See if they can clear you for the anesthesia to get the back fixed.
Broke my back and need HELP.....
- Thread starter 1600vw
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See if they can clear you for the anesthesia to get the back fixed.
flhrci
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Tony,
I am glad you are staying as positive as you can. Please keep us posted. I hope you are able to get the back surgery done so you can be more comfortable.
I looked at the MRI picture you just posted. Without having much of a clue, it looks bad to me. I really hope that they can give you some pain relief so yo ucan maintain some quality of life.
David
This is the cliff-notes version:
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PaulS
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I know nothing about this stuff, but I saw that dark spot. Is that from the bone digging into the nerve? Is the point what the surgeon will remove?
There is a fluid filled space that contains the nerves that go from the spinal cord to the legs (strand like darker things in the bright fluid). The vertebral bodies are stacked on top of each other with the intervertebral discs in between. The discs are made from two main parts, a gel-like core surrounded by a ring of elastomeric composite material wrapped around it. The disc that I labeled as 'normal disc' shows that architecture. The water containing gel like part in the center and the dark fiber part in the front and back. In the last disc, the fibers of the composite material are torn* and the gelatin core is squeezed out towards the back (the part labeled 'Ouch'). This squeezed out gel material exerts pressure onto and narrows the fluid filled (bright) space that is available for the nerves. Nerves dont like getting squeezed.
The surgery usually consists of two parts. Removing the squished out part of the disc (discectomy) and removing part of the bone that forms the back wall of the spinal canal (laminectomy). This removes the pressure on the nerves provides relief for most patients. If there is instability, iow the different vertebral bodies can move against each other in a way they are not supposed to move, additional steps may have to be taken. That would be a 'fusion' where the disc is removed and replaced with bone. It is quite a bit more involved.
*according to report of a special test Tony posted earlier
PaulS
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Interesting stuff, thanks for the analysis.
Matthew
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The spine is a fascinating structure. It has to bend, twist, flex, stretch, compress, absorb shocks, support all kinds of weight, other skeletal structures, and protect some pretty important nerves. It is a "big deal".
AcroBoy
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Jim N
So you have a disk bulge that looks to be L5-S1. You did not include all of the studies. Forty percent of the asymptomatic population will have disk bulges. I did not see any fractures as you haven claimed, but certainly no obvious or significant compression fractures.
The priority is clearly the aortic root and possibly valve open heart surgery.
The priority is clearly the aortic root and possibly valve open heart surgery.
What 40% of the asymptomatic population dont have is a Dallas grade V annular tear and concordant pain on a discogram.
AcroBoy
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Jim N
I'm not saying he doesn't have an hnp, but he never said what levels he had the discogram performed. I'm not going to expend time or energy based upon one cut, but my simplistic impression is that a single level decompression and possibly fusion would be beneficial. It did not look like he had significant Ddd, but it was not worth the time evaluating a single cut.
Despite the many claims regarding a fracture, I did not see any compression fxs (on the single view) and do not recall any mention of radicular sx, although it's hard to interpret his subjective complaints. He might have been told he was not be a surgical candidate based upon factors other than the single level hnp. The aortic root and valve would obviously be a priority, but who knows?
Despite the many claims regarding a fracture, I did not see any compression fxs (on the single view) and do not recall any mention of radicular sx, although it's hard to interpret his subjective complaints. He might have been told he was not be a surgical candidate based upon factors other than the single level hnp. The aortic root and valve would obviously be a priority, but who knows?
1600vw
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They are not going to operate on my back.
Because of your heart ?
1600vw
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Here is what happened. The back doctor's office or Dr. Williams office called to arrange for the surgery. I explained what was going on and told her if I am not going to live but a year why have this. But if I am going to live a couple years lets do have this surgery. She said she would call me back. She called back and said we are not having the surgery.
Tony
PaulS
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Sounds like you talked them out of it Tony.
Luvrv8
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When I had my back injury if I had been told I would only live 6 months after surgery I would have done it. A day pain free is better then a day in pain.
1600vw
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A week ago when I saw Dr.Williams we knew none of what is going on today. It was a couple days after seeing him we found out all this. It was when Dr.Williams found out what was going on he stopped this. I do not want to be laid up in a bed recovering for weeks. Why do this if I am going to die a few months later. I told her if they say I am going to live for over a year lets do it. She called back and said she was very sorry. I told her it is what it is.
Tony
You are also not 'laid up for weeks' after a laminectomy/discectomy. The next morning, two burly physical therapists will show up and drag you out of bed whether you want it or not :wink2: Most patients go home or to rehab with a back brace after about three days.
My 82 year old dad took a tumble down a flight of stairs on Jan 15th of this year. He did break his back and ended up with a cord compression that required emergency surgery (5-level fusion). He is now 9 weeks out and back at home with crutches. He is stubborn as hell, but he did what had to be done to get back on his feet.
You have to want to get better.
Of course, if the cardiac situation precludes surgery at this time, the back may have to wait until whatever is wrong with the valve/aorta is addressed.
1600vw
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I am going to prove them all wrong and live a long time. You just watch.
Tony
Tony
JOhnH
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When are you getting the heart thing fixed so you can then concentrate on your back?
PaulS
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Tony, sounds like you are in the middle of this heart thing and need a few more appointments and probably a visit to a Marfans clinic before you really figure out what is going on. Just let the process work and don't jump to conclusions. I have a feeling you are going to be fine.
What is the heart problem if you dont mind sharing ?
1600vw
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The aorta is swollen and my pulse is very low and there is leakage. The doctor told me they can not give me the meds needed to fight this because of how low of pulse. This medicine lowers it even more.
