spinal fusion

Patient opposes surgeon’s recommendation

March 19, 2011 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m a 57-year-old man happily living with my wife of 34 years. Although I watched my diet, exercised, and have no family history of cardiovascular disease, I had a 90 percent cardiac blockage in 2009 and ended up having a heart-catheterization procedure and stent insertion. I saw the signs early and now take 40 milligrams of simvastatin.

Because I had paid my deductible and co-insurance, I saw a back surgeon about my back, which had been giving me problems for years. After X-rays, a CT and MRI, he determined that I have a vertically herniated disc between my fourth and fifth vertebrae. He said I need a spinal fusion, which would involve going through my abdomen. He gave me prescriptions for pain but didn’t prescribe physical therapy or other alternatives.
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Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: back pain, back surgery, cardiac blockage, heart cath, heart catheterization, heart surgery, hernaited disc, spinal fusion, stent

Disclaimer: All information contained herein is the opinion and view of the writer. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed and is not meant to malign any pharmaceutical company, organization, religion, ethnic group, or individual. Readers should consult their personal physicians or specialists before adopting any of the recommendations or drawing inference from information contained herein. The writer specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss, risk -- personal or otherwise -- incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use and application of any material provided.

Patient opposes surgeon’s recommendation

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