[recently3]

Hey all,

After a couple years of back troubles that you can read in my signature, I've been doing a ton of research on the SpinalKinetics M6-L disc. I just found this forum and have found a lot of great info here.

I had a micro-discectomy earlier this year, and the surgeon found a very large tear in the back of my disc. Almost 4 months later (a few weeks ago), after doing my exercise routine which consisted of pushups, pullups, and a number of various core strengthening exercises given to me during the month of post op PT (all of which I had consulted with my surgeon and phys. therapist and had cleared), I had muscle spasms and excruciating pain in my back. An MRI revealed a re-herniation with a small disc fragment. 3 weeks later and the pain has worsened. I am going in tomorrow for another MRI to see if the re-herniation has worsened.

My surgeon suspects the pullups may have torn the disc back open and said he would probably not advise them for a greater length of time in the future for his other patients. I had been very careful not to do anything remotely dangerous as I recovered and followed the recommendations to a T including sticking to the PT exercises for months religiously, walking at least 1 hour every day, taking glucosamine/MSM and collagen supplements just in case they had a chance of making a positive difference, and closely sticking to a good diet. I personally think my disc was very badly damaged already and it would have happened eventually. I had never really regained the ability to sit for very long (2 hours total in a day max), even post surgery, and this has been a huge quality of life issue restricting much of what I can do. Luckily I work from home as a Software Engineer and can do my job laying on my back.

I spoke with my surgeon today about possibly traveling to get an M6 in either England (Dr. Boeree), Spain (Dr. Clavel), or Germany (Dr. Ritter-Lang). He has done more ADR surgeries than anyone in MN, and thankfully said he would be supportive and help with pre and post-op care, if the MRI indicated a larger re-herniation. I see there are a large number of M6ers here and I have started to read each experience before I make my decision on who to choose. Right now I am leaning towards Dr. Boeree or Dr. Clavel.

Cost is somewhat of a consideration since I expect that I will have to come up with the cash for this myself as I'm guessing my insurance (BCBS of NY) probably won't cover it and may play into the decision, but not at the cost of quality care. So I am interested in any recent quotes anyone may have gotten as well as personal experiences, good and bad from both Dr.s

This looks like such a great forum. I can see so many people here going through exactly what I am, and I am blown away at the supportiveness of so many of the members here. What a great resource for people in my position.