L4-L5 Prodisc ADR removed and revised to XLIF and PLIF

**azennaro** · 08-26-2010, 11:15 PM

Hi Liz
You are an amazing lady to have endured what you have gone thru.
I am researching to have my nine year old Charite disks removed and fused. I also have badly degenerated facet joints and my surgeon also wanted to fuse the disks in place and cut out the facets. The disks have failed for a long time and I am pretty much 22 hours a day bedridden.
Your story has has given me alot to think about.
Your story bought me to tears.

how are you going, has there been any improvement?
Anna
azennaro@optusnet.com.au

**Susanna** · 08-28-2010, 05:18 AM

I can not thank you enough for your post! I think it is such a disservice from doctors that do not follow the guidelines for the ADR. For you to have had 6 doctors tell you that you were a candidate for an ADR is just wrong. It makes me angry. If it hadn't been for this group, I would also have gotten a Pro-disk in my L5/S1 area. But I know now that that is not the best thing for me.

I am having my surgery for fusion on Monday. And though I have some of my own fears about pain, I have spent the last 8 months laying down. I am looking forward to the beginning of the healing process.

I keep you and the others in my prayers as you heal. I applaud your courage and positive attitudes. Looking forward is what is important. Looking back does not one any good except to teach others so that they can learn.

Thank you for sharing!

Susanna

**Cindylou** · 08-28-2010, 09:18 AM

Liz, I don't know how I missed your original post in January, but when I looked at the date I understood better....it was right around the time my father-in-law died and we had flown to Connecticut for a week. You have been to hell and back. Thank-you for posting your revision surgery, because as hard as it was to read, it was probably harder for you to write and re-live it. But, oh what a service it will provide for those considering any type of revision surgery. How are things coming alone for you now? I wish you only the best and hope to hear from you......

**JK2234** · 08-28-2010, 09:51 AM

I just started to read this and got so scared i had to stop.

**KBear** · 08-28-2010, 12:39 PM

Liz, Like CL I'm not sure how I missed this in Jan. So sorry you had to go through this, no one should have to go through that. Thank you so much for sharing, as spine patients we need to know about the good, bad and ugly; we aren't doing anyone a favor by lying or sugar coating the reality of it. I knew revision was serious, but you just gave me an entire new understanding of what can happen. You are definitely had a great team of surgeons doing your revision, because it sounds like it could have been a lot worse. I'm praying for you and that you are having more pain relief than when this was written.
Thank you for taking the time to share with us,
Kathy

**claudia** · 08-28-2010, 03:19 PM

Hi Liz,

Your story made me cry. I remember your post when I introduced myself to the web site a few weeks ago and stated that I had scoliosis and I was considering ADR. Actually one of the surgeons that I saw told me that since my lumbar curve was not pronounced that I could be a candidate. I want to thank you for your post because if it weren't for you, I would still be considering ADR. You are such a brave person for having the courage to share your story and I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. I know that my situation doesn't compare to yours but I also used to be an athlete so I understand the frustration of not being able to do the things that you used to. I really wish you the best in the future and thank you so much for your courage.

Hugs,

claudia