Hi everyone,
I am new to the forum, although I had scoliosis surgery back in 1976. I have a long fusion from T6 to L4 and a harrington rod. I am now 51 and have finally decided it's time to follow up on the status of my old surgery. I have been very active, work as an OT which is physical, but have gradually been having more issues. I had a hard time finding a surgeon in the Houston area. I ended up at Spine Austin, I saw Dr Lowenstein. I did like this practice and Dr Lowenstein. To make a long story short I had a CT myelogram which showed I have severe DDD at L4-5 and L5-S1 with significant stenosis, a non fusion above it and a bent hook and loose rod as well as the expected flatback syndrome. Arthritis/stenosis above T6 into cervical area. Dr Lowenstein has recommended extending the fusion to my pelvis, anterior approach, fixing the non fusion, placing a "cage" at the L4-5 L5-S1 disc spaces. He said I have some time to think about it. I have also had a lot of hip pain and found out both hip joints are wearing out and I need arthroscopic hip surgery. I have several questions: Has anyone had experience with Dr Lowenstein? I need a second opinion, any recommendations? Any suggestions for time frame for how long I can wait before I should consider doing this? I have some mild weakness in my Left ankle and big toe. Pain but manageable so far. Still working a lot, some lifting at times. Love to have some advice. I'm really in good physical shape overall, There has been very little I haven't been able to do over the past 34 years, so I really can't complain!
I am new to the forum, although I had scoliosis surgery back in 1976. I have a long fusion from T6 to L4 and a harrington rod. I am now 51 and have finally decided it's time to follow up on the status of my old surgery. I have been very active, work as an OT which is physical, but have gradually been having more issues. I had a hard time finding a surgeon in the Houston area. I ended up at Spine Austin, I saw Dr Lowenstein. I did like this practice and Dr Lowenstein. To make a long story short I had a CT myelogram which showed I have severe DDD at L4-5 and L5-S1 with significant stenosis, a non fusion above it and a bent hook and loose rod as well as the expected flatback syndrome. Arthritis/stenosis above T6 into cervical area. Dr Lowenstein has recommended extending the fusion to my pelvis, anterior approach, fixing the non fusion, placing a "cage" at the L4-5 L5-S1 disc spaces. He said I have some time to think about it. I have also had a lot of hip pain and found out both hip joints are wearing out and I need arthroscopic hip surgery. I have several questions: Has anyone had experience with Dr Lowenstein? I need a second opinion, any recommendations? Any suggestions for time frame for how long I can wait before I should consider doing this? I have some mild weakness in my Left ankle and big toe. Pain but manageable so far. Still working a lot, some lifting at times. Love to have some advice. I'm really in good physical shape overall, There has been very little I haven't been able to do over the past 34 years, so I really can't complain!
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