back surgery

[virgarchie]

Has anyone out there in The Villages land had back surgery from Laser Spine Institute? Were you pleased by the mininal invasive result?

[Mudder]

I have not personally had surgery from them, but know those that have . results were split about 50-50. The cost is very high and most insurances don't cover it. Even those who have had good results at first , find that after a year or so they are back where they started. 75% of back surgeries are not effective. Most orthopedic surgeons say not to have back surgery until the only way you can get around is to crawl. Try all other options first.

[JenAjd]

there is a neurosurgeon in TV by the name of Dr. Spurrier. He will have a seminar re: his practice about once every 90 days or so (free) and just had one a couple of weeks ago. His surgery is non-evasive AND he isn't "knife happy". He seems "conservative" in his approach...telling the patient after viewing the MRI whether or not they're a candidate or not. He lists other approaches of treatment first should be pursued. Physical therapy, Chiropractic, medication, acupuncture and maybe one other before surgery and also depending on the nature of the problem. I've heard "mixes" things too about the laser thing and guess from what I've heard would NOT go that route....especially with the fact that insurance doesn't cover it. I've talked to a couple of people who've been patients of Dr. Spurrier and they were happy with his treatment. So I guess I'd give him my business if I had the need.

I see that I entered this post back in February...it was a handful of months later that I had emergency surgery. You'll see my later post further down on this thread!!!

[billethkid]

based on the aches and pains of the here and now. However, when contemplating surgery, looking to cure the aches and pains, a key question to get as much information as one can is....after the surgery, as in 5 years later will I still be better off?

I learned a long time ago from a neuro surgeon that 5 years out many maladies are back as before the surgery.
I elected to not have it. Today I am no worse off and maybe even better. The key ingredient for SOME (me included) was increased and ONGOING activity.
The more you move the better you feel. The better conditioned the body and cardio vascular system the more pain free one is/remains.

SOME do not have a choice.

btk

[friendly11]

Has anyone out there in The Villages land had back surgery from Laser Spine Institute? Were you pleased by the mininal invasive result?

My husband went to Laser Spine Institute. What a ripoff. It cost us $13000 and he was no better than before. After the surgery they told us he needs a coulple more surgeries and they would give us $900 off on the second surgery. You have to pay before you have the surgery. I never heard of such a thing but we fell for their nice talk at the seminar.

[Mudder]

That's typical of LSI.

[Marykess1802]

I consulted this group because they advertised "minimally invasive" surgery. Well, their recommendation was an open procedure with a fusion of FOUR cervical vertebrae as well as bone grafts. NOT! As someone else posted.."I would have to crawl". Much research later, patients who have this surgery do no better five years (even five weeks) out than those who DON'T. So nice to know that I didn't spend EIGHT weeks in a neck brace for no results.
Now...on the other hand, the third, fourth and fifth opinion I got all said that this practice (especially Dr. Ronzo) was not knife happy, and if you needed surgery, you NEEDED surgery.
BTW...do not have this done at The Villages Hospital. They wanted a down payment up-front, even though I have excellent insurance (CHAMPVA). When I decided to forgo the surgery, they still kept my down payment (almost $2500) until my insurance paid for my pre-ops. Then they told me that it would take "6-8 weeks" for my reimbursement. Funny, they took my $$$ in about 60 seconds, but it takes 6-8 weeks for a reimbursement?? I'm still waiting for my reimbursement 2 months later (while paying interest in on my CC). Caveat Emptor!
GOOD LUCK to all of us!

[Theresa Neville]

I am having spine surgery with Dr.Spurrier Have you heard anything elese about him?

[Mudder]

I know that he will not do surgery unless he thinks it will really help you. I was sure I was a good candidate for his minally invasive surgery, after he examined me, looked at exrays and MRI, etc... he said no he would not do the surgery because it wouldn't help my exact problem.
I think you are in good hands. Good luck.

[JenAjd]

I am having spine surgery with Dr.Spurrier Have you heard anything elese about him?

I went to two of his seminars...one a couple of years ago and then again a year later. I also researched him online and his credentials seem good! He won't do surgery unless it's a last resort to anything else. So he's not quick to get you under the knife. I had emergency back surgery (non-evasive) with him awhile ago. I had a ruptured disc and the pain was beyond belief and the meds didn't even touch it. I have had good results from the surgery and am very happy with them. I'd had significant back issues for years so this wasn't gone into lightly. I'd say that you'll do well to stick with him. I'd never have any other type of doctor touch my back!!!! Oh...and the reports I heard from the emergency room, all the way to my home-health folks were VERY positive about Dr. Spurrier. The most common report was "I've seen a whole lot of other work from other doctors and Dr. Spurrier's work, patients etc do much, much better!" That was good enough for me. I even heard this from the EMT that came to my "rescue"---he said he'd had back surgery too with Dr. Spurrier and that he is THE best!!

Best wishes!!!

