I am sharing our experience because I strongly believe patients should seek additional opinions before agreeing to major spine surgery.
This neurosurgeon recommended an L2-L3 lumbar fusion involving removal of the disc, placement of a titanium cage with cadaver bone and protein, and four screws. Surgery was actually being scheduled.
What concerned us was that his own assessment stated there were no significant radicular symptoms and that the right hip and thigh weakness we were experiencing was not explained by the lumbar MRI and could have a non-spinal cause.
Given the seriousness and potential risks of spinal fusion, we decided to seek two completely independent medical opinions before proceeding. Both physicians disagreed with the recommendation and strongly advised us not to go forward with the proposed surgery.
That experience was extremely troubling to us. We are very grateful that we did not proceed without obtaining additional opinions.
I cannot speak to the doctor's motivations, but I can speak to our experience: we were being prepared for a major lumbar fusion that two other independent physicians subsequently advised us not to have.
If you are considering major spine surgery, please ask questions, understand all of your alternatives, and consider obtaining a second and even a third independent opinion before making your decision. read more
