ADR w/ Fusion with DR. BLUMENTHAL at TEXAS BACK INSTITUTE

**valandguin** · 05-18-2010, 04:26 PM

Boy, am I glad I flew all the way out to Dallas to have the best spinal surgeon in the country perform my back surgery. I suppose I am a little biased, as I am sure there are a handful of top-of-the-line ADR surgeons. But I believe that the Texas Back Institute is the best place in the U.S. for serious back surgery...especially ADR surgery.

I have a long history of back problems, at only 37 years old and 139 lbs. I had a laminectomy at L5-S1 in 2008 and two spinal blocks since then. The laminectomy precluded me from having two-level ADR surgery, but the fusion at L5-S1 is just fine. I have an artificial disc at L4-L5, so this allows for more movement and helps prevent future degeneration at L3-L4.

I feel great only 6 weeks out and just started physical therapy today. I think I am going to be virtually pain free and lead a normal life!! YEA!! I can also have a second child now.

I am just so thankful to have been able to go to Dr. Blumenthal. Insurance paid for the fusion, but we had to pay around $21,000 to TBI and another couple grand for airline tickets, hotel, car rental, etc. It was a lot of money, but you can't put a price on getting your life back at only 37 years old with a two-year-old.

If anyone is looking for an ADR surgeon, Dr. Blumenthal is terrific. I have perfect placement and feel great for the first time in years! He has done thousands and trains many other spine surgeons around the country. Feel free to email me with any questions. I know these decisions are scary and hard to make. I researched surgeons for months and spoke to several before making my final decision. I'm just so glad I made the right one!

Valerie Carter

Prodisc ADR @ L4-L5 - 4-2-10 Texas Back Institute - Dr. Blumenthal
Anterior Fusion @ L5-S1 4-2-10
Discogram - 3/2010
2 Spinal Blocks
Several MRIs
A million X-Rays
10,000 Lortabs / Percocets
Laminectomy @ L5-S1 - 2008
2 years of physical therapy

**KanRunMo** · 05-18-2010, 05:47 PM

You didn't say what kind of Artificial Disc they used on you. Would you put that on your "signature"? Thanks. It's wonderful to know that there is somewhere in the U.S. that is successful at ADR.

**Gilbert P** · 05-18-2010, 05:59 PM

Hi Valerie

To SPS and congratulations on a successful surgery Please take it slow and easy.
I tried to go to the TBI but to many bad levels They would not do more than two

You are one of the lucky ones

Take Care
Gil

**KBear** · 05-19-2010, 09:26 AM

That's great that you feel so good 6 weeks out. I second Gil on the take it slow and easy, which I know is hard to do with little ones. I go to TBI as well and love them, they are awesome. I had my surgery a little over a year ago and am waiting for the 2 year mark to have another baby (hopefully my body will be ready then).

**valandguin** · 05-19-2010, 10:13 AM

Thanks, Gil

Wow...I'm sorry about your condition. How are you treating your herniation from last month? I hope you are having some relief. That was the absolute worst pain I could ever imagine...My herniation in 08 had me on the floor unable to get up or walk. I had to take an ambulance to have my laminectomy.

I really hope you are ok.

Valerie

**valandguin** · 05-19-2010, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by KBear

That's great that you feel so good 6 weeks out. I second Gil on the take it slow and easy, which I know is hard to do with little ones. I go to TBI as well and love them, they are awesome. I had my surgery a little over a year ago and am waiting for the 2 year mark to have another baby (hopefully my body will be ready then).

I appreciate it, KBear. Wow, with my age, I was hoping to have a baby later this year. Did the doctors tell you to wait 2 years? I don't really have two years to wait. I'll be 38 in September. Do you think it'll be ok?

**Justin** · 05-22-2010, 08:45 AM

Hi Valerie,

Congratulations!

I've heard great things about Dr. Blumenthal. Texas Back is "stocked" full of incredible surgeons. I'm so glad that you are doing well.

**cheryl stewart** · 05-26-2010, 08:48 AM

Val, this is wonderful to hear! Does he also do cervical? Thanks for the information. Have a safe and fun MD weekend. God bless, Cheryl :thumpup:

**scduggan** · 05-26-2010, 10:15 PM

Dear Valerie,
Congratulations and Welcome to the website! I am so happy to hear your awesome news. I second the positive opinion of Texas Back. I also travel there from Nashville. I see Dr. Zigler. I am a little ahead of you but only one level. Good Luck!
CD

**KBear** · 05-27-2010, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by valandguin

I appreciate it, KBear. Wow, with my age, I was hoping to have a baby later this year. Did the doctors tell you to wait 2 years? I don't really have two years to wait. I'll be 38 in September. Do you think it'll be ok?

They didn't tell me to wait 2 years, though it was highly recommended (and I was definitely not physically ready before that). I was thinking of waiting to the 2 year mark, but now have jumped almost all the hurdles to be where I need to be to conceive. Just have to lose 15 more pounds, which I am working very hard on. Trust me, I completely understand the desire and rush with aging. My husband will be 39 in September and does not want to have kids past age 40, so it's a now or never thing for us. This has been one of the absolute hardest things for me with back issues. I have tried to convince myself that I could live without another one, I already have 2 and should be content with that; but I know I would regret it for the rest of my life.

Since I am in a clinical trial, I cannot be pregnant at my 2 year check, or they can't take images and they said without those 2 year images, all my trial data would be thrown out and that would just be wrong on my part to do that. Seeing as how that trial and surgery is the reason I have my life back. At my 1 year follow up I told them that I wanted to have another baby. They advised me that I could go ahead and get pregnant, but for the trial I would need to have had a baby and be in their office by May 17, 2011 for my 2 year follow up (that is the last day of the 'window' for my follow up). I had originally thought I would wait until after my 2 year check to do it, but if I can be ready soon enough I think we are going to go ahead and do it.