pending spine surgery

What a decision

by Gemita - 2023-11-28 08:08:43

New to Pace, I am so sorry to hear that you are considering spinal surgery to relieve your pain and other symptoms.  You must be guided by your symptoms and what you and your doctors feel is the best course of action.

Which procedure has your surgeon mostly carried out and what was the outcome, if known?  Most studies indicate that vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty appear to be equally effective in substantially reducing pain and disability in patients with vertebral body compression fractures, so in all honesty, I wouldn’t know which way to go.

I see Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty procedures treat breaks in the vertebra that make up your spine. Without this treatment, those breaks can make your spine shorten and curve forward. Osteoporosis is the main cause of the fractures.

It is a hard decision, but looking at the short, helpful link from the Cleveland Clinic about Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty, these appear to be minimally invasive procedures often performed using general or even local anesthesia.  It seems both Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty are safe and effective procedures for the treatment of vertebral body compression fractures.

Can I ask whether they are recommending a general or a local anaesthetic?  I am sure during surgery they will take good care of you and monitor your heart carefully for any rhythm disturbances which would be my main concern.  Atrial Fibrillation may need to be controlled if it occurs during surgery, especially at high heart rates and I would want to know what steps they would take to do this?   Do you know how long the procedure is likely to last?  Will there be specialised care from a cardiac team?

As always, I know you will come to the best decision and I wish you every success with surgery

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11277-kyphoplastyvertebroplasty

(((Hugs)))

by Lavender - 2023-11-28 15:56:02

So sorry you have to deal with this. Losing an inch of height already! May it all go smoothly and get you painfree asap!🌸💐🌻

spine surgery

by new to pace.... - 2023-11-28 16:57:33

As always thank you Gemita for your thoughtful comments.  Am trying to get a second opinon, one has just called me back and will call with an appointment..  Since we are in here in FL. what is called "the season".  Where all the winter people are here taking up time with our doctors.

As to answer all your question , i have not gotten that far.  Still waiting hear back from the hospital Radiology Department about the MRI , just had someone fax my pacemaker card to their Safety Officer  .  Who has to approve.  Even though my pacemaker is MRI safe,  Was there in May, But it has to have been only 30 days ago.  Did ask can't they keep my pacemaker card in their file since i have nearly 6years to go on this pacemaker.    when i know more will post again.

Lavender ,  thanks for your support. 

new to pace