More odds and ends garnered from a Murray Brother's Garage visit. I pile of rusting disks (brakes) in a dumpster

this started the mornintg of oct 14th.

Ive seen multiple drs, pa's , PT's, and have been in a lot of pain ever since that morning. I just woke up and it was wrong, all the muslces around my neck and upper back were constricted.

the mri revealed that ive got quite a huge ruptured herniated disc,. Things keep changing as far as what is next and how that goes..... Today I saw a neurosurgeon who went back over the mri and approved the surgery, and explained how it would go down. I STILL have to meet with another neurosurgeon,. I actually have a cd with the mri film on it thats pretty cool. I liked this dr today. Dr Roth out in Brunswick. He showed me where things where and why it hurts in my arm. That little tree branch looking thing above in the picture is a nerve that leads to your arms. ill post it later. Im still in portland. Dusty had his phenal injections yesterday. ALready his gate is much more normal. He is to come back in a month to meet with gail to get his brace modified again. this is ALL very positive news.

Im still in a great deal of pain.

Todays Dr gave me cortisone doses that should help some with the pain and inflamation. Currently im taking that, pain pills and muscle relaxers. Nights and early mornings are th eworst. If i do sleep, when i wake all the muscles around that area are locked up tense.

I dont know what they are going to do exactly yet. I wont be in the studio for a while.

update:

that was a full week ago. I have a new surgery date.

This coming tuesday Nov 21, 7am MMC in Portland.

Im on the last doses of a steriod pulse and it ocmpletley masks the pain during the day but combined with the hydrocodone and the muscle relaxers im quite a chemical mess.

The good news is that they are hoping to do a discectomy from the back. If that occurs then i will be right as rain and recovered within a week by all accounts. if its from the front it wont be that pretty. i wont know until the day of the surgery. its the dr's call.

the studio is closed until i can get back on my feet.

UPDATE:

I had the surgery then, on nov 21 and everything went extremely smooth. The surgeon was able to completely remove the obstruction and replace the nerves where they were supposed to be. It had got so bad that my entire left arm was NUMB and the FIRST thing i did when i came out of anesthesia was wiggle my fingers on my left hand! they worked.

Now, several months later, i have full range of motion, and the only reminder of this time, is a constant gravelly feeling in the back of my neck, and the occassional twinge of sharp pain. I also have a HUMP on the left side of the back of my neck, where my vertebrea now is, then a sharp jump to the other side. i have a scar that looks like an upside down keyhole about four inches long on the back of my neck, and the pain that happens occassionally is inside there somewhere where i cant rub.. It doesnt even phase me and i get through just groovilly. Its a massive improvement from how things were.

remember when we were young and could fall out of trees on our heads and just stand up and brush off the grass and bounce to the next thing? this was my sign that those days are completely over. :)

www.medilaw.tv - medical legal illustrations, This movie illustrates the technique for performing a percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, the removal of some nucleus material, herniation retraction, an annuloplasty, instrument removal and wound dressing.

Sudden trauma or gradual degeneration can weaken the annulus fibrosis or wall of the intervertebral disc. This can then bulge outwards, forming a disc protrusion or a contained disc herniation. The pressure of the bulge against the surrounding structures causes neck pain and the pressure against the nerve root causes arm pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive disc decompression technique which is performed through a needle. The discectomy removes some nucleus material from the intervertebral disc whilst minimizing damage to the adjacent tissues. The removal of nucleus material decreases the pressure within the disc, which can result in the contained disc herniation retracting. This in turn can lead to a decrease in neck and arm pain. The percutaneous approach decreases the pain, complications and recovery time, and maximizes the spine's strength and stability after the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a percutaneous discectomy are

- neck or arm pain, caused by

- a contained disc herniation seen on radiological imaging

- that has not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment including pain relief medication, bed rest, physical therapy and pain relieving injections.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternatives to percutaneous discectomy may be

-- activity modification

-- weight loss

-- aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, and swimming

-- strength and flexibility exercises

-- physical therapy

-- hydrotherapy

-- heat and cold pads

-- acupuncture

-- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine, chondroitin

The surgical alternatives to percutaneous discectomy may be

-- steroid and local anesthetic injections

-- open or minimally-invasive microdiscectomy

-- surgical fusion

-- disc replacement.

INFORMED REFUSAL

It is your right to delay or refuse the recommended treatment for your condition. However, this delay or refusal may lead to the worsening of your symptoms, such as increased arm pain, pins and needles, weakness or numbness. You should ask your doctor what might happen should you choose not to undertake the recommended treatment.

BEFORE

Before the percutaneous discectomy

- a doctor will perform a medical examination and any necessary tests to ensure that your general health will permit an anesthetic to be given and the procedure to be performed

- you will be advised when to stop any medications that will increase your bleeding risk ie aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-coagulants, vitamin E, glucosamine and any herbal medicines (chamomile, danshen, garlic, gingko, devil's claw, ginseng, fish oil, willow bark, feverfew, and goji berries)

- you may be admitted into the hospital on the day before or on the morning of the procedure

- don't eat or drink anything for six hours before the procedure

- wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to take off and put on. Do not wear any jewelry.

- before the procedure, the skin on your neck will be cleaned and you will be given a general health check. The skin on your neck may be shaved.

- an intra-venous line will be placed into a vein in your arm to administer fluid and medications

- you may be given a sedating medication to make you drowsy before being given your anesthetic

- you will be given a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep

- let your doctor know if you develop a fever, cold or flu symptoms before your scheduled procedure.

GOALS

The goal of a percutaneous discectomy is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in neck and arm pain.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your back. Your neck will be cleaned. A local anesthetic injection will numb the skin. This may sting for a couple of seconds. A cannula will be introduced into the intervertebral disc. Fluoroscopy, an X-Ray TV, is often used to help guide the cannula to the correct location. The device will be advanced from the cannula, and will remove some nucleus pulposus to decrease the pressure within the disc. Then the cannula will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on the skin.

www.medilaw.tv - pain management art, This movie illustrates the technique for performing a percutaneous manual cervical discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, the conversion of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing.

Sudden trauma or gradual degeneration can weaken the annulus fibrosis or wall of the intervertebral disc. This can then bulge outwards, forming a disc protrusion or a contained disc herniation. The pressure of the bulge against the surrounding structures causes neck pain and the pressure against the nerve root causes arm pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive disc decompression technique which is performed through a needle. The discectomy removes some nucleus material from the intervertebral disc whilst minimizing damage to the adjacent tissues. The removal of nucleus material decreases the pressure within the disc, which can result in the contained disc herniation retracting. This in turn can lead to a decrease in neck and arm pain. The percutaneous approach decreases the pain, complications and recovery time, and maximizes the spine's strength and stability after the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a percutaneous discectomy are

- neck or arm pain, caused by

- a contained disc herniation seen on radiological imaging

- that has not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment including pain relief medication, bed rest, physical therapy and pain relieving injections.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternatives to percutaneous discectomy may be

-- activity modification

-- weight loss

-- aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, and swimming

-- strength and flexibility exercises

-- physical therapy

-- hydrotherapy

-- heat and cold pads

-- acupuncture

-- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine, chondroitin

The surgical alternatives to percutaneous discectomy may be

-- steroid and local anesthetic injections

-- open or minimally-invasive microdiscectomy

-- surgical fusion

-- disc replacement.

INFORMED REFUSAL

It is your right to delay or refuse the recommended treatment for your condition. However, this delay or refusal may lead to the worsening of your symptoms, such as increased arm pain, pins and needles, weakness or numbness. You should ask your doctor what might happen should you choose not to undertake the recommended treatment.

BEFORE

Before the percutaneous discectomy

- a doctor will perform a medical examination and any necessary tests to ensure that your general health will permit an anesthetic to be given and the procedure to be performed

- you will be advised when to stop any medications that will increase your bleeding risk ie aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-coagulants, vitamin E, glucosamine and any herbal medicines (chamomile, danshen, garlic, gingko, devil's claw, ginseng, fish oil, willow bark, feverfew, and goji berries)

- you may be admitted into the hospital on the day before or on the morning of the procedure

- don't eat or drink anything for six hours before the procedure

- wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to take off and put on. Do not wear any jewelry.