I go see a doctor who deals with Marfans April 16th. The heart doctor is doing a bunch of test within the next few days. The wife is taking care of all appointments so I do not have to deal with this.
I believe I will be around a long time too. I am not done and have a lot to do. Worrying about this is not one of them.
Its kinda cool out today but what a nice day. I am going out and enjoying it.
Tony
I go see a doctor who deals with Marfans April 16th. The heart doctor is doing a bunch of test within the next few days. The wife is taking care of all appointments so I do not have to deal with this.
I believe I will be around a long time too. I am not done and have a lot to do. Worrying about this is not one of them.
Its kinda cool out today but what a nice day. I am going out and enjoying it.
Tony
What is leaking ? The aorta or the aortic valve ?
SixPapaCharlie
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Sixer
Where does the leaky blood go?
Just inside your skin or something?
We are like a skin bag with bones and stuff. Surely it can't go to your feet. Your diaphram would catch it.
Or that webbing stuff? Do we have webbing? There should be webbing.
I dont know whats inside.
webbing probably
Just inside your skin or something?
We are like a skin bag with bones and stuff. Surely it can't go to your feet. Your diaphram would catch it.
Or that webbing stuff? Do we have webbing? There should be webbing.
I dont know whats inside.
webbing probably
Matthew
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It can backflow through a leaking valve, it can leak internally between heart chambers.
narchee
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AcroBoy
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Jim N
Marfan's is a genetic disease that results in an abnormal protein fibrillin, and leads to weakening of structures like the lenses in the eye. More importantly, it can lead to a bicuspid aortic valve in the heart (instead of three valve leaflets there are only two). It can also lead to weakening of the aorta. The valve issues can cause narrowing, leakage, and poor performance. The weakening of the aorta can lead to an aortic dissection, where the layers of the aorta can delaminate and block blood flow to the head, coronary arteries, etc.
The only treatment for this is surgical, replacement of the aortic root with a graft, and replacement of the aortic valve with either a pig valve, a cow valve, or a mechanical valve. Without this surgery, a person with Marfan's is at risk for sudden death due to aortic dissection. Unfortunately, this sounds like the situation here.
The only treatment for this is surgical, replacement of the aortic root with a graft, and replacement of the aortic valve with either a pig valve, a cow valve, or a mechanical valve. Without this surgery, a person with Marfan's is at risk for sudden death due to aortic dissection. Unfortunately, this sounds like the situation here.
1600vw
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The doctor wants me to go in for a Two-Day Nuclear Stress test. My question if I already have a hurting heart why put it through this and can this hurt me or shorten my life even more. I would ask the doctor but doubt I see him before this test.
Again thank you everyone for the help, thoughts, prayers. I do thank you.
Tony
Again thank you everyone for the help, thoughts, prayers. I do thank you.
Tony
1600vw
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Please put the word out to everyone you know that I have a couple EAB's for sale. That would be a big help to get rid of those.
The Avenger I would like $7000.00 and the Sonerai I would like 6500. It needs the 40 hrs flown off and if I have someone do this the price will reflect that. I do have a man who wants to do this for me. If I could I would give him this airplane, he is a really nice man.
Thanks again everyone.
Tony
The Avenger I would like $7000.00 and the Sonerai I would like 6500. It needs the 40 hrs flown off and if I have someone do this the price will reflect that. I do have a man who wants to do this for me. If I could I would give him this airplane, he is a really nice man.
Thanks again everyone.
Tony
PaulS
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Tony, call the doctor's office and ask or have your wife do it, either the doc or his nurse will call you back with an answer. Quit worrying about this crap and ask the questions. I call the my mom's doctor anytime I have a question like this and I always get an answer.
One day is the rest study. Just an injection and pictures. Other day is the stress part, no longer than 15min. Either treadmill, bike or by injecting a medication. No, it doesn't include two days of stress.
1600vw
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Yes I understand that its not two straight days of stress testing. They are using the medication on me, the doctor will not let me use a treadmill. It just seems why stress a heart already hurt. I just do not want what happen with that darn discogram to happen here. That discogram caused more problems then it helped. In fact my new back doctor told me no doctor should have preformed a dicogram on anyone in my condition. Malpractice comes to mind. But that is another fight I am not ready to take on.
Thanks again for the comments. I go in tomorrow morning for the first part of this test. I will keep everyone posted as to the outcome.
Now its coffee time. God Bless everyone and have a great day.
Tony
JOhnH
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Coffee has many health benefits, but is heart health one of them?
(Typed as I sip a cup of very strong coffee )
1600vw
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Myself I have never been one to drink strong coffee. It almost looks like tea. The wife and I both like it this way.
Years back I had some friends that would fill the coffee filter to the top with grounds. Make the pot of coffee. Then put the filter on top of thier cup and pour the already brewed coffee through this. They liked strong coffee. Me not so much. I also drink flavored coffee. No sugar or milk.
Tony
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AcroBoy
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Jim N
A lot of spine surgeons no longer use discograms for the very reason you stated. It's hard to comprehend how you can go on about the type of coffee you drink while contemplating the planning of open heart surgery. As always there seems to be a lack of perspective.
iflyatiger
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iflyatiger
Hey Jim..
Even though it is not directly my business I need to speak up.
**How about you lay off giving Tony a hard time every time you post..**
Look at your posting history. You have posted more times to this thread than any aviation related one.
In another thread you imply or claim to be a doctor. Is this how you treat your patients? I thought that a doctor is supposed to have a certain level of conduct and compassion for people? I am not going to post the complete Hippocratic oath but this paragraph alone makes this point..
" I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug."
Please consider how the constant comments would make you feel if you were in Tony's shoes.. Thank you..
JOhnH
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Thank you Tiger Flyer!