Avoid these mistakes as a patient

[@InspireU1973]

Doctor I understand the fear of opioids, but the pendulum has completely swung in the other direction, where no Doctor want to prescribe, the reasons are another discussion entirely! However, I was going to mention that a post op pain management plan is SO IMPORTANT! Too many times I have been post op and without an effective medication and when you are suffering it’s very difficult to navigate that and get it worked out. Having an advocate becomes SO CRITICAL! Just speaking from experience Doctor. Thank you for the great insight

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for your excellent observation. You are correct. Unfortunately the opioid epidemic was fueled by the actions of a lot of doctors (some well-meaning, others not so much) who created a terrible problem which haunts us to this day. How far is the pendulum going to swing before coming back towards sanity? I don't think anybody knows.

[@InspireU1973]

@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks hi Doctor, your points are well taken and you are correct, we can’t answer that question. I will mention this, which is really an example and it’s horrible. There are times when I can not control my breakthrough pain at home, hence I go to the ED, and whether I get adequate pain relief depends what “provider “ happens to be there that night , so I may or may not get treated, that is SIMPLY WRONG! A hospital ED should not send a patient home feeling the same or even worse than when he (I) arrived….

[@ginachasse614]

I just had a fusion and it was brutal. They had me on 10 mg of morphine every 4 hours!!!! Should be more and hourly 1st day. I AMA'd and left early to wither in pain at home.

[@AnthonyBrasch]

Dr. Khan just performed my back surgery Wednesday and I already feel great 3 days later without any pain killers. Amazing!!!

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

I am honored by your kind words, thank you! 🙏

[@AnthonyBrasch]

@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks Day 4 after spine surgery and went for a 1 mile walk and 7 mile bike ride without pain killers! Life changing!!!!!

[@tammiegreen6046]

What state is Dr Khan in?

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

My practice is located in Milwaukee. For contact information please visit: www.MustafaKhanMD.com

[@andersonjr4034]

I had lumbar spinal surgery with rods, screws and peek. Unfortunately , I developed haematoma owing to defective drainage system and I was compelled to undergo a second surgery for removal of blood clots collected at the surgery side. I'm still lying in bed with pain on my 10 day though I have been released from hospital. Any advice doctor?

[@Brenda0531]

I had L4-5 laminectomy/ Discectomy and had more pain after. after PT for six months and injections I got second opinion. They said my spine was unstable and nerve crushed so did L4-5 fusion. Still had a ton of pain for the next 2 years. I had mri n ct scans. The surgeon said everything looks great. He said maybe it's your SI joints. He said it's common after spine surgery. So I did PT for two more years and more injections. After that, I ended up with 6 ifuse rods across my SI joints. Now I'm in more pain. This neurosurgeon that did the Ifuse did an MRI and he noticed the screws in my nerve canal. He said this didn't look right. So now I went to a trauma surgeon to help me figure it out He said on your L4-5 fusion you have two screws sitting inside your nerve canal. You need to get those out and he doesn't do spine surgery. I went back to the surgeon who put them in and they said we take full responsibility. I was fused so they took the entire cage out and left the plate. Went for my follow up with the surgeon and they changed it to the PA. They said that he will not see me. When I saw the PA, he was in the office and turned away and wouldn't even talk to me on my husband. The pa said he won't see you. Now I'm in the process of getting the ifuse rods out at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. All my surgeries were done in the Boston area and I thought we had great surgeons. I am terrified now. I wish I had someone like you in the beginning. This has been life altering. I've got four children and two little granddaughters and I hardly ever see them and it breaks my heart. my husband and I have not gone on vacation for the last five years I am basically in bed on an ice machine, majority of the time I try to get out and walk, but it's awful. Most of this started when I had an RFA,m on l4-5 anna S 1 which put me in the hospital for five days. I also found out I am allergic to titanium. I have severe burning where the rods are. It's pure red across si joints which is reason for ice machine. I love your honesty, telling people not to jump into surgery! We need more people like you for sure this world

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

I am very sorry to hear about your very difficult journey: Undergoing multiple spine & orthopedic surgeries takes a toll on the body (and the mind), no question about it. It can take a long time to recover, and it is difficult to stay positive and optimistic during this time, and I understand your dilemma. I hope you have found a pain-management doc who can manage your symptoms with some medications. Wishing you all the best, take care, hope you feel better soon 🙏

[@MacchiatoSwirlGirl]

