Deciding on surgery?? (Artificial Disc Replacement, Lumbar Spine)

[kimgleason]

After a lifetime of back 'issues', felt that my 2002 microdiscectomy had cured me. I was virtually pain free for 7 years. Then low back pain with occasional excrutiating flare ups began August 09. Diagnosis is DDD - L4-L5 is collapsed and to quote the doctor - is 'shot'. Have tried all conservative treatment with virtually no difference in pain levels. I think I have become used to a life where I don't pick things up off the floor and I don't bend over the sink to brush my teeth! Doctor said I am in the sweet spot for ADR surgery - all my other discs are 'pristine' and I am otherwise in good health. My hesitation is that I have days where I get by just fine - ask me on a bad day and I'd sign up for surgery then and there! Just have to weigh the risk/reward of a life of 'getting by' versus major surgery. I have 2 daughters (8 and 10) and a fiance - so I have a full life ahead of me that I would like to enjoy.

[KBear]

Welcome to a fellow Texan, I'm in Denton. Just curious who are you seeing? I went to Texas Back Institute in Plano and saw Dr. Zigler pre-surgery. I ended up being in a clinical trial since insurance wouldn't pay and Dr. Blumenthal at TBI does my follow up. I absolutely love the practice and have lots of confidence in them.

[kimgleason]

Have been seeing Patel at TBI for conservative treatment, but met with Zigler a few weeks ago when we decided we had exhausted all the conservative options. He thinks I'm a good fit for the ProDisc but it's up to me - he said I have no facet joint issues now, but that will change over the next few years and then I'll be stuck with fusion. Trying to decide if should go elsewhere for a second opinion....may go to surgeon who did my 2002 surgery - Andrew Dossett. But am feeling pretty confident this is the right choice..

Good luck with your new baby! My baby just turned 8

[kimgleason]

Oh...and we are hoping that my insurance (HOPING!) will cover it. I have Aetna and they have been one of the better ones to deal with, I understand. More to come on that, no doubt. Did Zigler do your surgery?

[KBear]

Oh...and we are hoping that my insurance (HOPING!) will cover it. I have Aetna and they have been one of the better ones to deal with, I understand. More to come on that, no doubt. Did Zigler do your surgery?

He didn't, but only because I was in a clinical trial. TBI had finished all of their patients for their location, so I went to Miami, FL and had the co-inventor of the Active L do it. I really liked Dr. Zigler and felt like he was honest and really cared. I had to take my youngest daughter to my appointments and he was always so nice about it, even talking and playing with her.

On second opinions, I would definitely get one or two more, just so you can be sure you are a great candidate for surgery. My thinking is one doctor might miss something, but the chance of three missing it is slim. I saw another TBI surgeon for one of my surgical opinions (he was in the Denton office- but I really didn't like his attitude.) I told them I wanted a second opinion and none of them seemed fazed by it, or like it hurt their ego- LOL.

And thanks, my oldest will be 8 in July, my how time flies! So excited to meet this one.

[Justin]

Hi kimgleason,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I'm sorry that you are dealing with spine issues; however, we are here to help. In terms of having ADR surgery: the good thing is that the rest of your lumbar spine looks great. Some would argue that now would be the time to have surgery before you start having issues with your facet joints from ongoing degenerative disc disease.

In terms of moving forward with surgery: it's definitely a gut feeling. It's hard when you have days when you feel well and you think that you don't need surgery. This is very common preoperatively--many Spine Patients report to feeling great before surgery. I believe this is in part due to one's mind "preparing" for surgery (getting reading mentally for a major traumatic event).

It's always a good idea to get a couple surgical opinions, but in your case it really sounds like a pretty straight forward case. Of course, I say this only based on your post above (so take this with a grain of salt ).

I was seen at TBI. Great place with great surgeons!

Good luck and please keep us posted!

[bigdogchief76]

Welcome and comfort extended to you.

Which of AETNAs plans do you have?

Having just come out of L5-S1 Pro-Disc L surgery (6 days post-op), let me encourage you that if done correctly and you are indeed a good candidate, it can be positively life changing. For the 1st time in years, I have no discogenic pain symptoms.

That being said, I suggest a few more opinions from Dr's.

Also suggest getting thoroughly familiar with your insurance plan. Ain't nothing worse then getting all of the Drs opinions and having red tape bs insurance dictating what you can or cannot have. Make yourself "lawyer" smart with insurance; it will pay in the end.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

MB

[kimgleason]

Thanks for all the support! I read too much on-line and read many horror stories so it's nice to hear some positive experiences as well. I know that only I can make this decision but it's nice to have a place to vent and know that people understand what I am going through. Appreciate you all!

[Justin]

Thanks for all the support! I read too much on-line and read many horror stories so it's nice to hear some positive experiences as well. I know that only I can make this decision but it's nice to have a place to vent and know that people understand what I am going through. Appreciate you all!

You'll definitely hear a disproportionate amount of "bad outcomes / horror" stories online. Most Spine Patients that do well post-op move on and don't post on the Forum as much. Those with problems continue to post and look for answers--that's why many of us hang around to lend support to those that need it.

We are here to support you.

[I Suffer]

I was told that ADRs over rotate. The may be OK for the low back but I don't know.