Great News!

[Philippa]

Just had to share this with everyone who has been so supportive on this forum - I saw my new spine surgeon today who has agreed to list me for single level ADR (L5 S1) in the UK. The surgery will be covered by the NHS (National Health Service), with only a 9 month wait.

I was expecting to have to re-mortgage my house to pay for surgery abroad as my old surgeon was reluctant to help. Luckily he has retired, and the new guy is very keen and appears to know his stuff.

I wonder if any of you experienced spineys could offer any advice regarding the product that he is going to use? Apparently NHS surgeons are only fitting Pro Discs, I asked for and explanantion as to the difference between the Pro Disc and the Charite, but was told there is none. Is this the case?

I expect this information can be found on the site somewhere, but unfortunately my spine won't let me look for long, so I would really appreciate your advice.

Although I have not posted many messages on the site, I would like to thank you all for sharing your advice, experiences and most of all words of cheer which are a real tonic when I am at rock bottom. Keep up the good work!

[Harrison]

Congrats, Philippa!

There are differences between the Charite (unconstrained with a "floating" core) and the ProDisc designs (semi-constrained) as well as the medical procedure for implanting each.

I believe that any patient outcome data that compares the differences is yet to be released; but I know it is being collected. In the spring, I hope to publish that comparative data on this site.

I think most people here have had good outcomes with several different designs. They might also agree that the expertise of the surgeon, and their precise placement of the device are critical success factors to determine outcomes. Sure, still do you your homework, but focus on getting exerienced doctor(s) for the procedure!

You may want to read Dr. Regan's paper too. Though it's focused on the Charite, there's a ton of useful information in there that applies to all ADR patients.

'Hope this helps...

[Alastair]

Hi Phillipa,
that sounds really good and I'm absolutely delighted that you've managed to get yourself sorted out in the UK with ADR. I would be grateful to know who's going to do the procedure, and did you ask how they procedures he had done?

I'm a great one for notching up new doctors in the UK who do ADR as they are like chicken's teeth -- -- --lol

I have got to hope that maybe you might fast track a little bit, and your waiting time might not be as long as you think it might be.

I you going to be off work all this time then?
Best wishes,
Alastair

[Poncho]

Philippa,

That is good news. Though, I wish that you didn't have to wait on the waiting list like that across the pond. However, this time does help one to prepare and know what to expect ahead of time.

There ARE differences between a prosthesis like the Charite and the Prodisc. Both have their "Pros" and "Cons". Explaining all of the differences would definitely take some time. Definitely read up on the research papers out there. Like the one Harrison mentioned and some on the Prodisc. This helped me immensely in understanding the difference, but a lot of information to absorb.

I have a Prodisc at 2 levels (L4-5 and L5-S1) and couldn't be more pleased with my outcome at 7 going on 8 months post-op.

[Poncho]

Oh yeah, patient experience. I almost overlooked that one.

In my case, I didn't feel that the surgery was as painful as I imagined it to be. I didn't notice my abdominal incision really. I had some back achiness the first couple days post-op. However, after that the back pain was mostly gone ( I would say within a week). However, I still had leg pain that lingered for about 2 1/2 months after surgery. The leg pain was not worse after surgery - it was just "hanging out" and I really wanted it to go away. After about 2 1/2 months, one morning I woke up and it was gone!!!

I have to say that driving and sitting activities took me some time to get use to also. About 2 1/2 to 3 months. These activities would flare up the back a little and leg pain until I was this far out post-op. Then, progressively got better.

At this point, 7 months post op - I get a few pings of sciatica now and then - BUT - NOTHING like I had before surgery. I am on no pain medications now and only take ibuprofen like 1-2 times a day. Activity wise, I am doing well doing house work and outside work without any problems. However, I try to be a bit more cautious with certain activities such as lifting ( just in case)

Please remember though that everyone's recovers at different rates!!! If you recover quicker than me or others, that is great. But if not - please do not let it be an indication of anything. For some patients, it just takes time to get better. Of course, I hope you have a speedy recovery from your surgery.

Feel free to keep asking questions. That is what we are here for.

[smc]

Thats wonderful news Phillipa!!!!

As Alistair says rare to get it done in the UK!!!

Am so pleased for you!

Take care!

[Philippa]

Thanks to you all for all your kind words and useful info.

Alastair - The surgeon I saw is Mr Harvey, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol. He was honest in saying that he has only performed this procedure on two previous occasions, but the lead surgeon for me will be Mr Hutchinson who I am told has done several. I shall be meeting him sometime in the New Year. They also said they shall be using a very experienced vascular surgeon, but I do not know their name yet.

Will keep you posted.

Merry Christmas!

[Alastair]

Hi Philippa,
it sounds as if that nine month wait is a good thing because they'll be getting more experience in before they get to you -- -- --lol

That's really exciting, many thanks for the information. It's very slow in the UK but we are getting there.
Best,
Alastair