[Artificial Disc Replacement / Lumbar] 2 Level Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

[rhatzy]

Bob,

You were in columbus and didn't give me a call? We could've had a beer and toasted the good life.

Mark

[trkdoc714]

Mark,

It was a late meeting, 10 PM dinner (at Ocean's in Easton) on Tuesday then met with his staff Wednesday morning before the drive back to Dayton. If I get back up there, I'll make a beer with my favorite AA employee a priority.

Being out of the office with the people I work with is like being the heavy sleeper in the Donner Party.

I hope all is well,

Bob

[Cindylou]

Bob,

Thanks for the great post and what a milestone. Congratulations! I am so happy for you. And I appreciate your perspective, truly. God bless, CL

[KanRunMo]

what a wonderful story! Thank you so much for taking the time to write on your 2 year anniversary.

[trkdoc714]

Three years ago I was wondering/ hoping I had made the right choice by going to Stenum for ADR surgery. The first two surgeries only degraded my condition, making me feel old before my time and limiting me severely in all activities. It was being suggested that I probably qualified for early retirement from a disability standpoint.

As well all know, friends and family have a hard time understanding what spine patients go through 24/7. It's difficult to explain without sounding over dramatic (constant pain all day, all night) and describing the type of pain (have you ever chewed on a piece of aluminum foil?).

I was very fortunate to have had the surgery just as the discs were degrading at a more rapid pace. The CT Myleogram taken in July, 2008 compared to the MRI in March, 2009 showed a dramatic change in L4/5 and increased disc height loss of L5/S1. After 2 discectomies/hemi-laminectomies, numerous ESI and nerve blocks, I was tired of the pain that took over my life. I couldn't be a husband or father and the company I devoted many years to was easing me out of the door. I was clearly out of options. I was facing a 4 level laminectomy with fusion at 2 and possibly all levels. As my PCP put it: "They're going to fuse your vertabrae through your abdomen then flip you over and add some steel rods".

I was more fortunate that my surgeon spent nearly an hour with an exam, review of my films, frank discussion of his proposed treatment as well as the risks involved in the procedure. I felt like this was the least invasive of the procedures offered by a variety of surgeons. I decided to travel to Germany for the surgery.

The memory of the surgical experience is still pretty vivid. The clinic is a great example of German efficiency. I was examined again, blood drawn , X-Rayed and assigned a room in just a few hours.

The morning after surgery, as I was gotten out of bed and walked a few hundred feet down the hall. I was exhilarated. No pain. None. After an hour or so, I asked to walk some more. By the next day I wasn't using a walker or a cane and I increased the distance and time I walked. By day 3, I was walking all over the grounds and walking trails.

I didn't experience any nerve type pain until I returned home. The 20 hours of flight/ layover time, hauling my bags though customs and TSA security took it's toll. I had 4 or 5 down days before I started feeling better. A bout with constipation (I was warned) and a nasty virus gave me a week of a relapse for each event. Then I steadily improved day over day until I started PT. The improvement sped up quite a bit and by the 12 week mark, I was only limited due to my surgeon's instructions. After all I'd been through, there was no way I was going to break Dr. R-L's instructions.

Looking back over this last three years, it's difficult to imagine the daily grind of pain and calculations of the meds it took to stay ahead of it. My first milestone was the photo I have on my profile. That's my son and I 14 weeks after surgery. It was Myrtle Beach, SC. We were there for my oldest daughter's wedding. I got to walk her down the aisle. I couldn't have done that 6 months earlier.

Sorry to type so much but three years ago I had no idea I would have returned to a normal life. Just as it seemed I was at the end of it all, Dr. Ritter-Lang gave me my life back.

Thanks Chief!

Bob

[helmut]

I have been thinking of you guys, I am glad to hear that you are still doing very well Bob!
I am also extremely happy with my back these days, should it stay like this for the rest of my days I would be more than happy and very satisfied. I feel that even though I was able to walk without problems and felt way better rather quickly after surgery, the true recovery takes time. I had one set back when I put my daughter to bed, holding her and leaning forward to not wake her while putting her to bed, I heard and felt a pop in my back and the muscles in my back got very sensitive for a few weeks. It's all better again by now and I am very happy with my M6. As I am techincally minded I am still wondering what hat pop could have been, as if something popped one way and then back into place.
Whatever it was, feel great.

All the best to you!

Helmut

[Justin]

Congratulations on the milestone, Bob! It's so great to read just how far you have come. Thank you for the time you spend helping others here at SPS!