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  #1  
Old 08-08-2010, 09:06 PM
Kaitiedid Kaitiedid is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
Default Hello-Considering Lumbar ADR

Hello to everyone;
My Lumbar issues started a few years back.I have tried all the conservative methods with no relief.My pain has got to a point it effects every part of my Life.Everyday is a struggle to manage thru.I recently had a Diskogram that confirmed L4-5 and L5S-1 as the culprits.In July I traveled to Texas to see a Specialist in ADR.He has proposed ADR at 4-5 and Fusion at 5-S1.Lucky enough I have Health Insurance with one of the few that cover it.At this point Surgery is scheduled for September 28.Though I'm still researching like crazy trying to make a a final decision. I'm thankful that there are sites like this that give us the power to make informed decisions.
Kaitiedid
__________________
C issues-PT,many proced.,many meds,Diskog DDD,Bulging Disks ,07 ADCF C 5-6, BMP-Cage Phys.prac.closed leaving me with 3 screws backed out(2months after)-leading to non-union
More proced. more meds,no doctors wanted to fix another doctors mess ,09 Revision Surgery C5-6 3 screws backed out,Tons of scarring connective tissue,fluid build up ,10 complete Fusion
L issues-PT,many proced.,many meds,Diskog DDD,Annular tear 4-5,herinated 4-5,5-S1, Arthritis,and more
Proposed ADR 4-5,ALIF 5-S1
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  #2  
Old 08-11-2010, 10:51 AM
Harrison's Avatar
Harrison Harrison is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,010
Default Welcome Katie!

Hey Katie,

Thx for finding us...sorry about these nasty struggles. Been there, done that!

Based on your emoticon use for the discogram, I am a bit worried that they used a chainsaw for the procedure. Maybe you should find another doctor!?

How can we help you? Did you already see the presentation I put together and presented to the SAS audience? Is it helpful?

See this link.
__________________
"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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  #3  
Old 08-11-2010, 02:33 PM
hey_look_its_dave hey_look_its_dave is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 53
Default

Great presentation Richard! To your rhetorical question about DEXA, I must answer with a resounding "yes!!!!", DEXA should become mandatory prior to ADR. It's insane to me that a surgeon would install an ADR without first getting a DEXA taken. And as a patient, I would tell people considering ADR to INSIST upon a DEXA first.

Although my DEXA results showed I was ok for ADR, it also - quite unexpectedly - showed my hips were in terrible condition. This led to a vitamin D blood test, which showed I was deficient.

Dave
__________________
Toronto, Canada
41 years old

1997: L5-S1 left-side disc herniation
epidurals and perivertebral injections
Jan 23, 2009: discotomy in Toronto
July 2009: L5-S1 left-side further herniation
epidurals and perivertebral injections
June 8, 2010: L5-S1 Activ L ADR by Dr. Zeegers at Beta Klinik

https://sites.google.com/site/daveadr2010/
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  #4  
Old 08-11-2010, 07:58 PM
Harrison's Avatar
Harrison Harrison is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,010
Default

Dave,

Thx for your comment. A few things:

- DEXA scans are considered to be problematic (by some docs) as the surgeon panel discussed at SAS (sorry I don’t have the transcript). Before this, we already knew that DEXA has a "tough" time imaging L5-S1. See this topic for some more info on DEXA scans and osteporosis.

- The vitamin D issue is tricky. Many folks here have identified their deficiency, along with localized osteoporosis. D supplementation did not help with their symptoms; dunno if it helped their osteoporosis. But it has also helped some people feel better; perhaps because D is such a critical vitamin, prohormone and secosteroid.

- If you are osteoporotic, bone up on the nutrition of organic vegetables and produce and try to eat less meat. Avoid all the obvious “bad” stuff (smoking, junk food, alcohol, etc.). Juicing the right produce is an easy way to get your body what it’s been missing.

OK, Katie, back to you!
__________________
"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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  #5  
Old 08-26-2010, 04:39 PM
txrollergirl txrollergirl is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 5
Default

Hi Kaitiedid,

My husband was recommended for the same procedure, same location by Dr. Peloza. Like you, we are doing lots of research.

