Gearing up for ADR surgery

[ouch2]

Hi All!
The countdown is on. I injured my back almost two years ago and had all the conservative treatment the first year, After meeting with many surgeons during that time with different options from discectomy to fusion, I had a two level discectomy/lami last July.

The surgery was not successful, so here I am six months later, worse off than ever. Thankfully, I met another great surgeon, and I am now scheduled to have adr surgery (Maverick) at the L5/S1 level in less than a month.

I am very excited but also very nervous about the whole thing.

For those that have already had an ADR, did you find that your surgeon was realistic with restrictions and recovery time? Just hoping to have an idea as to when people started to feel better, were able to walk without a walker/cane, when they started physio, when they could drive as a driver and a passenger etc. I have heard that with fusion, it takes six months to start to feel better and then a year+ to heal. How is it with ADR surgery?

Look forward to reading everyones posts and learning from others experiences.

Take care!

Karen

[Genn]

Hi Karen

Congrats on the Surgery date!! Feb 6th will be here quick!

I noticed in your post that you are having the Maverick ADR implanted Where is your surgery taking place?

I think everyone would agree the nerves are normal.. I am 6 days away and am definitely feeling them! LOL

I'm sorry to hear the first procedure didn't provide any relief but, I've heard great things w/the Maverick and, there are many success stories on here with people that are now back to living, and pain free!

All the best and I'll be following your progress as well!!

Lots of calls to make Talk soon

Goodluck!

[ouch2]

I am Canadian and am having my surgery here. Very thankful for our healthcare system here, as the surgery is covered 100% and although there is usually a very long wait to get in to see a surgeon (have waited 6 months for one of my opinions) I was very fortunate to get in to see my surgeon very quickly. Are you in the U.S.? Have they used the Maverick there in the past?

Fingers crossed for you with your phone calls Gwenn!


Karen

[New-disc]

Thankfully, I met another great surgeon, and I am now scheduled to have adr surgery (Maverick) at the L5/S1 level in less than a month.

I am very excited but also very nervous about the whole thing.


Karen

Karen,

I've had great luck with the Maverick disc.... before surgery I walked with a limp for almost 7 years..

One year after having surgery I completed a 10 mile Mountain hike... it's now been 4 years and I'm still doing well...

It took me 6 months to see/feel the bigger benifits of ADR surgery...

Best of luck with your surgery!

No heavy lifting....

[ouch2]

Hi New-Disc,

Thanks so much for your reply! It is so great to hear that you are doing so well with the Maverick disc four years later.

I have watched your you tube videos and they were great to watch. Wow! Hiking, can't imagine doing that right now, but I have hope!

How soon did you start physio after your surgery?

Got a walker yesterday to get ready for after surgery. I currently walk with a cane, and have since my discectomy last July. Will be getting a grabber, as I have heard that they are very helpful. I am blessed with a wonderful husband that I know will be very helpful during recovery.

Well...three weeks from today...

Karen

[trkdoc714]

Karen,

Good luck with your surgery. You might be surprised at how little you'll need the walker after surgery. I used one for the first and second days after surgery. After that I was able to walk on my own. Like Todd, I lost my limp and for the first time in a few years wasn't worried about having to find somewhere to rest on a walk.

Bob

[New-disc]

Hi New-Disc,

Thanks so much for your reply! It is so great to hear that you are doing so well with the Maverick disc four years later.

I have watched your you tube videos and they were great to watch. Wow! Hiking, can't imagine doing that right now, but I have hope!

How soon did you start physio after your surgery?

Got a walker yesterday to get ready for after surgery. I currently walk with a cane, and have since my discectomy last July. Will be getting a grabber, as I have heard that they are very helpful. I am blessed with a wonderful husband that I know will be very helpful during recovery.

Well...three weeks from today...

Karen

*
Karen, I started using home treadmill 3 months after my ADR surgery .... light stretching / warm baths

Please keep us all updated with your progress

Todd

[Victoria]

Hi All!The countdown is on. I injured my back almost two years ago and had all the conservative treatment the first year, After meeting with many surgeons during that time with different options from discectomy to fusion, I had a two level discectomy/lami last July.The surgery was not successful, so here I am six months later, worse off than ever. Thankfully, I met another great surgeon, and I am now scheduled to have adr surgery (Maverick) at the L5/S1 level in less than a month.I am very excited but also very nervous about the whole thing.For those that have already had an ADR, did you find that your surgeon was realistic with restrictions and recovery time? Just hoping to have an idea as to when people started to feel better, were able to walk without a walker/cane, when they started physio, when they could drive as a driver and a passenger etc. I have heard that with fusion, it takes six months to start to feel better and then a year+ to heal. How is it with ADR surgery?Look forward to reading everyones posts and learning from others experiences.Take care!Karen

Hi Karen, wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming disc replacement. I have postings under the outcomes labeled NuVasive clinical trial lateral incision. It wil give you a play by play of my recovery. I was also on a cane before I went in. I don't think I used it once I got home which was the following day after my surgery. I am now 3 months post op and have been in the gym going on a month. It took a few weeks but I have been able to add to my workout every few days. I am still careful about bending, twisting and sitting for long periods but actually have a quality of life back. Please feel free to email me if you have questions: victoriaigloi@verizon.net. Take care! Victoria