So... I was a new member back in 2013 when I go to the point where the pain was pretty bad (L4/5, single level). I live in the Dallas area and I have TBI in my back yard. My orthopedist referred me to a fusion specialist which after my own research declined, which led me here. Sticking with conservative measures, I was able to reduce the pain to a manageable level and delay/canceled surgery.
fast forward 3 years.... Helping a friend move (I have truck and trailer
), I re-aggravated my back. This time conservative measure (decompression, chiro, epidural injections, did not help at all. ADR is now an option again. This time I consult Clavel, Zeegers, and Bertagnoli. I wanted their opinion since I "thought" I was serious this time. Remember, Zeegers detailed report and analysis does cost a good chunk of change (in excess of US$1000.00). I wanted to be sure. Zeegers treats the patient not the images or films.
Ultimately, Dr. Blumenthal would be my go-to guy for the surgery. One of the best in the US, covered by my insurance, and follow-up would be logistically simple.
My quality of life has finally been affected where I was mentally ready to undergo surgery. My workouts were limited, no impact sports that involved running or jumping. I have a desk job, so my ice pack became my best friend.
So just before my consult with Dr. Blumenthal, I finally broke down and asked my orthopedist (spine rehab doctor) for medication that may help with the pain because I was going on vacation and I wanted to enjoy it the best I could. There would be scuba diving, lots of hiking, zip-lining, and ATV riding. I did not want to stop living.
That is when my ADR surgery decision became blurred. he prescribed Tramadol (Ultram), 50 mg, twice a day. Any more could lead to liver issues.
After being on this forum for 4 years, I know some of you feel tramadol may be addicted although it is not medically identified as an addictive drug. I did not want opiates, or mentally altering solutions.
That was back in March 2016. It is 2 months later and I have decided to put my ADR surgery on hold. The pain is minimal when on Tramadol. When I do not take it, the pain level does spike. My biggest fear is what happens when it stops working?
I was afraid that my disc will collapse more. I already has an annular tear and I have lost significant height, and I believe the protrusion is 8mm. My fear is that at one time disc height was a contraindication for ADR surgery. According to Dr. Blumenthal that is no longer true. Then I worried about my facet joints adjusting even more and causing issues if I wait to have the ADR surgery.
I share my story not for advice, but because members of this forum helped me through the past 4 years. I am not very vocal on this site, but I definitely absorb a lot. I wanted to give back. If my documenting my thought process and situation could help one person or provide insight for them, I would feel it was not a one way street.
So....I have decided to delay surgery for now. I am able to workout, perform cardio, ride my motorcycle, and do a subset of my enjoyments in life. Until that quality of life is reduced to some unknown level, I think I will hold off on ADR. Hopefully, there will be some technological advances over the next few years. What started in 2013 as prodisc-L, has now advanced to Activ-L. Only time will tell.
I do welcome feedback, comments, etc.
I do have one major question: How long has people stayed on Tramadol before is no longer had the lasting affects?
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming,
Jim