[Artificial Disc Replacement / Revision] Failed Artificial Disc Replacement, need revision surgery

[Katie]

Here's a link. Google this... cell saver blood recycling, and look at this link that comes up.
Do you really need back surgery?: a surgeon's guide to neck and ... - Google Books Result

by Aaron G. Filler - 2004 - Health & Fitness - 336 pages

It has a really good explanation on how they do it with filters and anti-clotting. Fascinating stuff.

[mark-Perth]

Ill reply to somke of the questions here. We also have the cell saver over here as well. My doctor also had me give some blood a week before surgery so they had my blood if needed as well as to be sure they were 100% correct with the blood type. My OP was about 7hrs due to the difficulty the surgeon had so I lost alot of blood and needed both the cell saver and the extra blood I donated. I dont think I had anyones elses blood but was told that I had a transfusion with my blood. I was told that he didnt cut anything major but just lost alot of blood just cause of the length of the OP.
When I was born I also had 3 blood transfusions due to probems and we also had problems in Aus with bad blood that had diseases which is pretty horrible to think can happen. Luckily I didnt effect me but it make you weary in the future. My surgeon also told me that the amount of blood lost will vary depending on whether you smoke or not. He said if he cuts a smokers artery it will only dribble out so isnt a problem but if somone who has never smoked often there is alot of blood loss. My surgeon always has plenty of blood ready just incase cause if there is heavy blood lose the cell saver isnt quick enough where the transfusion blood can be pumped back in quicker.

Blood lose during a revision anterior operation usually does lead to quite a bit of blood lose. From the articles I have it seems to be on average of 2 litres but upto 5lt. Some articles have said the vascular complications following repeat anterior operations up around 90% with about 10-20% death rate in those. It definately serious but its worth it for a better result. They can also remove the dics through the lateral (XLIF) approach and the blood loss through that approach is minor as it avoids the vascular complications but is harder and often requires more bone removal so has its downsides. I think they prefer to attempt the anterior approach an abort it if its too hard.
Its a horrible thought but a good vascular surgeon seems to be able to get it right.
Thanks for the advice

Mark

[mark-Perth]

Hi Cindylou

Thanks for the advice. I agree that my surgeon doesnt have enough experience. 1 removal that didnt go well is not good enough for me. I also think that the surgeon should know the lateral approach incase it is not possible to get the disc out through the front. That just make sense. Hopefully it can be fixed, thats all I hope and definately want it removed as I want to have the best chance of living painfree, If thats at all possible. Hope that you are not suffering in pain, you sound like you have had a lot to deal with yourself?
Thanks
Mark

[mark-Perth]

Hi Katie

Thanks for the kind words. I know that letting it get me down is just going 2 make me worse so ive just got to move on and move forward. No spinal surgery is without risks unfortunately, I hope that yours is more sucessful than mine.
best of luck.
Mark

[mark-Perth]

I just wanted to say sorry to everyone for my bad spelling earlier in the post and in the future, Im way to tired to be on here.

[KBear]

I just wanted to say sorry to everyone for my bad spelling earlier in the post and in the future, Im way to tired to be on here.

Don't worry, we are all too drugged to notice!

[Justin]

Hey Mark,

I hope you have a great day today! Exciting things are right around the corner for you.

Be well mate,

[mark-Perth]

Thanks Justin

I hope so soon. I dont have many doctors left now to ask so it cant be to much longer thankfully
You have a great day 2

Mark

[mark-Perth]

Least im not the only one on drugs
life would be damn miserable without them I do know that.
Take care
Mark

[mark-Perth]

Heya everyone

Just wanted to put a quick post up reagrding everything. Justin must be pyschic for his comments before. I had been talking to him so he was aware that I thought I had finally found a surgeon but unfortunately it fell through and they wanted to fuse the disc in place.
But just round the corner it now looks extremely likely that I have finally found the right person for me. I am so excited that someone is willing to remove the disc and fuse me straight through the lateral approach and is confident that they can safely do it and get a great result. Its so good to know that I can have just one surgery instead of many and have it safely removed by someone with experience instead of fusing it in place. Thats the last thing I wanted and it was starting to look like that was the only option I had. Thank god I have finally have hope now.
Hopefully the waiting list isnt to long and will let you know more when I get a date for surgery, I have my passport and bags ready to go. I cant wait. Yeh

Talk 2 U soon

Mark