[Artificial Disc Replacement / Lumbar] NuVasive XL TDR® (Total Disc Replacement)

[JenniferC]

Hi Katie!

I found out about disc through my surgeon. Finally! I had an answer and diagnosis after years of p/t, shots, you know the drill!!!!! He left it completely up to me, but it was go on in pain (grin & bear it), fusion, or see about the trial. The reps that work for Nuvasive with the doctors (the gals ) were so very helpful and patient with me because I called and asked them soooo many questions. I thiink my "setback" was due to doing too much too soon. I still really feel crappy, but only one more day til Husband returns!

I'm super excited that I had found this forum. It's so neat to hear from others! So your disc is ceramic? Hmmm.
Let's keep in touch since I'm #1 guinea pig in Texas and you'll be #1 in Canada!!!!! I see your picture with the horse. Did you injure yourself riding??? I took two horrible falls off of horses. The last one did me in and turned my "bulged" disc into mush. What sucks is..I love horses-they just don't love me I guess.

Anyhow, interesting you are going to Brazil. I've heard that overseas they've done this type of procedure for awhile I had just never heard of it here in the U.S. My device is a metal one. I'm going to post my x-ray when my husband gets back. Is your Dr. in Brazil one of the first to do this? And yes, mine was done laterally.

Take care,
Jennifer

[Katie]

Hi Jennifer! It's so nice to talk to you! I hope I can answer your questions, but I don't think I know all the answers ;-)

First the horses...no, I didn't get hurt in a riding accident, although all those years of tossing bales of hay probably haven't helped me, except to stay in shape...such a trade-off! I am a driver, not a rider really, although I have taken quite a few lessons over the years. I started off jogging the harness racers back in high school, and then progressed to Combined Driving competition over the years.

How about you...what dicipline have you been enjoying? Western or English riding? I used to love riding on my friend's large ranch in BC...thousands of acres to cover, looking for cows in the spring and fall.

I'm hoping to get back at driving when I'm 'fixed', in the lower, safer levels of course. The marathon carriages have great suspension and brakes, etc. so are pretty safe and comfortable as long as I don't flip it ;-) The horse in my picture was my first one ever of my own, and he died at the age of 28, five years ago. I had him from a young foal and trained him how to drive...he eventually pulled our wedding carriage...that photo is from that day, just a year before he died.

I hurt my back initially by lifting something from my right side while sitting, about twelve years ago. It only bothered me occasionally until about four or so years ago, when it came on strong and hard.

As for surgery, I don't have many choices...it is either a ceramic ADR or fusion for my neck, so I'm taking ceramic ;-) The fact that it's in Brazil is both scary and exciting at the same time...I get to travel internationally for the first time ever, except for the US, but not sure I'm going to get to play tourist very much. I think Dr. Pimenta and his group are the only ones to be using this disc, and have done so for about a year, I think.

Can you PM me with the name and contact information of the Nuvasive 'gals'? I'd love to talk to them about the CERPASS as soon as possible, as discussing it with Dr. P is quite costly on the phone, and emailing is short and sweet ;-)

I'm starting to look forward to the trip...it is getting close and I'm searching for the best air fares, etc. Money is quite the issue, as it is for most people I guess.

I don't know how you are managing without your hubby around! That is such a full time job

Keep us posted about your progress. I'll be having three lumbar as well, and am scouring the posts for recouperation stories ;-)

[Suprajoe]

Jennifer,
Sorry to hear that you are in a little bit of pain. Please let me know how you are doing. I am getting very nervous about my surgery. It is in a little over a week, but I know Dr. Dryer is awesome!
Joe

[JenniferC]

Hi Joe,

I had a little setback this week, but I am feeling better. My husband travels so basically I'm in carge of animals, kids, house on acreage, with no one to help so I try to be superwoman.

Hubby comes home tonight so I will be "forcing" myself to lay around this weekend. I had called and spoke with Dryer & Wupperman's nurse after the pothole incident and she was a great help. Basically she said ice and rest. I was (and am) doing too much. Soooo......iced myself and slowed down and doing better. Don't be nervous...I feel this disc is going to be something exceptional for people. I've had 2 kids, but never really "put under" so yeah...I was real nervous. The hospital staff was great and to be quite honest, I remember talking with the anesthesiologist and Nuvasive gal right before my operation and nothing after that! Woooo...I was hitting the button every ten minutes! Nurses were so nice. The worst pain was getting out of bed to walk every so hours in the hospital. If you'll be # 2 that will be cool. Please feel free to call me if need be. I've heard nothing but good news with Dryer. Sure you've spoken with Amy or Celeste? Call them too and bug them, I did!!! Amy's cool. I talked with her after the pothole "incident. Very professional.

Take care (#2???),

Jennifer

[JenniferC]

Hi Joe,

Just checking in to see if you've had your surgery? Hope I'm doing these replies right? I'm so new to this. Best of luck and wishing you the best outcome! You are in great hands!

Jennifer

[Suprajoe]

Hi Jennifer. No surgery yet. It is on March 9th. I am so excited! Although this is going to be a tough weekend for me. I have to go to Dallas, I'm giving a speech at the Microsoft campus. I don't like driving for that long and on top of that I will be on my feet all day Friday, then a drive back home on Saturday. I absolutely love my job but because of my back and neck, this is the part I don't like. However, we are getting that taken care of!!!!

[JenniferC]

Hey Joe,

Do you work for Microsoft? Funny we used to live near the HQ in Redmond, WA. Never ran in to Bill, though
Ok, so it's the 9th...will be keeping you in our prayers. After surgery I really don't remember the week or so after. It'll all go so quick. Hang in there....

Jennifer

[JenniferC]

Hi all!

I am going on month 7 with my new disc. Any others out there with updates on how you're doing?
I still had pain off and on at my six month appointment so I've been quite frustrated. Please give me any updates! I'd love to hear from anyone else in the study.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[Keano16]

Sometimes longer period is needed to be pain-free or almost pain-free... Good luck

[trkdoc714]

Jennifer,

I've read where some patients have little or no pain from a few weeks after surgery. Others report back they had a little relief for months then it just went away one day.

Can you tell a gradual lessening of pain month over month since surgery?

I hope tomorrow is the morning you wake up and ask, why doesn't my neck hurt?

Bob