[Artificial Disc Replacement / Lumbar] Received Freedom Disc on April 12, 2011...Recurring Rupture at L5-S1...DDD Diagnosis

[NCgreg]

This is my firtst post since my surgery. I am 11 days post-op after having the Freedom disc inserted at L5-S1. The first few days were rough, as expected. I was released from the hospital after three nights and I have been doing better and better each day. Along with everyone that has been helping take care of me, I am shocked at how easily I am getting up and laying down...easily walking around...took my first outdoor walk today...approx. 1/2 mile...everything went well, but I was reminded of my condition with a surge of pain when I tried to take too big of a step. I will take that as a sign to "take it easy...no rush"!

I am experiencing tightness and soreness in my left hip & hamstring (same side as before the surgery), but a different type of pain than I've experienced in the past. I am wondering if anyone else has felt similar post-op sensations. I also have extreme limtations and soreness in my shoulders from being "wrapped" for surgery. Does anyone know how long this lasts? Almost feels like my shouders were pulled out of socket.

All in all, I am very pleased and feel much better than I anticipated at this point in my recovery. Th surgeons and staff that surrounded my procedure at CMC in Charlotte were nothing less than wonderful!!!

I did have a person next to me in the recovery room that had the same procedure as me...same Dr....her surgery was just before mine. I am hoping she is on this forum and reads this thread...please let me know how you are doing!!!

I'll post again soon!
--Greg

[Justin]

This is my firtst post since my surgery. I am 11 days post-op after having the Freedom disc inserted at L5-S1. The first few days were rough, as expected. I was released from the hospital after three nights and I have been doing better and better each day. Along with everyone that has been helping take care of me, I am shocked at how easily I am getting up and laying down...easily walking around...took my first outdoor walk today...approx. 1/2 mile...everything went well, but I was reminded of my condition with a surge of pain when I tried to take too big of a step. I will take that as a sign to "take it easy...no rush"!

Wow! Congratulations and welcome to the other side, Greg!

It's great to read that you are walking around with ease and are seeing progress each day.

I am experiencing tightness and soreness in my left hip & hamstring (same side as before the surgery), but a different type of pain than I've experienced in the past. I am wondering if anyone else has felt similar post-op sensations. I also have extreme limtations and soreness in my shoulders from being "wrapped" for surgery. Does anyone know how long this lasts? Almost feels like my shouders were pulled out of socket.

The hip and hamstring tightness / soreness is to be expected after such an operation. Positioning during surgery and the "physical trauma" needed to access the intervertebral disc space and insert the Freedom Artificial Disc result in "typical" post-op pain. The discomfort in your shoulders is normal due to positioning and should get better each day.

All in all, I am very pleased and feel much better than I anticipated at this point in my recovery. Th surgeons and staff that surrounded my procedure at CMC in Charlotte were nothing less than wonderful!!!

It's truly amazing how the human body is able to bounce back after such a traumatic experience. I'm still blown away by the restorative power of surgical intervention.

I did have a person next to me in the recovery room that had the same procedure as me...same Dr....her surgery was just before mine. I am hoping she is on this forum and reads this thread...please let me know how you are doing!!!

That would be great to read her story as well. Please keep us posted and let us know if you have any questions while you recover. There are many little pains and weird sensations that are normal post-op, so just roll with the punches and remember you only heal once......so let things fall into place.

[NCgreg]

Justin,

Thanks for your reply and reassurance. It helps to know that certain feelings and sensations are normal / typical. The post op visit to see my surgeon is not until May 25. In the interim, I have been encouraged to walk as much as is comfortable and to not seek PT or other activities until I am evaluated at the six week appt. I really appreciate having this forum to seek information. While I do have a nurse to consult at any time through the Freedom Disc clinical trial, it is helpful to here the stories of others and know that I am not alone on this journey toward full recovery.

Thanks again and have a Happy Holiday weekend!!!
--Greg