Former Amateur Athlete and Law Enforcement Officer -- Lumbar Spine Problems

[John L]

Hello all,

I'm relatively new to this forum. I lurked for a while, looking for information, but decided to sign up, chime in here and there and hopefully get some useful information, as well as to be an ear/and shoulders for others. Briefly, I'm a 45 yo male, former amateur athlete and law enforcement officer, who injured my back a LOT worse than I had thought at the time (14 years ago). Like many of you, I toughed it out (using just Ibuprofen for the 20+ times that it went out, making movement almost impossible, crawling, then using crutches, then being able to walk after anywhere from 3-5 days each time, with yes, debilitating PAIN), was patronized by GP's a few times over the years, finally to get an accurate diagnosis by a well respected (that's being modest) Ortho Pratice, Denver Spine, just over a year ago. They informed me that I have 21 perfectly healthy discs. However, L1 is 50% DDD, due to a compression injury (probably from my linebacker days, but that injury really doesn't bother me), it's the 75-80% DDD in my L4/L5 that makes life miserable, far too often.
Right now, I basically walk around on egg shells, trying not to tweak, wrench, or throw my back out completely. Yes, a guy that used to bench press 375#, now can hurt his back, sneezing, bending over (if not perfectly) even just to get say, a baking pain, or even fishing, for crying out loud! :/
I came across this site, and that of Anastasia, and was pretty much brought to tears thinking, "They are going through the very same things, some of them even a whole lot more...". Do know, that my heart goes out to each and every one of you, and I appreciate your willingness to share what you know, what you've experienced, and how you've dealt with it, so that others can make informed decisions, and make the best of their present and future circumstances.
Right now, as many of you know, insurance does not often cover ADR procedures. I was told that my only medical options, were either a fusion (which the Doc said to avoid and hold off of as long as possible), or, an ADR (which I should be a decent candidate for). I was surprised to see just how many devices are on the market. I've heard and seen what some of the less desirable ones can do, and am very interested if anyone could point me in the direction of the most promising possibilities, so, that when I am able to find a viable option, that I make a good decision. Again, ALL of your input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for all that you do, God Bless, have a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to hearing from you and exchanging ideas in the future. Take care. - John

[John L]

Hello again,

Sorry to have forgotten some other pertinent information (it happens). I can relate to all of you that have had failed operations. I had "corrective" eye surgery back in 1994, and it went very badly (to the point that I have significant night blindness, triple vision, major halos, etc., to the point that my only option in order to have my vision restored as best as possible, would require a double cornea transplant, ). So, again, I know what it's like to supposedly be seen by an "expert", be told that "you're a perfect candidate", and "you'll have no problems", etc., only to have to live with the devastating results (and then shunned by the "dr.") of a botched procedure. Looking at me, you'd think that I'm just fine, but we all wear masks and try to reduce our limitations, or put our best foot forward, often times, in order to spare the feelings of others.
With major back problems tho, when your spinal cord is being pinched, there's no way to hide the pain, and those are the times that I withdraw, try to tough it out, and ultimately, that there will be a viable option going forward, and that I won't have to live in this "medical limbo" that I find myself in today. After my accurate diagnosis, I went through 4 months of PT. It did help a bit, but only in helping to reduce the amount of meds that I take (I hate to take anything really, but am forced to at times). So again, any words or seeds of wisdom that this forum could provide, I will be very thankful to receive. Again, take care, and God Bless! - John

[John L]

Beuhler, Beuhler, anyone, anyone...?

[KanRunMo]

John,
I know people are just on vacation etc at this time of year or there would have been many that would have answered you. People who get relief from their surgery, either fusion or ADR, go on with their life and we don't often hear from them again. At this point, most people who get ADRs have to go out of the U.S. The most common doctors are Dr. Boeree in England, Dr. Clavel in Barcelona, Dr. Ritter-Lang in Germany and Dr. Pimenta in Brazil. Most doctors in the U.S. go with fusions although there are exceptions in Texas, California and New York but not normally for multi-level ADRs. I would be going to one of those out-of-country doctors if it wasn't for the cost. Most med. insurance will not pay for it. Do a search on "M6" and M6 L or lumbar and see what you find since it seems to be the most advanced (it appears) ADR.

[KanRunMo]

Many people are out there listening to you, John. They are trying to think of help for you. I'm certainly still recovering from the holidays.

[trkdoc714]

Sorry for the late comments John.

Your story is similar to mine. Accident 20 ~ years ago. Brought to my knees by using a squeegie on the shower panels and again by bending over to pick up construction debris.

My advice would be to roll your sleeves up and start researching viable options. Living in debilitating pain can be more life altering than undergoing a surgical procedure.

The ADR vs Fusion decision is up to your resources (insurance or savings) but as far as the number of devices out there, there aren't that many approved by the FDA and the overseas surgeons have just a few they prefer. The M6L has almost a cult following (for good reason) due to its overwhelming success, the ProDisc, Active L and Maverick discs are all good discs.

