Pain after joint surgery

I had spinal fusion done a few months ago. Now whenever I stand or walk, I get severe pains, which I never had. Is this just the recovery period?

No, it means the surgeon has botched the procedure. Having pain months after surgery is not part of recovery. Have you have any type of imaging study done after the procedure? I would recommend you see a neurologist and determine where the pain is coming from. Keep all your records and maintain a log of what has happened. 

You may need an EMG study to see if the surgeon has caused injury to a nerve. If this is the case, go and see a malpractice lawyer. Other than taking pain meds, I am not sure what else you can do. Just another reason why back surgery should be avoided, unless it is life threatening.

Another botched neck procedure

After my father had neck surgery, he could not speak clearly and his voice was always hoarse. Is this related to the surgery?

Yes, another win for the surgeon. The surgeon has most likely damaged the nerve going to the vocal cords. This is a serious and life long injury. I would recommend seeing an ENT surgeon and getting him/her look at the vocal cords.

The injury is relatively common and usually caused by incompetent surgeons who cannot tell the difference between a nerve and a blood vessel. 

If the vocal cord is paralyzed, I can assure you life long damages. See a malpractice lawyer as soon the vocal cord paralysis is confirmed.

Joint Fusion surgery

Would you recommend ankle fusion surgery?

I am not sure of all the details but you should know that fusion is usually a last ditch surgery. The joint is fused to eliminate pain. However, you will not be able to have any movements in the ankle. If you are young and active, this is something you should consider before jumping on the operating room table. I would definitely get a second opinion. 

Fusion is done for several arthritic joints when there are no other options left. I can tell you right now; it will relieve the pain, but most people regret it because you cannot move the joint-and this will affect your work and lifestyle.

Carpal tunnel surgery

I am going to have carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand. What is the recovery period?
 
In general 4-6 weeks. The surgery is painful and your hand will remain swollen for  a few days. You will need pain medications afterwards. After the pain subsides, you will need to enroll in some type of exercise program. 

Think twice about the surgery, as success after carpal tunnel is rare and not guaranteed.

Cartilage replacement

Is cartilage replacement surgery being done?

As a routine procedure- the answer is NO. Replacement of cartilage is being considered as an option to treat patients with osteoarthritis. So far, this is experimental. Cartilage replacement is a complex procedure and unlikely to be available anytime soon. For end stage osteoarthritis, total knee is the only viable option.

Glucosamine

Will glucosamine pill help my arthritis pain?
 
The honest answer NO. Glucosamine is available in many health food stores and many healthcare practitioners advocate its use. Unfortunately, there is ZERO clinical data indicating that it works. It is a complete waste or money and should be considered a fraud. 

Never go to any healthcare provider who recommends glucosamine for arthritis-either he/she has shares in the product or they are stupid. Do you really believe for one second that after eating a pill containing cartilage, it will selectively deposit in your knee joint? 

Wishful thinking that is perpetuated by dishonest healthcare professionals.

Epidural injections

Recently I was diagnosed with low back pain and was recommended an epidural injection. Does this help?


First, let me give you some facts. There are more swindles in medicine than in Wall Street. Doctors have been swindling patients for centuries. And epidural injection is just one more example. It is completely bullshit. 

It may help relieve pain for a day but the majority of people find no benefit. It is not a cure for low back pain and often you will be suckered into enrolling for multiple injections over a period of a year. 

I personally do not recommend epidural injections. If you have low back pain, reduce your weight, and exercise. The more you go and see orthopedists/neurosurgeons for your back pain, the more likely it is that you will soon be disabled. 

These healthcare workers have only goal in mind- how to sucker you into some surgery or administer bullshit injections.