first for a double !?

[elbs]

Dear Readers,

I think that it might be useful for potential Charite Disc patients that I tell my story as the first (to my knowledge)patient in north south en central america to receive two Charite discs in one surgery.

My story starts in Panama in 2006 where my partner and I, both Dutch, were living at the time. I did not have any back problems except occasional complaints about sore muscles. But that was no wonder when you live in the jungle and drive over dirt roads in an old pick-up truck. But strangely after we had moved to Panama City each time when I got out of the pick-up my back hurt. Getting annoyed by my complaints my partner told me to see a specialist and do something about it.

Not having any knowledge about what kind of specialist to see a just picked from the internet a name of someone who had gained a reputation for non-invasive interventions. That sounded pretty safe to me. On the day of the appointment I walked to the hospital but made a stop at the bank for a short meeting. While sitting in a chair I realized myself that I couldn't get up anymore. To my embarrassment I had to ask for help to be lifted to a standing position, which was fine and I could still walk. After arriving at the hospital and finding the specialist's office I sat down again to wait till I would be called. When I was called I learned what real embarrassment is. Not able to get up again I had to crawl on my hands and knees through the corridor into the doctor's office. And that is when my personal nightmare started. Dr. Alvarado a neuro surgeon prescribed for the same day x-rays and an MRI.

The result would be ready the next day. The next day I received that news that I had degenerative disc disease and that two of my discs (L2,3 and L4,5) were gone completely. Options for intervention were limited but Charite Discs could be considered. A Discogram was ordered. Those of you who have had one know what I am talking about when I say that I didn't know that such pains existed. After the disc"o-party" I was brought home by ambulance. Unfortunately I am rather sensitive to any kind of sedation and while getting into bed I blacked out, fell on the tiles and was unconscious for about 30 minutes. When I regained I was diagnosed with a concussion and a head wound. That is when I moved in bed and never got out until after the surgery. All conversations with Dr. Alvarado where done by phone and a personal home visit.

Because of my relative young age of 51, slender build and excellent health I was the perfect candidate for two Charite discs. The challenge was that the surgery had not been performed in the Americans before and Dr. Alvarado had only witnessed and assisted with the surgery and not performed it alone. Because of my deteriorating situation I could not be moved out of the country anymore. So was I willing to put my trust in his hands? I had no other options since fusion was mentioned as being a passed station for an option.

So I was admitted, after an anxious waiting of two weeks for the approval of my insurance company (IMG), to Hospital General in Panama City. Prior to the surgery I was informed about the possible risks and those scared the hell out of me, so I more or less closed my eyes and prayed for the best. The actual surgery took 16 hours in the presence of 5 cardio vascular surgeons and three neuro surgeons (one of them flew over specially form Argentina). After a stay of 4 days in the ICU I returned to my private room where I stayed for another 10 days. Physio therapy started in the hospital and was extremely difficult and painful. The therapy was continued during one whole year. Side-effects were impotence for about two months, dead feeling in my left groin area continued for a few years of and on, re-occuring inflammation of my left lower rib which makes lying on my left side often uncomfortable.

Also a certain way of being unbalanced remains with me. I always have to stand up slowly get my balance under control and then I am fine. Three months after the surgery I noticed a growing large ball on my stomach, which was painful. It was diagnosed with a hernia in my peritoneum and I had to undergo emergency surgery. A mesh was inserted over my complete intestines during a 4 hour surgery. This set me back in my physio therapy and after recovering form the surgery I had to start again with the therapy.

So what is my conclusion after 8 years: that it hasn't been a smooth ride, but it has been a ride that I would do again if I had to. My total recovery time was 2 years and that was according the estimate. I live now with my two discs for 8 years already and have a bit of pain only once in a while. Usually one hour of bedrest does the trick. I sleep with a pillow under or between my knees. something that I urge every back-pain sufferer to do, it helps a lot. I can live indepently, except for travelling. I need a companion to carry suitcases. When travelling alone I order a wheelchair since standing still in a line really causes pain. I do not lift anything, like grocery bags etc. I have to be aware when I walk that I do not make a misstep whereby I miscalculate the depth of a step downwards. The sudden pressure causes severe pain and brings tears to my eyes. I lost my ability to swim due to the damage to my stomach muscles, I cannot lay down on my stomach, I cannot participate in physical sports, but I do ride my stationary bike daily, I watch my weight, and always look for a chair to sit in that is higher than normal and gives a good back support.

I live with the knowledge that I have to be careful but I live happy and to the fullest. By the way the surgery in Panama cost at the time only about 80.000 US dollars, a price we were willing to pay if my insurance had refused to pay. So any of you considering a Charite disc or two, the pain and suffering is worth it.

Kind regards,
Erik

[pittpete]

Thanks for sharing.
One question maybe you or others can answer is why go through the pain of a discography if it is evident that 2 of your discs are gone?

[elbs]

After the MRI and X-ray it was clear only that I had DDR but not the actual state of all the discs, for that the discogram was needed in combination with a CT scan. The result was the deciding factor that two discs were gone and two Charites were the only reasonable option.

[pittpete]

Ok, thanks for the reply.
I'm researching EVERYTHING!!!

[Harrison]

Wow, Erik, thanks for sharing your adventures! I wish you peace and better health in all your days ahead!