Orthopedic surgeon vs Neurosurgeon? Also Dr Nachwalter?
A close friend of mine had back surgery with Dr Nachwalter and had an excellent outcome. It wasn't an easy surgery and she was in her late forties. So vote of confidence here.
I used an orthopedic surgeon for a laminectomy and spinal fusion, L3, L4 & L5, and had excellent results.
cramer said:
I used an orthopedic surgeon for a laminectomy and spinal fusion, L3, L4 & L5, and had excellent results.
May I ask who you used?
laudisi646 said:
cramer said:
I used an orthopedic surgeon for a laminectomy and spinal fusion, L3, L4 & L5, and had excellent results.
May I ask who you used?
Dr. Kenneth Kopacz, Roseland, NJ, in 1998. I had stenosis. My foot went dead after two steps and I had the stenosis stoop. I was in the operating room for 7 hours, with Kopacz and his partner, Casey Lee. He gave me my life back.
http://www.spinecareandrehabilitation.com/Kenneth-J-Kopacz--MD.html
I had two L4 L5 microdiscectomies. Had great results the first time but then fell while shoveling and reinjured myself. I had seen Dr. Kopacz and I am confident he would have done a great job. In the end I went with Dr. Eric Elowitz, a neurosurgeon at Weill Cornell in the city. He was spectacular for both surgeries and I have no reservations recommending him.
http://weillcornellbrainandspine.org/faculty/eric-h-elowitz-md
I had the micro disc surgery performed by a neurosurgeon almost two years ago, and within 6 months it was clear that it did not work. My problem, as yours, was herniated disc, stenosis, progressive worsening sciatica and rediculopathy, L2 -S1. Almost two months ago I had the big surgery: fusion, laminectomy with two 4" rods and 10 screws [great x-ray!]. The sciatica is gone; I am rapidly improving in general.
I think the neurosurgical approach may be too delicate; the orthopedic surgeon goes in with saws and hammers, the neurosurgeon uses dental tools, so to speak.
Have you tried serious PT? Acupuncture? I would certainly try those modalities before surgery. And I would seek several surgical opinions; your insurance should cover that.
My surgery in December was performed at Hospital for Special Surgery, by Dr Alexander Hughes. Ask me in 6 months how I'm feeling.
Good Luck with whatever you choose to do! The pain is miserable, and requires some type of intervention.
It looks like I'm in need of lower back surgery (microdiscectomy) to repair a herniated disk between L5 and S1. I've seen Dr Nachwalter with Atlantic Spine Specialists and like him but have recently thought to consider using a Neurosurgeon instead. Anyone have had this procedure? Has anyone used Dr Nachwalter? I'd love any further recommendations!!! TIA