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  #41  
Old 04-24-2014, 10:58 AM
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Goofy Goofy is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 14
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Hi Lauren,

Last month I had a fusion done at C5-6 to replace a failed ACDR surgery. The disc had moved and my surgeon said it was just "sort of wobbling around in there." There was an obvious kink in my spine on the x-ray, though it was a different disc than yours.

At this point I am happy with the fusion and would be too scared to ever try the artificial disc again. The particular disc used seems to be failing on most of the patients who got them at this hospital. Sorry I can't tell you what type it was.

I believe that you can find a plenty qualified physician there in Houston. There are excellent surgeons all over the country.

I'm so happy that you have an upcoming surgery date. I know it will be a relief to get this done.

Goofy
__________________
Scoliosis, slipped and bulging disks from head to tail, some accompanied by tears, stenosis at several levels, thoracic hemangioma, Schmorl's nodes, facet joint syndrome, DDD, Osteoarthritis with osteophytes

Lupus, fibromyalgia +

ADR 9/10/12, C 5/6, performed by a cervical spine specialist

10/8/12 doc specializing in deformities of the spine - "entire lumbar spine needs to be fused" Ordered MRI (10/15/12)
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  #42  
Old 04-24-2014, 04:34 PM
laurenmiddleton1 laurenmiddleton1 is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2014
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Goofy - I understand where every one is coming from, but I am way to scared to do another AD. Plus my surgeon doesn't think the area is healthy enough to do another ADR. So your fusion is doing well? You didn't have any problems with the revision?

Had all my pre-op done today, so I am all set. So far my surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am on Weds. I will have to be there at 5:30 which I am totally ok. I would rather be there 1st thing in the morning than have to sit around all day.
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Lauren - 36
Mother of 2 - 7yr old Daughter and 4yr old Son
Married for 8 years

2005 - Double discectomy w/ fusion and cadaver bone at levels C5 & C6

2010 - ADR at level c4

2014 - ADR revision w/ Fusion & cadaver bones at C4
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  #43  
Old 04-24-2014, 06:25 PM
drewrad drewrad is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2014
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The only thing I'm concerned about Lauren is once they get that Prodisc safely removed and fuse that area, that the pain won't be addressed which could very well be that lowest one on the totem pole still causing compression issues.
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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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  #44  
Old 04-24-2014, 07:07 PM
laurenmiddleton1 laurenmiddleton1 is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2014
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According to my MRI the lower levels looked good. The surgeon believes that by removing the AD and opening the space up it will relieve the stress on my nerves and alleviate the pain.

here's hoping he is right. but that was a concern of mine, that he would fix that but it wouldn't fix the pain.
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Lauren - 36
Mother of 2 - 7yr old Daughter and 4yr old Son
Married for 8 years

2005 - Double discectomy w/ fusion and cadaver bone at levels C5 & C6

2010 - ADR at level c4

2014 - ADR revision w/ Fusion & cadaver bones at C4
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  #45  
Old 04-24-2014, 07:11 PM
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jss jss is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,411
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Lauren,

It sounds like a straight forward surgery and I know you're going to do great.

From the left field department ... I wonder how much a slightly used ProDisc-C would bring you on EBay? Not that anyone would try to reuse it, but it would be quite a novelty / conversation piece.

Good luck Wednesday, Jeff
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C4/5 - ACDF in 2000
C5/6 - ACDF in 2002
C3/4 & C6/7 - M6 ADR, Nov 2009, Barcelona
Conceded defeat to a manifestly disingenuous BCBS-TX in my quest for reimbursement, Jan 2011
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  #46  
Old 04-24-2014, 07:16 PM
laurenmiddleton1 laurenmiddleton1 is offline
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Jeff - that is funny, I was actually going to ask my surgeon if I could keep it LMAO My husband and mother-in-law thinks I am crazy. But I want to keep that little sucker!!
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Lauren - 36
Mother of 2 - 7yr old Daughter and 4yr old Son
Married for 8 years

2005 - Double discectomy w/ fusion and cadaver bone at levels C5 & C6

2010 - ADR at level c4

2014 - ADR revision w/ Fusion & cadaver bones at C4
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  #47  
Old 04-24-2014, 08:38 PM
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Harrison Harrison is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,014
Question

Lauren, forgive me for asking again -- how many artificial disc replacements / modifications has your surgeon performed?
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"Harrison" - info (at) adrsupport.org
Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004
Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston
Founder & moderator of ADRSupport - 2004
Founder Arthroplasty Patient Foundation a 501(c)(3) - 2006
Creator & producer, Why Am I Still Sick? - 2012
Donate www.arthropatient.org/about/donate
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  #48  
Old 04-25-2014, 07:07 AM
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Goofy Goofy is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 14
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Lauren, I am a little over a month out from my fusion and so far so good. For me, this was an easier surgery recovery than from the artificial disc. Pain relief is not yet 100 percent but it feels better each day and really not much pain to speak of.

I went in for an x-ray and it looks good. Looks so much more stable than the AD but that might just be because of what I went through.

Is your surgeon going in from the front? That is what my surgeon did. I agree with JSS - you are going to do great and it will be a huge relief to get this done.

My surgeon ordered a bone growth stimulator for use after the surgery. I didn't know about it, but the company called me and came to my house to set it up and show me how to use it. Just two electrode pads on the back of your neck attached to a small battery pack that is supposed to promote bone growth for the fusion. I would imagine you would be set up with this too?

Just a few more days and you'll be all fixed up. Glad you're going first thing in the morning. I will be sending positive thoughts your way!

Goofy
__________________
Scoliosis, slipped and bulging disks from head to tail, some accompanied by tears, stenosis at several levels, thoracic hemangioma, Schmorl's nodes, facet joint syndrome, DDD, Osteoarthritis with osteophytes

Lupus, fibromyalgia +

ADR 9/10/12, C 5/6, performed by a cervical spine specialist

10/8/12 doc specializing in deformities of the spine - "entire lumbar spine needs to be fused" Ordered MRI (10/15/12)
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  #49  
Old 04-27-2014, 09:30 PM
laurenmiddleton1 laurenmiddleton1 is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 44
Default 1 More day to go!!! Woo Hoo

I more day to go till I have my surgery!!! Anyone else scheduled for surgery on TUesday the 29th. Can't wait!!!! Is it sad I enjoy staying overnight at the hospital.

It is quiet and I can watch tv all night without hubby complaining LOL
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Lauren - 36
Mother of 2 - 7yr old Daughter and 4yr old Son
Married for 8 years

2005 - Double discectomy w/ fusion and cadaver bone at levels C5 & C6

2010 - ADR at level c4

2014 - ADR revision w/ Fusion & cadaver bones at C4
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  #50  
Old 04-27-2014, 10:25 PM
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Harrison Harrison is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,014
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Lauren, found this recent post in another forum and merged it with this one for continuity. Good luck with your revision.
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"Harrison" - info (at) adrsupport.org
Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004
Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston
Founder & moderator of ADRSupport - 2004
Founder Arthroplasty Patient Foundation a 501(c)(3) - 2006
Creator & producer, Why Am I Still Sick? - 2012
Donate www.arthropatient.org/about/donate
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