C5/C6 and C6/C7 -- Artificial Disc Replacement?

**davemmevad** · 11-20-2009, 10:12 AM

Hi All,

I'm Dave and I've blown C56 and C67. Hmm, that pretty much says it all, eh?

Basically they have both started to occupy enough of the spnal canal that there is no fluid left surrounding the cord at either level, and I'm gettin all sorts of fun tingly, num, weak, spastic, blah blah blah symptoms all down my body. The worst is in my left arm, but if I am jolted, jostled or jerked around it can be anywhere. The neck itself has started to hurt to, just the last few weeks.

Things for me started getting bad about a year and a half ago riding a BMX track with my then 8 year old. I didn't crash, but still took a couple hard landings, and the camel gave up during the week after. But the basic symptoms have been there for years longer, I've just worked around them. How it really started is anyones guess, from bad genetics, to rodeo as kid, to skiing, motorcycles, car accidents, skateboards...you get the picture. but in the last year, I've had to go from always active to basically inactive, because the jolt from scuffing my foot on the sidewalk can be too much for me.

My local doc can do a hybrid with a prodisc up top, and if I'm cheap I'll do that. The diagnosis is pretty much done, I'm just reaching the decision point as it ain't no little thing. I'm looking at 'medical tourism' because I thnk there are better solutions, but I'm getting worse quick, and need to get on it. So here is where my head has been at lately:

Stenum, Dr B or Dr Z. -
Stenum - they could see me in 2 weeks. I love the M6 idea, but I just don't have faith in a man made material like that remaining flexible and crack free for 40years +. I'm 46, I'm not dying soon, and I don't want a planned revision. sux, because this really seems like the best idea, but my gut says no.

Drs B & Z - I still need to contact Dr Z, and have started the process with Dr B. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping both like the Mobi C or similar unit with mobile UHMWPE componant. I do. It isn't perfect, but the reduction in debris from friction is important. Again, that 40year plan.

So, there you go - right in the middle of the though is where I stop. I should add though, that I am also considering Asia & India for the surgury too, but I don't know how seriously, and it seems hard to track down solid info on the surgeons there. I'm not in the mood to take one for the team here and just try it out (that 40years thing AGAIN), so if you have any input that'd be great.

Thanks!
Dave

**Justin** · 11-20-2009, 12:27 PM

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I'm glad you found us, but I am sorry that you have significant cervical spine issues. It definitely sounds like your spine has been through a lot with all of the rodeo, skiing, motorcycles, car accidents, etc.

You have certainly done your research and you are looking into great surgeons (Drs. Zeegers, Bertagnoli, Ritter-lang, etc.).

I have heard great things about Dr. Wicharn Yingsakmongkol at the BNH Spine Center in Bangkok, Thailand. I have also heard good things about Dr. Nanthadej Hiranyasthiti (aka "Dr. Golf") at the Bumrungrad International Hospital.

I hope this helps. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me.

**KBear** · 11-20-2009, 05:02 PM

to the site and ask us any questions you may have, we are here to help. I had surgery in the US and didn't research overseas; but have heard great things about Stenum and Dr B. Good Luck and I'm sure more people will speak up soon with more info than I have.

**Dave** · 11-20-2009, 06:11 PM

Hi Dave,

Been there done that on the neck issue. Same levels as you. I had Prodisc's installed in June, 2008 and have had great success with them. Wear on any artificial implant will happen over time, especially when they are used for 40 plus years. I considered that when I had the surgery, but felt it was still better than fusion. Who knows what they will be able to do 20-30 years from now if they do wear out.

I have two more levels that are going bad in my neck, and will consider Prodisc again if I can get the insurance company to buy into a total of 4 levels.

Good luck on your research.

**KBear** · 11-20-2009, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Dave

Hi Dave,

Been there done that on the neck issue. Same levels as you. I had Prodisc's installed in June, 2008 and have had great success with them. Wear on any artificial implant will happen over time, especially when they are used for 40 plus years. I considered that when I had the surgery, but felt it was still better than fusion. Who knows what they will be able to do 20-30 years from now if they do wear out.

I have two more levels that are going bad in my neck, and will consider Prodisc again if I can get the insurance company to buy into a total of 4 levels.

Good luck on your research.

Dave, that was exactly my reasoning too. I thought if the ADR could 'buy' me 20 or so years, by then taking them out will be alot easier and I am sure there will be something bigger and better.

**Gilbert P** · 11-20-2009, 10:03 PM

Dave

I will say more when i get my arms back

GIL

**Cindylou** · 11-21-2009, 07:46 AM

Welcome Dave,

You have done some excellent homework already. Good for you. And it does sound like the clock is ticking with your significant symptoms. It seems we do pay, when we play, no?!

I am still able to keep my neck symptoms at bay with radiofrequency ablation, thank goodness. My surgeries have been in my back for a bicycle fall, and years of hard skiing, cheerleading, etc.

I personally went to Dr. Bertagnoli in Germany for my 3 lumbar ADR's. You are definitely on the right track in your search for a top doctor. Glad Justin had some names in Thailand. He is a wealth of information, as are so many folks on this site. I personally have issues with Stenum but numerous folks speak very highly of it from their own personal experience.

My best to you in your search for the right spine solution for you.

**ajj1001** · 11-23-2009, 04:22 AM

Hi Dave, you are definitely doing the right thing thinking in the long term. I was hoping for 10 years out of my lumbar adr but that didn't happen

.

All the best for finding a good solution

alison x

**davemmevad** · 11-23-2009, 12:51 PM

Hi All,

First off, thank you for all the support - I know you've been here yourselves, and it's great. I also have to put a shout out for my wife who has been an angel in this - I know I'm a pain to live with these days.

Anyway, over this weekend I decided to go with the M6 and Stenum. I'm looking at January 8th for a date. Honestly, I'm still uneasy about the polymer in the M6, but a decision had to be made. I'm starting to get pain in the neck itself, and am afraid if I wait too long I'll start getting some facet involvement. I also know my C7T1 is questionable, and C45 isn't great (age on this one :-) ) so ultimately it came down to:

1) M6 is shock absorbing and will further protect adjacent segments and the vertebra themselves
2) M6 is contained and should creat less debris for potential reaction by my body (I have Celiac Disease, and several drug allergies, so I feel if anyone could develope a reaction to the UHMWPE debris it is me)

Sooooo -- here we go! Mortgage the farm and yell at the insurance :-). Excited and afraid at the same time.

I'll keep you all filled in...Hmm, a new soap - As the neck cranes....

Peace,
Dave

**KBear** · 11-23-2009, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by davemmevad

Sooooo -- here we go! Mortgage the farm and yell at the insurance :-). Excited and afraid at the same time.

I'll keep you all filled in...Hmm, a new soap - As the neck cranes....

Very well put, it is exciting to know it is just around the corner; but scary knowing it is just around the corner. It didn't really hit me that it was all for real, until the night before in the hotel room, thinking, wow, I am going to wake up tomorrow and have a major operation (I had never even had a operation, prior to that)