My husband is faced with a difficult decision and has to either risk surgery and it's complications or else slowly become completely paralyzed by a progressive arthritic growth in his spine at T11/T12 level. The problem is that there is extreme narrowing of the spinal column in the lumbar region as well, so eventually some of his symptoms will return no matter what. He is determined to keep his mobility and refuses to accept the paralysis that is slowly overtaking him, but we would like to know if the risk involved is wise. The doctor says he doesn't feel that it will restore any of his abilities, but that it will at least halt the progression. He may end up permanently paralyzed if there are complications. He has had several surgeries before and many of them ended up with problems.

I am here for the duration for him, and I want to make his life as full as possible in so many ways... he means everything to me and his happiness is of the upmost importance here. He has been battered and ravaged by disease since childhood, so is not a stranger to dealing with pain. Even when he proposed to me almost eight years ago, he said will you take this "young" old man to be your husband? (He was 26 then) His spirit is strong, noble and admirable, he perseveres and fights each day to maintain joy somehow... his heart is what makes him so incredibly precious to me. I just want to be sure this is the right decision (to try the surgery...)

Will anyone share their experience and thoughts?

Hi,
I’ve not had experience of this surgery myself so can’t help you there & it’s a little difficult to give any good advice not knowing what his present condition is, you only say becoming slowly paralyzed.
Any spinal surgery has a risk of paralysis, all you can really do is look at your present & future situation & try to make a decision.
If you have serious mobility problems then what have you got to loose?
Just my opinion.

I had them at L4/L5/S1 with a fusion at T12/L1/L2. It isn't bad, and if it will halt the progression do it.

Thanks for the replies.

We took a day off from life yesterday so we didn't have to think about anything... we went to the Highland Games here in Edinboro (PA) It was a day of scottish culture, cool breezes, good friends and lilting music. It was good to just empty the mind of our concerns for the afternoon.

I was suprised at the limitations that still exist for wheelchair users, even in a festival at a college campus which is wheelchair friendly due to the number of disabled students that attend. Thsi is a real eye-opener for me, because I have never had anyone close to me go through something like this. Even if we do halt the progression, this wheelchair will be a part of our life, so we are just trying to get accustomed and are learning new things all the time.

He has not contacted the surgeon yet with his reply, but we will be doing so this week. When released after the back procedure, do they put you in rehab so you can be properly cared for in a sterile and skilled nursing environment, or will I need to do all the aftercare myself at home? What is the normal procedure after back surgery?

I had one at T10/T11 due to a herniated disc. As the crushing of my spinal cord was already very progressed I have retained quite a few problems with balance, no sensation and bladder problems, but it saved me from becoming completely paralysed. I can walk reasonably well short distances with crutches.

I assume in the case of your husband the spinal cord is still intact in which case tell him to have it done as quick as possible. He will not regret it. Anything in th spinal cord area should be sorted asap as any damage is permanent.

As for rehab I am not sure about the US, but here I was sent to rehab shortly after the op where I had to learn to walk again

Yes, I had a triple Laminectomy in my lower neck 15 months ago.

My only regret is that my problem was not diagnosed and treated earlier than it was.

I cannot speak about complications as I didn't experience any, but for what the thought is worth, a "complication" at T11 may not cause any more damage than the guy is going to experience if the problem is left untreated.
And then there is the general anaesthetic risk;

I do not envy you folks your decision, but the literature suggests that laminectomy is a routine procedure for spinal units, with high success rates.

Best wishes and good luck.

"Laying in the hospital, sucking up the ice cream!"

Well the laminectomy is complete and there were no surgical complications. He has been in the hospital in intensive rehab for a week now, and he seems to be making some progress. When he first came out of suregry he suffered from unrelenting muscle spasms in his hips and left leg... one lasted for a day and a half before it subsided. They said it was due to inflammation and swelling brought about by the surgery and also the sudden release of pressure on the spinal cord. He has been on baclofen and morphine for the pain and spasms, and is up to walking 2 laps around the rehab facility with a walker and a staff member at his side to make sure he keeps his balance. He has been working on stairs, and says he feels a bit stronger each day. He looks so funny because he is 6'7" and dwarfs the physical therapists. They had to make up a special walker for him, especially when he began to stand up straighter. He does have stenosis in the lumbar vertebrae that will need to be addressed because it won't be long before it begins to have an impact on his cauda equina area... but for now, this is such a blessing to see him standing up again... even if he does need a walker for keeping his balance. The wheelchair will be the mode of transportation when we go out shopping and such, but around the house he should be able to walk with the walker for the most part. The big thing is that he is smiling again, even with the excruciating pain he has had to go through.

One day at a time. things are looking up... even with the permanent damage to his spinal cord, he has gotten some relief and feels stronger.

Good to read that he has had the op and is walking. He was lucky as the damage to the spinal cord was kept to a minimum. Perhaps they should try him with crutches. I found them much more comfortable to walk with than a walker.

I hope that he will improve more each day and that once he gets home he can exchange the for a few