- before the procedure, the skin on your neck will be cleaned and you will be given a general health check. The skin on your neck may be shaved.

- an intra-venous line will be placed into a vein in your arm to administer fluid and medications

- you may be given a sedating medication to make you drowsy before being given your anesthetic

- you will be given a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep

- let your doctor know if you develop a fever, cold or flu symptoms before your scheduled procedure.

GOALS

The goal of a percutaneous discectomy is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in neck and arm pain.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your back. Your neck will be cleaned. A local anesthetic injection will numb the skin. This may sting for a couple of seconds. A cannula will be introduced into the intervertebral disc. Fluoroscopy, an X-Ray TV, is often used to help guide the cannula to the correct location. The device will be advanced from the cannula, and will remove some nucleus pulposus to decrease the pressure within the disc. Then the cannula will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on the skin.

www.medilaw.tv - medical legal multimedia, This movie illustrates the technique for performing a percutaneous laser cervical discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, laser insertion and conversion of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing.

Sudden trauma or gradual degeneration can weaken the annulus fibrosis or wall of the intervertebral disc. This can then bulge outwards, forming a disc protrusion or a contained disc herniation. The pressure of the bulge against the surrounding structures causes neck pain and the pressure against the nerve root causes arm pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive disc decompression technique which is performed through a needle. The discectomy removes some nucleus material from the intervertebral disc whilst minimizing damage to the adjacent tissues. The removal of nucleus material decreases the pressure within the disc, which can result in the contained disc herniation retracting. This in turn can lead to a decrease in neck and arm pain. The percutaneous approach decreases the pain, complications and recovery time, and maximizes the spine's strength and stability after the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a percutaneous discectomy are

- neck or arm pain, caused by

- a contained disc herniation seen on radiological imaging

- that has not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment including pain relief medication, bed rest, physical therapy and pain relieving injections.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternatives to percutaneous discectomy may be

-- activity modification

-- weight loss

-- aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, and swimming

-- strength and flexibility exercises

-- physical therapy

-- hydrotherapy

-- heat and cold pads

-- acupuncture

-- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine, chondroitin

The surgical alternatives to percutaneous discectomy may be

-- steroid and local anesthetic injections

-- open or minimally-invasive microdiscectomy

-- surgical fusion

-- disc replacement.

INFORMED REFUSAL

It is your right to delay or refuse the recommended treatment for your condition. However, this delay or refusal may lead to the worsening of your symptoms, such as increased arm pain, pins and needles, weakness or numbness. You should ask your doctor what might happen should you choose not to undertake the recommended treatment.

BEFORE

Before the percutaneous discectomy

- a doctor will perform a medical examination and any necessary tests to ensure that your general health will permit an anesthetic to be given and the procedure to be performed

- you will be advised when to stop any medications that will increase your bleeding risk ie aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-coagulants, vitamin E, glucosamine and any herbal medicines (chamomile, danshen, garlic, gingko, devil's claw, ginseng, fish oil, willow bark, feverfew, and goji berries)

- you may be admitted into the hospital on the day before or on the morning of the procedure

- don't eat or drink anything for six hours before the procedure

- wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to take off and put on. Do not wear any jewelry.

- before the procedure, the skin on your neck will be cleaned and you will be given a general health check. The skin on your neck may be shaved.

- an intra-venous line will be placed into a vein in your arm to administer fluid and medications

- you may be given a sedating medication to make you drowsy before being given your anesthetic

- you will be given a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep

- let your doctor know if you develop a fever, cold or flu symptoms before your scheduled procedure.

GOALS

The goal of a percutaneous discectomy is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in neck and arm pain.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your back. Your neck will be cleaned. A local anesthetic injection will numb the skin. This may sting for a couple of seconds. A cannula will be introduced into the intervertebral disc. Fluoroscopy, an X-Ray TV, is often used to help guide the cannula to the correct location. The device will be advanced from the cannula, and will remove some nucleus pulposus to decrease the pressure within the disc. Then the cannula will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on the skin.

www.medilaw.tv - demonstrative evidence art, This movie illustrates the technique for performing a percutaneous thermal cervical discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, the conversion of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing.

Sudden trauma or gradual degeneration can weaken the annulus fibrosis or wall of the intervertebral disc. This can then bulge outwards, forming a disc protrusion or a contained disc herniation. The pressure of the bulge against the surrounding structures causes neck pain and the pressure against the nerve root causes arm pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive disc decompression technique which is performed through a needle. The discectomy removes some nucleus material from the intervertebral disc whilst minimizing damage to the adjacent tissues. The removal of nucleus material decreases the pressure within the disc, which can result in the contained disc herniation retracting. This in turn can lead to a decrease in neck and arm pain. The percutaneous approach decreases the pain, complications and recovery time, and maximizes the spine's strength and stability after the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a percutaneous discectomy are

- neck or arm pain, caused by

- a contained disc herniation seen on radiological imaging

- that has not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment including pain relief medication, bed rest, physical therapy and pain relieving injections.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternatives to percutaneous discectomy may be

-- activity modification

-- weight loss

-- aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, and swimming

-- strength and flexibility exercises

-- physical therapy

-- hydrotherapy

-- heat and cold pads

-- acupuncture

-- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine, chondroitin

The surgical alternatives to percutaneous discectomy may be

-- steroid and local anesthetic injections

-- open or minimally-invasive microdiscectomy

-- surgical fusion

-- disc replacement.

INFORMED REFUSAL

It is your right to delay or refuse the recommended treatment for your condition. However, this delay or refusal may lead to the worsening of your symptoms, such as increased arm pain, pins and needles, weakness or numbness. You should ask your doctor what might happen should you choose not to undertake the recommended treatment.

BEFORE

Before the percutaneous discectomy

- a doctor will perform a medical examination and any necessary tests to ensure that your general health will permit an anesthetic to be given and the procedure to be performed

- you will be advised when to stop any medications that will increase your bleeding risk ie aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-coagulants, vitamin E, glucosamine and any herbal medicines (chamomile, danshen, garlic, gingko, devil's claw, ginseng, fish oil, willow bark, feverfew, and goji berries)

- you may be admitted into the hospital on the day before or on the morning of the procedure

- don't eat or drink anything for six hours before the procedure

- wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to take off and put on. Do not wear any jewelry.

- before the procedure, the skin on your neck will be cleaned and you will be given a general health check. The skin on your neck may be shaved.

- an intra-venous line will be placed into a vein in your arm to administer fluid and medications

- you may be given a sedating medication to make you drowsy before being given your anesthetic

- you will be given a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep

- let your doctor know if you develop a fever, cold or flu symptoms before your scheduled procedure.

GOALS

The goal of a percutaneous discectomy is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in neck and arm pain.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your back. Your neck will be cleaned. A local anesthetic injection will numb the skin. This may sting for a couple of seconds. A cannula will be introduced into the intervertebral disc. Fluoroscopy, an X-Ray TV, is often used to help guide the cannula to the correct location. The device will be advanced from the cannula, and will remove some nucleus pulposus to decrease the pressure within the disc. Then the cannula will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on the skin.

www.medilaw.tv - Illustrates the surgical technique for performing a posterior cervical discectomy, also known as a cervical microdiscectomy. This procedure is used to remove part of an intervertebral disc that is compressing the spinal cord or a nerve root. Also shown is the patient position, skin preparation and incision, the surgical approach, foraminotomy, the removal of the pathological disc material fragment and then finally wound closure.

A Posterior Discectomy, also known as a posterior foraminodiscectomy, is a procedure that removes part of an inter-vertebral disc that has herniated postero-laterally or posteriorly and is causing symptoms. Cervical disc herniations are very common and often do not cause any symptoms. An acute disc herniation can cause symptoms such as arm pain, numbness, pins and needles, and weakness. The size of the herniation is not related to the amount of arm pain or symptoms. Usually these symptoms will improve without surgery in six to twelve weeks. If the symptoms are not controlled after six to twelve weeks of conservative treatments, then your surgeon will consider operating.

