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#1
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ADR Surgeon in New England
Hello folks. I came across this website 6-7 years ago when I was debating lumbar ADR for the first time. After extensive research after 2 failed microdiscectomies on L5-S1, I ended up fusing L5-S1 in 2015. I did not want the fusion, but at that time I thought the lesser of 2 evils was the fusion. The entry through the front, the risk of potential future issues w/prosthesis, my need for posterior decompression, I decided on the TLIF fusion.
Also, the ADR would have been 2-levels L4/L5/S1 according to ADR surgeon, as my L4-L5 was degenerated - desiccated, concentric disc bulge, minor-to-moderate disc space loss - even though not a pain generator at that time. Some doctors even suggested a 2-level fusion, but I ended up having a one-level and taking my chances on the L4-L5. After L5-S1 fusion, in general my leg pain was 95% better and lower back was 70% better. Both close to 100% w/o any activity. I was generally very happy. After fusion recovery, I was back playing rec soccer and still occasionally play, although my back pain is steadily getting worse and takes a lot longer - now 5 years after - for "inflammatory" pain to subside. I have a desk job, so my lower back is typically not a big issue for day-to-day activities. However, even 30 minutes of yard work will bring on moderate pain that will take 2 days to "normalize". I take no medications. Newest MRI shows further degradation of the L4-L5 and worsening Modic changes around that joint. CT scan confirmed years back that I am fused across L5-S1, so that should not be my issue. I always knew L4-L5 would take the brunt of my continued activity post fusion. But, I did hope it would survive a bit longer than 5 years. The rest of the spine is pristine. Now I have 3 options. Do nothing until it gets worse, fuse L4-L5, or ADR L4-L5 assuming I am still a candidate. The only fear of ADR is potential prosthesis issues (i.e. wear, subsidence, dislodgement) and not being able to find a surgeon who would want to take the risk to remove. So, the ADR research starts again. Based on my prior good surgical experience w/fusion, I would fuse again in a heartbeat, but then I really would have to slow down activity in fear of ruining the rest of the spine....and even that may not be enough.
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//////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Bio: 41 Y/O male, New England, USA 2012- L5/S1 micro-d for right S1 impingement 2013- L5/S1 repeat micro-d due to reherniation 2015 - L5/S1 TLIF fusion due to 2nd reherniation Now - L4/L5 desiccated and causing pain with activity Last edited by nakurac; 06-29-2020 at 10:36 PM. Reason: spelling |
#2
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James Yue at Yale New Haven
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Pre Surgery: C3-C4:Mild disc osteophytes. Mild-moderate right facet arthrosis. Mild right foraminal stenosis. C4-C5:Midline central disc protrusion, significant. Mild canal stenosis. C5-C6:Moderate disc osteophytes. Mild-moderate canal stenosis. Moderate-severe bilateral foraminal stenosis. C6-C-7:Mild-moderate disc osteophytes. Mild canal stenosis. Moderate left and moderate-severe right foraminal stenosis. June 29,2016-3 level M6 (C4-C7) Dr. Clavel Barcelona |
#3
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"Harrison" - info (at) adrsupport.org Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004 Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston Founder & moderator of ADRSupport - 2004 Founder Arthroplasty Patient Foundation a 501(c)(3) - 2006 Creator & producer, Why Am I Still Sick? - 2012 Donate www.arthropatient.org/about/donate |
#4
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Sorry, Yue has moved on to Midstate
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Pre Surgery: C3-C4:Mild disc osteophytes. Mild-moderate right facet arthrosis. Mild right foraminal stenosis. C4-C5:Midline central disc protrusion, significant. Mild canal stenosis. C5-C6:Moderate disc osteophytes. Mild-moderate canal stenosis. Moderate-severe bilateral foraminal stenosis. C6-C-7:Mild-moderate disc osteophytes. Mild canal stenosis. Moderate left and moderate-severe right foraminal stenosis. June 29,2016-3 level M6 (C4-C7) Dr. Clavel Barcelona |
#5
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Dr. Josef Simon with Boston Orthopedic and Spine - he has done two back surgeries for me including a C6/C7 disc replacement that I just had done yesterday!
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