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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Surgery On The Spine Advisable For A 70 Year Old?

the dr told me yesterday, that I needed surgery on my l1-2 discs and the operation would take up to 4-5 hours and would have posts and screws put in to hold disc in place, plus 99% that after surgery I would have different back pain the rest of my life....plus back brace for a few months and rehab therapy after operation, also chance of screws loosening up and would need another operation, a list of possible things that could occur... like infectons, bleeding...possible bladder and or bowel problems, etc.....should I put up with the pain that is like siactic and has my left foot turning out or get operation...which is questionable...I am 70 years old....thankyou
posted on Wed, 1 Jul 2015
Twitter Fri, 31 Jul 2020 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 3 Aug 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Based on the history you have shared, you have problematic sciatic pain due to disc prolapse in your spine. Having a long surgery with such long anesthesia has its own complications but getting it or not is risk vs benefits. If you are able to tolerate the pain and maintain a lifestyle with it then don't go for surgery but if it is very problematic then its worth to take risk.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician
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Is Surgery On The Spine Advisable For A 70 Year Old?

Hi, Based on the history you have shared, you have problematic sciatic pain due to disc prolapse in your spine. Having a long surgery with such long anesthesia has its own complications but getting it or not is risk vs benefits. If you are able to tolerate the pain and maintain a lifestyle with it then don t go for surgery but if it is very problematic then its worth to take risk. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician