[Artificial Disc Replacement / Lumbar] Peter's Story two M6-L

[petrkr]

Hi everyone,
I have been lurking on here for over 8 month. I am 2 weeks away from finals for my first year of grad school and 3 weeks from my trip to Stenum (Dr. Ritter-Lang).

My surgery is scheduled on the 17th, unless something changes. I am expecting to receive Two (2) M6-L at L4-L5 and L5-S1.

I will describe my journey in more detail and explain how I arrived the my decision. I wound similar post helpful to me when I was going through my thinking.

I have spoken to about 7 US Stenum patients on the phone. Each one was a great person and many had a surgery within the last 4-12 months with couple past the 12 months mark. All were pain free and could not say enough good things about the facility and the people. Each one would have undergone the surgery again if they were back in the place where they were before and knew what they know now.

I got another recent MRI and I also got a bone scan of lumbar and hips completed (I will see result later) to make sure everything is in order to receive M6's and what I hope at the age of 35 a new lease on life.

I will continue to fill the story here as well as my blog.

- Peter

[Justin]

Hi Peter,

I'm excited to read your updates. I wish you the very best at Stenum.

[Cindylou]

I wish you the best too Peter, with your upcoming surgery. Keep us posted after surgery and hopefully we can help you normalize this whole experience. Good luck, Cindylou

[petrkr]

I am bit worried about my choice of Stenum and RL, some people do say negative things on other forums. Main concerns are the number of surgeries done on Friday and decompression clean up of the site.

[tyler]

I am bit worried about my choice of Stenum and RL, some people do say negative things on other forums. Main concerns are the number of surgeries done on Friday and decompression clean up of the site.

Hi Peter -

There are actually a number of patients who've had M6 implants (with Nick Boeree in the UK, Pablo Clavel in Spain and Ritter-Lang in Germany) at the following group site:
http://www.spinepatientsociety.org/forum/groups/m6ers/

I apologize since I haven't been on much recently, I've haven't tried to update - but you might at least get some additional perspectives.

I do know that Boeree was selected as a key site for the M6-L during its testing, and works with other discs as well. I think I was a fairly straightforward case but I had similar concerns, and just felt more comfortable being in a situation in which I was the only patient being focused on.

But it's also important to feel comfortable with the doc - making the best decision you can for yourself, and then focusing on getting to the next stage.

I've not been on here as much but have been trying to post periodic updates (I just passed 9 months and couldn't really be much happier with how it's worked out since I've been totally pain-free since days post-op and have been able to get back to everything I really want to do). However, if you want to talk further or if I can be of help in any way, feel free to message me since they get forwarded to my email.

Wishing you the very best as you move through this - it does get better!
Tyler

[trkdoc714]

I am bit worried about my choice of Stenum and RL, some people do say negative things on other forums. Main concerns are the number of surgeries done on Friday and decompression clean up of the site.

Peter,

I was worried about the stories regarding Stenum too. I had heard the same stories too. It wasn't until I realized the competitive nature of the "spine business" and traced the source of most of the stories to medical tour guides that were rejected in their attempts to get "commissions" from Stenum.

I'm sure they've had failed surgeries. There are no guarantees regardless of the surgeon, procedure or device. No spine surgeon can say they have a 100% success rate. One critical component in recovery is the patient's confidence in his surgeon. If you're on the fence, it may be advisable to drop back a bit and do more investigation before you make a firm decision.

I signed consent forms in the US stating I could risk injury or death during surgery. The risks are the same everywhere. I selected Ritter-Lang due to his experience and reputation (first hand accounts, not rumor) by Todd (New Disc) Terry Newton, Rhatzy, and many others.

Good luck on your decision. I'm sure you'll make the right choice for yourself.

Bob

[petrkr]

I guess this is the time when most start to pray. 1 week before. I am not going to lie, I am starting to get very nervous. There is a lot riding on this and I do not have many other options in terms of treatment after the procedure. I am what I would say spiritual, but I catch myself praying just in case there is a God :-) I am praying for: enough time, easy approach, steady hand, a good clean up on the site and decompression, proper centered placement, right sized implant, right angled implant, good snug fit and no scaring response from my tissues. I pray for my nerves getting the right relive of pressure and from my reproductive nerves to stay intact. Most importantly I pray for the pain the fade away and never come back. .... I guess this is the time when most will pray, and I shall too.

[trkdoc714]

I know the feeling. I remember being pretty calm until I had an 8 hour layover in Frankfort. I took advantage of a cancellation at Stenum and only had to sweat it out for a week before leaving.

I was amazed at how minimal my back pain was during an 8 hour layover in Frankfort. Then I picked up my carry on and laptop bags (took a Percocet for the shooting pain that caused) and waited for the connecting flight.

I hope you have an uneventful, pleasant journey and speedy recovery.

If you're a car nut, ask Hans about his 2 Mercedes (or is it Mercedi?)

Bob

[petrkr]

Yeah. I am pretty freaked out! Thank you for the kind words. I am trying to enjoy the last couple days before undergoing this.

Any other before surgery advice? I am all ears.

[trkdoc714]

Peter,

Make sure your home is ready for your return. First floor living. Easy access to all necessities you'll need.

European calling plan for your phone while you're away.

Ask your PCP for temporary handicap credentials for your return trip. TSA can be real jerks.

Take it as easy as you can. Healing slower is better. It's not a race.

You'll do fine. There will be a lot of prayers said for you along the way from surgery to recovery.

Bob