Linda's 14-day post-op visit

[Linda]

Hello again,

I just got back from my 14-day post op visit at Texas Back Institute. Dr. Guyer said that Dr. Bertagnoli did a great job and I was doing wonderfully. He told me I no longer needed to wear the cervical collar except to drive. I start physical therapy next Tuesday. I had some pain flare up last night and didn't feel like I could take any pain med because I had to take a drug test today at the hospital to be able to do my labs for my radiology program there. It would have been a hassle to have it come back with narcotics even though I have a valid script for them. Dr. Guyer told me it was fine to take a pain pill if I needed one. I have only used two since Thursday the last one being Saturday evening. I may use one tonight so I can sleep better tonight. I have had some achy feeling in the shoulders and both arms that got pretty bad last night. Of course, I went back to school Monday morning and I was there all day and yesterday I had classes all day and evening and didn't get home until about 9:30p.m. so that could have a lot to do with why I was having some pain! You think???? Ha!

Good news!!!! Dr. Guyer told me today that the prodisc-C study opened back up last week here in the States and they are now doing 1 level ADRs in the cervical spine without even having to be randomized. He couldn't have done me because the docs here are not being allowed to do 2 levels yet, but they can do 1. I hope that is good news for some of you that going to Germany is not an option for.

I will keep you posted.
Linda

------------
Got injured on the slopes by out of control skier and ski patrol 1988
Discectomy L5/S1 - 1988
Discectomy L4/L5 - 1990
Injured water skiing - 2000
ADR L4/L5 and L5/S1 - 10/2002 - FDA study at TBI -Dr. Rashbaum
Injured at a water park in 2003
ADR C5/C6 and C6/C7 - 01/12/2005 - Dr. Bertagnoli, Bogen, Germany

I sound accident prone, huh?

[Justin]

Linda,

Thanks for the update. It sounds like you never missed a beat having surgery and all. Dr. Guyer is a great guy, isn't he? Anyway, good luck in school and remember "slow and steady wins the race." Great news about the ProDisc-C trials!

No more accidents, ya hear?

Justin

[wbaker68]

I actually spoke with doctor that does both cerv. and lumbar this afternoon and was told it was still closed. Guess word isn't out yet.

[Christy Beckwith]

Hi Linda,

I am in the middle of a quandry regarding adr surgery versus fusion. I have two bad disc levels at C4-5 and C5-6. Also 6-7 is a little questionable. My situation becomes increasingly complex because of recent brain/spine surgeries for a brain malformation which involved cutting through the entire length of my skull as well as my neck. I am hoping to get my films in front of Dr. Bertagnoli for an opinion. Is there any chance of speaking with you on the phone at some point. I'll leave my number here just in case. Glad to know you are doing so well.

Christy Beckwith
Ceramic Artist
818-846-0455

13 years of chronic neck pain dated back to 1991
July 2003 endoscopic discectomy on C4-5-6-7 --big mistake--
resulted in increased instability and compression on the brainstem
Feb 2004 Suboccipital Decompression Surgery
developed spinal fluid leak and complications
July 2004 Repair of leak and decompression revision.

Head and neurological symptoms are better but suffer from increased neck pain at C4-5-6 with some associated cervicogenic headaches. No radiating arm pain or nerve impingment.

Have I had enough surgery for a lifetime! You'd think so. But gotta do something about the neck now.

[Alastair]

Way to go Linda, that sounds good to me - - -take things steady
Best
Alastair