Little or no problems ??

[bmills]

Question, how many of you out there have had a one level ADR that fixed your problem with little or no post-op complications?

I sure would like to hear those stories. Seems like there is alot of scary stories with problems.

I am considering a one level ADR if my discogram shows a one level problem next week.

Never had surgery yet.

Thanks.
Brady

[Jim M2]

Brady,
Many of the successes aren't here to respond, they're out living life.

I'm still here because at 17 months post op L5S1 Charite because I'm still struggling.

Jim

[queenofhearts]

I'm a two level, but I thought I'd answer your post anyways.....

I consider my surgery and recovery a complete success - no low back pain anymore - I don't have to plan ahead for activities... before surgery I could pretty much calculate how many days it would take to recover from seemingly simple physical tasks like doing laundry or vacuuming. Now I'm back, not only at my physically demanding job, but also horseback riding, riding my bike for miles at a time and even started rock climbing (except my neck caused a recent bump in the road - hopefully fixed now).

The only post-op complication I had was slight subsidence of my top L4 plate (due to osteoporosis) - Dr. Bertagnoli fixed the problem with vertebroplasty as soon as it was discovered 1 week post-op, but it hasn't limited me in any way.

I read everything I could get my hands on prior to surgery - ADR, fusions, etc. the good, bad and the ugly - and chose Prodisc with Dr. Bertagnoli over traditional fusion close to home. It was a leap of faith (of sorts), not knowing what life would be like post-op, but I knew it would be better than the alternatives (fusion would have ended my career at the very least).

I also believe Dr. Bertagnoli's experience and expertise with Prodisc played the biggest part in my recovery.

[Alastair]

Hi Brady,
I'm a one level ADR and at aged 65 as well when I had my surgery. Approaching age 69 now, I am totally painfree taking No medication and consider this not only a success but a bit of a miracle.

Click on my story to see everything about me and my surgery
Best,
Alastair

[bmills]

Hi Alastair, your story is great, I've read it several times. Now I've re-read it and see you got the Charite.

Did you have any urinary or intestinal problems after surgery?

Also, with the Charite, have any facet loading problems?

Thanks again.
Brady

Considering ADR L5/S1

[Alastair]

Hi Brady ,
No to everything. I walked back to my room after surgery and that was it - -painfree and no problems afterwards.

Many problems are self inflicted as it is a slow recovery, and many people are impatient patients
Best
Alastair

[Linda]

Brady,

I have had 4 levels of ADR. C5/C6 and C6/C7 and L4/L5 and L5/S1. I consider the lumbar to be a total success. One month after surgery I could bend over and place my hands flat on the floor with no pain. I had it in October 2002 FDA trial Prodisc and the next summer I was back out water skiing. The cervical ADR is only a little over two weeks old done in Bogen, Germany, Dr. Bertagnoli, so it is too soon to know for sure about the success. At this point I have no reason to believe it won't be a total success, too. Best wishes.

Linda

[Janie]

Brady

I'm post /op nearly 4 months
One level charite L5/S1 and experiencing the same nerve pain as before surgery if not a little more considering I'm not back at work
R/leg numbness from buttocks to foot, nerve pain constantly in this leg and burning R/foot
Had a myelogram about 3 weeks ago(YUCK)
Conclusion can not rule out nerve compression scare tissue was seen
Doctor does not think so and wants to operate through the back and check out the nerve
I've balked at this and want to wait and see if I get more improvement
I had zich disc space when I was operated on and it had calcified to the back and right side( the damage was worst than what the priopr test and scans showed )
Doctor does not believe that he over distracted and is very concerned ,frustrated and nearly as upset as me ,as he believed I would get much more relief
Is this result of the nerve being squashed for so long prior to surgery?? (3years)
This is not meant to scare you it is just my experience
On the positive I walk so much better and there is improvement in my back pain so because of this I some what don't regret surgery and truly hoping time will help ,ease & heal


Best Wishes to all
Janie

[Cindee]

Hi Brady, I am a 2 level reciepient. I have had a wonderful recovery. I will be going in for my 6 mo check in 10 days. I was back to full time work 8 weeks post op. I went on my husbands Harley Davidson today for the first time in 4 years. No pain at all. Just the other day, my kids were talking in the car about how bad I was before surgery, and what a huge difference I am now. Its so wonderful...Id do it again tomorrow if I had too.

[bmills]

Janie, can you tell me what type of nerve pain you had before surgery and what indications you had on the MRI before surgery?

Thanks.

Brady
Consider L5/S1 ADR