[laryb]

I have had back problems since I was 21 years old, and 2 surgeries. Both surgeries were after symptoms didn't improve for months. While I still have problems, and more symptoms have arisen over the years, at the time the procedures were necessary to relieve crippling pain and get me back on my feet. Over the years, I have had many incidents with my back, and have been laid up for months at a time. In those incidents, after the initial pain, a few weeks later I would gradually improve through exercise and chiropractic. I would only recommend surgery when all other options have been used. Oddly, I had a very physical job that caused my back problems,but I think the physicality of it also helped strengthen my back. Guess it was like a double edged sword. I ended up with a spinal cord disease (arachnoiditis) that is incurable and was caused by a pre-surgical procedure, so I recommend surgery only as a last option. Give PT or chiro a shot.

[zcaveman]

based on the aches and pains of the here and now. However, when contemplating surgery, looking to cure the aches and pains, a key question to get as much information as one can is....after the surgery, as in 5 years later will I still be better off?

I learned a long time ago from a neuro surgeon that 5 years out many maladies are back as before the surgery.
I elected to not have it. Today I am no worse off and maybe even better. The key ingredient for SOME (me included) was increased and ONGOING activity.
The more you move the better you feel. The better conditioned the body and cardio vascular system the more pain free one is/remains.

SOME do not have a choice.

btk

I was having back pains. The doctor sent me to one of these physical therapy places. After their treatments I felt the same as when I walked in. They were surprised. I asked for an MRI. I was then diagnosed with lumbar stenosis. I went to a neurosurgeon who said that only surgery would help me. I was operated on in November, 2006. I immediately felt better. Some on the pain came back in 2008. The neurosurgeon set me up with a pain specialist. I went to two sessions for the shots. I felt better but it did not seem worth more shots. I am now doing much better than before the 2006 surgery but am not 100%. I can play golf and do some simple things around the house. Tedious work that includes bending still causes me pains. I am glad that I got the surgery. I don't think I could still be a productive and happy person without it.

[batman911]

Best advice I received was from an Army back specialist when I was in the Navy. He said "If you can live with it, do it because there is no guarantee that surgery will fix it or could even make it worse." Now I know Army doctors are not in it for the money so I took that advice and have been glad I did. I exercise almost daily, running, golf, weights, etc. Some days are better than others but it comes and goes and I can live with that. I have two herniated discs in my lower back but can still be active by keeping the supporting muscles strong. When I have pain, it is usually when I get up in the morning. As I move about it usually goes away.

[rubicon]

My brother has non-invasive lumbar surgery with Dr. Bono can't remeber the name of his clinic. They cut 3 cm then scrapped the bone separating nerve fron bone. He just got out of his brace Friday and is going to the gym and will begin playing golf on Monday. He states he is pain free. My daughter had a lumbar fusion from a Manhattan surgeon and two years later had another surgery because the bone was growing and entangled the nerve. Then again two years later because the bone grew again. She is pain free and the doctor promised her he had rectified the bone growth once and for all
The surgeon claimed the bone growth was somewhat unexpected.

[dillywho]

My brother has non-invasive lumbar surgery with Dr. Bono can't remeber the name of his clinic. They cut 3 cm then scrapped the bone separating nerve fron bone. He just got out of his brace Friday and is going to the gym and will begin playing golf on Monday. He states he is pain free. My daughter had a lumbar fusion from a Manhattan surgeon and two years later had another surgery because the bone was growing and entangled the nerve. Then again two years later because the bone grew again. She is pain free and the doctor promised her he had rectified the bone growth once and for all
The surgeon claimed the bone growth was somewhat unexpected.

Dr. Bono and Dr. Ronzo are both at Gulf Coast Spine Institute. They do minimally invasive surgery; it is not the laser type. Dr. Ronzo did hubby's surgery and he is now back to playing golf at least twice a week and sometimes more. He goes to the gym and plays billiards several times a week as well. Before his surgery, he was on so much pain medication and still in a lot of pain. He doesn't feel 20,30, or 40 anymore, but I don't think I know of anyone going on 80 that does.:a20: Seriously, it has made all the difference in the world for him and they are a Medicare provider.

[Theresa Neville]

Thanks to everyone who answered my question about Dr. Spurrier. You both made me feel much much better. Thanks for the good luck wishes:wave:

[Theresa Neville]

Thank you for responding to my question. It has made me feel so much better. Thanks for the good wishes

[padre]

Thank you all so much for posting the information on the board regarding back surgery in the area. When you're new, you're not sure who is good and who isn't, so you've all really helped a great deal. Thanks again!

[ibbob]

Has anyone had back surgery with Dr. Bono (gulfcoastspineinstitute) ?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I have had three back surgeries by two of the top spine surgeons in the country. I also got to know them and several other docs on a more personal basis because of my business.
From what they told me, a laser is simply another cutting tool not much different than a scalpel. True, it can make a little bit finer cut but the docs that I know have told me they can do the same things with a scalpel. All of my surgeries were considered minimally invasive procedures and were done with a scalpel. After the first, I was kept over night in the hospital. Following the last two, the second of which was pretty complex, I was released a few hours after the surgery.
Don't get sucked in by the word laser. It's only another tool. They still have to cut you open and fix whatever is wrong in there.

[Quixote]

... but I felt that this subject is important enough to offer my experiences that stem from the "philosophy" of my particular neurosurgeon who has operated on my back three times (and has suggested that there is the potential for more surgeries, given the condition of my spine...). He is not local and is one of the few doctors that I would unhesitatingly travel to for treatment.

His premise is that he "does not operate based on pain but rather based on deficit." He feels that "pain" that cannot be linked to a specific, measurable physical issue that is correctible with surgery should result in surgery. That he leaves to pain management. In other words, he is not knife-happy and recognizes that there are no promises when it comes to back surgery—and that any neurosurgeon that says that there are "guarantees" is one that needs to be seriously questioned.

The first time he operated on me, I had developed foot drop that was so subtle that I was barely aware of it; it was the pain that resulted from a disc that had spontaneously exploded, a fragment of which had lodged in my spinal cord at the point that the sciatic nerve exits. Immediately after surgery, he came in to see me in the recovery room and demonstrated to me that he could no longer pull my foot down, as he had been able to do only hours before.

The second time, I had had no pain, but I could not lift even a telephone receiver with my left hand. Immediately after surgery, he let me briefly lift a heavy item, just to show him—AND myself—that I could. This surgery involved a cervical fusion, the substitution of cadaver bone for the disc that was completely deteriorated, and the insertion of a plate held in place by four screws.

The third time my mobility had become limited, and he operated to clean out facet (sp?) joints, which resulted in the comparative ease with which I was now able to move and twist.

In all three cases I was discharged from hospital the day following surgery; I was given prescriptions for pain meds which I never had to use. And today, the successes of the first two operations show that the positive results have been and are permanent; for the third, the facet joints continue to deteriorate, though I doubt I'll go through the surgery again but rather will just live with it. Though WE tend to focus on the neurological pain, here's a surgeon whose approach—NOT based on pain—has consistently worked well. Perhaps THIS approach is worth any patient's discussing with her or his neurosurgeon prior to considering surgery....

[greenhillsgirl]

My husband and I went to one of the Saturday seminars in Tampa - just a few weeks ago. They told him in the 15 minute consultation that 'Yes' we can take care of your problem (which they said were two pinched nerves in the L4-5 area). The seminar was informative, that is, it was a presentation by a fabulous salesman with many degrees. They really wanted to schedule him asap and take approximately $20k since Medicare and BlueShield really don't approve their services. That should have been a key. So we did a lot of research after coming home and found that their malpractice experience was twice the average.

We then went to see Dr. Spurrier at the Sharon Morse Building, who informed my husband that under NO circumstances should he let anyone open him up. We were told that he does not have pinched nerves, because if he did they would cause a numbness in his lower leg, not his thigh. Another provider was recommended for my husband...someone whom he felt would better serve us. That said a lot for this surgeon. Kudos to him.

Do your homework. Read the reviews...check credentials.

[SusanOfWoodbury]

My personal advise, would be too get a second opinion before having back surgery..

[NotGolfer]

BTW...do not have this done at The Villages Hospital. They wanted a down payment up-front, even though I have excellent insurance (CHAMPVA). When I decided to forgo the surgery, they still kept my down payment (almost $2500) until my insurance paid for my pre-ops. Then they told me that it would take "6-8 weeks" for my reimbursement. Funny, they took my $$$ in about 60 seconds, but it takes 6-8 weeks for a reimbursement?? I'm still waiting for my reimbursement 2 months later (while paying interest in on my CC). Caveat Emptor!
GOOD LUCK to all of us!

Paying ahead was not our experience!!!! I think it probably depends on the insurance (we have Medicare and a supplement) that one carries! We didn't see ONE bill from anyone from the emergency surgery. This included an ambulance ride, the ER=Twice, and 4 days in the hospital. Had home-health post-op as well. Not one bill!!

[Villager Since April 2009]

My husband and I went to one of the Saturday seminars in Tampa - just a few weeks ago. They told him in the 15 minute consultation that 'Yes' we can take care of your problem (which they said were two pinched nerves in the L4-5 area). The seminar was informative, that is, it was a presentation by a fabulous salesman with many degrees. They really wanted to schedule him asap and take approximately $20k since Medicare and BlueShield really don't approve their services. That should have been a key. So we did a lot of research after coming home and found that their malpractice experience was twice the average.

We then went to see Dr. Spurrier at the Sharon Morse Building, who informed my husband that under NO circumstances should he let anyone open him up. We were told that he does not have pinched nerves, because if he did they would cause a numbness in his lower leg, not his thigh. Another provider was recommended for my husband...someone whom he felt would better serve us. That said a lot for this surgeon. Kudos to him.

Do your homework. Read the reviews...check credentials.

Who was the other provider? Was the treatment helpful?

[calgone]

Before you get cut on try Anatabloc, only sold at GNC, for 60 days. A little pricey, but it worked on people I know and saved me from surgery. Haven't felt this good in years.