The important thing is for you to find the surgeon and procedure you are comfortable with. Ask the questions about your pathologies and which device(s)/ procedure(s) are appropriate for you. Don't try to make the device/ procedure fit you. There is no "one size fits all" answer to spine problems. Once you are convinced of your course of action, keep the most positive attitude you can for both the surgery and (most importantly) in your recovery.

I hope this helps. Let me know if I can help,

Bob

[Kimberly]

Hi John,

I too have been away from my computer and not around the site much over the holidays.

I am sorry to hear of all that you've been going through with your spine and it sounds like you are no stranger to the pain and debilitation these problems can bring. I would echo Bob's comment that there is no "one size fits all" solution for spine problems. For some, ADR is the best option while for others (like me) fusion was the best choice. Fusion does get a bad rap, but for many folks it can be a much better solution.

You've gotten some good advice above, and I agree that doing your homework, trusting your Dr. and exhausting ALL conservative options before you opt for a surgical solution is soooo important.

Also, never underestimate the power of staying positive. It can be reallllly hard to do when living in mind-numbing pain and the depression that oftentimes comes along for the ride, but try to hold on to the hope that you WILL find a solution, you WILL find relief and you WILL have better days ahead.

Feel free to PM me or throw out any questions you might have. If I can help at all, it would be my pleasure.

Hang in there,
Kimberly

[Kimberly]

Oh, btw....

My first major herniation was from coughing. Next one was sneezing.

Not very sexy, but not that uncommon from what I hear.

My friend threw his back out putting a plate in the dishwasher.

Go figure.

[Justin]

Hi John,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

As other have mentioned, this time is year is slow for the Forums--most people are on vacation visiting family.

The important thing is for you to find the surgeon and procedure you are comfortable with. Ask the questions about your pathologies and which device(s)/ procedure(s) are appropriate for you. Don't try to make the device/ procedure fit you. There is no "one size fits all" answer to spine problems. Once you are convinced of your course of action, keep the most positive attitude you can for both the surgery and (most importantly) in your recovery.

I quoted Bob's comments / advice above, as they should be taken to heart. There are many procedures available to Spine Patients; however, you must find a procedure that fits your pathology and that would be best in your situation. Disastrous results can occur when someone pursues an option that is not truly suited for them (for example: having an artificial disc replacement device placed when a spinal fusion was the best treatment option). Be careful with a surgeon that can offer you an operation that "seems too good to be true" / or an operation that other well-respected surgeons have deemed contraindicated in your situation.

Once again, welcome and I wish you the very best. Happy New Year!

[Victoria]

Hello all,I'm relatively new to this forum. I lurked for a while, looking for information, but decided to sign up, chime in here and there and hopefully get some useful information, as well as to be an ear/and shoulders for others. Briefly, I'm a 45 yo male, former amateur athlete and law enforcement officer, who injured my back a LOT worse than I had thought at the time (14 years ago). Like many of you, I toughed it out (using just Ibuprofen for the 20+ times that it went out, making movement almost impossible, crawling, then using crutches, then being able to walk after anywhere from 3-5 days each time, with yes, debilitating PAIN), was patronized by GP's a few times over the years, finally to get an accurate diagnosis by a well respected (that's being modest) Ortho Pratice, Denver Spine, just over a year ago. They informed me that I have 21 perfectly healthy discs. However, L1 is 50% DDD, due to a compression injury (probably from my linebacker days, but that injury really doesn't bother me), it's the 75-80% DDD in my L4/L5 that makes life miserable, far too often. Right now, I basically walk around on egg shells, trying not to tweak, wrench, or throw my back out completely. Yes, a guy that used to bench press 375#, now can hurt his back, sneezing, bending over (if not perfectly) even just to get say, a baking pain, or even fishing, for crying out loud! :/ I came across this site, and that of Anastasia, and was pretty much brought to tears thinking, "They are going through the very same things, some of them even a whole lot more...". Do know, that my heart goes out to each and every one of you, and I appreciate your willingness to share what you know, what you've experienced, and how you've dealt with it, so that others can make informed decisions, and make the best of their present and future circumstances. Right now, as many of you know, insurance does not often cover ADR procedures. I was told that my only medical options, were either a fusion (which the Doc said to avoid and hold off of as long as possible), or, an ADR (which I should be a decent candidate for). I was surprised to see just how many devices are on the market. I've heard and seen what some of the less desirable ones can do, and am very interested if anyone could point me in the direction of the most promising possibilities, so, that when I am able to find a viable option, that I make a good decision. Again, ALL of your input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for all that you do, God Bless, have a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to hearing from you and exchanging ideas in the future. Take care. - John

Hi John, thanks for your service in law enforcement! I had problems for years with my back, did pt, yoga, injections, laminectomies and discectomies but after ADR am finally pain free and am back at the gym! I was willing to pay outta pocket to go get ADR but found a research study and ended up having surgery with dr. Eric Spayde in thousand oaks ca. I am in the NuVasive clinical trial. I have posted on the post surgical outcomes if you want more details. For me the ADR surgery changed my life, or I could say gave it back to me. 3 months ago I was hobbling on a cane barely able to care for my children and extremely depressed. I went to several doctors and got a lot of very different opinions. So be diligent with your research! Best of luck in your journey!! Victoria