New Member in Charlotte, NC...Recurring Rupture at L5-S1...DDD Diagnosis

[NCgreg]

Hi everyone...I am a new member and hoping to learn as much as possible about others who have been in my position. Many years ago, I began noticing pain in my lower back which continually got worse until I reached the point of not being able to walk without excrutiating pain in left lower back and sciatica in left leg. After an MRI showed hernation of L5-S1, I had a micro endoscopic discectomy in August of 2007. While I never felt 100% after that procedure, I gradually got to the point where I was able to exercise and do some of the things I love to do. Little by little, the pain re-appeared and in mid-late 2010, I felt the familiar pain that suggested the same problem had returned. I tried PT which made things worse. I've been on and off pain meds for the last three years and am now constantly medicated with hydrocodone and anti-inflamm, which only dulls the pain and makes it more tolerable.
MRI in January of 2011 proved recurrent rupture of L5-S1. Through a relative, I learned about Dr. Dom Coric here in Charlotte and got an appointment for March 16. While waiting for this appt., I went through pain management and had two ESI's which only helped for a few days, then the same level of pain returned. No matter what I do, it only seems to get worse, then better, then worse again.

I just had the appointment with Dr. Coric tis past week and was very impressed with him all around. I have never met a doctor willing to spend as much time explaining and answering questinos as he did during this first appt. I am told I am a candidate for the Freedom Lumbar Disc study and have been given the option of surgery in April 2011. This is all very new to me, so any information I can learn about Dr. Coric and the procedure would be greatly appreciated. His credentials seem to speak for themself, but I was hoping to hear from some of his patients, particularly any that have received ADR using either Prodisc or Freedom disc at L5-S1.

4 years ago, I was in excellent physical condition...jogging, golfing, tennis, etc. Since then I have gained 35 - 40 lbs. and am unable to do much other than sedentary. I work in sales, so work contributes to the problem due to travel. I badly want to get back in shape, feel better all around and get my life back! Main reason...my wife is due to have our first child in August and I hope to have the worst of this behind me by then so I can be everything a Father and Husbnad should be!!!

Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
--Greg

[KBear]

Welcome to the forum! I haven't heard of that particular doctor, but I know we have members who have been in/ are in the Freedom Disc clinical trial. Sadly I get the decline in being in good shape, going to couch potato. I was injured when my second daughter was 2 weeks old and it all went downhill from there. I think most spine patients struggle with their weight and definitely with activity levels. Do know this is major surgery and can take 1-2 years to completely heal from. It took me 18 months to become pain free, though I saw major improvement at 9 months and 12 months. Oh and Congrats on the baby on the way! Mine is due to arrive on Friday!

[NCgreg]

Thanks for your reply! I will be checking back regularly to search / research and hope to hear more from others on the site.

I am on the fence only because I am scared of the serious risks. I am able to get around ok, with varying levels of pain, but have no ability to exercise and enjoy my active hobbies. Weighing the options of being a couch potato for the rest of my life versus facing the low percentage risks i read about.

I do understand this is a major surgery and makes me a bit nervous. When I had the discectomy, I didn;t do much research ahead of time because I was told it was very minor surgery...I wish I had looked into ti a bit further after hearing ADR seems to work best for those who have had minimal invasion at the problem area. Still, They tell me I am a perfect candidate for this study. I am on the calendar for surgery on 04/12/2011 and start the "interview" process with the study nurse here in Charlotte next Tuesday.

I wish you the best with your big day on Friday! We find out boy/girl on Thursday...

[odriscoll]

Hi Greg,
I had my L5-s1 disc replaced in December: I had a prodisc L put in. I feel great: I am so glad I went ahead and had this operation. While I suffered with post-surgery nerve distraction pain in my lower legs and feet, this has mostly resolved. I am already running on the treadmill and working out fairly aggressively in the gym.
Paul