We are seeking a second opinion from Dr. Zigler @ TBI next week. Peloza recommended him as the one to see for a second opinion.

Do you mind sharing who your doctor is? And what devices they are using? (For "us" it is ProDisc & LT-Cage.)

We are considering the possibility of going to France for the same procedure with the Maverick. Thus far, I don't have enough information on the ProDisc or Maverick to make the decision.

Thanks!
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  #6  
Old 08-27-2010, 10:06 PM
Kaitiedid Kaitiedid is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
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Hi Tx rollergirl ;

Dr.Blumenthal is my Lumbar doctor. He was recommended by Cervical doctor Dr.Lieberman.I really like Dr. Blumenthal he is very informative and took lots of time to make sure my questions we're answered.He even took the time to call me personally when I had a paper full of more questions for him.I as well have done my research.I feel good about receiving the Prodisc.Unfortunately the US will not be seeing any other ADRs being approved for at least a year.And these will be all metal devices.I was told this by the Dr. I can't wait any further at this point.On a bad day I limp on my right leg.It's extremely weak and my toes are numb.I also have leg pain.Though the Back pain with stabbing shooting pain is the worst. I have got to the point where my pain meds.are at a high level.I do all types of coping skills and therapy heat(cold).I spend many hours laying down because it feels better. I have 5 children and I'm a stay at home Mom and I need to move on.

I never thought much of going out of country it has concerns for me.Though I know many do and are happy.But it's the scarry stories that make me shy away.Only because once you go out of country the laws are different.

I wish you the very best in your quest.I hope for pain free days for your Hubby.What was your Hubby's diagnosis on his spine ? Is he leaning more toward Hybrid surgery vs double ADRs .How has his spine issues effected him? How are the condtion of his Facets? Sorry for all the questions.But feel free to shoot them back. We both know the importance.

Take care, Kaitiedid
__________________
C issues-PT,many proced.,many meds,Diskog DDD,Bulging Disks ,07 ADCF C 5-6, BMP-Cage Phys.prac.closed leaving me with 3 screws backed out(2months after)-leading to non-union
More proced. more meds,no doctors wanted to fix another doctors mess ,09 Revision Surgery C5-6 3 screws backed out,Tons of scarring connective tissue,fluid build up ,10 complete Fusion
L issues-PT,many proced.,many meds,Diskog DDD,Annular tear 4-5,herinated 4-5,5-S1, Arthritis,and more
Proposed ADR 4-5,ALIF 5-S1
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  #7  
Old 08-30-2010, 08:32 PM
TDR TDR is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12
Default Get 2 level fusion

I had an ADR at L5-S1 five years ago and now have bad facets due to the ADR. Had no previous problems with the facets. I would recommend the two level fusion.
__________________
Charite ADR - L5S1, June 14, 2005
Endoscopic Discectomy- Nov. 2002
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  #8  
Old 09-01-2010, 12:32 AM
txrollergirl txrollergirl is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 5
Default

Hello Kaitiedid,

Thank you so much for your reply. I just can't imagine how you're managing 5 children and a household with so much pain. I truly feel for you.

My husband works from home and cares for our 2 & 4-year-olds. We've increased preschool to 3 days a week just so he can rest his back.

I will definitely look into Dr. Blumenthal. We are seeing Dr. Zigler @ TBI tomorrow for the second opinion. There is really so much to consider. In addition to the procedure (hybrid vs. double fusion), there's the doctor, the device, and, of course . . . INSURANCE. Ultimately, we want to make the most informed decision.

Regarding the option to go to France, I've not seen anything on this forum about anyone going anywhere besides Germany. It's been a week and there's been no reply from the doc (direct from our doc here) as to the feasibility of doing the surgery there which is a little disheartening.

To your questions, he has DDD on 3 discs and discogram confirmed 2 pain generators. There are no facet issues (confirmed through a different test, the name of which escapes me at the moment) which is why he has been recommended for hybrid. We were told that if facets were problematic ADR is not an option. We have not considered double ADR . . . have you?

