The end of life as i knew it. (Introduction)

[nomorecdl]

I'm a non smoker, I take 2 fish oil softgels everyday and a multivitamin every morning. And I may be a less than ideal candidate at this time, due to weight, but I can change that. I've seen many many posts where ADR patients had waited several years after diagnosis before they went ahead and got the disc replacement procedure done. I will absolutely drop at least 25% of my current weight within the next 6-8 months, even if I have to starve myself. In the meantime, I'm going to get a bunch of second opinions on what to do for a permanent fix from every doctor I can. And, if ADR is what's favored, then having to wait for a little may be a blessing. Maybe I'll find a doctor/surgeon I wouldn't have found if I didn't wait.

[annapurna]

In addition to dropping the weight, strengthening you core as much as you're able will improve your chances and help buy time for your research. Yes, if you could do all the core stabilization exercises, you wouldn't likely need an ADR and wouldn't be on this board researching them, but it is important to do what you can. The fast weight gain suggests that you're having problems staying active and those core muscles are likely weakened. As they continue to weaken, they can allow instability to increase and speed up the rate your bones and nerves are being damaged. Don't mean to be doom and gloom; I'm trying to point out that the weight loss should be from increasing activity as much as possible and not starving yourself.

As for ADR vs. fusion, you're a prime candidate for either, depending on which doctor you ask and which tool is his/her favorite tool. The important thing is that you're a lesser candidate for adjacent level problems arising from dual fusions as your two damaged disks were damaged from trauma. Your adjacent disks aren't likely to be compromised the way someone with multiple dessicated levels might be. On the other hand, adjacent level problems are increased when you have two fusions and, if you have them, you're likely to also affect your hips, which can be addressed, and your SI joints, which really can't be addressed. Just more food for your thoughts.

[Mimi]

That was a bad accident. i am sorry for all that you have been through. You should definitely consider a clinical trial here in the U.S. for the Spinal Kenetics M6 artificial disc and other options that are becoming available everyday. Go to www.clinical trials.gov and search the site for the latest research. Best wishes for your recovery.

[nomorecdl]

Yes, the fast weight gain absolutely is due to inactivity, and also because as most of you all surely know it's very depressing when this kind of injury ruins your way of life. It's such a shame cause I was doing so well, landed a good job with a promising career, living on my own in my own house, and I bought the very first vehicle I was able to finance 100% on my own just a couple months before in April, which was a Can Am Commander UTV. For those of you that are unfamiliar, it's kinda like a very powerful golf kart on extreme steroids that is primarily for off roading purposes. Every month now and for a long while more I am and will continue to be, reminded how much i miss that life i used to have when i have to pay on the loan for it too
It took a few days for it to sink in and become a recognized reality, but once it did and i realized it was true about how bad I had actually been hurt and how much my life will be forever changed, I turned to food for a getaway. Now thinking back on how often I over indulged, I realize how that could hinder a positive recovery and even just knowing that now makes me repulsed at the thought of food. I take this very seriously, and know that I will find a way to make this something that I can forget about someday. I go to physical therapy 3x a week to strengthen core muscles. I don't have a 6 pack, but my stomach muscles are substantially stronger than when I started so I'm making progress. My physical therapist actually herniated his L4/L5 15 years ago and his plan was to strengthen core muscles and he said all was well for a few years then suddenly one day his disc suddenly collapsed without reason. Since then he had a fusion, but still does core exercises everyday to keep a strong core. I'm not a fan of that strategy for fear that that same thing could happen. As far as the idea of a fusion... Leverage is a law of physics that applies to everyone and everything every single time. I feel like agreeing to have a fusion is equal to giving up entirely. In the very end that may be what has to happen, but I'm going to do everything possible to try anything/everything else first. As far as the trials, i checked that website and it appears that there are not any going on right now for lumbar M6 disc replacements, but if anyone else finds something that could lead to that please let me know. One more thing, does anyone else with similar injury ever have an urge to have someone pull their right leg straight out while you're laying down? Like traction for your right leg only.. I feel like i want that sometimes. Is this normal? Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this, and I'm sorry for whining but it's hard not to.

[Mimi]

I fell on my outstretched arms and hands in a seated position on concrete. Pushing everything into my shoulders. It sounds strange but I get some relief from having my fingers and arms pulled. I think I will be pulling my arms out of my shoulders for years.

