Discectomy and Surgeons ?

[Lew Buc]

Hi,

I'm a new member. I have a long standing(20yrs) problem with prolapsed discs. I am 41 now.

I am on my 3rd flare up of the condition and each time has been more painful than the last.
This time I have been off work for over 3 weeks and still can't sit ( I can kneel for short periods !)and can't walk for more than a few minutes without having to stop due to the level of pain. I have tried Physio and Osteopathy in the past and both have only aggravated my condition.

I have been seen a Spinal Surgeon a number of times and we have now come to the joint decision that surgery is now the best option. I have young children and am the only breadwinner in the family and as I am self-employed I am unpaid when I can't work so I
needed to get a resolution sooner rather than later. Admittedly my preference would have been to explore some other therapies first.

I have read a report I found on the net which indicates that the outcome of surgery depends on the skill of the particular surgeon. Does anybody know how you can find out who is a good Spinal Surgeon and who is a bad one ?? I imagine personal recommendations would be the best way to find this out but I don't know anyone who has had this surgery.

Any Help or Suggestions Appreciated.