New here--Surgery scheduled 8/1
 

After 5 years of bouncing around between doctors and pain management, I went to Texas Back Institute and saw Dr. Zigler. After talking with me and looking at all my records, including a discogram from last fall showing a grade 3 annular tear at L5-S1, he thinks I am an ideal candidate for disc replacement surgery (prodisc-L). I tried everything that is conservative--multiple rounds of PT, injections, and I have every "back toy" ever made, I think! I even had a stem cell injection into this disc from a local doctor last November that did nothing but make me $5,000 poorer. Last month, I went to a neurosurgeon in the next town, and he said there was nothing left for me but a spinal cord stimulator! I am 53, but in great shape; still the same size I was when I was 16. I enjoying fitness, hiking, snow skiing, and all sorts of adventure. I try to stay busy to distract myself from the constant pain, but it is SO hard. I'm sure the insurance company would rather see me become a drug zombie than pay for any surgery--I have Aetna, and the doctor's office assured me they would pay for this upcoming surgery.

Music Maker,

Congratulations on your decision!! It's kind of a no brainer. I'll take feeling better over being a drug zombie for life. At 53, you have many years left. Try and enjoy them as much as possible.

Good luck on your surgery!!

Gene

Great that insurance will pay! I think you are making the right choice, you have a lot of life left.

Hi MusicMaker!

When you can, pls insert a signature, see:

http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/f58...-health-11053/

I love music, it was a big part of my healing during my second disability -- and conquering it!

Good luck with your next steps. What are you doing to stay fit? Have you taken care of your dental hygiene and any periodontal issues?

Welcome!
 

Hi Music Maker and welcome to the board. Sorry you have to be here, but you'll find a wonderful resource here of caring, understanding folks.

I too have annular tears, mine are Grade 5 at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1. I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr. Blumenthal of TBI on July 2. We are doing a hybrid: ProDisc at L3 and L4 and then fusion at L5.

I'm also 53, and tired of living on pain medications. We were also considering the stem cell transplant, but couldn't find enough supporting research. Sorry yours didn't work.

I have a lot of confidence in the folks at TBI, and look forward to sharing stories on recovery with you.

Take care
Deb