Almost the same except I had an exceptional L4-5 lam/disc.... They didn't over do it. I think that's the secret. To many times they go to the extreme unnecessarily, and not every patient is the same, and should not be treated cookie cutter surgeries and so dam aggressive. One surgeon not mine told me, it all depends. The life your patient is leading, is how you want to keep them. Unless, of course it's something life threatening, traumatic injury, sometimes you don't have a choice. Daggone it, it's gotten out of hand, in my opinion. Just hogwild in fusion. 24-25 year olds. Disc degenerates with age, and there's no scientific evidence that these surgeries help stop that progression or even stop the pain, and if it does it merely temporarily. Stop staring at a computer screen, do proper examinations, do allergy testing, get patients to loose weight, and for Gosh sakes stop staring at the dam computer screen, and ask where it hurts!

[@rosettireyes4572]

​@@SpineSurgeonSpeakswhat is the alternative material if the patient has allergy to titanium?

[@hkanchor]

@@rosettireyes4572I know you are waiting for Dr to reply but the alternative metal is cobalt chromium

[@kathleensarmiento932]

I have the beginning of caudas equinas. Minimal neuropathy from bum to feet. But clearly squashed nerves at L3 - L5 (S1 has related neuropathy but not nearly as severe compression) based on my most recent MRI. Previously SI injections worked to combat the pain but the last round was minimal. I am opting to go ahead with the L3-L5 fusion now. And doing PT 3 times a week until then. I turn 59 in a week and can not see suffering into retirement knowing decompression is eminent. Prayers appreciated !

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

My prayers are with you. Good luck. Wishing you a successful surgery and a fantastic recovery ❤️🙏

[@duncandavenport7007]

I am 62 and live in Southeast Lower Michigan. I injured my lower back in a shower fall about 12 years ago. The resulting injury/condition has finally reached the point where I can no longer put off this surgery and I'm scheduled with a surgeon (Dr. Vibert) on May 29th of this year. So, just a few weeks away now. I'll admit I'm trepidatious, but it simply cannot wait any more. Thank you for this video, Doctor. I found it interesting and enlightening. Fortunately, I don't smoke, and I came off any opioids nearly a year ago. My surgeon, Dr. Vibert, has had the surgery himself 13 years ago at age 37 and has told me that even at my age, I'm a better candidate for the surgery than he was back then. We will see! Again, thank you for such clear explanations and advice!

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for the compliment; I am honored to be able to help you in a small way. Best wishes to you, good luck on your upcoming surgery 👍

[@somemedia2921]

Am in hospital now I hard surgery l5 s1

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Wishing you an excellent recovery ❤️

[@cyborgpenguin89]

I am very realistic about surgery but my spine surgeon was terrible. Offered no post op follow and just made his medical assistant tell I'm fine, no pain management, I had to beg for a follow up absolutely no follow up.

[@luzvargas1063]

We all know sir that there is no 100% better even an 80% is a great outcome better than having strangled feet legs thighs and even hips. Those same things you mentioning I can no longer do

[@southernturtleturtle9420]

DR are very important but I am not going to go that route and not going pain injections or even pain pump. I've lived with extreme pain. I've lived in with that pain 3 months now. Disk degeneration, stenosis, scrolises. My lower vertebrae were almost fused together on there own. I'm going a different route and it is working slowly. Yes I've been given otc tylenol. Which I want to thank everyone concerned for that. What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger! BTW I have images to prove my issues. Shame on those people

[@oliviahackshaw5267]

Very pertinent and helpful video ! Thanks

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for your kind words, appreciated 🙏❤️

[@chetmarcotti4953]

Thank you Dr. Khan. That is a awesome presentation. I have had two Doctors in Orthopaedics, and I learned that it take one to really focus on what you hear and learn. I decided to change doctors for what I think was my equivalent of getting a good second opinion. I have not gotten any surgery at this point, but in the meantime, and for whatever reason, the pain level has receded by a factor of about 60 to 70%. So when I get to see my surgeon, I hope he can explain what could have happened.

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for your kind words, I am happy that the video was helpful to you. Getting a second opinion is usually very helpful to patients. I have a similar video which you may find interesting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pae2had6ZZ2Cotk Wishing you all the best, and good luck to you 👍

[@polliannalee9842]

Thank you very much Dr Khan.👍👍

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

It is my pleasure, glad to be of help! Thank you for your kind words, appreciate it.

[@delightreed5525]

Is shorts better than surgery

[@MadeByTriniLena]

Appreciate this info Dr. I’m scheduled to have a ACDF next week

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Best of luck!

[@joeblow9548]

3 years without any relief,,failed all injections physical therapy,meds,,still the drs in my area turn their heads with no clue,,after several mri reviews every dr has told me to get a discogram and see if theres a tear not showing on mri that could be leaking causing nerve pain,,low back pain down into my butt down my legs and my feet are killing me and i cant lify anything without pain and numbness shooting into my feet

[@christineweaver5924]

This video was very helpful.

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Glad to hear that! Thank you for watching 👍

[@Mark-vi3qr]

I have 3 herniated discs at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1. I've been dealing with this problem for 2 years now, but I've only just now started seeing an orthopedic surgeon because it's gotten so much worse. I've been doing physical therapy for the last 6 weeks, but it's not getting better. My back is still locking up on me and giving me problems. I had to quit a job where I was making $2,500 a week because I literally couldn't get through a day without my back and legs giving out on me. 2 surgeons have recommended fusion surgery if my symptoms don't improve and that terrifies me, but I think that's where I'm headed. I'm only 28 years old. I shouldn't be dealing with this 😢

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. The situation you describe is undoubtedly very difficult, and I see patients with your dilemma routinely. It seems that you have done your due diligence by getting opinions from two different surgeons. Sometimes, after all other options have failed, surgery may be a reasonable option. Good luck 👍

[@aaadamt964]

I just had my second back surgery a little over 2 months ago. I can't stress this enough: RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. Choose your surgeon wisely. My first surgeon only ground down one of my discs and claimed the other one wasn't bad enough to operate yet. I was in worse pain after. 2.5 years later, this surgeon replaced the discs from L4-S1 with spacers, cut some of the vertebrae out to open up the nerve canal and put rods and screws in to fuse it. I'm in my 40's now but have been dealing with this for over 20 years. I still have radiating pain. Likely from waiting so long. I'm just some guy on the internet but I'd highly recommend getting that taken care of asap. It's only going to get worse. I've aged 25 years in the last 5 years and have been in excruciating pain for years. Get it fixed while you're young and healthy.

[@MacchiatoSwirlGirl]

You need to make sure your weight is appropriate and your nutrition and diet, get a good physical trainer to strengthen and create muscle

[@XLDJWHAT]

How are you feeling now?

[@luzvargas1063]

@@Mark-vi3qr I totally say you should not b dealing with that your age. Me at 43 years old I started with back issues now am 56 years old. I had 5 minimally invasive laser surgeries of one inch incision . Those bought me 9 years of only getting tractions laser ultrasound waves tents unit, heat or cold exercises and massages. Those 9 years did not need pain medicines. I eliminated sugar from my diet Also learned herbs to help and keep Inflammation to a minimum. I had no other choice than applying for disability due to failing to keep jobs for those 9 years. Disability took 7.5 years to accomplish. Be encouraged Also understand a complete change have to occur in your life. Do not Lift Do not get together with anyone Too healthy because they will not understand and will tempt you to mess up your back Yo need to protect yourself as much as possible Once they do put fusions and hardware it all goes downhill. Meaning one level after another starts giving you problems. Careful when neck levels break down the worst one are C 2 C3 C7 ( these ones have to do with balance and hand arm strength. I wish I could tell you more, but I’d a lot to write. Be selective on surgeons must be board certified Ortho Spine also fellowship trained. It will make the difference. Doctors now days act as if they are humans, But you will need them .

[@Starwatcher2000]

I am a 55 year old white woman , never smoked,never drink, never use drugs, I have been taking Advil since I was 15 years old because of a snowmobile accident low back fracture now I am going in for neck surgery C 3-4 fusion June 12th 2024 3 month recovery question is will I be able to lift my granddaughter anymore

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for reaching out. I hope the following videos will be helpful to you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp7PkGmhgpmZj5o and kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJPSc2ikacZ8jNE I cannot predict your future outcome, of course, but most patients are able to return to a high-level of functioning once they have recovered from the surgery. I hope you will be able to lift up your granddaughter. Best of luck 👍

[@Achala148]

I think for me, because surgeon wants to do this asap due to signs of myolopathy, (been waiting 5 years for appointment) it doesn't matter if pain improves or not, just that the pressure is off the spinal cord. Oh gosh he didn't say anything about recovery. Have no idea what I will be able to do or not do and for how long... One thing I don't understand is as I have degenerative disc disease and all joints in cervical spine are also arthritic with degrees.of stenosis, why can't I have a disc replacement instead of a fusion? As I understand it, joints above and below fusion degenerate faster and they are already degenerative, so wouldn't a disc replacement be better? Thank you for helping us with these videos.

