t8-t9 disc herniation

[robitaip]

I have been diagnosed with a large disc herniation at t8-t9(MRI).  I have pain radiating around my rib cage which is relentless and frequent muscle spasms around the disc area.  I can barely use my arms as it aggravates the problem and sets me back.  My surgeon had informed me that the surgery is very complicated and dangerous and does not want to do anything unless he is sure this will not improve with time.  He also infomed me that 3 out of 4  of these herniations will get better on there own without sugery.  Has anyone gotten better with one of these, has anyone had the surgery?  These are rare and no one seems to be able to give me answers.  I don't know if I should be active or do nothing, physio is giving me mixed messages and state they have never seen one of these before.  

[barca33]

thanks for the response...I thought with all T-spine they had to do a fusion....I am encouraged to see that is not always the case.  One other question I had for you is did they have to collapse your lung to do the surgery?

[watto1]

Hi Barca,

No fusion.

I was advised fusion is an absolute last resort for mid back problems.

The costotransversectomy the procedure did involve drilling a hole about 5mm diameter thru one of those knobbly bones for access to the disc.

I believe the old fashion technique involved taking a rib bone out or hacking a bit off it at least. I'm remember reading somewhere that 'costo' is a Latin word for rib.

I don't have everyday pain any more as such - not to be confused with absolute no pain either.

Using posture as an example, I can't sit on a chair without a back for more than about 30 minutes before pain sets in.

I have only learnt how to manage my situation better.

[barca33]

Watto,
When you had your surgeries did they actually fuse the vertebrae together?  

do you still have pain every day Watto?

[watto1]

Sorry about your problems.

Obviously technology has improved because my 2x costotransversectomies took 2.5 hrs and 1.5 hours.

I'm also embarrassed to say that it probably took the scrub nurses an hour to shave my back hair the first op.

Zero staples or stitches, it was just one of those tape joins which I removed after 12 days each time, swimming on Day 13. T7/8 scar was about 3" and then increased to the current 5" long the following year during the T8/9 surgery.

I'm feeling good now, still got to take care of myself, good posture and all though. It's as good a result that can be expected. I feel like it has improve even further during the last 6 months which I'm convinced is due to sleeping on my back with no pillow.

Don't mean to write this to belittle your or other people's the problems, rather I hope it gives someone hope, motivation or confidence.

[capeelliemay]

Hello, I have had 2 seperate Costotransversectomies, two months apart. One @ T 6-7and one @ T 8-9.First surgery was 8 1/2 hrs long and the second surgery was 7 1/2 hrs long. About 53 staples in my back each time. It's a tough surgery. It's kinda like they filet you open. I received these awful injuries from falling out of an elevator. I actually had these surgeries about 20 years ago! I think it is because I had the obe surgery and then, not even two months later, had the second one, in which the surgical incission partly cut through some of the same area which I suppose was beginning to heal, but then cut through again, but I have developed tremendous scar tissue/adhesions throughout my epidural area. These adhesions are pressing on nerve endings, causing so much pain! In addition, I've also developed adhesions around the intercostal nerves (where they cut through the ribs) , also caus a lot of pain. I had no choice in having the first of my two surgeries, because the Dr said that the disc had only another milimeter to go before severing my spinal cord. He actually said that if I so much as tripped on my shoelace that I'd be paralyzed for life. But, what I have to say about my experience with the thoracic surgery is that I am in much more pain after the surgeries. Perhaps my body just over produces scar tissue. One Dr even said so much as it might've been some sort of autoimmune resonse. I don't know if any of this info helps, but I hope it offers you some perspective.

[Jillsky50]

I have had similar problems for 12 years. I have herniations & bulging discs in my neck, thoracic & lumbar spine. The cause was wear & tear from mail delivery and genetics I suppose. My father had a bad back. I have been on disability for 3 years and of course it's somewhat better but they keep telling me I have pneumonia!! Coughing has always hurt me and I get searing pain in right thoracic quadrant straight through my breast. To move is horrible. The last 2 times I had it doc thought it was pneumonia....if it is then I have had it like 20 times and I kind of doubt that!! Recently I had an abnormal ekg and need to see a cardiologist...in the meantime I got the horrid pain & cough again so IDK whats going on. You are not alone. I am 50 by the way and carried mail for 25 years before they got rid of me. I have 4 herniations in the thoracic area. I am sick of it all!