New Member -- L5/S1 ADR Scheduled on 6/24

[Kraze Kat]

I guess since I'm new here I'll post a little bit about myself.

So here is a little background information.
I am a 27 yo female that has suffered back injuries from my job. I am military, stationed in Germany. A few years ago, I injured my back beyond repairs by lifting something that was way too heavy (because no one wanted to help and it had to get moved). Since then, it has been a downward spiral. Over the years, I have had all types of injections, physical therapy, and pain meds that never seemed to help. Due to the nature of my job (driver), I have been limited as to the meds I can take (as I cannot just have time off whenever I need it).

My life has been hampered up to this point as I am even afraid to travel (Which I love). In November of last year (2008), Once again the debilitating pain set back in to where I was picking someone up at the airport and suddenly was unable to walk (again). I managed to get her home and had to go directly to the civilian hospital. I was there for two weeks while they tried to figure out the best course of action. They wanted to do a fusion, but due to my age wanted to try a discoplasty first. They said if that did not work that they would then do a fusion. So I had a L4-5/ L5-S1 nucleoplasty. The hospital stay was terrible. Though I speak German, for some reason their regional dialect was so that they couldn't understand my "High German" and I could not understand anything they said. (Not to mention English is a requirement in German schools). So in a few weeks I went in for my checkup (still on crutches unable to walk) and let my Dr know that the pain was still terrible and there was not much improvement. He said everything would be ok. So when I returned to work and began physical therapy, the physical therapist said there was nothing they could do for me as I was in too much pain and sent me to the pain clinic (over a 2 hour drive away). So I continued to go every couple weeks for a series of treatments. It was after they ordered the MRI's that they realized that the nucleoplasty caused more damage to my L5-S1. The other level was ok, so I was referred to the neurosurgeon. They were way too booked, so I was sent to an civilian doctor (Dr. Feil) in Heidelberg (they agreed it was NOT good to return the hospital I went to previously). Here I was told that the only relief I would get would be from the disc replacement.
So, less than a month later, here I am freaking out with a surgery scheduled on the 24th of June. Unfortunately, it is a little hard for me to fully understand what some of you are going through as the process is different on the military side. Whereas you get to decide who is the best doctor, I have no choice in the matter. (I can only wish to have my own opinion.) The military tells me where to go and what to do. I have not much information which is why I came here. Until reading of others' experiences, I did even know what to expect. Also, I am already in Germany, so I will not have too far to travel (though I will be in a car for a couple of hours depending on traffic) I can not even begin to imagine having to go through airports and such. You are truly some strong men and women! Also, I will not be having the support of family and will have to do this alone (with my Fizgig). I also am uncertain as to if they may try to kick me out. If so, that would be yet another issue. But lucky for me I found you guys and am not freaking out as much as I would have been. Though my situation may be different, there are still many similarities. I hope to be as helpful to others as you have been to me. I also have the support of my little crazy kitty who senses something is wrong and has been being real nice to me lately. He's even been bringing gifts to me when I lay in bed, of drinking straws (his favorite toy) and little toy mice .
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it (sorta, maybe)

Cheers!!!

P. S.
I am also very long-winded and sidetracked easily (in case you didn't notice!)

[Justin]

Hi Kraze Kat,

Welcome to the forum! I'm sorry to hear about all of your spine troubles, but you've found a great place for support with incredible people. Good luck on the 24th with your surgery, and please ask all the questions of us that you need to--we are here to help support you every step of the way!

Your cat sounds like quite a friend! I know my pets have been such great friends during my recovery.

Once again, welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your story.

[Justin]

KK,

I forgot to ask you a question: what device are you having implanted? It is just the L5/S1 level, right? I noticed you said your L4/L5 still looked good after the nucleoplasty.

Good luck in the coming weeks!

[Kraze Kat]

Not quite sure. Either the Pro-Disc or Activ- L. Hopefully tomorrow I will find out everything I need to know. I go do all of the pre-op stuf in the AM. (Yay, another long drive)

[Justin]

Not quite sure. Either the Pro-Disc or Activ- L. Hopefully tomorrow I will find out everything I need to know. I go do all of the pre-op stuf in the AM. (Yay, another long drive)

Thanks, it was more a question of curiosity. Good luck tomorrow and drive safe. :thumpup:

[ajj1001]

Hope it goes well tomorrow, its a big operation to go through recovery by yourself. Daughter is in the military so know a little how it is. If you are not happy where they send you (ie he can't give you details of how many he had done with what success) then don't have the op done. Its a big thing to go into if not completely happy.

Is there not the option to come home for op and recovery period? Your recovery would be much easier with family/friends to help.

alison x

[KBear]

KrazeKat and sorry that you need to be here. I won't lie and say the surgery is an easy one; because it definitely was not. The good news is, that it has really helped me. I feel 75% better than I did pre-op and had the surgery 3 months ago. I had the Active L at L4/5. Sounds like the whole process has moved rather quickly for you and you got to skip the usual fighting insurance for the surgery you needed bit. I haven't ever heard of your doctor; but have heard great things about the surgeons in Germany (they are way ahead of the US when it comes to spine surgery). We are all here to help and answer any questions you may have, we've all been there, so ask away,
Kathy

[Cindylou]

I welcome you as well, KrazeKat. KBear (Kathy) is right in telling you it is not an easy surgery. I frankly don't know many that are, and I have had more than your average bear. My 3 lumbar ADR's (over in Germany too) were 26 months ago, and I am honestly just truly coming out of the woods. Mind you, I had other surgeries afterwards, but nonetheless, it is a roller coaster ride. That said, I am imagining since you are in the army that you are in good shape, which if that is the case, it will serve you quite well. Feel free to ask away. That's what we're here for. To help and encourage. We certainly do not pretend to have all the answers, but we likely will have quite a few for you. And it's just plain nice to have support as you wade though all your options in pain. Take care.

[Gilbert P]

Hi Kraze Kat

I would also YOU to the greatest spine site in the world
I read your post on other sites and yes the Germans are the best in the world at ADR surgery

I wish you the best

Take Care

Gilbert p

[New-disc]

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