Freedom Lumbar Disc Surgery - Anyone else?

[trucklt]

I was all set to go into an Active-L clinical trial with the control group being the Charite. Unfortunately, I was dropped due to low bone density in my spine.

They don't want you to know which disc you got due to the possibility of your perceptions of the treatment being influenced by knowledge of which disc you have implanted. I doubt that they will let you see your x-rays for that reason. In the Active-L trial, patients will be asked at each follow-up visit if they knew which disc was implanted. A "yes" response will probably get you dropped from the trial. How that would affect the reimbursement for your follow-up care would be a big concern. Good luck!

[kimmers]

I guess the answer is not to tell anyone what is in your back and don't ask.

In reality, you could figure it out. I don't know how they expect people not to find out because it is not like an experimental drug where you really don't know. But if they don't want you to know, don't worry about it.

K

[ssullivantx]

Interesting thoughts on the potential consequences of knowing. Hmm. . . I will definitely think about that. Thanks so much for the advice. What bothers me the most is that my Dr told me--point blank--that he would be able to tell me which disc I received when I awoke from surgery. He even commented on how some trials are blinded but that this one was not. However, when I awoke from surgery, he said that he would not be able to tell me for 2 years. I'm not sure what happened there, but the trial had not yet begun and perhaps the Dr was confused about that issue. The about-face concerned and confused me, but perhaps I should not push the issue for the reasons you have identified. Thanks again!

[ssullivantx]

Just a brief follow up: I learned today that I received the Freedom Lumbar Disc during my recent surgery as part of the ongoing FDA trial. I had my first post op appointment, and all appears well. Pain is decreasing daily, although I am still experiencing lower back pain if I move quickly or bend/twist in a way that engages my lower back. Doc says its normal post surgical pain. The recovery has not been bad, so I am optimistic.

[jfg2009]

I will be participating in the same study in Los Angeles. I'm curious as to how you are doing now and what your recovery process has been like. Any questions you wish you had asked? Would you still have the surgery?

Thanks!

[jfg2009]

I am a candidate for the same study. I'd appreciate your input on the surgery and recovery. Any questions you wish you had asked? Would you do it again? How are you feeling now?

Thanks.

[tooyoungforthis]

"I'm just curious to see what you think. If you wouldn't mind filling out the form and letting us all know what you.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Dan"

NAME: Tooyoungfor this (Beth)
HAVE YOU HAD SURGERY YET?: October 1st 2009
WHAT DISC DID YOU RECEIVE? Prodisc-L
RECOVERY TIME? I am currently 8 days post-op
WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN IF YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY?[/QUOTE]
As of right now yes! I am walking around as much as I can. I have one outing a day, and doing well so far. Day 3 post op I walked a mile. I think I have youth on my side on that one though. 100% of my original pain is gone, I am left with surgical incision pain, some LBP from surgery with occasional back spasms going up my back.

[krossi201]

Wondering how the freedom disc trial patients are recovering??? Please help.