Another microdiscectomy????

[back2lifeplease]

Hello all, yes another post from me. Can you tell that I am nervous yet?

So I just got off the phone from a neurosurgeon. He is a friend of a really good friend and I sent him over my images. He told me that he thinks that I should get another discectomy, and really work on my core strength. He isn't asking to do the surgery or anything, this was just his opinion. He said that ADR is better suited for people who have DDD and not people like me.

So now I am just so confused and scared. Do I do ADR or do I do another discectomy??? If i do a discectomy and it re herniates, I am screwed right?

I know it is ultimately my decision but would love some input from everyone. Thanks for listening.

Chris

[Buckeyeback]

Hello all, yes another post from me. Can you tell that I am nervous yet?

So I just got off the phone from a neurosurgeon. He is a friend of a really good friend and I sent him over my images. He told me that he thinks that I should get another discectomy, and really work on my core strength. He isn't asking to do the surgery or anything, this was just his opinion. He said that ADR is better suited for people who have DDD and not people like me.

So now I am just so confused and scared. Do I do ADR or do I do another discectomy??? If i do a discectomy and it re herniates, I am screwed right?

I know it is ultimately my decision but would love some input from everyone. Thanks for listening.

Chris

Hi Chris,

I've had two discectomies and now I'm looking into ADR since neither really helped. I'm like you I think, I don't have much disc height loss, but since the posterior disc wall has been surgically altered (shaved/trimmed/lasered,..whatever) it is now not very rigid and when I am weight-bearing my symptoms increase quite a bit versus laying down. I'm getting tired of all these symptoms and am trying to find a more permanent solution. Maybe another micro-d will work for you, but I'm a believer that when the disc is cut on, it just gets weaker over time. That is just my personal opinion. GL!

~BB

[back2lifeplease]

Hi Chris,

I've had two discectomies and now I'm looking into ADR since neither really helped. I'm like you I think, I don't have much disc height loss, but since the posterior disc wall has been surgically altered (shaved/trimmed/lasered,..whatever) it is now not very rigid and when I am weight-bearing my symptoms increase quite a bit versus laying down. I'm getting tired of all these symptoms and am trying to find a more permanent solution. Maybe another micro-d will work for you, but I'm a believer that when the disc is cut on, it just gets weaker over time. That is just my personal opinion. GL!

~BB

BB, First off thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. have you had two discectomies on the same the disc and on the same side? Or did you mean on 2 levels? I really like the idea of A DR and had my mind made up to do it(have it scheduled and everything) but am worried about the pressure it puts on the facet joints. Plus I don't know how active you can be after ADR, ie yoga, pilates good core work. Thoughts?

[Buckeyeback]

Hi Chris,

I had my first micro-d on L3-4 and L4-5 (both left side of spinal cord),.. then had a remicro-d at L4-5 both sides of the disc. Ended up with foot drop on right foot when actually my problems were left legged. Laser burned the nerve root on the right side accidentally. The first was traditional micro-d with the use of rongers (cutting tools) and second was a laser.

To your question about facet wear. From my research I have ascertained that "ball and socket" style ADRs have a fixed center of rotation that is actually more anterior than a normal disc (not including the Maverick disc; it's center of rotation is actually made to be more posterior) plus they do not have a graded resistance feature to them. A natural human disc has resistance to it when you twist from side to side. Therefore, in it's absence, the facets have to take on that load a little more along with the center of rotation being fixed forward a little. Having said that, that does not mean that everyone who has one of these discs (Pro-disc, Charite' ) is having facet problems. I believe it is just more of a risk due to the design. This is why I am in favor of the other, newer generation discs. Unfortunately, the USA is in no hurry to approve them through the FDA. Politics and red tape as usual, IMO. As far as mobility, I have heard of people skiing, and doing arobic workouts after sufficient healing has taken place with the earlier generation discs. Certainly the newer ones would seem to be even more capable. I know a few gentlemen who I have spoken to who have the lumbar M6 and they are pretty active. Of course, long-term studies are not available, but the engineering testing is pretty rigorous and they should last quite a long time, theoretically. I'm not trying to push you toward anything. Your surgeon who knows your condition well should know what is best, but it can't hurt to get another opinion or two. GL

~BB