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New Member Introductions If you just joined, please introduce yourself here. Please add a signature describing your spinal history (use the "User CP) and ask us how we can help you get started.


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  #1  
Old 12-18-2016, 06:01 PM
Eppy71 Eppy71 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1
Default 3 Level Lumbar DDD

I am 45 years old. Chronic lower back pain for 30 years. People will say I am the most fit 45 year old guy they know and would have no idea I am in such extreme pain. I surf, mtn bike, yoga, crossfit, kiteboard, box etc. All in extreme pain. My pain causes depression, anti social behavior and impacts my relationship with friends and family. Docs have recommended either 3 level fusion or ADR (Bertagnoli) or a Hybrid solution and I honestly have no idea how to proceed. Desperately need to hear more success stories to help decide best path. Love To hear your experience or even guidance on how to best navigate these forums. Much appreciated.
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45 year old male
3 Level Lumbar DDD (L3/4/5/S1)
chronic severe lower back pain for 30 years
Evaluating 3 level ADR vs Fusion vs Hybrid
VERY athletic health&fitness pro
Bertagnoli, Clavel, Bierstedt, Texas Back?
Prodisc, M6, Activ-L, hybrid?
Regular PT, chiro, Accupuncture, yoga, meditation, facet injections over the years.
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  #2  
Old 12-19-2016, 12:23 AM
MaggieG's Avatar
MaggieG MaggieG is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 57
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Hey, sorry to hear about your painful experiences. I can empathise because I know the pain and I'm as active as you.... although I quit crossfit, which was crap but I just couldn't manage. I blew my disc out at a house fire (I'm a firefighter) 2 years ago and did EVERYTHING to avoid surgery but I ended up bone on bone and had no alternative. Best thing I did!!
I've only had a 1 level ADR at the L5-S1 level and am now 8 months post surgery. I've suffered immensely, I also have depression and anxiety as a result of the chronic pain and loss of lifestyle, but I'm on the mend and am kicking goals!
I decided to take anti depressants 2 months ago and it's helped me more than I'd imagined. I still have the same problems but am able to deal with them, I'm also socializing again. I have also noticed that my pain has decreased because with the anxiety, my back would spasm.
As far as my physical abilities go, I run up stairs, can walk and walk for hours, ride my bike, swim, yoga, and am weight training and doing crossfit type workouts (double unders don't hurt!!) without the back or front squatting, all without pain. I have pain after doing too much but it's so much easier to manage now. Stretching and walking eases my pain.
I will be back to full duties in April, one year post surgery, can't wait!!

I hope my story gives you some insight, and some hope for your future. All the best... oh, and I'm 40 years old.
Maggie
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  #3  
Old 12-19-2016, 04:00 AM
FutureRobot FutureRobot is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 107
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Welcome! You certainly came to the right place. I'm a ways away from surgery, but I've taken an interest in this technology and the recoveries related to it. There are tons of stories for you to go through on here, but one thing everyone seems to recommend is to get multiple opinions. There are a variety of great doctors (Clavel, TBI, Zeegers) who you can consult with regarding your issue. There are also a wide range of discs for you to choose from nowadays.
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HIZ tear at l5 s1 with mild disc height reduction and mild dehydration.
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  #4  
Old 12-19-2016, 04:34 PM
Blizzaga Blizzaga is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 130
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I second the note by FutureRobot to get second opinions. The decision should be made carefully, with as much knowledge available as possible.

My personal opinion is that crossfit is a jointkiller (includes discs) sport. Lifting with speed, instead of controlled strength, means that joints exhibit massive impulsive stress. Personally, regardless of outcome, I have promised myself to never do any crossfit/powerlifting type of things ever again.
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2015 Lost ability to sit
2016 Gradually worsening despite conservative treatment
2016 L4-L5, L5-S1 activ L success!
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  #5  
Old 12-22-2016, 12:49 AM
drewrad drewrad is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 629
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I'm a three level lumbar hybrid. Have been for awhile now. Clavel did L5/S1 fusion and two M6s above.
__________________
Weightlifter since 12 years old, now mid-40's and figuring out this wasn't such a good idea.

Chronic back pain started in 2010 while shrugging weights that a 40 yr. old shouldn't even try.

MRI in 2012 showing L4/L5, L5/S1 herniations and L2/L3 bulge.

L5/S1 taking on new shape, chronic sciatica, etc.

DEXA bone scan performed 5/7/14 showing mild osteopenia.

Surgery performed July 9th, 2014, Dr Clavel, hybrid three level lumbar.
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  #6  
Old 01-21-2017, 11:48 AM
Tom B. Tom B. is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 29
Default Keep Us Posted

Eppy71, thanks for the phone call! Like you, I don't post or comment here very often, but let us know how it's going and what you decide when you get a chance.
__________________
2002 - leg symptoms after ice skating lessons
2005 - DDD diagnosis - mainly at L3 - S1 (L1/2 not good either)
X-rays, 2 MRIs, EMG, mylegram/CT scan, discogram/CT scan, 2nd discogram
3 ESIs, nerve root injection, PT, chiropractic, SED at L5/S1 - qualified success
February 9, 1016 - stood up from chair - left leg and pelvis numbness and tingling, moderate lumbar pain
X-rays, MRI, CT scan, discogram/CT scan, mylegram/CT scan
ESI
April 26, 2016 - L3 - S1 3-level ProDisc-L
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