My husband has had back problems since before I met him (1996). He was a very competitive tennis player for many years and then taught for many years. He recalls two incidents that may have led to the injury, one being an American serve, and the other a waterskiing accident. Since I've known him his back has gotten progressively worse, but also he's gotten better at managing it. For the first several years, he would do something (random triggers) that would make him unable to move for 1-2 weeks. As time has progressed the pain has become more constant and each day is a challenge. Some are good; some aren't so good. He's tried just about all routes of conservative care except acupuncture. The meds have steadily increased even though he tries really hard to take them as seldom as possible.

Did you do a DEXA? After reading about it on here I asked about it and doc's office said they would absolutely do one. Did your doc order it or did you have to ask?

Regarding your provider options, have you inquired as to the number of identical surgeries they have performed? I did, and must say that I'm a little uncomfortable with low number of hybrids ours has performed. He seems to be quite active in what's happening in the research but when it comes down to it I just don't know that I would want to be one of the first few patients a doctor has ever tried a procedure on. I believe he is very skilled and his lack of hybrids (and ProDisc placements) doesn't mean he won't do a good job.

We're still researching. If you happen to have any information that was particularly useful in your decision-making, I would love to hear/see it.

Thanks so much for your time. I'm wishing the very best for you and your family.

tx rollergirl
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  #9  
Old 09-01-2010, 11:40 PM
Kaitiedid Kaitiedid is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
Default

Hi Tx Rollergirl -- Thanks so much for replying back to me.I feel for you as well . I completely understand the challenges when a parent has spine issues. It most definetly has not been easy fortunately in 07 when I had my 1st surgery my youngest was 7yrs. old which really helped that they we're all old enough to help.But it has been an emotional rollercoaster ride for all of us.It weighs heavy on my mind but I have no control and have to make the best of it.

I have had a Dexa Scan per Doctor request.It came back fine.I have mild facet Hypertrophy but it is at the level that will be fused.From the research I have done I would most definetly not place a ADR at the L5-s1 level.That area has little to no movement and I believe fusion would be best.Dr. Blumenthal has performed countless ADRs.This is what he specializes in. I feel very confident in his abilty .And being a good candidate is essential.

I would have to say if you and your hubby feel uneasy seek more opinions.The more the better.I feel I had more than one opinion since my doctor for my cervical was aware of my Lumbar issues and was the one to suggest talking to Dr.Blumenthal about Hybrid surgery.My other doctor does Lumbar Fusions he could have easily said let's fuse it but he didn't and he said he thought I really should research Hybrid surgery.So that advice goes a long ways.

I know how your husband feels it's very diffucult when your pain is increasing but yet you don't want to increase your meds.It's one of the toughest problems with this whole thing.

I hope for you both you can find what your looking for and what will work for you and what will give you peace.If I find more useful info. I will share it.Maybe a few more opinions will help with your decision.Take care wishing pain free days and wishing my best to your family.
Kaitiedid

*I also have contemplated double fusion but I worry so much about adjacent disks failing.My level above show some DDD.It's a very hard decision !!!
__________________
C issues-PT,many proced.,many meds,Diskog DDD,Bulging Disks ,07 ADCF C 5-6, BMP-Cage Phys.prac.closed leaving me with 3 screws backed out(2months after)-leading to non-union
More proced. more meds,no doctors wanted to fix another doctors mess ,09 Revision Surgery C5-6 3 screws backed out,Tons of scarring connective tissue,fluid build up ,10 complete Fusion
L issues-PT,many proced.,many meds,Diskog DDD,Annular tear 4-5,herinated 4-5,5-S1, Arthritis,and more
Proposed ADR 4-5,ALIF 5-S1
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hybrid, lumbar adr, lumbar artificial disc replacement, lumbar discogram, lumbar herniation, multilevel arthroplasty, multilevel disc replacement, multilevel lumbar fusion, synthes prodisc

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