2008 update on Dynesys from the USA

[dillie]

Today I finally received a diagnosis as to what's causing my walking and pain problems.
I saw Mr Khai Lam at London Bridge Hospital and following a CT scan he pointed out :

1. The anterior fusion carried out in 1995 at L4/S1 hasn't fused or healed.

2. One of the staples supposed to hold it in place is coming out.

3. The Dynesys screw(s ) at L3/4 has caused damage to the facet joints.

4. The disc above the Dynesys has prolapsed plus there is degeneration at the level of the Dynesys.

5. I have compression on my cervical spinal cord causing leg weakness.

Quite a shopping list but Mr Lam will be carrying out reconstructive surgery for me.
I'm so relieved and grateful to have finally got the answers which Kings College Hospital and the Conquest Hospital were unable to provide.
My future may not be pain free but my spine will be stabilised and hopefully I will regain some strength in my legs so I can walk properly.

Thankyou Lynda, Alastair, Gilly, Katykat and everyone else who's helped me keep my head above water through some very trying and dark days of total despair.
Had I not become a member of ADR support I doubt I would have asked to see Mr Lam.

[ajj1001]

Oh my goodness, what a list. Hoping that you now get on the road to a good outcome

[Alastair]

I`m sure he has a "Plan" to rectify this problem
Take care
Alastair

[Ruth]

Hi Dillie,

Although it's not good news it must be a relief to find a specialist who has given you a firm diagnosis & is able to help you. Mr Lam has a very good reputation especially on this site. Has Mr Lam given you any idea when he may be able to operate on you?

Here's wishing you the very best for a brighter future.

Ruth x

[csutton1]

Hi Dilly that is indeed a long list but at last you have the list and the shop is open has Mr Lam given you a timescale for him to start? I am really pleased you now know why you have been having so many problems, just knowing can make it easier to cope (with dont you think).
xx

[dillie]

Thanks so much for your support everyone, yes it does mean an awful lot to have met a surgeon who hasn't held back on a diagnosis but told me everything.
Devastating on the one hand to learn of how much damage has been done but on the other hand a huge relief to finally get the truth.
Don't know yet how long it will be before anything can be done as there are letters to go back and forth between Mr Lam and my GP.
You're right though Alastair, Mr Lam does have a plan!!

Be in touch as soon as I have anything interesting to report.
PS
You should see the fascinating virtual reality type images of my lumbar spine that were taken when I had the CAT scan. Never seen anything like it before. You can see where the screws have gone straight through my vertebrae and out the other side, even the thread on the screws is visible plus the staple at L4/5 that's worked its way out. Incredible.
Anybody else had these sort of images produced??

[Lynda]

WOW Lynette!

After ALL this time, sooooo loooong. You finally have a diagnosis and more importantly a PLAN to help the situation. How wonderful that must feel for you and I am delighted that help is on the horizon.

Rather frustrating to have seen all those NHS doctors and undergo all the investigations which lead to nothing conclusive and yet a private consultation and CT scan reveals all this information and you know what you are up against. Finding the right doctor for the job can be extremely difficult but you've got there which is great.

Its going to be quite some revision, sounds like you're going to have some very impressive images once the reconstruction has been done.! The cervical op will be a breeze but the lumbar surgery sounds challenging. Give yourself a pat on the back and well done for persevering and I hope it not too long before you are new woman.

The three-D CT images are amazing and so easy to see whats what, such clever technology don't you agree.

I'm so looking forward to hearing about the next steps for you.

Much love

Lynda

xxx

[dillie]

Hi Lynda
Thanks again for your support, yes it's unbelievable that I've been seeing all these consultants at Kings for the past two years and no diagnosis but through a second opinion at last I've been told what's going on in my spine.
Still all the preliminaries to go through before things get underway, very mixed feelings - especially now I've seen what's happened to me in 3D detail, misplaced screws, migrated staples, chipped facet joint and unhealed fusion of 14 years duration.
Am amazed that it's at all possible to attempt a revision but I'm in very capable hands,
Be in touch