Any other questions...

I'm seeing my surgeon on Tues to discuss my surgical options (ADR vs fusion) and hopefully make a final decision. The main concerns I will be raising are how long the artificial disc would be expected to last (I've read the FAQ's on this but I know it's a concern for my surgeon so we'll have to discuss it) and the effect of future falls on my back after either surgery (I fell again last week and tore the tendon in my left knee in the process so this is pretty important to me!).

I've read through various FAQ posts and have put together a fair few questions based on them but I wondered whether anyone felt there was anything else I should be asking, based on their own personal experiences. To get you started on any ideas you might have I'm 28, female (obviously ), have DDD in the L5/S1, have never had back surgery before but have suffered from back pain since 1994 which has gotten so bad in the past year that I can't work etc (my Oswestry score was 31), am single, no children so far, have a desk job but it does involve a fair bit of bending and lifting and occasional travel, enjoy sports but am not into any high impact or extreme sports (I've never had the chance!). I've managed to carry on exercising(swimming, recumbant bike, walking on the treadmill (not at the moment though) and pilates and the remainder of my body (including my back) is in pretty good condition because of this. I live alone but have a small network of friends and family who can help me out after surgery. I just want to make sure that I've made the most informed decision I can because this is probably the hardest decision I'll ever have to make! Thanks in advance.

[Alastair]

I think you've got to ask your surgeon how many ADRs he has done? And what his success ratio is?

You need to know if you're with the right person. I think we have spoken about the difference between a fusion and ADR and its consequences
best,
Alastair

Yes I was going to do that. I was also going to ask him whether there are any further breakdowns on the stats e.g. age/sex/prior surgery and what went wrong when things did go wrong (how many were people who didn't follow instructions pre/post surgery as opposed to surgical errors). I got the feeling that he's not the kind of person who'd offer me ADR if he didn't feel confident in his own abilities but I still want the stats

[Juli]

I would recommend getting a least two opinions fromm two experienced ADR docs. I have yet to have the same opinion and I saw 4 doctors this year alone. It may be a hassle but I think it is certainly worth the trouble.

[luvmysibe]

Gillian,
Best wishes as you grow closer to making your decision. I had 4 recommendations for surgery from 4 separate orthopaedic surgeons before making my final selection and moving ahead with ADR. You may feel very comfortable with your doctor and his knowledge, but is always good to had more imformation to either support or challenge the advice you have received thus far.
Take care!

Thanks guys. It didn't go too well. It turns out he's only done 8 (yep, count 'em 8) ADR ops. He's saying that he'll do ADR if that's what I want but he thinks fusion would be a far better option. I'd trust my consultant for fusion but I'm really not happy with how few ADR ops he's done. I'm going to see if it's possible to actually find out how experienced a surgeon is before booking an appointment to get a second opinion because I'm sick of paying for private appointments with people I don't know enough about in advance & I can't wait for the NHS (my consultant wished me a Happy Christmas which says something about when I can expect my NHS number to come up with him ).

[Alastair]

Hi Gillian,
it sounds as if you need to get another opinion from someone -- -- -- there's a list of UK doctors in the FAQs who do ADR.

Did you pay to see the same NHS consultant who you see on the NHS privately? It sounds very much like desperate days in our system
best,
Alastair

Yes I'm definitely going to. I'm going to try ringing round to try to find someone locally who's done significantly more ADR ops and can give me a more balanced view.

Yup. When I booked the appointment I hadn't had permission from the PCT to see someone in another PCT but as it turns out I'm glad I saw him privately again because it'd be the New Year and I wouldn't even have reached this stage if I hadn't. Got to love that NHS

Well, I've made an appointment with Mr Lam for next Tues so fingers crossed. I'd hoped to avoid travelling into London but lets face it he's the only person around here worth seeing so it's got to be worth the slog.

[Alastair]

Hi Gillian,
you will like Mr Lam, he's a great guy, a real gentleman and a huge sense of humour. He gives the patient 110% -- -- -- do let me know how you get on. It sounds like the Riverside hospital for you if you wave your BUPA flag at him. NHS surgery he does out at Guys the private work he does at the Riverside hospital. I guess you're seeing him at Guys
best,
Alastair