I am a neurosurgeon as well.... and have PMed with several people on this board.

I practice in Long Island, NY.

Over the years I have been appalled by the BS advice that is frequently spewed by people who claim to be spine experts.

As Dr V said... each case is different and generalization is a dangerous game.

I would be happy to review your imaging as well...

I'm here if you need me :) Good luck...

I'm not quite the same as I had one herniated and one bulging disk and had been avoiding surgery. I then had a skiing incident and proceeded to over jump a cliff drop and compression fractured (shattered) the disk above the herniation. I had emergency surgery from a now retired NS in Salt Lake I had L5/L6 fused (i Know most people only have 5 lumbar verts but I am the small percentage the have 6. I knew that when they x-rayed and diagnosed me with a shattered T1. Had rods and a cage and was out for 6 months with nothing but walking. I will never be as fast but I did complete my first IM at IMSG in under 12:30 which was a great accomplishment for me. First IM and first marathon ever and ran a 4:17. You can come back from this. Listening and obeying my recovery plan was vital. I thank my wife for making me do what I was told and no more. You can come back from this GOOD LUCK!

Stephen Scibelli, Jacksonville Memorial. You will not find a better surgeon anywhere. He did a fellowship in spine trauma at Cedar Sinai, a top spine center.

Skibuum-
Thanks a million for the info and for the great encouragement!!

Wow- what an accident you had! Great to hear your recovery was successful- An IM after!! Congratulations!!

Best of luck to you in the future!! Keep training!

Thanks again very much- I'm pushin' on....

Sam Apoc- Thank you very much- will definitely check this out (Dr. Scibelli).

Glad to hear it. Nothing at all against other surgeons who are fine, but Scibelli is truly special.

Barrow s in Phoenix, AZ. I had open brain surgery there and it went well

Thanks very much!

I know it's been ages, but what did you finally decide on spinal fusion neurosurgeon. I am sending my films to Dr. V with the hope of an opinion.

Thanks,
C

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CG