NuVasive eXtreme Lateral Total Disc Replacement (4/20/10, L4-L5)

**dancen1** · 03-30-2010, 06:50 AM

Hello, I am haveing a NuVasive eXtreme Lateral Total disc Replacement. I am excited but would like to hear back from any one who has had this done by Dr. Dryer and any tips you can offer for before during and after!

**Justin** · 03-30-2010, 06:19 PM

Hi Dancen1,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

There are a few Spine Patient Society Members that recently had surgery with Dr. Dryer. Their experiences are in the Surgical Outcomes Forum. It sounds like Dr. Dryer is a great surgeon. The NuVasive XL TDR is an awesome device.

We are here to support you.

**dancen1** · 03-30-2010, 10:26 PM

Hi, I am having my L4-L5 XL TDR by Dr. Dryer April 20. So is going back to work after two weeks a do able thing or should I plan on another week? I was told I would be #15 in the study. I looking forward to the surgery but nervous at the same time, not really know what to expect after wards. Does he give you pain meds for the recover period and what exactly is the recommended recovery period?

I do feel pretty blessed to have met this Dr., he plays tennis with the Dr. I work with so he hooked me up with him.

**scduggan** · 03-31-2010, 10:32 PM

Dear Dancen1,
Welcome and Congratulations on getting a surgery date.

It will be here soon. I think the XL TDR is very impressive. Good luck and keep us posted!

CD

**Cindylou** · 04-02-2010, 09:37 PM

Dancen1, welcome!

Just a word of caution: you will not be ready to go back to work after two weeks. Slow and steady wins the race. Everytime. I wish you the best.

**Katie** · 04-03-2010, 12:01 AM

I had the XLIF fusion done on my L4/5, and compared to the anterior approach for my L5/S1, it is night and day. The same with the Nuvasive NeoDisc in my C5/6.

I swear that if I hadn't had the L5/S1 done, I would have been able to dance out of the hospital. There is very little pain or swelling at the L4/5, as no nerves were cut or really disturbed, and the incision is only about two inches long. Except for not being able to lay on that side, I would barely know it was there....amazing, compared to the next level down which had to go through the muscles and ligaments.

I would not advocate going back to work in that short a time, but it certainly is much less invasive than the normal way of doing things.

**dancen1** · 04-04-2010, 12:36 PM

Thank you all for the words of encouragement. :thumpup: I am now a little more at ease and excited about the surgery after hearing from all of you.

I have tried to "practice" slowing down and taking things easier before the surgery as a preparation. Katie thank you for the encouragement about almost dancing out of the hospital, that really makes me smile to think of. My husband plans on taking off to make sure I don't over do it (he knows me too well)

. It is two weeks count down and I am excited after each of your responses. Thank you all for your advise, I am hearing all of you and will take it slow and easy for a few weeks.

I will keep you posted.

**dancen1** · 06-06-2010, 01:10 AM

It has now been 7 weeks since my surgery and I am doing wonderful, better then I expected. I have back pain at all.

I am still dealing with slight hip numbness, knee pain and a sluggish bowel but other than that it is nothing like the pain of a ruptured disc! When asked by the doctor if I was glad I had it done I was and would do it again. The Central Texas Spine Institute team is excellent, especially Amy who is such an encouragement.

If you are thinking about the XLTDR I would say to you to do it. :thumpup:

**KBear** · 06-07-2010, 07:58 PM

That is great news! So glad it has helped you so much

**KanRunMo** · 06-07-2010, 11:23 PM

I have talked with Texas Spine Institute in Austin, TX. They told me to send in my CD MRI and report which I just mailed today. They won't take the MRI by email. However, I doubt if they'll take me but here's hoping!