I Have Scheduled ADR Surgery

Hey bobbO,

I discussed the fusion option if the ADR was a failure with my second opinion doctor and he expressed reservations. He said that if you go in to remove the ADR device and a major artery and / or nerves have adhered to the scar tissue that have formed around the device, "it would be a bad day at the office".

[Alastair]

ADR is a dangerous operation, revision surgery is ten times worse- - - its for the real experts and even then results are not always good

Alastair

[Justin]

Thanks Justin, but let's be careful 'guessing' about success rates.

This board is full of anecdotal evidence.

I think it is a no-brainer: more experience with revision surgeries = better success rates. I said they probably have high success rates, which means they inevitably have failures.

Back to the clinic...
J

[djscal]

I discussed the possibility of a revision to fusion with Dr. Regan yesterday. He said that he had done a few and the success rates were not good. Mainly he stressed that since we don't know for sure that a revision to fusion would stop the pain, then we are grasping at straws in revising to fusion (for pain).

I have heard several people on the forum make the statement that if ADR doesn't work that you can simply revise to fusion. It's not that simple folks. Once you have ADR, you and your new disc will most likely live together for the rest of your life (successful or not).

Dan

Hey Everyone,

First off, thanks for all your input. It's been extremely valuable. Now, an update. I received my results from my dexascan and it showed me as being osteopenic (-1.8) . After the shock subsided, we decided to do a second test with a different machine in a different location. Result: a little better (-1.4) Still very surprising given my health, genetics, and lifestyle. I no longer qualify for the kineflex study (cut off -.9) My surgeon is still surprised and would like to proceed with the ADR surgery and if he finds the bone is indeed soft (which he says he doubts) then he will fuse me. After much consternation I have decided to proceed in an effort to relieve my pain. I will call the surgeon in the morning with my decision. I am still scheduled for 7AM, Thursday, 27th April.

Cheers, Carter

[livjoyful]

Best of luck to you carter.
aside...Dr.Gurr did a fusion after an ADR failure. I was told she overdid it during her recovery..i dont know what exactly. I certainly wouldnt have to face 2 surgeries either way. I pray the ADR works for me and thats the end of it.
I look forward to hearing from Carter after the surgery.