Question
hello, don't know if you can answer this difficult question...my mom, is 85 years old and has had one laminectomy L-4...but needed to have another surgery for L-1 and L-2...spinal herniation and stenosis. as part of her pre-op. tests she had a ultrasound of her arteries...her carotid artery was 90% blocked, so she could not have the surgery, eventhou she is in pain.
she just had a stent placed into her carotid artery, and was prescribed "plavix" a blood thinner. her cardiologist suggested that she wait one
year before having any surgery (since she should not stop the blood thinner's;
but she is in alot of pain and feels she needs to have this back surgery a.s.a.p...we do not know exactly what to do...we will consult with an orthopedic surgery and see if it is safe for her to taper down on the blood thinner's and have the surgery??is there an alternative (besides physical therapy) for her condition (cortisone shots have been recommended) is there anything else she could safely have...some type of lazer surgery, less invasive than a laminectomy?
i know this is a difficult question...if you know of any safe procedure, please reply.
thank you, sincerely, grace

Answer
Dear Grace

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Ukranian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...

For you Mom's pain in her spine. Your best bet is to speak with the orthopedic surgeon-who will then follow up with her medical history & probably speak with the cardiologist.
Although physical therapy & steroid injections may help, these decisions will also be made between your family & the consulting doctors. There may be a vascular surgeon consult.
Hope this helps & Good Luck!

The Chicago Podiatrists of http://anklenfoot.com/ are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago, Elmhurst & Bartlett

Dr George Tsatsos, Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Massard & Dr Kurtz
Chicago 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


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