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From: Betty.Draughon@p10.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Betty Draughon)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Need Advice
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Date: 1 Jun 90 17:48:13 GMT
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In a message to A L L <21 May 90 21:06:00> Orville Bullitt wrote:

 OB>     H E L P -   I   N E E D   A D VI C E !

     I'll do my best.

 OB>     QUESTIONS:
 OB>                 How safe are lamenectomy operations? 

Relatively safe, these days, while under the knife of a COMPETENT
neurosurgeon.

 OB> What are the chances that the operation would relieve the
 OB> pain that I suffer?

You need good, basic, informed consent here.  Not knowing the
extent of the spondylolesthesis, it is purely from a layman's point
of view that I speak.  It has been my experience in the past that a
simple laminectomy did little but postpone another surgical
procedure - buying time, if you would.  The relief from pain would
be apparent rather quickly, I'd say.  I would think that the fusing
of the joint L5-S1 would be appropriate at the time the spine is
invaded.  To risk another surgical procedure of this magnitude, not
too many years down the road, seems to me (again let me stress that
I am a LAYMAN!) not worth the effort.  My personal philosophy is do
what you need to do, and anything you think you MIGHT need to do in
the next 15-20 years while you're in there.  I do not consider the
invasion of my spine by a scalpel as a picknick in the park!

 OB> Should I consider switching primary care physicians until I find one
 OB> that will be willing to refer me to the neuro-surgeon that cared for
 OB> me before?

I would think so.  Your insurance carrier should allow for second
opinions, and might even offer a referral service.  Another tactic
you might consider is to call your neurosurgeon personally, and ask
who you might consult that would be willing to refer you back to
him.  Tell him of your new symptoms and difficulties, and I suspect
he will be more than glad to provide you with the name of a
sympathetic primary care physician.

     I hope this helped.  Best of luck to you.

     I bid you Peace.

                                   Betty

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