A posterior discectomy aims to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve and reduce the resulting arm symptoms. A posterior discectomy can not repair the disc nor relieve the neck pain caused by a damaged disc. A disc can only heal over time by forming a scar.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a posterior discectomy are persisting arm pain, paresthesia or pins and needles, numbness or weakness, that has been shown by physical examination, radiography and spinal injections to be due to spinal nerve compression, and that has not responded to six weeks of conservative treatment. If there is severe muscle weakness, or severe pain that is not controlled by strong pain relievers, your clinician may recommend immediate surgery to relieve the symptoms.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternatives to posterior discectomy may be

-- activity modification

-- weight loss

-- aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, and swimming

-- strength and flexibility exercises

-- physical therapy

-- hydrotherapy

-- heat and cold pads

-- acupuncture

-- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine, chondroitin, steroid and local anesthetic injections

The surgical alternatives to posterior discectomy may be

-- surgical fusion

-- disc replacement surgery, or arthroplasty

BEFORE

Before the posterior discectomy

- a doctor will perform a medical examination and any necessary tests to ensure that your general health will permit an anesthetic to be given and the procedure to be performed

- you will be advised when to stop any medications that will increase your bleeding risk ie aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-coagulants, vitamin E, glucosamine and some herbal medicines (chamomile, danshen, garlic, gingko, dwvil's claw, ginseng, fish oil, willow bark, feverfew, goji berries)

- you may be admitted into the hospital on the day before or on the morning of the procedure

- don't eat or drink anything for six hours before the procedure

- wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to take off and put on. Do not wear any jewelry.

- before the procedure, the skin on your neck will be cleaned and you will be given a general health check. The skin on your neck may be shaved.

- an intra-venous line will be placed in to a vein in your arm to administer fluid and medications

- you may be given a sedating medication to make you drowsy before being given your anesthetic

- you will be given a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep

- let your doctor know if you develop a fever, cold or flu symptoms before your scheduled procedure

GOALS

The goals of a posterior discectomy are to remove the parts of the disc that are pressing on the spinal nerves, while maintaining spinal stability, motion and alignment. This should decrease arm pain, weakness and numbness.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your front. Your neck will be cleaned. An incision will be made in the middle of the neck. The overlying muscles will be moved to the side. Your surgeon will confirm the position of the correct vertebra for the procedure by using x-ray imaging. The lamina and facet joint overlying the intervertebral foramen will be detached, in a process called a foraminotomy. The spinal nerve will be gently moved to the side, and any disc compressing the nerve removed, a process called a discectomy. The muscles will be replaced, and the wound closed with sutures. medical legal animations

www.medilaw.tv - This movie illustrates the technique for performing a percutaneous manual lumbar discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, the removal of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing.

Sudden trauma or gradual degeneration can weaken the annulus fibrosis or wall of the intervertebral disc. This can then bulge outwards, forming a disc protrusion or a contained disc herniation. The pressure of the bulge against the surrounding structures causes back pain and the pressure against the nerve root causes leg pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive disc decompression technique which is performed through a needle. The discectomy removes some nucleus material from the intervertebral disc whilst minimizing damage to the adjacent tissues. The removal of nucleus material decreases the pressure within the disc, which can result in the contained disc herniation retracting. This in turn can lead to a decrease in back and leg pain.

The percutaneous approach with a needle uses a small entry hole in the disc and removes a small amount of disc material. These all act to minimize tissue damage due to the procedure. This decreases the pain, complications and recovery time, and maximizes the spine's strength and stability after the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a percutaneous discectomy are

- back or leg pain, caused by

- a contained disc herniation seen on radiological imaging

- that has not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment including pain relief medication, bed rest, physical therapy and pain relieving injections.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- activity modification or bed rest

- strength and flexibility exercises

- physical therapy

- hydrotherapy

- acupuncture

- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- steroid and local anesthetic injections

- open or minimally-invasive microdiscectomy

- surgical fusion or disc replacement.

INFORMED REFUSAL

It is your right to delay or refuse the recommended treatment for your condition. However, this delay or refusal may lead to the worsening of your symptoms, such as increased back pain or leg pain, pins and needles, weakness or numbness. You should ask your doctor what might happen should you choose not to undertake the recommended treatment.

BEFORE

Before the procedure

- a doctor will perform a medical examination and any necessary tests to ensure that your general health will permit the procedure to be performed

- you will be admitted into the hospital on the day of the procedure

- you can continue your normal medications, however aspirin and NSAIDs should be ceased before the procedure

- you should fast for four hours before the procedure

- before the procedure, the skin on your back will be cleaned and may be shaved

- an intra-venous line will be placed into a vein in your arm to administer fluid and medications

- you will be given a mild sedating medication to make you relaxed.

GOALS

The goal of a percutaneous discectomy is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in back pain and leg pain.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your front. Your back will be cleaned. A local anesthetic injection will numb the skin. This may sting for a couple of seconds. A cannula will be introduced into the intervertebral disc. Fluoroscopy, an X-Ray TV, is often used to help guide the cannula to the correct location. The device will be advanced from the cannula, and will remove some nucleus pulposus to decrease the pressure within the disc. Then the cannula will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on the skin. demonstrative evidence animations

www.medilaw.tv - Illustrates the surgical technique for performing a posterior portal discectomy. This procedure is used to remove part of an intervertebral disc that is causing uncontrollable pain or is compressing the adjacent spinal cord or nerve roots. Also shown is the patient position, skin preparation, local anesthetic and incision, insertion of a series of concentric access portals, the removal of part of the intervertebral disc and finally wound closure.A portal discectomy is used to treat a disc herniation. Lumbar disc herniations are very common and often do not cause any symptoms. A disc herniation can cause symptoms down one or both legs, such as pain, numbness, pins and needles, and weakness. Usually these symptoms will improve without surgery in six to twelve weeks. If the symptoms are not controlled after six to twelve weeks of conservative treatments, then your clinician will consider operating.

However, if the herniated disc is pushing on spinal nerves and causing severe uncontrollable pain, or marked weakness, or bowel or bladder problems, then urgent surgery will be considered. The size of the bulge is not related to the amount of pain or leg symptoms.

A herniated disc's contents can not be pushed back into place, but it will often dry out and shrink away by itself.

During the endoscopic discectomy, only the loose parts of the nucleus within the disc and spinal canal are removed. The annulus tear can not be repaired, but it usually heals over time by scarring, and the back pain may settle with it. A discectomy is not performed for back pain, rather to relieve the pressure on the nerves, and the consequent leg symptoms.

INDICATIONS

An urgent discectomy is recommended for patients with severe leg weakness or pain, or if there are bladder or bowel problems. These problems include an inability to pass urine, or numbness in the crotch or buttocks. If leg weakness is not improving, or symptoms are not improving after six weeks, then surgery can be considered.

ALTERNATIVES

The alternatives to discectomy are

weight loss

walking

pain-relieving medication

physical therapy

hydrotherapy, and

avoiding bending, lifting, twisting and prolonged sitting.

The use of acupuncture is controversial.

GOALS

The aim of the endoscopic discectomy is to remove the protruding part of the intervertebral disc while minimizing the damage to the nearby tissues.

TECHNIQUE

You will be placed in a kneeling position. Your skin will be cleaned. Your surgeon will confirm the correct vertebrae for the procedure by using x-ray imaging. A small incision will allow progressive dilators to gently open a space to access the disc. The loose disc fragments will be removed. Heat will be applied to stiffen and shrink the disc. The dilators will be removed, and the skin will then be closed with sutures. neurosurgery animations

Build a solid foundation of knowledge based on the fundamentals and employ step-by-step instruction from Spine Surgery. Edited by Edward C. Benzel, this best-selling medical reference explores the full spectrum of surgical techniques used in spine surgery and delivers the comprehensive, cutting-edge guidance you need to achieve successful outcomes. Online access, thorough updates, contributions by leading international authorities, an abundance of detailed illustrations, and procedural video clips provide everything you need to avoid and manage complex problems.

