Thoracic discectomy 5 months ago didn't help

[sunshine2008]

I am a 19y/o female who has had two thoracic surgeries about 5-6 months ago, the first surgery was aborted midway because of a rare life threatening complication. A couple weeks later the surgery was completed. Three months ago, I had another MRI with contrast because of persistent pain and it showed nothing was corrected during surgery, which is quite normal to my understanding.

The next step is a nerve root neurolysis, which I am fine with. Because thoracic disc herniations are rare, I was told   it will take some "guesswork" to find the right treatment. My doctor profusely apologized using the word "guesswork" when it comes to my spine, but he was very honest and forthcoming which is always reassuring.

The last treatment option is another surgery. Because of my age and the increased risk of complications with a thoracic fusion they are very hesitant to go the with surgical route again. They are thinking it is nerve related,hence the nerve root neurolysis. If that procedure seems to help with pain they will burn the nerves, if not, we will just go from there.

Has anyone had thoracic nerve root injections? What about nerve cauterization?

Sunshine-

[sunshine2008]

Hi Tuck,

Thanks for replying back to me. My journey began more than 2 1/2 years ago, I have been in chronic pain since I was 17 after a MVA( motor vehicle accident). It took more than a 1.5 years to find the problems, meaning my treatment was delayed for a long period of time causing more permanent damage.

Over the years I have more than considered a second opinion, actually seeing more than 6 doctors. My current doctor is the only person who discovered I have multiple cervical and thoracic injuries. I am very happy with him and his suggestions. We just have to keep trying until works... believe me, giving up is only hurting me in the long run.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Sunshine-

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sunshine,

You are so young to have all this pain and complications. I am sorry that you are experiencing these majors medical issues.

I have not had the nerve root injections nor the nerve cauterization.  I hope that one of your members will be able to offer you first hand knowledge of these procedures. It is important that you trust your physician as you so apparently are. Have you ever considered a second opinion?

Best of luck to you. Please let us know how you are doing and how successful the procedure you chose is for you.

Take Care,
Tuck