Countdown Commencing (Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery)

**bigdogchief76** · 03-08-2011, 02:18 AM

So, I had to go pick-up my back-brace today. The thing is huge. Any helpful suggestions from past ADR patients on the use and wear of the thing?

I have an appt with hospital on Wednesday at 0800 for lab work and anesthesia discussion. While the surgery keeps getting more and more real to me, I'm still waiting for the bombshell of cancellation, simply because of being gun-shy from the last round of all of this.

I had a really rough weekend with pain spells; jacked up my plans of catching up on work at the office. Hopefully I can manage this week and part of next so I can have everything in place during my leave of absence.

**Cindylou** · 03-08-2011, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by bigdogchief76

So, I had to go pick-up my back-brace today. The thing is huge. Any helpful suggestions from past ADR patients on the use and wear of the thing?

I have an appt with hospital on Wednesday at 0800 for lab work and anesthesia discussion. While the surgery keeps getting more and more real to me, I'm still waiting for the bombshell of cancellation, simply because of being gun-shy from the last round of all of this.

I had a really rough weekend with pain spells; jacked up my plans of catching up on work at the office. Hopefully I can manage this week and part of next so I can have everything in place during my leave of absence.

Hey Matt,

I had the mammoth back brace as well. All I can say is wear it religiously, per your doc's instructions. It also serves as an obvious reminder to all the bumbling, callous, strangers in the world to not knock into you!! Wear it proudly so it shows.

Sorry you had such a rough weekend. Hope you can be more productive this week. You're almost there! Cindylou

**KBear** · 03-08-2011, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Cindylou

Hey Matt,

I had the mammoth back brace as well. All I can say is wear it religiously, per your doc's instructions. It also serves as an obvious reminder to all the bumbling, callous, strangers in the world to not knock into you!! Wear it proudly so it shows.

Sorry you had such a rough weekend. Hope you can be more productive this week. You're almost there! Cindylou

I second that, helps to have people be more careful around you. Also makes it where you don't have to explain why you are walking so funny. LOL They gave me this wimpy little brace, that I felt didn't do much, so I went and bought a better one at a medical supply place. You will be glad you have the big one.

**Gilbert P** · 03-09-2011, 10:34 AM

Hi Matt

Sounds great to getting the surgery you so need

Is you brace like a turttle shell? I would suggest walking with a cane, for bracing and fending people away from you( protection)

God Bless

Gil

**KBear** · 03-09-2011, 11:25 AM

I used a walker, then a cane. I would recommend having one of each.

**bigdogchief76** · 03-09-2011, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by Gilbert P

Is you brace like a turtle shell? I would suggest walking with a cane....

It is like a turtle shell. I'm guessing for a back-brace (never had one to judge this) its top of the line.

I've been walking with a cane since December; I have to use one for support because of how my pain radiates down the left leg; when it hits in the right spot it can floor me.

MB

**Justin** · 03-09-2011, 08:49 PM

As others have stated above, the back brace will help "alert" people to stay away from you (not run into you). I wore mine per my surgeon's instructions and I also wore it a lot while sightseeing in Germany post-op.

**trkdoc714** · 03-10-2011, 05:59 AM

Find a way to attach a few toy rockets to the back of the brace. That will really keep people at a distance.

That's a shame about the bug going through the house. You definitely don't need that at this stage.