San Francisco Dr. Zucherman

[JR]

Mostly because I live in the area, I am considering Dr. Zucherman... Can anyone help me with their story.... How did it go? I may need multi level, how many has he done?

[Harrison]

Pls search for Zucherman, read the threads....feel free to PM people.

[letteski]

Back from Dr Regan in LA, He said that there are concerns with the FlexiCore disc and would not recommend it. It does not allow for full rang of motion like the Charite and the Prodisc. I was concerned with this as a professional athlete I need a disc that will move with me. Regan has done 240 all Charite to date and is doing 5 a week. I know it is a long way to go down here but I think it�s going to be worth it. Maybe we can car pool.

[JR]

I saw Dr. Zucherman....he wants to try a microdiscectomy first. I am going to give it a try since I haven't had previous attempts. I'm scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. I'll let you know how it goes.
He tells me that this should work and will not prevent future ADR if required.

Good luck with yours and let me know how it goes.

[letteski]

good luck! Hope it works for you. Let us know.....

[letteski]

Thanks Florihupf, that makes me realize how important the whole team is. Your story is very alarming and gives lots of reason to want to be close to the hospital after surgery. thanks for pointing it out.

[biffnoble]

Florian:

How are you doing?

[JR]

Dr. Zucherman did a microdiscectomy L5 S1 Mid April. Other problems higher up will have to wait, and I may be able to live with them. 8 weeks post op now. I am walking and working lightly. Pain immediately post op and after was negligible mostly level 1,2 some 4. Wonderful, seems successful, some numbness remains, afternoon pain when up all day, but the only thing I can say is I wish I had not waited so long in pain to have surgery, wow what a difference. I think waiting so long caused additional nerve damage. Doc copied the video of the surgery and gave me a copy...I watched it 7 times. Doctor very skillful, hospital St. Mary's, average, Drs. staff OK, but too busy and distracted to keep track of everything. In one day and out the next, then home mostly in bed for 6 weeks, just up for walking briefly each day. Overall I am very very happy.

[Rein]

JR

Why were you mostly in bed for 6 weeks? Did you do PT?

I know everyone's situation is different (and you've never posted specifics about "other problems at higher levels"), but an L5-S1 discectomy is probably more common than any other procedure here and I'd bet most individuals were up and around right after surgery and stayed up, going through PT for around 8 weeks.

[letteski]

JR,

So glad you are on the mend and had an overall good experience. Take is easy and listen to your body it has been though a lot and you will know best how much you can take.

Thanks for the update.