,L6. My pain has been dramatically better but I still have discomfort at times in my right shoulder which the surgeon advised me of prior to surgery. I am very particular about all of my doctors and asked my gyno, internist, and my children's specialists if they knew of a good neurosurgeon. All of them provided the same name and elaborated about his skill and the fact that they would see him if they had back problems. When I was in the hospital the nurses in pre-op and on the floor confirmed the same thing my other doctors had told me. My surgeon took a piece of my hip bone to replace my disc and is not a fan of other methods. If you want to pursue the possibility of surgery, research neurosurgeons versus orthopedic; they require a considerable amount of additional education and medical training.
From: Christina - Georgia, USA
First, I went to my State Board of Registration in Medicine web site and checked education, honors, credentials and malpractice history. Then I queried my neurologist as to where he would send his wife for this type of surgery. Finally, when interviewing surgeons, I asked the most important question...how many cases of this type have you done in what period of time and what were the outcomes for patients in my age category.
The hospital is just as important-ask about infection control.
From: Waxmom – Massachusetts, USA
I was actually referred to my surgeon by another surgeon in the area. I am 36 years old, and the first surgeon said that all he could do for me was a two level fusion. He referred me to another doctor who is at the forefront of artificial disc replacement. I couldn't be happier that he did. The first surgeon had made sure that I had exhausted all conservative treatments. I believe that is the most important factor in dealing with a surgeon, that the doctor makes sure you are a surgical candidate, and that the surgeon listens to what you want to do with YOUR back. I was pretty adamant in the fact that I did not want a fusion. I am a 36 year old male, and the first surgeon agreed that because of my age and my activity level that a fusion was not the best option in my case. He referred me to my surgeon, and I got a two level Charite artificial disc replacement, L4-L5 and L5-S1. So far, the surgery has been a complete success. Make sure your input is not ignored, after all, the surgeon will not be fixing their own back.
From: Curt – Maryland, USA
I had spondylolisthesis L5-S1 and my doctor and everyone under the sun said don't get surgery. For years I sat in pain thinking about a possible addiction to meds - I'm glad that never happened! I found out about my surgeon thru word of mouth, did some research and got an appointment for November the 1st of this year. I got transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with bonegraft. Now I want to go back to my family doc and kick him in the mouth for making me wait. It hasn't been three weeks and I feel a lot better already. You must always remember, it takes a long time for your body to heal after living with pain for years. People think the surgery will stop the pain right away, but you need to give the nerves time to regrow. It will take me up to 12 months to heal but at least I don't have to take any pain pills anymore. Your outcome might be different than mine, but you'll never know until you try. I just wish surgeries like mine that came out great were talked about as much as the surgeries that didn’t work out.
From: Boyd
My advice to anyone considering spinal surgery in any country is to have positional MRIs first, i.e. standing, flexion, extension, seated... Check positional MRI availability in your country. YOU WILL NOT REGRET THE EXTRA EFFORT. Now you are aware of the technology. The difference between appropriate surgery or inappropriate surgery is the more diagnostic evidence your surgeon can have pre op the better. You might find you having so many multilevel proplems that surgery could of only made it worse. Insist upon a positional MRI, or go get one yourself, and claim it back later. If it's available, it's no more expensive than a lying down MRI, and better than a lifetime of pain and paralysis. Prices vary considerbly from country to country, as much as 80%. Good luck.
From: Martyn - Melbourne, Australia
I investigated and had many referrals from surgeons prior to my fusion (cervical). There are very IMPORTANT things one must know. Make a list short as possible--blunt and direct answers. Always make notes prior as to not forget, notes if needed during, and they may well be later. Think of as many questions pertinent and CHECK THIS SITE..ask and ask until it feels RIGHT. Hope this helps new spine ailments as well as old timers like myself. Also, I bought a new bed w/ pillow top mattress. I have yet to have my insomnia since!!! Check it too, BIG DIFFERENCE not just SALES.. To all a good night, I shall pray for you all. The tough just get tougher!!!! NEVER ACCEPT FAILURE. Keep your chin up.
From: Eileen Lindsay - USA
Information on the Internet, including Spine-health.com and Medscape, helped me understand my condition and with information from the State Physical Therapy school and my family doctor I was able to make a decision on a surgeon.
I evaluated 3 surgeons. I consulted the 2nd one for a second opinion. When he differed from the 1st one, I consulted a third. Information on the internet was critical in my deciding to eliminate the first surgeon. His suggested surgery was more risky then that offered by the third surgeon.
The surgeon I eventually used was very interested in answering all of my questions and ensuring that he met my needs. He was also open to suggestions I had as a result of reading the internet. I was totally pleased with my surgeon. He was one of the nicest most competent people I have ever met.
From: Tom – Louisiana, USA
The first time I met my surgeon, he said, "I make my $ by doing surgeries and I turn 90% of my patients away because they don't need it". That was impressive to me. He truly listens to me when I explain what is going on, has showed/explained my films in detail to me and has made sure that I fully understand everything. Because of those things that is what I am most pleased with in my surgeon. I have researched a few surgeons before meeting with him, but have not gotten a second opinion. This website has been very helpful to me. I am able to take my time and reread to thoroughly understand topics.
From: Jody – Wisconsin, USA
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