Grade 1 Spondylolisthesis -- Spinal Fusion?

[Carmen]

I am very interested in what you had done in Germany? I noticed the doctor's name is the same one that I viewed on their web site. Was it all worth it. $$$



I was never tested in school for scoliosis since they did not test at that time. I was the only one in my generation to have the affliction. One or two of the second generation did have it and had the necessary surgery at age 13.
I have gone to chiropractors, massagers, and various kinds of doctors all my life and no one picked up the fact that I had scoliosis.

Finally when I could not walk any more I did go to a surgeon that took a x-ray and it was apparent.
First, of all I have had pain injections, physical therapy and am currently receiving a massage once a week
and chiropractor manipulations twice a week. I do back exercises and stretching every day. I am still active but have recently noticed my blood pressure increasing when trying to do it all. I go to a nutritionists, internist,and an allergy doctor on a regular basis. I will add to this when I think of something else that would be beneficial
to know.

Scoliosis and multilevel severe degeneration if the intervertebral disks
Marked multilevel facet arthrosis
Fusion of the L5 and S1 vertebrae
Grade 1 spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 and L5 and S1
Slight antherolisthesis at L3-4
Multilevel asymmetrical neuroforaminal narrowing.

[Carmen]

I am very interested in what you had done in Germany. I think you had the same doctor that I viewed on video from the web site adr.com Do you th$$ink it was all worth it? $

[Justin]

Hi Carmen,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society! Drs. Bertagnoli and Fenk-Mayer performed a two-level artificial disc replacement on me in 2003 at 23 years old (lumbar levels L4/L5 & L5/S1). I had another surgery performed by the good doctors in May 2009 at 29 years old -- a dynamic stabilization system by Paradigm Spine at L4. I am off all of medications and I have no residual leg or back pain.

Once again, welcome to the Forum.

[Cindylou]

Hi Carmen, to SPS. Peruse the forums. There is lots of valuable information here. I hope we can be of assistance to you, if need be. Again, welcome! A great group of supportive folks here. :thumpup:

[Carmen]

Thank you very much. I could use all the support that's out there.
I am interested in dynamic stabilization and wonder if anyone is using it in the U.S. Carmen

[Justin]

Thank you very much. I could use all the support that's out there.
I am interested in dynamic stabilization and wonder if anyone is using it in the U.S. Carmen

Hi Carmen,

I know Dr. Kenneth Pettine has been using the Dynamic Stabilization System by Paradigm Spine. He is located in Loveland, Colorado. His clinic was extremely helpful before my operation with Dr. Bertagnoli.

Here is his website: Rocky Mountain Associates in Orthopedic Medicine P.C. -- Dr. Kenneth Pettine.

I would also contact Paradigm Spine directly regarding providers in the United States: Paradigm Spine's Website.

[KBear]

and good luck with your research.

[Carmen]

Thank you very much for your kind welcome. I am learning so much from this forum that I do not know how I would have survived with out it. And to think I am just starting. All of you are well past me. I do not know what kind of information I can expect to hear from the doctor when I go on Jan,. 4, 2010. Have any of you that have the same problems that I have could let me know what your doctor told you. I would like to be a little ahead of the game on Monday when I go. Not so sure I know what all to bring to my first appointment. Definately scared, going by myself.

[ajj1001]

Not so sure I know what all to bring to my first appointment. Definately scared, going by myself.

A list of questions and something to note down what you are told. If you can take someone with you then that really helps. My other half always remembers far more than me. My last appointment my youngest daughter (18) came with me and was very helpful. Even after 9 years of appointments I still find them very traumatic and the stress make me need someone.

[Carmen]

A list of questions and something to note down what you are told. If you can take someone with you then that really helps. My other half always remembers far more than me. My last appointment my youngest daughter (18) came with me and was very helpful. Even after 9 years of appointments I still find them very traumatic and the stress make me need someone.

I will try and think of someone that my want to go. I also think it is a good idea to bring someone along. Thank you for this good suggestion. Carmen

Do you think a tape recorder would help. Carmen