If you would like to purchase this title, please click here.

- [ ] RACZ PROCEDURE or Lysis of adhesions is a procedure designed mainly to relieve pain resulting from back surgeries or irritation related pain caused by a herniated discs.

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Surgery on the spine can occasionally result in scar tissue around spinal nerves. Approximately 10% to 25% of spinal surgery procedures give rise to these scars. The result is a fresh recurrence of pain from scar tissue growth in the epidural space of the vertebrae affected. Scar tissue can lead to compression, inflammation, or swelling in spinal nerves. It can also cause stenosis in the spine and pain in the “tailbone” (or sacroiliac joint). Lysis of adhesions is performed to dissolve (i.e. lyse) the scar tissue (also known as adhesions). This has been shown to give relief from surgically-acquired pain in both the short and longer term

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10-31-1970, Oxnard, CA; Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 8th round of the 1991 amateur draft. Stephen Christopher Trachsel was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He most recently played with the Baltimore Orioles. He is known for the long amount of time he takes to deliver the ball to home plate in between pitches. Games in which he pitches are known to be considerably longer than most games. Trachsel graduated from Troy High School in Fullerton, California in 1988. He attended Fullerton College and Long Beach State University. In 1991, he led Long Beach to a spot in the College World Series. In 1996, he was named to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and posted a career-best 3.03 ERA. In 1999, his ERA rose to a career-worst 5.56, his 18 losses were two worse than any pitcher that season and the Cubs let him go. Spending 2000 in the American League, he posted another 15 losses and his start with the Mets in 2001 was so poor (including becoming the only pitcher in Mets history to allow four home runs in one inning), he was sent to the minor leagues. Upon returning to the Mets, his career was reborn. He finished 2001 well and continued to shine in 2002 when he had a 3.37 ERA. His success continued with 16 wins (including his 100th career win) in 2003. However, after starting well in 2004, he suffered a herniated disc in his back, the first major injury of his career, which also cost him much of the 2005. He underwent a discectomy in March 2005 and returned for the final six starts of the season, posting a league-average 4.14 ERA and going 1-4. Trachsel was also a part of history when Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals hit his 62nd home run of the season on September 8, 1998 - breaking Roger Maris' record. In 2006, Trachsel recovered to start 30 games and tied Tom Glavine for the team lead with 15 wins, despite an earned run average near five. On September 18, 2006, he had one of his best performances of the season as the Mets clinched the National League Eastern Division Championship. He also started the clincher of the NLDS, but was shaky and removed in the 4th inning. In Game 3 of the NLCS, he gave up five runs in just one inning before being hit by a hard ground ball. The Mets lost the game 5-0. Trachsel was signed by the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent on February 12, 2007, after Orioles starter, and fellow former Mets right-hander, Kris Benson was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff that kept him sidelined for the 2007 season. On August 31, 2007, Trachsel rejoined the Chicago Cubs by being traded for minor league players Rocky Cherry and Scott Moore. On February 11, 2008, he signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Baltimore Orioles. On March 27, he was added to the 40-man roster. He was designated for assignment on June 10, 2008. He was released on June 13, 2008. His career-stats: Chicago Cubs 1993-99; Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Toronto Blue Jays 2000; New York Mets 2001-06; Baltimore Oriols and Chicago Cubs 2007; Baltimore Oriols 2008. Career stats: 16 seasons: W:143 / L:159 / G:419 / GS:417 / IP:2500 / SO:1591 / ERA:4.39. Postseason Stats: 1/1/2/2/4.1/3/14.54. Final Game: June 7, 2008. Steve Trachsel was an 1996 All-Star.

www.medilaw.tv - This movie illustrates the technique for performing a percutaneous laser lumbar discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, laser insertion and the conversion of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing.

Sudden trauma or gradual degeneration can weaken the annulus fibrosis or wall of the intervertebral disc. This can then bulge outwards, forming a disc protrusion or a contained disc herniation. The pressure of the bulge against the surrounding structures causes back pain and the pressure against the nerve root causes leg pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive disc decompression technique which is performed through a needle. The discectomy removes some nucleus material from the intervertebral disc whilst minimizing damage to the adjacent tissues. The removal of nucleus material decreases the pressure within the disc, which can result in the contained disc herniation retracting. This in turn can lead to a decrease in back and leg pain.

The percutaneous approach with a needle uses a small entry hole in the disc and removes a small amount of disc material. These all act to minimize tissue damage due to the procedure. This decreases the pain, complications and recovery time, and maximizes the spine's strength and stability after the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a percutaneous discectomy are

- back or leg pain, caused by

- a contained disc herniation seen on radiological imaging

- that has not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment including pain relief medication, bed rest, physical therapy and pain relieving injections.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- activity modification or bed rest

- strength and flexibility exercises

- physical therapy

- hydrotherapy

- acupuncture

- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

- The surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- steroid and local anesthetic injections

- open or minimally-invasive microdiscectomy

- surgical fusion or disc replacement.

GOALS

The goal of a percutaneous discectomy is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in back pain and leg pain.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your front. Your back will be cleaned. A local anesthetic injection will numb the skin. This may sting for a couple of seconds. A cannula will be introduced into the intervertebral disc. Fluoroscopy, an X-Ray TV, is often used to help guide the cannula to the correct location. The device will be advanced from the cannula, and will remove some nucleus pulposus to decrease the pressure within the disc. Then the cannula will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on the skin. pain management presentations

www.medilaw.tv - Illustrates the surgical technique for performing a posterior lumbar discectomy, also known as a lumbar microdiscectomy. This procedure is used to remove part of an intervertebral disc that is compressing the spinal cord or a nerve root. Also shown is the patient position, skin preparation and incision, the surgical approach, the removal of the pathological disc and the wound closure.

Lumbar disc herniations are very common and often do not cause any symptoms. An acute disc herniation can cause symptoms down one or both legs, such as pain, numbness, pins and needles, and weakness. Usually these symptoms will improve without surgery in six to twelve weeks. If the symptoms are not controlled after six to twelve weeks of conservative treatments, then your surgeon will consider operating.

However, if the herniated disc is pushing on spinal nerves and causing severe uncontrollable pain, or marked weakness, or bowel or bladder problems, then urgent surgery will be considered. The size of the bulge is not related to the amount of pain or leg symptoms.

A herniated disc's contents can not be pushed back into place, but it will often dry out and shrink away by itself.

During the microdiscectomy, only the loose parts of the nucleus within the disc and spinal canal are removed. The annulus tear can not be repaired, but it usually heals over time by scarring, and the back pain may settle with it. A discectomy is not performed for back pain, rather to relieve the pressure on the nerves, and the consequent leg symptoms.

INDICATIONS

An urgent discectomy is recommended for patients with severe leg weakness or pain, and if there are bladder or bowel problems. These problems include an inability to pass urine, or numbness in the crotch or buttocks. If leg weakness is not improving, or symptoms are not improving after six weeks, then surgery can be considered.

ALTERNATIVES

The alternatives to discectomy are

weight loss

walking

pain-relieving medication

physical therapy

hydrotherapy, and

avoiding bending, lifting, twisting and prolonged sitting.

The use of acupuncture is controversial.

GOALS

The aim of a micro-discectomy is to remove the protruding part of the intervertebral disc.

TECHNIQUE

You will be placed in a kneeling position. The skin will be cleaned. An incision will be made in the middle of the back. The overlying muscles will be moved to the side. Your surgeon will confirm the correct vertebrae for the procedure by using x-ray imaging. The ligamentum flavum will be separated from the lamina. Then part of the lamina will be removed to make more space. The ligamentum flavum will then be removed. The nerves will be retracted to the side. The posterior longitudinal ligament will have a window cut into it. Then the disc herniation is visible. The damaged disc fragment is removed. The muscles are replaced, and the skin is closed with sutures. surgical animations

www.medilaw.tv - This movie illustrates the technique for performing a percutaneous automated lumbar discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, drill insertion and the removal of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing.

Sudden trauma or gradual degeneration can weaken the annulus fibrosis or wall of the intervertebral disc. This can then bulge outwards, forming a disc protrusion or a contained disc herniation. The pressure of the bulge against the surrounding structures causes back pain and the pressure against the nerve root causes leg pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive disc decompression technique which is performed through a needle. The discectomy removes some nucleus material from the intervertebral disc whilst minimizing damage to the adjacent tissues. The removal of nucleus material decreases the pressure within the disc, which can result in the contained disc herniation retracting. This in turn can lead to a decrease in back and leg pain.

The percutaneous approach with a needle uses a small entry hole in the disc and removes a small amount of disc material. These all act to minimize tissue damage due to the procedure. This decreases the pain, complications and recovery time, and maximizes the spine's strength and stability after the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a percutaneous discectomy are

- back or leg pain, caused by

- a contained disc herniation seen on radiological imaging

- that has not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment including pain relief medication, bed rest, physical therapy and pain relieving injections.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- activity modification or bed rest

- strength and flexibility exercises

- physical therapy

- hydrotherapy

- acupuncture

- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

- The surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- steroid and local anesthetic injections

- open or minimally-invasive microdiscectomy

- surgical fusion or disc replacement.

GOALS

The goal of a percutaneous discectomy is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in back pain and leg pain.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your front. Your back will be cleaned. A local anesthetic injection will numb the skin. This may sting for a couple of seconds. A cannula will be introduced into the intervertebral disc. Fluoroscopy, an X-Ray TV, is often used to help guide the cannula to the correct location. The device will be advanced from the cannula, and will remove some nucleus pulposus to decrease the pressure within the disc. Then the cannula will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on the skin. lawyer presentations

www.medilaw.tv - This movie illustrates the technique for performing a percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, the removal of some nucleus material, herniation retraction, the annuloplasty, instrument removal, and wound dressing.

Sudden trauma or gradual degeneration can weaken the annulus fibrosis or wall of the intervertebral disc. This can then bulge outwards, forming a disc protrusion or a contained disc herniation. The pressure of the bulge against the surrounding structures causes back pain and the pressure against the nerve root causes leg pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive disc decompression technique which is performed through a needle. The discectomy removes some nucleus material from the intervertebral disc whilst minimizing damage to the adjacent tissues. The removal of nucleus material decreases the pressure within the disc, which can result in the contained disc herniation retracting. This in turn can lead to a decrease in back and leg pain.

The percutaneous approach with a needle uses a small entry hole in the disc and removes a small amount of disc material. These all act to minimize tissue damage due to the procedure. This decreases the pain, complications and recovery time, and maximizes the spine's strength and stability after the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a percutaneous discectomy are

- back or leg pain, caused by

- a contained disc herniation seen on radiological imaging

- that has not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment including pain relief medication, bed rest, physical therapy and pain relieving injections.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- activity modification or bed rest

- strength and flexibility exercises

- physical therapy

- hydrotherapy

- acupuncture

- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

- The surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- steroid and local anesthetic injections

- open or minimally-invasive microdiscectomy

- surgical fusion or disc replacement.

GOALS

The goal of a percutaneous discectomy is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in back pain and leg pain.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your front. Your back will be cleaned. A local anesthetic injection will numb the skin. This may sting for a couple of seconds. A cannula will be introduced into the intervertebral disc. Fluoroscopy, an X-Ray TV, is often used to help guide the cannula to the correct location. The device will be advanced from the cannula, and will remove some nucleus pulposus to decrease the pressure within the disc. Then the cannula will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on the skin. medical legal presentations

www.medilaw.tv - This movie illustrates the technique for performing a percutaneous thermal lumbar discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, the conversion of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing.

Sudden trauma or gradual degeneration can weaken the annulus fibrosis or wall of the intervertebral disc. This can then bulge outwards, forming a disc protrusion or a contained disc herniation. The pressure of the bulge against the surrounding structures causes back pain and the pressure against the nerve root causes leg pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive disc decompression technique which is performed through a needle. The discectomy removes some nucleus material from the intervertebral disc whilst minimizing damage to the adjacent tissues. The removal of nucleus material decreases the pressure within the disc, which can result in the contained disc herniation retracting. This in turn can lead to a decrease in back and leg pain.

The percutaneous approach with a needle uses a small entry hole in the disc and removes a small amount of disc material. These all act to minimize tissue damage due to the procedure. This decreases the pain, complications and recovery time, and maximizes the spine's strength and stability after the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The indications for a percutaneous discectomy are

- back or leg pain, caused by

- a contained disc herniation seen on radiological imaging

- that has not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment including pain relief medication, bed rest, physical therapy and pain relieving injections.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- activity modification or bed rest

- strength and flexibility exercises

- physical therapy

- hydrotherapy

- acupuncture

- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The surgical alternative treatments to percutaneous discectomy may be

- steroid and local anesthetic injections

- open or minimally-invasive microdiscectomy

- surgical fusion or disc replacement.

GOALS

The goal of a percutaneous discectomy is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in back pain and leg pain.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your front. Your back will be cleaned. A local anesthetic injection will numb the skin. This may sting for a couple of seconds. A cannula will be introduced into the intervertebral disc. Fluoroscopy, an X-Ray TV, is often used to help guide the cannula to the correct location. The device will be advanced from the cannula, and will remove some nucleus pulposus to decrease the pressure within the disc. Then the cannula will be removed. A small bandage will be placed on the skin. demonstrative evidence presentations

www.medilaw.tv - malpractice videos, Illustrates the surgical technique for performing a cervical interbody fusion. This procedure is used to remove an intervertebral disc that is causing uncontrollable pain or is compressing the adjacent spinal cord or nerve roots. A bone strut is used to replace the excised disc and maintain correct alignment. There are many different techniques to achieve the same end result, a pain-free, stable, anatomically positioned bony fusion. However, the basic procedure illustrated here is common to all cervical interbody fusions.

An Interbody Fusion, also known as an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, refers to the complete removal of an intervertebral disc, and its replacement with a bone, plastic or metal spacer, and bone graft or bone substitute, to cause fusion of the two adjacent vertebrae into one solid mass. It can be performed at one or more levels. Sometimes an anterior plate or posterior wiring, plates, screws or rods are used to further immobilize the segment while it is fusing.

INDICATIONS

The indications for an interbody fusion are persisting pain, numbness or weakness, that has been shown by physical examination and radiography to be due to a damaged intervertebral disc or to anterior spinal cord compression, and that has not responded to conservative treatment. If there is bowel or bladder dysfunction, severe muscle weakness, or severe pain that is not controlled by strong pain relievers, your clinician may recommend immediate surgery to prevent permanent nerve damage and weakness. Traumatic vertebral fracture or dislocation are other reasons for immediate fusion.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternatives to interbody fusion may be

-- activity modification

-- weight loss

-- aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, and swimming

-- strength and flexibility exercises

-- physical therapy

-- hydrotherapy

-- heat and cold pads

-- acupuncture

-- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine, chondroitin

The surgical alternatives to interbody fusion may be

-- steroid and local anesthetic injections

- disc replacement surgery, or arthroplasty.