Keep checking, hopefully a lumbar procedure will become available to you soon.

[nomorecdl]

Ok, well i got confirmation today from mr.Vicknair that my MRI's/Xrays have gone to Dr. Bertagnoli for his review. I am going to submit my images to every surgeon i can find who is known for ADR and similar treatments, and see what differences in treatment get recommended. It just happens that I found Dr. Bertagnoli first when i began my research, so he was first in line to receive an evaluation request. Ive read a few success stories as well as a few failure stories from patients who went to him, but what really scares me is an "unapproved visitor message" I received warning about another German surgeon. In this message this person claims that her husband went to Germany for ADR surgery and "never came home alive" and said not to believe what I read in these forums. I got this message a few days ago, and didn't want to ask much about it publicly until i gave some time for further explanation, but I replied to the message almost immediately and asked for more information about it, but got no reply. Anyone else ever get something like this in their inbox on this site? Should i take it as a valid warning, or call it ADRSUPPORT.ORG spam?

[Throttlejockey]

As Yogi Berra said: Half the lies they tell about me aren't true!

In all seriousness, you want to check all your sources and do your own due diligence. You also want to learn and understand as much as you can about your condition and the treatment options so that you are prepared to ask real questions to every doctor you speak with.

[Jerry5]

Indeed, this was painful to read and brought back memories, really nightmares, but don't want to make you feel too bad.
I too, had a blow out, at the l2-3 level, this had a Lami and it worked for me, at that level, the lowest two levels were a different story.
Had all kinds of medication, therapy, massage, needle, tried an inversion table, my discs were basically gone.
I ended up with what they call a hybrid, not that I planned this, nor the doctors, but due to anatomical reasons, I did not get an ADR at L51.
.
Not sure about the weight, but you should send your MRI to Germany, I went to Bierstedt and Ilerhaus.
German Spine Specialists.
I am four months post op, and will see another Physical Dr this coming Monday, hope to get another xray, what I would like to have is a CT, and see the bone density of the Fusion.
If you do decide, make sure you have an opinion, for an ALIF for the L51, and have the M6 for the L45.
They can have this option for either, at either level. (You can also go for a Two Level M6, which is what I was supposed to have)
Sometimes they run into problems at the L45 level as well and do not want to risk using the tooling to insert the disk.
.
You really do need to address this sooner, it is hard, and life will not get better until you do, I worked on this for 2 years, just got worse.
Make sure you get 2 or 3 opinions, ask your doctor for an opinion, seek advice from friends, who have seen a Neurosurgeon, go to the phone book, and then send to Germany, get all 3 opinions, it is YOUR back.
If you want some other information, PM and I can give you what I have.

[drewrad]

First, as you already know, stay far away from the new toy. That Can Am Commander UTV sounds like fun, but hell on your anatomy. As far as pulling on the right leg, yeah, your protrusion is probably more lateral right which pulls it away off the nerve, decompressing it at least temporarily. Unfortunately, discs are unlike muscle and bone. They can kind of patch up a bit if things aren't too far gone, but if they are too far gone, there's really only the inevitability of surgery. And for some a microlami is enough, but in many cases it just doesn't bring enough to the table.

Don't like Bergnatoli because I'm not a fan of the ProDisc. It requires great bone prep modification for the deep keels. In addition has no forward translation on flexion. Not good on facets long term. You are young and that would be a lot of years cranking hard on those lower facets down there at the most mobile of the back joints L4/5.

There are other, better solutions. I wouldn't worry about dying. Living is much harder IMO. And living in pain much harder than all. So, dying, who cares? That was my view, but maybe I'm strange. My wife says I am, but she doesn't like it when I talk like that.

Its exceedingly rare in ADR surgery. Has it happened. Of course! All surgeries, whenever you cut into someone, you don't know what could happen under the surface of the skin. Lots of stuff down there in any surgery! But the odds are very very much in your favor! Put that one away in your mind and leave it be.

Listen, you will have to make your own choice. We're not campaigning here one way or the other. We will only tell you are experiences which come from our perspectives. Ask me anything or call if you want. PM me for a phone consult. Haha. Free too, I might add!

[drewrad]

PM'd you my number.