Need Lots of Info and Support (Artificial Disc Replacement)

[pixie]

hi.
have anterior bulges l4/5 l5 si with annulus tear in disk.symptoms lower back pain and feels lke i have electric currants down both legs into feet 24/7.cant get reffewrral appt for 2 yrs.just got some info on dr in quebec.would like to know if anyone has gone to alphaklinik,now called atos klinik in germany?i have applied thru ohip.
im also to have discography and have been literally having anxiety attacks over it im so scared.im so afraid to make the wrong decision.maybe i should do nothing until the pain is unmanageable.on fentanyl patch and 40 mg morphine,350 mg lyrica daily.so happy to talk to people in similiar situations.any info appreciated. thanks kelly

[scduggan]

Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry you are here but am glad you found us. There are a lot of folks here who have had spine surgery abroad....mostly in Germany. They will be able to give advice. I can give some comfort about the discogram. It is not fun but the fear of it is worse than the reality. It is over quickly and it is not like you are a stranger to back pain. Just my two cents, but waiting until things are completely horrible is not a good idea. Hang in there! Someone will weigh in soon about the clinic in Germany. Good luck and keep us posted.
CD

[Justin]

hi.
have anterior bulges l4/5 l5 si with annulus tear in disk.symptoms lower back pain and feels lke i have electric currants down both legs into feet 24/7.cant get reffewrral appt for 2 yrs.just got some info on dr in quebec.would like to know if anyone has gone to alphaklinik,now called atos klinik in germany?i have applied thru ohip.
im also to have discography and have been literally having anxiety attacks over it im so scared.im so afraid to make the wrong decision.maybe i should do nothing until the pain is unmanageable.on fentanyl patch and 40 mg morphine,350 mg lyrica daily.so happy to talk to people in similiar situations.any info appreciated. thanks kelly

hi
i am 48 yrs old-worked as rpn(registered practical nurse)and pharmacy tech.hurt my back lifting pt in 2003.in june 2008 started having lower back painand in november i also had numbness and tingling both legs.mri and ct scan shows anterior disc bulges l4/5 l5/s1/and tear in annulus l5/s1.been off work since nov 2008.cant see neurosurgeon in canada for 2 yrs.heard about alphaklinik in germany and have been in touch.they want me to have discography pre op to determine if endoscopic abrasion or adr is needed.
i am very scared about making the wrong decision.i need to know how painful discography is because im terrified about it..anyone been to germany alphaklinik since dr zeegers left??i found dr zeegers at betaklinic.it lists him as consultant.need some advise.my family dr says no surgery but im already taking morphine and on fentanyl patch.any answers for me??
thanks pixie

Hi Kelly,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with spine issues. The Alpha Klinik has had some changes in the last couple of years. Dr. Zeegers new contact information can be found here: Dr. Willem Zeegers New Contact Information / Website.

Discography is a helpful diagnostic tool, especially for Spine Patients dealing with multiple-level spine issues.

When was your last MRI / CT scan performed?

I know you are in Canada, so waiting for answers is the "name of the game" (as I have heard from Spine Patients in Canada and on this Forum). Have you considered looking at other surgeons in the United States, Germany, etc. for surgical evaluations?

Please keep us posted and we are here to help. Once again, welcome aboard.

[Dave]

Hi Kelly and welcome.
Based on the meds that you are currently taking to help you function, waiting until it gets worse before acting is something I wouldn't personally do. It sounds like the pain is already hard to manage. Hang in there. There are many hear to support you.