GOALS

The goals of a cervical fusion are to stabilize the spine and remove compression of the adjacent spinal cord. This should lead to improved function and less pain. The metal or plastic hardware provides immediate stability while the bony fusion occurs over the following three to twelve months.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your back. Your neck will be cleaned. An incision will be made and the overlying muscles moved to the side. Your windpipe (trachea) and gullet (esophagus) will be retracted with the muscles to reveal the front of the spine. Any anterior vertebral body bone spurs (lipping, osteophytes) will be trimmed. Your surgeon will confirm the correct intervertebral disc for removal by using x-ray imaging. Pins will be used to open up the collapsed disc space to regain normal spine alignment. The diseased disc will be removed. Then the metal / plastic cage will be inserted. X-rays will be used to check the cage's position. The muscles will be replaced, and the wound closed with sutures.

www.medilaw.TV - medico-legal animations, Illustrates the surgical technique for performing a cervical interbody fusion. This procedure is used to remove an intervertebral disc that is causing uncontrollable pain or is compressing the adjacent spinal cord or nerve roots. A bone block is used to replace the excised disc and maintain correct alignment. An anterior plate is used to ensure stability while fusion occurs. There are many different techniques to achieve the same end result, a pain-free, stable, anatomically positioned bony fusion. However, the basic procedure illustrated here is common to all cervical interbody fusions. An Interbody Fusion, also known as an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, refers to the complete removal of an intervertebral disc, and its replacement with a bone, plastic or metal spacer, and bone graft or bone substitute, to cause fusion of the two adjacent vertebrae into one solid mass. It can be performed at one or more levels. Sometimes an anterior plate or posterior wiring, plates, screws or rods are used to further immobilize the segment while it is fusing.

INDICATIONS

The indications for an interbody fusion are persisting pain, numbness or weakness, that has been shown by physical examination and radiography to be due to a damaged intervertebral disc or to anterior spinal cord compression, and that has not responded to conservative treatment. If there is bowel or bladder dysfunction, severe muscle weakness, or severe pain that is not controlled by strong pain relievers, your clinician may recommend immediate surgery to prevent permanent nerve damage and weakness. Traumatic vertebral fracture or dislocation are other reasons for immediate fusion.

ALTERNATIVES

The non-surgical alternatives to interbody fusion may be

-- activity modification

-- weight loss

-- aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, and swimming

-- strength and flexibility exercises

-- physical therapy

-- hydrotherapy

-- heat and cold pads

-- acupuncture

-- pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine, chondroitin

The surgical alternatives to interbody fusion may be

-- steroid and local anesthetic injections

- disc replacement surgery, or arthroplasty.

GOALS

The goals of a cervical fusion are to stabilize the spine and remove compression of the adjacent spinal cord. This should lead to improved function and less pain. The metal or plastic hardware provides immediate stability while the bony fusion occurs over the following three to twelve months.

TECHNIQUE

You will be lying on your back. Your neck will be cleaned. An incision will be made and the overlying muscles moved to the side. Your windpipe (trachea) and gullet (esophagus) will be retracted with the muscles to reveal the front of the spine. Any anterior vertebral body bone spurs (lipping, osteophytes) will be trimmed. Your surgeon will confirm the correct intervertebral disc for removal by using x-ray imaging. Pins will be used to open up the collapsed disc space to regain normal spine alignment. The diseased disc will be removed. Then the bone block will be inserted. An anterior plate will be screwed into position to assist immobilization of the spine while the bone fuses. X-rays will be used to check the bone block and plate's position. The muscles will be replaced, and the wound closed with sutures.

The main scar and the scar from the bone graft harvest area on my hip, although accesed from the back. The small hole top left is the drain hole where the blood was drained from for 3-4 days after the surgery. Also note the string about an inch above thre main scar where the stitches end.

You can still see some pen marks and dressing residue as I cannot wash the area properly yet. The small plaster like things are protceting the stitches and cannot be removed for another week and a bit when the stiches are removed.

Here it is. This is my spine, never mind all the muscles and skin that normally keep it closed to your view.

My friend and I went to go see Gina Chavez play. The gig got canceled at the last minute, and so we were left high and dry, until Gina thought to meet us for coffee. Brilliant.

Taken by the wonderful Dumpster Mouse.

Epoch Coffeehouse.

Austin, Texas.

12 December 2008.

Tagged for a List-16-Things-About-Yourself Meme by mutedheartbeats.

- When I was in the, say, third [?] grade, we had "Me Box" days, where a kid would bring in a big Rubbermaid box full of their stuff and talk about their hobbies, life, etc. When it was my turn, I sorta just crammed my baseball stuff [hush] into the box and started pulling it out. Eventually I got to the Tinactin, which my father made me use to prevent "nasty-foot", as I called it. My teacher kept her composure until after school, when she cracked up and told all the teachers. To this day, I am "the Tinactin kid", even to teachers that I never had and who have not met me.

- I decided to graduate from college a year early when I was in the fifth grade. Next semester, my sixth, will be my last undergraduate semester.

- I would've graduated from high-school with a biotechnician's certitification had one of my teachers not bailed on us to move to Singapore or Shanghai or some other city in Asia that starts with an "S".

- I own multiple instruments that I can't really play.

- I love movie scores, and am willing to tolerate mediocre acting if the score is good.

- I started politicking a few months shy of 16. I told my parents I was going to hang out with friends, which was mostly a lie.

- My father and I used to pretty much only be able to bond over violence, either by watching movies that featured violence, or by engaging in violent acts together [like karate, or going to the shooting range, or talking about battles/wars]. That's changing, thank goodness.

- I have a black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate. Yes, this means I can break things. No, it does not mean that I feel safe.

- I hold an Advanced Open Water Diver certification [PADI] and an Amateur Scientist specialization in diving.

- While obtaining my Advanced Open Water Diver certification, I suffered from mild nitrogen narcosis and had to end my portion of one of the dives early.

- I get really hotheaded about unpredictable minutiae.

- I have received two marriage proposals over the phone while working in tech support.

- I was an attendant to a woman with cerebral palsy. It was the most draining, taxing, emotionally turbulent, and rewarding job that I've ever had.

- Eventually I will probably have to have a surgery in which the surgeons slit my throat open, scoot all the important tubes to the side, and bolt two of my vertebrae [C5 and C6] together. It's called an anterior cervical discectomy, and it is kind of gross/awesome.

- I'm a challenge by choice kind of person. I can't remember when/where I learned about this concept, but I really like it. I like choosing to participate in activities that I find stress/anxiety-provoking in settings where I feel safe to do so.

- I hate running. Hate it.

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A few people have noticed that I haven't been very active on flickr recently. This is the reason. I required surgery on my cervical spine to repair severely herniated discs and compression to my spinal cord. The surgery was on Monday, March 10th and, thankfully, went very well. (photo by Corinne Ramage)

It's been 4 months, and I feel like I'm back to about 35-40%. Too, the timing was incredibly inconvenient. I was 3 or 4 days post-op and had to show up for Nursing School orientation. This boy was heavily medicated. I remember almost nothing. I was given papers (I'm told), a list of things to do.

I spent the first several weeks in an opiate fog penetrated by an instructor voice saying "don't forget x must be done by Monday! It's on the list!" I don't know how I got through that time, and have spent the first semester in a state of 'WTF is happening'. I also was out of work for over a month so money was tight.

I'm broke, my baseline heart rate is up 20 points and my b/p now rests at the prehypertension line. I'm more overweight than I've ever been, and my lipids are not good.

I want my mommy.

I have wondered what percentage of fat, forty-something nursing students have a major cardiovascular incident before graduating.

It's almost over. 2 weeks left in the first semester. I'm gonna go fishing. It would also be great if the piece-of-ass fairy could tap me with her wand. Y'all cross your fingers for me. 😊

Wockhardt Center for Knee Replacement is an initiative of Wockhardt Hospital for Bone and Joint care specialty.

Knee Replacement Center at the Wockhardt Superspecialty Hospitals are preferred destination for patients from USA, UK and

Canada because of the state of the art infrastructure and rich experience at this center for all kinds of Knee Replacement,

Hip Replacement and Shoulder Replacement surgeries.

Knee Replacement

The new age innovation High Flexion Rotating Platform Knee System accommodates complex knee kinematics in deep flexion up to

155 degrees with reduced wear.

Hip Resurfacing

Unlike conventional hip replacements, patients undergoing Hip Resurfacing surgery are able to maintain a very active and

sporty lifestyle and can squat and sit on the floor without the risk of dislocation.