[@kathleensarmiento932]

There's a ton of patient videos from pre surgery to years out chronicling their expectations. Of course everyone is different....but many of the experiences are similar. And the suggestions are extremely valuable.

[@kathleensarmiento932]

The new titanium spacers have give and space for bone growth. Replacement discs only serve about 5% of issues and can worsen arthritis. (I asked that too !)

[@fightswithspirits915]

MRSA spine abscess here. Septic. One hour away from ER. So sleepy

[@charlesboyer8811]

Do lateral lumbar nerve compressions ever get better to where the sciatica goes away. From what I know, this has a lot less of an opening for the disc to avoid the nerve

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Most sciatica symptoms will improve over time, but the MRI findings may or may not improve (despite the clinical improvement). The decision to perform surgery is based on the patient's symptoms more so than the MRI findings themselves. Sometimes a patient with a large disc herniation will have mild symptoms, and a patient with a small disc herniation will have severe symptoms.

[@barbsdee3831]

I waited 2 years as I had type 2 diabetes and my surgeon wanted me to bring my hba1c down. I did that and lost 28 pounds. I’m 3 weeks post op now and still have sciatica now and again. I’m taking paracetamol and ibuprofen. Will this get better or should I take strong pain meds? My doctor (I live in the uk) gave me oxycodone but I’m frightened to take it.

[@wojtek2u]

re. realistic expectations: how to ask about possible outcome of the spine surgery? patients usually are interested about the outcome. Is it possible to say that some symptoms/procedures can be healed/works better, close to 100%? If yes, which one?

[@AntonioDiaz]

Awesome video! Thanks for all the input! 😮 just wanted to know who a doctor goes about fixing a bulge disc since it hasn’t really ruptured. Would it still be similar to a micro discectomy? Or is a bulge disc and herniated disc interchangeable terms? 😮 thanks again 🙏

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

That's a good question. Most surgeons will be reluctant to operate on a disc that is bulging but not ruptured/ herniated. Unless a disc is causing a direct nerve compression, in general surgery should be avoided (obviously, with rare exceptions).

[@AntonioDiaz]

@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks awesome! Makes sense! Thanks so much! 👏

[@robin513]

I've had 2 cervical spine fusions with titanium plates & screws , one in the mid 90's the other 2007 . I now have myelomalacia. Its getting worse ,pain , tremors ,muscle spasms , nerve pain in sides of neck so excruciating I've been to the ER several times , to the point i could hardly walk . I have various symptoms every day now . Tremors get so bad my own daughter accused me of being a meth addict, against my knowledge & permission told the ER Dr. to run drug screen on me .

[@alexandrazambouni4001]

Hello I have to tarlov cysts on my spine and one Neurologist tells me it Sitting on a Nerve and I saw a Neurosurgeon and tells me tha is my Leg nerves My symptoms tinkling numbness and burning. Please tell me your opinion. Thank you

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for your question. Most spine surgeons/ specialists believe that Tarlov cysts are (most of the time) benign and do not cause significant symptoms. Numbness/ burning pain in the legs may be related to a different matter, about which I previously made a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmqtfoCXmqeIgMU You may need a second opinion. Good luck to you 👍

[@Jameelurrahman41339]

I had a thoracic spine tumor surgery a year ago.. d5 d7 nd left rib extension. But still I have severe pain. Difficult to do day to day simple work.

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thoracic spine surgery with rib resections can be very painful. Wishing you all the best 👍

[@LauraMason-b6u]

I am due to have disk replacement surgery C4,5,6 and am not due my pre op for another month. I am 37 years old had symptoms many years and tried all the non surgical treatments but the last two days my symptoms have intensified, I am waking up with totally numb arms and very heavy legs/ weakness. Should I inform the surgeon that I am getting worse or just wait for my pre op in a month. ?

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for reaching out. Obviously I don't know the particulars of your condition, so I can't make any diagnostic or treatment recommendations. Having said that, I think if there is a substantial change in your condition, it would be wise to tell your surgeon about it, since it may have significant implications down the road. Good luck to you 👍👍

[@silvioortiz]

Dr Khan, Do you have offices in Florida?? Thank you

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for asking. Unfortunately I don't have an office in Florida; I am based in Wisconsin.

