United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I saw a doctor last week to see if I am a candidate for the DREZ procedure. He wants to run additional tests to confirm if I'm a go.

After 13 years without any relief, I am hopeful that I may have some movement forward.

Best of luck, Dude. Keep us informed.

For those unfamiliar with DREZ (Dorsal Root Entry Zone), here's some articles on it:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2697214
http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/sto ... ocus2.html

Frank

Read all the info on DREZ before you do anything. I went to a doctor for DREZ and I researched it-heavily-and I ran out the door! Look at the older posts on here for personal experiences and people that have had it.
I have been dealing with pain as well for 22 years and I'm still not even considering DREZ.
I'm not being negative regarding the procedure I just want everyone to know the risks involved.

Hi Kathleen,
Is there a link to any studies where it went all to hell. I've seen a few postings on the web where someone had a bad outcome, but most of the studies I've read show 70% of appropriately screened candidates have significant improvement with pain reduction.

I went through about 60 posts on the drez. Many were positive, and some who had the pain return wanted to do it again. I know that there are risks with any surgery, especially when it's on the spine. There are going to be individuals who have bad outcomes, but most of the people who have positive outcomes are going to stop posting.

I have not had one treatment in that has been effective. I am literally getting to the end of my rope. I say, "Bring on the risks."

I'm at the point that if someone said cutting off your head would stop the pain, I would try googling it to see if there was a study.

I'm so glad you did your research. I know there are many other possibilities with this surgery that have not been mentioned on the posts. I hope you read those too. After this horrible injury I, however, wont take anymore chances in life. I wish you luck and I hope you find and receive the pain relief you deserve.

I was approved for the DREZ operation.

It is scheduled for the end of the month.

The doctor said that 50% had 50% or greater reduction of pain.

Who is your Doc and where does he practice?

Just trying to keep the knowledge lowing,,,

Also I've read bucket loads on the DREZ and help if I can.

Christopher

Dr.Kim J. Burchiel in Oregon. He was recommended by the Mayo.

Any info would be appreciated.

Had drez in 96 was post bpi 13 years. mistake. follow on problems totally canceled ouit any positive results--lost obliques r. side about 45 percent reduction in r leg function--more new aches than i care to mention plus my neck hurts like hell mostly all the time. Also developed about a 2-3 inch curvature of spine listing to r. side. I came up on the short end of that surgery. But it IS a crap shoot--some folks have really positive results. That's the trouble w/there being no such thing as a standard model tbpi. Everybody's injury is unique

Back home from the surgery. The surgeon said there was a lot more damage than showed on the the MRI. Stiff and sore. It looks like there will be a significant reduction in the pain, but I'll know more in a few days.