Shoulder Replacement

Similar to other joint replacement procedures, shoulder replacement surgery is generally done to address persistent pain

that is not controlled by non-surgical therapy.

The Wockhardt Bone and Joint Hospital is equipped to treat all types of musculo-skeletal problems ranging from Trauma

Surgery to Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy Surgery. The hospital also specilalises in surgery for total knee replacement,

sports medicine, ligament repair, knee surgery, spine surgery and physical therapy for rehabilitation.

Wockhardt Bone & Joint Hospital has complete technology and advanced skills to perform Microscopic Lumber & Cervical

Discectomy, Endo-scopic Spine Surgery and Arthroscopic surgeries such as Ligament Reconstruction in the knee, Subacromial

Decom-pression in the shoulder.

Services and Procedures

» Arthroscopic surgery:Key hole surgery for disorders of knee and shoulder

» Minimal Access Spine surgery

» Hip Resurfacing

» Paediatric Bone & Joint Surgeries

» Fracture Treatment

» Sports Medicine

» Speciality Clinic for Arthritis

» Trauma & Pain Management

» Osteoporosis

» Lifestyle Modification Programme (Rehabilitation)

» Patient Education Programme

» Knee Replacement (Minimally invasive and full knee bending )

» Knee Resurfacing

» Total Knee Replacement

» Unicondylar Knee Replacement

» Total Hip Replacement

» Hip Resurfacing / Surface Replacement Arthroplasty

» Shoulder Replacement

» Shoulder Resurfacing

Wockhardt Center for Knee Replacement is an initiative of Wockhardt Hospital for Bone and Joint care specialty.

Knee Replacement Center at the Wockhardt Superspecialty Hospitals are preferred destination for patients from USA, UK and

Canada because of the state of the art infrastructure and rich experience at this center for all kinds of Knee Replacement,

Hip Replacement and Shoulder Replacement surgeries.

Knee Replacement

The new age innovation High Flexion Rotating Platform Knee System accommodates complex knee kinematics in deep flexion up to

155 degrees with reduced wear.

Hip Resurfacing

Unlike conventional hip replacements, patients undergoing Hip Resurfacing surgery are able to maintain a very active and

sporty lifestyle and can squat and sit on the floor without the risk of dislocation.

Shoulder Replacement

Similar to other joint replacement procedures, shoulder replacement surgery is generally done to address persistent pain

that is not controlled by non-surgical therapy.

The Wockhardt Bone and Joint Hospital is equipped to treat all types of musculo-skeletal problems ranging from Trauma

Surgery to Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy Surgery. The hospital also specilalises in surgery for total knee replacement,

sports medicine, ligament repair, knee surgery, spine surgery and physical therapy for rehabilitation.

Wockhardt Bone & Joint Hospital has complete technology and advanced skills to perform Microscopic Lumber & Cervical

Discectomy, Endo-scopic Spine Surgery and Arthroscopic surgeries such as Ligament Reconstruction in the knee, Subacromial

Decom-pression in the shoulder.

Services and Procedures

» Arthroscopic surgery:Key hole surgery for disorders of knee and shoulder

» Minimal Access Spine surgery

» Hip Resurfacing

» Paediatric Bone & Joint Surgeries

» Fracture Treatment

» Sports Medicine

» Speciality Clinic for Arthritis

» Trauma & Pain Management

» Osteoporosis

» Lifestyle Modification Programme (Rehabilitation)

» Patient Education Programme

» Knee Replacement (Minimally invasive and full knee bending )

» Knee Resurfacing

» Total Knee Replacement

» Unicondylar Knee Replacement

» Total Hip Replacement

» Hip Resurfacing / Surface Replacement Arthroplasty

» Shoulder Replacement

» Shoulder Resurfacing

The view from my bed in Ward 33 at the Western General. Taken with the crap camera on my iPhone.

Uploaded with Darkslide.

this is a standard laminectomy. I dont think mine was a full laminectomy. from what the nurse said, they just removed more than the keyhole amount , and down around the arthritic disc below to create more room for the spinal cord.

my left arm is groovy. my neck might take a bit to go down.

Im grateful he didnt opt for a fuse at this time.

Wockhardt Center for Knee Replacement is an initiative of Wockhardt Hospital for Bone and Joint care specialty.

Knee Replacement Center at the Wockhardt Superspecialty Hospitals are preferred destination for patients from USA, UK and

Canada because of the state of the art infrastructure and rich experience at this center for all kinds of Knee Replacement,

Hip Replacement and Shoulder Replacement surgeries.

Knee Replacement

The new age innovation High Flexion Rotating Platform Knee System accommodates complex knee kinematics in deep flexion up to

155 degrees with reduced wear.

Hip Resurfacing

Unlike conventional hip replacements, patients undergoing Hip Resurfacing surgery are able to maintain a very active and

sporty lifestyle and can squat and sit on the floor without the risk of dislocation.

Shoulder Replacement

Similar to other joint replacement procedures, shoulder replacement surgery is generally done to address persistent pain

that is not controlled by non-surgical therapy.

The Wockhardt Bone and Joint Hospital is equipped to treat all types of musculo-skeletal problems ranging from Trauma

Surgery to Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy Surgery. The hospital also specilalises in surgery for total knee replacement,

sports medicine, ligament repair, knee surgery, spine surgery and physical therapy for rehabilitation.

Wockhardt Bone & Joint Hospital has complete technology and advanced skills to perform Microscopic Lumber & Cervical

Discectomy, Endo-scopic Spine Surgery and Arthroscopic surgeries such as Ligament Reconstruction in the knee, Subacromial

Decom-pression in the shoulder.

Services and Procedures

» Arthroscopic surgery:Key hole surgery for disorders of knee and shoulder

» Minimal Access Spine surgery

» Hip Resurfacing

» Paediatric Bone & Joint Surgeries

» Fracture Treatment

» Sports Medicine

» Speciality Clinic for Arthritis

» Trauma & Pain Management

» Osteoporosis

» Lifestyle Modification Programme (Rehabilitation)

» Patient Education Programme

» Knee Replacement (Minimally invasive and full knee bending )

» Knee Resurfacing

» Total Knee Replacement

» Unicondylar Knee Replacement

» Total Hip Replacement

» Hip Resurfacing / Surface Replacement Arthroplasty

» Shoulder Replacement

» Shoulder Resurfacing

www.medilaw.tv Shows the goal of an endoscopic percutaneous discectomy, which is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in back and leg pain. A percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy involves patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, rongeur insertion and the removal of some nucleus material, a thermal annuloplasty to scar the weakened annulus fibrosis, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing. medical negligence videos

Im grateful this is over.

alan said mine was the size of a peanut mnm candy. they did a lamenectomy,

pulled the nerves aside that lead to my left arm, did the discectomy, and

glued the incision together. my neck is very swollen and brused badly. I

have little deep cuts on my head where the brace was that held me still

during the surgery. it went very well.

I was lucky enough to get Dr Thibedeau out of Mercy Hospital in Portland. it

was the most organized and postive experience ive ever had at any hospital

for any proceedure.

it will take some time to recover, and for things to resume. im bedridden

for a few days, then i am to start things slowly. im still on narcotic pain

meds, muscle relaxers, steriods, antinausea stuff, advill, and a new round

of steriods part two.

i find myself watching a LOT of tv. i had no idea adult swim was as funny as it is.

im grateful i have two working hands. i can move my fingers and elbow, twist and do delicate maneuvers without pain and i can feel them both.

hoo raah!

i had a ruptured and hernaited disc on top of an arthritic disc. It pinched off the nerve to my left arm. i had surgery for this in November 2006 where they did a lamenectomy and discectomy. The moment after coming out of surgery, still groggy, the FIRST thing i did was wiggle my fingers on my left hand. I was completely filled with gratitude. My neck no longer hurts in pretty much any way. Occassionally i get the gravel and glass feel, and i sorta feel shorter....but it was worth it.

3 Weeks Post-Op. Susan Watkins sent these 3 photos in to us of her ziplining just 3 weeks after an Anterior Cervical Discectomy.

