Neurosurgeon won't operate because of Alz.

Cosmic

DW has spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis bad. Had MRIs and the situation is intolerable, constant pain and in tears, cannot walk and is highly medicated on oxycodone. Doctor refuses to operate because of her "cognitive condition" suggesting she be on high doses of medication. This is not acceptable, she's not a vegetable. I'm looking for a competent surgeon who is looking out for the patient and not his own skin,

SusanB-dil

Hi Cosmic - Sorry you are dealing with that.

Does that doc consider that the risk is too great? Maybe it depends on what stage she is in. I would seek a second opinion and see what is determined, because she certainly shouldn't be in that much pain.

eaglemom

This is a difficult situation to be put in. Just because this neurosurgeon won't operate doesn't mean there isn't one that will. Having said that - its the anesthesiologist that determines the proper surgery cocktail, not the surgeon.  If you could talk with that person it would be very beneficial to you.

I would seek another neurosurgeon personally because it seems as if this one is giving you a roadblock and maybe doesn't want to perform the surgery? Do some research, ask friends and call the neurologist to seek another name.

eagle

Jo C.

Cosmic, I am so very sorry this is happening; how stressful and worriesome this must be for you in knowing how she is suffering and how awful for your Loved One.  However, there  may be adequate relief without surgery.

My mother had severe spinal stenosis; she was in miserable pain and could not walk nor stand.  She even had severe pain trying to move in bed.  She was alert and still fairly oriented to a degree; she was suffering.

She was not a good candidate for surgery BUT what the doctor did was have her treated in Interventional Radiology.  She had an injection into the affected area of her spine under fluoroscopy with the doctor, (Interventional Radiologist), performing the procedure.  She tolerated it well; (may have had a soothing med prior to having the procedure done.)

I was at work when the interventional radiology procedure took place.  I left work early to get to the care facility asap.  BUT:  Mother was not in her room!  I was startled and began to worry something had gone wrong.   I found the licensed nurse for the unit; she said that she had seen my mother in her room about an hour before that and she had not been transferred anywhere.

Well . . . going back to my mother's room what did I see . . . It was my mother  walking down the hall with no problem and absolutely no pain.  I was astonished.  The fluroscopic injection worked amazingly well and lasted for a very long time; a year or two when another needed to be done.

You may want to ask about that, if it is considered a good option, whatever you do, INSIST it be done under fluroscopy so that the injection is in the absolute right place and space so it is effective. If the first MD scoffs at the idea, may be helpful to get a second opinion.

I send best wishes and warmest of thoughts from one daughter to another,

J.

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Cosmic

You're correct. He's looking at CYA more that patient quality of life.

The Pain mgmt team was flabbergasted at the decision. Pain mgmt team looked at different local facilities and doctors and found several that are willing to review and refer. so disappointed that there are some doctors that are so ill informed about AD and caregiving.

Medication increasing and wheel chair bound  like a zombie are not an increase in quality of life. Look at it like this: Alz is a progressive disease with no cure, her cognitive issues are going to get worse even without surgery. If she's going to go through these terrible stages anyway the least I can do is make sure she's not in pain.