[Artificial Disc Replacement / Lumbar] Lumbar L4/L5 & L5/L6 (S1) Prodisc-L - Cathy......Dr. Bertagnoli May 26, 2009

[KBear]

Well and I've now gone to every other day. Today and Wednesday were days without any percocet. They weren't any worse than the last month or so since I've really been pushing the medication reduction. Not too bad all things considered, but not great either.

I hurt sort of all over, though it is a low pain level. I am tired, not sleeping well, except when I use Ativan at night. And I am grumpy.

I thought my PM doctor appointment was a week later than it is, the appointment is next Thursday. I should be off the meds before I see her, but I was hoping that I would really be done with the withdrawal period too. I don't think that's going to happen. I expect the withdrawals are going to last for a week, maybe two after I stop completely.

I really want to feel physically better, like I have over several periods of time since the surgery. And I want to feel better psychologically, I need my motivation and happiness back.

I just keep thinking to myself that this is temporary, and if I stick with it, it will get better.

I feel the same way, withdrawal SUCKS! I am so ready to be done with this and feel better. I am having more trouble getting off the anti depressant than I did getting off Vicoin and Morphine, crazy. Hoping you feel better soon.

[treefrog]

Wednesday will be one year since my surgery, and I wanted to let everyone know that I am doing great!

No pain, no other symptoms. I do have a spot of numbness still (been there since I woke up after surgery) at my upper thigh, groin area. If it was caused by Dr. B. touching a nerve during surgery, would it take more than a year for it to repair itself, I don't know.

I have to have an x-ray, which I actually need to call and request from my doctor. I have been so busy at work, that I forget to call and ask. I think I can get them to order the x-ray, and then make an appointment after the x-ray, so that the doctor can get the x-rays looked at before meeting with me.

No progress on the insurance. I have called twice to get an answer on what exactly they want/need, and no one calls back. This next time I will tell them that I will call them back at a specific time to get an answer. I don't know if that will actually work, but this is getting ridiculous - which I am sure is their strategy for wearing me down.

I am still extremely happy that I made the decision to go to Germany and have Dr. Bertganoli do my surgery. I only wish I had tried to get it pre-approved by my insurance, with the help of Dr. B's office. I think it is much more difficult the way I am doing it, after the fact.

[KBear]

So glad you are doing so great! That's awesome news!

[Cindylou]

Boy, I missed this post. Glad you are doing so well treefrog!!! Good for you!

[Gilbert P]

Hi Cathy

I also missed this post , Its great to hear you are doing so well, This really lifted my hopes, I will try to get pre approved before any surgery.

Gil

[treefrog]

Yes, I think there was some glitch when I posted, so that it didn't bump my thread to the first page.

I have now gotten one more check from my insurance company. It was only for the evaluation fee to Dr. Bertagnoli, before going over for surgery, but it has gotten my hopes up. It was about 66% of what I paid, which is not bad. I am still waiting for word on the bulk of my surgery. I check the mail every day expectantly.

I had my 1 year x-ray and everything looks good. I was noticing how much more I could bend for the extension and flexion views, than I could at 6 months - it really feels like a big difference. And I can remember how I was feeling at 6 months, and there was still some pain. It is a very noticeable difference between 6 months and 1 year - and I expect that there will still be a little more improvement noticeable at 2 years.

[Cindylou]

IT ALL SOUNDS GOOD CATHY! So happy for you!!!

[Gilbert P]

Cathy

That is Great
I just received a cost from Dr B for four levels $ 68,800 plus travel and room I guess that not going to happen

Keep on Moving forward

Gil

[KBear]

Cathy- That's great, your improvement sounds just like mine.

[treefrog]

2 years post-op report.

Well, tomorrow will be 2 years since my ADR surgery. Thank you Dr. Bertagnoli!!!

I am pain free, and was able to travel half way around the world for a fabulous vacation with my sweetie, for our 20th anniversary. Sitting in an airplane for 16+ hours wasn't entirely pain-free, although I don't know if it would be for anyone. But, I was able to bounce right back with a good nights sleep. I was able to hike and walk, and even danced for hours one night.

I am doing really well. And I am so happy that I took a leap of faith, and traveled to Germany for this surgery. And I have to thank my sweetie, for traveling with me, and for supporting my decision.