We’re very happy to see Susan doing so well after her surgery.

pinnaclebrainandspine.com/susan-watkins-ziplining-3-weeks...

- [ ] RACZ PROCEDURE or Lysis of adhesions is a procedure designed mainly to relieve pain resulting from back surgeries or irritation related pain caused by a herniated discs.

- [ ] This is our new state of the art technology... LASER-GUIDED DELIVERING MEDICATION SYSTEM FOR PAIN RELIEF. Our new 4k FLUOROSCOPY GUIDED-IMAGE SYSTEM is the first one in the Metro area. It provides the surgeon with higher resolution images during the procedures and helps the surgeon in targeting and placing the medication with precision on the affected tissues and painful area; in other words theg,a surgeon could place the medication with pin-point accuracy for pain relief

WE NEVER MISS THE TARGET!

Surgery on the spine can occasionally result in scar tissue around spinal nerves. Approximately 10% to 25% of spinal surgery procedures give rise to these scars. The result is a fresh recurrence of pain from scar tissue growth in the epidural space of the vertebrae affected. Scar tissue can lead to compression, inflammation, or swelling in spinal nerves. It can also cause stenosis in the spine and pain in the “tailbone” (or sacroiliac joint). Lysis of adhesions is performed to dissolve (i.e. lyse) the scar tissue (also known as adhesions). This has been shown to give relief from surgically-acquired pain in both the short and longer term

#docneedles #doctorneedles #md.needles #ENDOSCOPYSURGERY. #HERNIATEDDISC #MINIMALLYINVASIVE #TOPDOCTOR #DrFR #PAINRELIEF #HERNIATEDDISC #LOWBACKPAIN #CIRUGIAENDOSCOPICA #DOLORDEESPALDA #discectomy #discectomia #dolordeespalda #foraminalblock #bloqueoforaminal #facetblock #bloqueofacetario #racz

#medicine #digitaltv #ny #bestmedicalnews #dermatolgy #oncology #painmedicine #spinesurgery #orthopedics #medicine #mddigitastv #mdtvonline #mdtvnews #drroque #drQspine #endoscopicdiscectomy #minimalinvasivespinesurgery

www.mddigitastv.com

From animation for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion/Fixation Surgery - Patient Information Visualisation

www.medilaw.tv Shows the goal of a laser percutaneous discectomy, which is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in back and leg pain. A percutaneous laser lumbar discectomy involves patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, laser insertion and the conversion of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing. medical evidence art

From animation for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion/Fixation Surgery - Patient Information Visualisation

www.medilaw.tv Shows the goal of a thermal percutaneous discectomy, which is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in back and leg pain. A percutaneous thermal lumbar discectomy involves patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, thermal probe insertion and the conversion of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing. medical education movies

A few people have noticed that I haven't been very active on flickr recently. This is the reason. I required surgery on my cervical spine to repair severely herniated discs and compression to my spinal cord. The surgery was on Monday, March 10th and, thankfully, went very well. That silly "hello kitty" gadget is a bone growth stimulator. (photo by Corinne Ramage)

Thank you all for your best wishes. I was hesitant to post this at first because I didn't want to appear as though I were just looking for sympathy. But, the bottom line is.... i feel pretty lousy right now --- and feeling the connection from all of you whom I have gotten to know on line does make me feel a bit better - taken care of. So I guess I was looking for a little sympathy. I'm still learning what it means to be part of a cyber community - basic human caring still seems to prevail.

3 Weeks Post-Op. Susan Watkins sent these 3 photos in to us of her ziplining just 3 weeks after an Anterior Cervical Discectomy.

We’re very happy to see Susan doing so well after her surgery.

pinnaclebrainandspine.com/susan-watkins-ziplining-3-weeks...

www.medilaw.tv - malpractice art, This movie illustrates the technique for performing an percutaneous automated cervical discectomy. This movie shows patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, drill insertion and the removal of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing.

my brother took the one on the right.

www.medilaw.tv Shows the aim of the portal or endoscopic discectomy is to remove the protruding part of the intervertebral disc and decrease the symptoms it causes, while minimizing the damage to the nearby tissues caused by accessing the disc. A posterior portal or endoscopic discectomy is used to remove part of an intervertebral disc that is causing uncontrollable pain or is compressing the adjacent spinal cord or nerve roots. Considerations include patient position, skin preparation, local anesthetic and incision, insertion of a series of concentric access portals, the removal of part of the intervertebral disc and finally wound closure. lawsuit illustrations

This shows my x rays after 6 weeks. I had a anterior/posterior 2 level fusion and discectomy with iliac crest bone graft from left side. Still healing and due for another x ray in Nov. Looking forward to a good outcome. Last resort procedure. Would be curious/interested in anyone else who may have had similar procedure done and how they have faired. This was done at Twin City Spine Center In Min. MN.

www.medilaw.tv Shows the goal of a manual percutaneous discectomy, which is to cause the disc herniation to retract, which in turn can lead to a decrease in back and leg pain. A percutaneous manual lumbar discectomy involves patient positioning, skin preparation, local anesthetic injection, cannula insertion, rongeur insertion and the removal of some nucleus material, instrument removal, herniation retraction and wound dressing. medicolegal multimedia

So, I've been Tagged by HeliTwo (aka Helen).

Being tagged : Post a picture of you, doesn't matter if it is an old one or recent one.

Tell 10 things about yourself and tag 10 of your friends.

1. In the photo above, I'm being held by my Uncle Gerald, my dad's younger brother. I have just as many chins now as I did then. :o)

2. I'm wearing diapers now, just as I did then. (recent prostate surgery) :o)

3. This was only my second major surgery. The first was an L4-5 discectomy back in '93.

4. Today (12Aug) I got back on my motorcycle for the first time since 12July. I have missed it so.

5. I was accepted at Pratt Institute out of high school, to major in art, but instead went to Ohio University, where I triple majored for awhile in sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. :o)

6. The longest I'd worked anywhere was 3 months, until graduating as a physical therapist. I've now had the same job for 31 years. (lazy and ambitionless). I came to NM for my last internship and got hired. I'm still working in my first job out of school, although I've worked for three different organizations. St. Joseph's turned into the Sandia Health system, which became Lovelace Health system. I got into PT so I wouldn't have to really work for a living.

7. When I was 43 I began training in a martial art, Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. I'm now 58, but haven't been able to train for the last year. I'm hoping that all this will get behind me and I can get back to training. I began training when my older son, then 5, wanted to start in a martial art. He stopped in favor of wrestling when he got to middle school.

8. I share the love of motorcycles with that older son. Here he is on his Z 1000.

9. You've all seen my younger son, as I post a fair amount of his soccer (football). I got back into photography to shoot him. He lived in spite of that. My aim was so poor I've had to diversify my shooting to other subjects.

10. And I've been married to Kim (SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED) since 1981. She's still my child bride and my rock of Gibraltar, my port in the storm, my... eh, what's that dear? Get off the damn computer and do the dishes? Yes, dear...

Know what Dusty McAlister has to say about his treatment received from Dr. Stephen Courtney. He got involved in an accident at his job and ended up getting severely injured. This incident made Dusty McAlister go through excruciating pain until a friend of his recommended visiting Dr. Courtney. Mr. McAlister talks about communicating with the doctor for the first time when he was asked about the condition. After knowing the situation, Dr. Courtney quickly acted and performed the discectomy surgery within two days. Mr. McAlister is now perfectly fine and suffers from no back pain. He highly recommends people looking for the best orthopedic surgeon in Plano contact Dr. Stephen P. Courtney. We thank Mr. McAlister for his wonderful words. His praise will definitely inspire us to strive for more excellence in the days to come. drstephenpcourtney.com/

16 staples are holding me shut right now, along the deep incision of the discectomy. If Kat's scar was nicknamed the "Alberni Valley Railway", then mine should be the "Short Line". We ended up having to change the dressing a day early, when the waterproof cover we used to let me shower leaked a little. Looking good from a healing perspective!