Hello to all.

I'm new to this site but not really new to back pain or pain in general. Thought I would introduce myself as I am researching the prodisc procedure that i am due to have.

I am 29 and have had back pain for over 3 years which was only dx as a slipped disc last year on an MRI after months of physio, hydro and pilates based exercises.

I also suffer fron Lupus, arthritis, kidney disease, chronic lung disease... etc etc ( the list is quite long!) Resulting in mobility problems with my joints & muscles. I live with some level of pain everyday which hasnt anything to do with my back so my dilemma is...
Will I make a good enough recovery to justify having surgery in the 1st place? I used a stick to walk even before I slipped the disc so what are my chances of returning to normal..(well normal for me that is) Being on a long list of drugs which include steroids and immunosuppressents will mean i heal very slowly and am at greater risk of infection.

Dr. says i'm a good candidate for the prodisc implant but I really want to make an informed decision on this so any commemts will be much appreciated!!

If you haven't already seen this, you might want to take a look at some of these study documents:

http://www.dhwaldron.net/adr/pdf/

Other than that, you are in the right place! Keep asking as many questions as you can think of...

David

Tutu,

I sent you a private message, pls let me know if you received it by reply to it..thx.

http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Hi Tutu

I too have sent you a personal message.

I too am a patient of Mr Lam's having had my ADR surgery last November. I too have other health problems & have had some big struggles with pain & recovery. I would strongly recommend doing as much research as possible including asking Mr Lam if he's operated on other patients with any one of your health problems, particularly the Lupus to see if they would be willing to talk to you about their recovery.

I also used a stick prior to surgery & so far still do. I'm still on my fair share of pain killers but thanks to the Pain Specialist I now see, I'm mostly coping better than in the early days which were pure hell.

Please feel free to contact me anytime for a chat http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

All the best http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif