Lumbar L5-S1 Prodisc..Pain Free??

[trulifebrian]

I Really really do not want to come across as irresponsible....was scheduled for procedure "Yesterday 4-26-10 at 1:30 pm".

This is a very long-winded question to all Prodisc L recipients. Please answer honestly.

All IVs were in and i was being literally wheeled in to surgery...then everything STOPPED...Why, you ask....because at that moment when they asked on a pain scale of 1 to 10, where are you....I said "0"...no pain whatsoever....

All eyes opened wide and all jaws DROPPED.

For 10 years and 4 weeks prior....very different story. I was living life and doing all of my business from the "floor". Sitting or standing would only come about for very brief periods...

At the time of my confirmed examination where I was informed that Yes, I was a great candidate and from my current pain, MRI and practically zero ability to walk, surgery was scheduled. I practically cried with the pent up emotions that I would be improved.

Prior to January 1st of this year, I was running, biking, woodcutting, full-range Martial Arts and tree-climbing. My previous years of back flare-ups kept increasing from once a year (always taking at least a month to walk upright comfortably), to 2, 3, 4 times a year then now, always on the ground with only 5 to 10 days upright comfortably. (I don't like managing it with pain killers).

So.....since I was scheduled for this wonderful procedure in about 8 weeks from then, I did ALL I could to ADJUST my life so that I would be in a GOOD STATE prior to the surgery...but did I do that....TOO GOOD?
I took elevators instead of stairs, stopped carrying ANYTHING heavier that a paper back, ceased ALL exercise below my shoulders, didn't turn my body AT ALL and had my wife put on my shoes and socks....I LIVED LIKE A ROBOT. I even adjusted my walking so slowly and softly I looked like I was walking on foam rubber.

They actually wanted me "IN PAIN" at the moment of surgery stating that "You bet your life, when you get out of surgery, you WILL be in pain"....DUH!!!!....We All know that...but that's why we're bucking up and doing it...to be BETTER than we are now.

I researched this entire thing VERY heavily before even seeking out who I should consult with regarding my condition and options...but there is one MAJOR thing that I do NOT aggree with that the staff was stating prior (moments) before my surgery. (I truly believe it was coming from a medical point of view of "first, do no harm").

They said that the outcome of the procedure, long-term for patients with extreme pain was rarely "zero". Expect on a scale of 1-10, a pain management of about "2".....My opinion?....Nope...I don't believe it for a second...(in my particular case that is)..the reason? My personal evaluation of someone that had my EXACT condition and had the procedure 3 years ago in Texas "BEFORE" FDA approval...same age, 52 same cause, (lifting something then turning). same weight, 175, same build, same physical exercise and routines..

Also and MOST important....his would progress and get worse and more often as the years went by to the point that Nothing would safe him from what was the worst pain of his life.....The point was that there was OFTEN periods of complete and symptom free days or couple of weeks....LIKE "ME"....YESTERDAY and 10 days prior.

This gentleman swears that he is in the best condition of his life, his back feels like he is 25 again, NO pain whatsoever with a very fast recovery (he was playing basketball 2 months after the procedure)....a bit reckless to be sure.

Here's My Question:

1)
Are there any recipients of the ProDisc L that can attest to periods of no pain or symptoms "between" periods of agonizing pain and immobility before having the procedure.

2)
Are there others out there like my dear and close friend that kiss the ground because after a reasonably respectable recovery period, they can say that there pain level is "zero".

My Disclaimer.....
I am very aware that there are those people out there that have been dealing with such a condition that the affected nerve tissues are permanently damaged and will always be in a level of discomfort. Even though they are vastly improved by the procedure. I feel that I am not one of those unfortunate cases with permanent nerve damage. (my prayers are with ALL that the best outcome can be achieved).

This question is posed to people with similar weight, physical attributes and history only.

My doctor has assured us that when he gets the next call of my back in a bad state (which will happen any minute) he willl take me right in to surgery and move the world to do his thing within a day or 2 at most. (he's great and I feel lucky).

Thank you all for being so patient and understanding reading this,

Brian

[sschulak]

Hi Brian,

I just joined the other day and ready your post and thought it was interesting because I had simular circumstances.

There were times when if I assisted my 1 year old daughter in walking holding her hands bent over I would be in extreme pain for days because i put my spine in a vulnerable position.

To knock my self out of the pain I would do certain pilates simular to this pic
http://physiotherapyivanhoe.com.au/gym-back-arch-LR.jpg

Literaly this would take away 100% of my pain if I could get the disc L4-L5 back in place.

What I couldnt control was the muscle spasms in my right leg, they would pull and pull and it degraded quality of life.

The reason I chose to have the surgery was because i wanted to stop the spasms and I want to be involved in my daughters life and also wanted to get off expensive drugs like celebrex and dangerouse drugs like soma and vicodin.

hope this helps

[trulifebrian]

Just too good for words

[Slackwater]

Originally Posted by trulifebrian

Just too good for words

Your results are very good to read, indeed.

It's probably a lot better for you to experience.

[Pma_foyl]

Hey There,

You can read my entire thread (but it'll take you a couple days), or just cut to my last entry (4.22.10). Here's the goods: http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/f47...75/index9.html