[Artificial Disc Replacement / Cervical] Relief After Cervical ADR C5-6 & C6-7 with Spinal Kinetics M6-C Artifical Disc / Nick Boeree, Nuffield Wessex

[ajj1001]

great pic!

[tyler]

Hello friends -

Sorry for the delayed absence but checking back in to say hi and provide a short update.

I just passed 9 months post-surgery, still completely off of pain meds (since day 2). I've also been back at the gym three times a week. The only thing that managed to tweak anything was an aggressive yoga session (god only knows what position!) but it quickly settled.

The only residual issues are minor and occasional reduced sensation at the tips of the little fingers - which track to the disc below the operation site that was affected to begin with but not badly enough to warrant replacement (since I was already having two discs replaced). Still, I'm being more careful than I used to be - no more skydiving

I had X-rays at six months, which Nick Boeree recommends as a routine 'check-up' (i.e. even if there aren't any apparent issues). These were reviewed by the Chair of Orthopedics at the University of California San Diego, who indicated that all looks great at the affected levels, with normal range of motion. So far so good.

Most importantly, it's great to have my life back. Next journey is a humanitarian trip bringing medical and school supplies to some remote villages in Guatemala - can't wait!

In the meantime, sending high-altitude greetings from the San Jacinto Mountains.

Hope all is well with folks and that you're continuing to benefit from the wonderful support I received on this site,
best Tyler

ps - I'll try to be better about checking in, but if I can help in any way, please feel free to private message

[Cindylou]

Great to hear from you Tyler. And love the pic of the mountains.......beautiful. So glad to hear how well you are coming along. It's all good. Post some pics and stories of your humanitarian trip, upon your return, would you? Would love to hear about it. Be well. Cindylou

[tyler]

Hi Friends,

Checking back in for my one-year update - and glad to report that all's been well with the new discs, touch wood (or rather titanium).

My only incident was going so quickly on my new road bike (or flying so high) - that I managed to run into an errant kite string, hence the nasty cross-the-biceps burn below. I suppose I might as well add a tattoo at this point ^^

And now catching up on messages, I apologize for the delay...!

Peace and love,
Tyler

The new baby:


Unexpected kite burns (!)...


On a project with street kids in Guatemala City:
(Movimiento de Jóvenes de la Calle - MOJOCA)

[jss]

Tyler,

Congratulations on the continuing successful outcome!

I like the Vigorelli. It's several notches above my road ride. Did you happen to do the Hotter'n Hell this year?

I did a little research on MOJOCA and looks like a great organization with an outstanding mission. How did you get hooked up with them?

Jeff

[KBear]

That's awesome Tyler! The kite burn looks painful though. Glad all is good!

[tyler]

@KBear - thanks the biceps are healing nicely although the tattoo may still be in order ^^

@Jeff - the Vigorelli is smooth as silk, definitely a plus for a long ride.

As for Guatemala, I was bringing meds donated in San Diego to a number of groups, including Mayan Families - founded by two friends from San Diego (Mayan Families ).

But we actually visited a number of different humanitarian projects - all incredibly inspiring; including this one called Transitions Foundation, which I would encourage anyone to visit if you happen to be in Guatemala.

Transitions is an organization serving the disabled community in Guatemala - of which there's an incredible number, and need, after decades of civil war. What's even more amazing is that more than 75% of the members of the organization (which actually builds devices from donated parts, provides expert advice, transition care, counseling, etc.), are themselves disabled. It's an inspiring scene of helping one another, much like the patients on this site - but against even greater odds in a country that has little if anything for them. Transitions Foundation of Guatemala | Home

Transitions Foundation - at the 'factory':




A pic of Rogelio - one of the amazing kids we met on a trip I'll never forget:




Best,
Tyler

[greenie]

Tyler I'm not sure if there are any recent updates at to how you are doing to date, but I would love to know how you are doing at present.

[greenie]

Tyler,

I want to thank you for you for all your information. I started working with Dr. Nick just one week before his tragic accident. I think the world lost a incredible talent and a genuinely caring person. I have also been working with Dr. Ritter Lange and his staff and have been approved for a 3 lever M6c ADR C4/7. Like you I am a very active person, cycling, kiteboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and skiing. It is imperative that this surgery does not impede my quality of life, but retunes me to it. Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated. What was the recovery time before you were able to return to active sports? I appreciate any advice you can offer.

[tyler]

I just returned from a humanitarian project and was so saddened to learn about the loss of Nick Boeree. He was a brilliant diagnostician and surgeon, and one of the most helpful doctors I've ever encountered.

I've just passed 20-months post-op, remain completely symptom-free, and have been back cycling and tackling mountains. I don't know to what extent I owe these amazing results to the M6 discs and to what extent to Nick Boeree, but I'm extremely grateful for them both.

I only wish other patients would have had the opportunity to benefit from Nick as a number of us have - and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his wife and three children.

"In nothing do men more nearly approach the gods than in giving health to men." -Cicero




[PS @Greenie: I hope you're doing well and making progress in your decision making and plans. As for getting back into things post-op, you certainly have to start out taking it easy - but that wasn't really a problem at least for me. The first month, I did things like recumbent bike, stretches and low-weight cardio-type exercises to keep fit. Since all was well, I kept to a planned trekking trip in the Himalayas in my second month, and then picked up from there - back to the gym, cycling, etc. All's been great since then but again everyone's different - you've got to listen to your body. If you've got questions or I can help further let me know.]