[Deborah]

My husband opted for hybrid surgery, even when he had a possible chance for 2 level TDR vs. hybrid. He's been in pain a long time and has had little movement in any case, so L5/S1 just made sense to him to remain stable. I don't know if his logic will hold up longterm or not, but we don't have any clinical data proving either position.

So far, he is *very* happy with having had the surgery (only one month post op now). Removing the discs seemed to be the most important issue for ending the constant pain he's had for 8 years. The dynamics of the hybrid I doubt would be apparent until after he weans from the back brace in 2 more weeks. After 3 months he'll get PT and that should give him some solid information on movement. Gentle flexing for x-rays felt like normal range to him though, and surgery looks good.

He's still on pain meds at one month. He was on heavy narcotics 24/7 prior to surgery, and he's now on a *much* lower dose. He's interested in the world around him and enjoying doing a few things that have been out of reach for him for years. Sitting through a meal, hanging some pictures, playing with our grandson, are all now possible for him.

FDA approval on multiple levels should come through... but it could be up to... 9 months from now, I think? Even after approval it can take a while to have coverage, so timing is very tough to predict. Even if he didn't personally prefer a hybrid, I think my hub would have opted for surgery now. He was 'at the end of his rope' on not living life. He couldn't do anything but try to lay flat as often as possible (which was about 23 hours a day). He's like Rip Van Winkle now... rediscovering our home for a start with short jaunts outdoors.

Debi (a very happy wife)