[@wojtek2u]

re. waiting too long: are there any spine problems which have stronger indication that waiting or relying on the rehabilitation is not a good option and should be treated with surgery rather sooner than later? (not talking about severe prob. with cauda equina)

[@muhammadrafique9207]

my age 54yrs ist ACDF surgery at may 2021 C5C6 but agents problems atC3C4 and C7 dr Advised surgery MRI Report

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for reaching out. Every case is different, so I cannot comment on your specific situation. However, it is not unusual to develop disc-problems above/below a previous fusion. In that case surgery may be a reasonable option. However this is something that you need to discuss with your spine surgeon. Here is a video which might be helpful to you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pae2had6ZZ2Cotk Good luck.

[@VijayKrishnchund]

Dr Khan if a person has ankylosing spondylitis they back is hunch shud they go for surgery

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

This is a very difficult question to answer, because spine surgery in the setting of AS carries a lot of risks, and complications are very common. You should seek consultation with a very experienced spine surgeon who has a lot of experience with AS spine surgery. If the surgeon's recommendations are not satisfactory, it may be helpful to get a second opinion from another surgeon. Wishing you good luck and the best of health 🙏

[@UmaMadhaviIndukuri]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you 👍

[@Flyfree7]

I've had a fusion/Laminectomy on L4-5. The surgeon cut through the dura-matter trying to free a nerve because I have Arachnoiditis. I also have Scollois (40< angle), 7 ruptured discs, 6 bulging discs, and my new Neurosurgeon wants to fuse me from T-1, to L-5. I really thought I could just get my spinal cord stimulator removed and replaced with a morphine spinal cord injector. I don't like opiates but am in a high level of constant pain. Do you think the fusion is a good idea?

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for reaching out. The situation you described sounds quite complex, and since I have not had a chance to examine you and review your imaging studies, it is not possible for me to recommend a treatment. Having said that, if you are not sure about the recommendation of the surgeon, it would be very helpful for you to consider getting a second opinion from another surgeon. Wishing you good health and good luck in the future 👍

[@Flyfree7]

@@SpineSurgeonSpeaks Thanks

[@gjop-xm2xe]

I can afford the conservative or surgery I’m in so much pain and also have m s 😢I would love to do acupuncture and cyropratic

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Yes, this can be a very difficult situation, I feel for you. Wishing you all the best 👍

[@JoseLaurinio]

Expectation should be related to treating the actual pathology. Many surgeons fail the surgery from a technical perspective (pseudoartrosis, insufficient decompression, etc.) and then weasel out on taking responsibility by mentioning the unrealistic expectation of the patient. Funny.

[@yaganamajama6956]

Assalamu alaikum Dr Khan. I have back pain, tingling and numbness in both my legs with sciatica. What do I do?

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Salam, thank you for reaching out. It is not possible to make a diagnosis or recommend a particular treatment for your condition without obtaining history, performing a physical examination and obtaining the appropriate imaging studies. Therefore, I suggest an in-person evaluation with a spine-specialist. Having said that, I have a video about sciatica which may provide you with some useful information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmqtfoCXmqeIgMU There are good treatment options for patients with sciatica, and most patients do not need surgery. Wishing you all the best 🙏

[@Screwsandrods]

Excellent advice! I had a 360° surgical fusion C3-C6 & was compressed too long resulting in Myelomalacia at C4-C5. The result of now living with a spinal cord injury has caused significant pain in my arms & bilateral thumb pain to the point of 24/7 pain as well as gait issues & terrible nerve pain. Having something that is irreversible is devestating especially when it causes pain. Thank you for touching on important things to think about when having spine surgery. 🩻🙏🏻

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Thank you for your kind words, appreciate it. I am glad you recognized that you were dealing with a serious problem and you took the steps to address it. Good luck!

[@wojtek2u]

is pain level which requires pain killers necessary to have spine surgery? Or moderate level of pain but almost permanent is also and indication?

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

You may find this video helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4DFknhulNiBeK8

[@kathleensarmiento932]

Watch KZbin videos from patients that have gone thru the same or similar surgery. Everyone has a different post Op experience..... but you may gain some insight. Keeping control of the pain is way better than falling behind and playing catch up. Think pain "management" not "drugs".

[@muhammadrafique9207]

dr khan help please thanks

[@markmedina5232]

Great information. Do you consider chewing tobacco to have the same negative impact on healing?

[@SpineSurgeonSpeaks]

Yes, nicotine by itself is a toxic substance.