Extreme Lateral Total Disc Replacement Surgery

**Alex** · 03-10-2010, 09:13 AM

Hello, everyone....I stumbled upon this website last night as I was feeling a little nervous about my pending surgery. On 3/16/10 I will be undergoing the new XL-TDR surgery (still in clinical trials). I saw a few posts from people that have had this surgery and have had good outcomes.....that was sooo reassuring!!

BTW I can totally relate to the whole "feeling like a guinea pig thing".
I am 33 and have always had back pain but thought it was normal since I was so active. I am a USN vet, currently a civilian. I had my first child exactly 1 yr ago and that pregnancy brought on DAILY back pain (which my OB said was a normal symptom of pregnancy). I figured it was since my baby was rather large at birth 9lbs 1oz. When my son was 5 months old, I happened to be bathing him and then I was unable to stand up. That's when everything started. I tried chiropractic care and it got me to the point where I was able to go back to work (but was enduring a lot of pain---which again....I thought was normal). In January of 2010, while again, bathing my son, I apparently re injured my back but this pain was 100 times worse. I was in tears and shaking from this pain......and I have a pretty good pain tolerance (I had a 9lb baby for Pete's sakes!). I returned to the chiropractor---no relief, in fact it was worse after disc decompression therapy. I was referred to an ortho OD, who would try oral steroids, pain meds, IM shots and eventually caudal epidural--without success......and so now, here I am....after seeing South Florida's most elite spinal surgeons, Dr. J. Hyde, pending this surgery. My other option is a fusion....and if this doesn't work....I may have to end up doing that. BTW, forgot to mention that the ortho OD never looked at my MRI, he merely read the report....Dr. Hyde looked at my films and immediately diagnosed me with transitional spine (congenital spinal anomaly) and I almost cried....what a relief to finally meet someone that knew what was wrong with me ALL this time!!! This led me to wonder if I have Bertolotti's syndrome, considering my age. Anyway...I have a ruptured disc L4-L5 and transitional spine, weakened ligaments in my sacrum.
I am hoping to read some more positive feedback about this surgery......thanx, everyone!

**Dave** · 03-11-2010, 04:45 AM

Welcome Alex

**Katie** · 03-11-2010, 06:11 AM

Hi Alex, and welcome! I'm a member of the 9 lb baby club too

I wish I could offer more than this, but it sounds like you are finally in good hands. It is hard to believe that you have suffered for so long without anyone thinking it was a problem.

I'm scheduled for surgery next week, so we can share the pre-op jitters together

I wish you all the best, and will be watching for your successful posts soon. Maybe someone can chime in about the exact surgery you are having...

**Alex** · 03-11-2010, 08:14 AM

The surgery I am having is a total disc replacement with a minimally disruptive lateral approach.

**scduggan** · 03-12-2010, 05:45 PM

Dear Alex,
Welcome to the website.

I have done a little bit of research on XL-TDR and I think it sounds facinating. You have jumped through all the hoops to get where you are. The road to spine surgery is a long one. You are so close! I think I remember a gentleman in his 50's who just had this surgery in San Diego. His outcome was very positive. I know it might seem a little scary to be in a trial but there are several upsides. They usually have the top docs doing these trials and there is a great deal of oversight for you and your surgeon. I think also that your candidacy means they feel really good about your chances for a great outcome.

They want good numbers and are therefore very PICKY with patient selection. Good luck and keep us posted.
CD

**Alex** · 08-30-2010, 10:15 AM

Hello everyone! My back has not been an issue for me...however, my hip (the side where they approached my back RIGHT) has been bothering me.... wondering if it's related to the surgery. IDK

**KBear** · 08-30-2010, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by Alex

Hello everyone! My back has not been an issue for me...however, my hip (the side where they approached my back RIGHT) has been bothering me.... wondering if it's related to the surgery. IDK

It is common to have what pain from surgery for a few months after surgery, from the trauma of surgery. Most call this distraction pain. However, I would still discuss it with your surgeon since it has been going on for 5+ months.

**Katie** · 09-01-2010, 10:52 AM

Hi again Alex! So the surgery was good? I started having fairly strong back pain at the site of the original pain a few weeks ago and was very worried.

It turns out to be ligament pain, and my chiropractor diagnosed it yesterday and did some simple moves with an activator to release the tension in the area. It was weird...the area he was working on wasn't near the low central back pain at all, but it worked! I'm virtually pain free again after a couple of weeks of misery and fear.

He just worked on the tight areas with thumb pressure on the points, as well as his little 'thumper' and I was amazed at the results. I really hope this is something just as simple with you. And welcome back to the world of the living

**Cindylou** · 09-02-2010, 10:10 AM

Alex, if it's a new pain that you didn't have prior to surgery it could very likely be a temporary thing. But as Kathy suggested, best to consult with your surgeon about it. One thing I have learned in all my years of dealing with back pain is, the more adjectives I can use to describe my pain, the onset of pain, what makes it worse, does anything make it better, and always what number is your pain, you get the idea......it really does help the doctor during the physical exam. Hopefully, it's nothing more than what Katie experienced, but see what your surgeon says. We're here for you. (Katie.....

awesome news on your outcome! Yay!!)