Failed ADR (Charite L4/L5 & L5/S1, 2001)

**azennaro** · 04-11-2010, 09:13 PM

Hi Im Anna Im new to this site, of course like most people desperately looking for help or advice. I had the Charite prosthectic disks placed in Aug 2001 in L5S1 and L4/5 . I have never been ok since the operation limited walking and standing, limited excercise as the more I do the more in pain I am.In the last 4 years I have steady gotten worse to the point that any amount of walking over 10 minuntes I have to use a wheelchair. It is fairly obvious that something is chronically wrong.I had degenerated facet joints prior to the operation, at the time I was one of the first patients in Australaia to have disk replacement.I would like to hear from anyone that has had revision surgery where the last disk has been fused, as to whether it made any difference and was the disk removed succesfully.I am desperate so any overseas surgeons names that can do this operation please email me on azennaro (at) optusnet.com.au
Gasping at anthing at the moment, the thought of living the rest of my life having to use a wheelchair is so crippling.
Cheers Anna

**Justin** · 04-11-2010, 11:58 PM

Hi Anna,

I am sorry that you artificial disc replacement device has "failed." Have your local surgeons commented about your situation and have they proposed a surgical intervention? Also, have you had any recent imaging studies to help shed light on your current situation?

There are quite a few surgeons in the United States that have done artificial disc replacement revisions (some fuse the ADR in place and some explant the ADR and subsequently fuse).

We are here to support you.

**Katie** · 04-12-2010, 11:34 PM

There was a fellow Australian who had revision surgery in Brazil about a year ago or less. His was from the Maverick disc, not the Charite, but I don't think it matters to this surgeon.

To find some information about him, go to the main page for the forums, to the bottom where it says
Domestic and International Travel for Spine Treatment

Then go to the subtitle: International Travel for Spine Treatment

The following page will have a link for
Dr Luiz Pimenta BRAZIL

In that thread, you will find a story started by markPerth, who had the revision surgery done by Dr. Pimenta.

Because of it, I contacted Dr. Pimenta and recently had three level spine surgery done in both the cervical and lumbar levels which was complicated because I could not have any metal used because of allergies. Dr. Pimenta was the only one world wide that I could find to help me.

While mine was not a revision surgery, it was a bit different and I received excellent care with him. If you would like any more information about him, please feel free to ask.

All the best, and I hope you find relief quickly.

**jss** · 04-13-2010, 01:15 PM

Anna,

What a terrible story. I don't know of anyone that is a guru in removing ADRs. There are two online services that help people find doctors/procedures in other countries; healthbase.com and planethospital.com.

I had a double ADR in Spain (Dr Pablo Clavel, Barcelona Spine Center), and I don't see how I could have asked for a better outcome. While there can be a number of benefits to receiving treatment in another country, be aware that there are many risks if there are complications or a bad outcome. I say all of that to encourage you to do a lot of research on your selection if you do elect a foreign venue for treatment.

Good luck, Jeff

**KBear** · 04-13-2010, 01:35 PM

I have no expertise in this area; but wanted to say welcome to the site. I'm sorry you are having to go through this and hope people on here can help you.

**scduggan** · 04-14-2010, 05:01 PM

Dear Anna,
Welcome to the website.

I could not be more sorry for you and your situation. I have no wisdom or advice other than you found a GREAT place for help and people who care. Good luck with your search!
CD

**Gilbert P** · 06-04-2010, 05:51 PM

Hi Anna

Were did you have your surgery and who was your surgeon??

Sorry things did not work out for you, but many have had great success with ADR

Take Care

Gil

**linda** · 06-04-2010, 06:05 PM

Hey Anna,
I'm so sorry for all you have been through. I also have no clue as to where you should go but wanted to welcome you to the site. There is another site called ADR support but you have to be a member now to see the surgical outcomes section. However, the guy who runs that site had the Charite put in and he is very proCharite...Another one is ISpine and you don't have to be a member there to read everything. I wish you luck on your search.
Linda

**linda** · 06-05-2010, 09:18 PM

Hey Anna,
There is an ADRsupportuk site and there is a guy named Brian McCarthy that had a revision from the Charite. It is a long thread about 10 pages and it is under surgical outcomes. I didn't read it all but it also looks like there are some more similar stories on there. I'm not a member of any of those sites - just visit every once in awhile. SPS is my one and only. Anyway, I hope you are doing okay today.
Take Care,
Linda

**ajj1001** · 06-06-2010, 04:06 AM

Hi Anna, sorry I missed your thread, I have had a two level discogram and am struggling to recover.

I have had a revision of a charite last year. I had surgery in 2002 with L4/L5 & L5/S1 and it is the bottom one that has been fused with the disc left in place. This has allieviated some of the problems I had but the fusion has not fully happened yet and I still have problems.

I'm having the further investigations to see if there is anything more that can be done or its just live with it.

alison x