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

[tyler]

(Writing from a Sunny Isle of Wight - Day-3 Post-op)
After consulting with nine different surgeons in the U.S. and Europe, I had two Spinal Kinetics M6-C discs implanted at C5-6 and C6-7 by a brilliant surgeon named Nick Boeree at the Spine Clinic, Nuffield:
http://www.thespineclinic.co.uk/

The operation appears to have been a great success. I woke up amazed to be feeling none of the throbbing arm pain that I've had for months, and very little pain at the operation site. Swallowing was a bit odd at first but lots of tea did wonders and I was soon eating. Staff insisted I be connected to morphine but I never used any.

The morning after surgery, I was already moving about as much I could with the various tubes annoyingly attached (this was my first time in hospital), and eventually seemed in such amazing shape that the docs agreed to let me out one to two days early, so we enjoyed a beautiful couple of days in Winchester and are now goofing off on the Isle of Wight (hopefully work doesn’t check this forum!


At 3 days post-op, I’ve been off pain meds for a 2nd day – and pain-free for the first time in months. My situation seems to be closely associated with these two discs (tripped up by a bike accident three months ago but possibly associated with prior motorcycle accidents) - and the facet joints, other discs, etc. look fairly good. As such, I may be a 'poster child' for this approach as several of the docs suggested.

In any case, I can't imagine how things could have gone any better - and so I extend the greatest of thanks to Nick Boeree, as well as to a wonderful anesthetist Dr. McGill, and to all the staff at Nuffield Wessex Hospital.

I also really appreciated all the help from members here at SPS – it made the process so much easier. Thanks and best to you all – let me know if I can be of any help!

[KBear]

Wow, I'm amazed that you are not needing any pain meds this soon after surgery. I had surgical pain for quite some time, so that just blows my mind. That is great that you are doing so good!
Kathy

[Cindylou]

Wow. Incredible news Tyler! What a great story to read. Just remember not to overdue even though you are feeling so perky.....you still had major, major surgery. It's the Mother in me.....sorry. (but I still mean it)

[JK2234]

Im happy for you.

[Carson]

Congratulations, Tyler. And thanks very much for relaying your experience. Thrilled to hear of your outcome! Hope to keep in touch with you as you progress over your first year of recovery. You, Jeff (jss) and Marti have all done very well post surgery and all three have two level M6's if I recall correctly.

I believe your case is a strong testament to good research and timely action; as well a testament to the efficacy and streamlining knowledge working together on these forums can provide. You put in the research work and I believe you've realized your best possible outcome with Mr. Nick Boeree.



In researching we note many patience going into surgery upon the last hour after years of struggle and, after surgery, remaining in some degree of the same pain due to peripheral structures degenerating around the problem disc. I think your timely approach, in your specific case, was just what was needed. What were your pain levels/dysfunction before surgery?

[Katie]

Tyler, that is fabulous.

The only pain I had in the cervical level after my ADR was from the sore throat from tubes and stretched muscles. The incision pain was not very significant, and I'm so glad to hear that you have the same great results

It's all coasting from now on...great news! And another great surgeon to add to our list

But no matter how good you feel, listen to Mom, aka CindyLou Your body has gone through a big shock and will take some time to adjust. Rest, lots of rest is in order.

Signed, Mom #2

[tyler]

Thanks everyone for your support - and I'll definitely keep you posted!

@Carson - I think that at least for my case but I'm sure for some others, you've hit it on the head. Although many if not most people consider surgery to be a last resort - I'm not someone to accept the status quo when it doesn't seem right. So when I was needing pain meds on a constant basis I wanted to find out why as soon as possible and then quickly move through the various 'resorts' - beginning with the least invasive but also being conscious of the need to do more, especially when there was no or only temporary improvement. Another thing that I learned early is that for cervical nerve injury, arm weakness (which I progressed to after level 5-8 pain) is not only of more concern but suggests earlier intervention because for reasons that are not clearly understood, weakness associated with the cervical nerves appears to be more difficult to reverse than in the case of lumbar nerves. As far as the overall condition, my cycling accident perhaps had a silver lining - in particular it caused me to feel and find out about a very problematic situation in my neck - and then correct it, before damage at that spot had gone on to affect adjacent structures.

@My2Moms - based on your comments, both heartfelt and knowledgeable, I've decided to cancel Bungey-jumping and head up to London to the pre-arranged flat for RnR - hopefully I can at least go out dancing

[JK2234]

Tyler, any chance you could post your X-Ray pics with the 2 M6 disc in? Please...

[KBear]

Bungee jumping?! Lol I always wanted to do that... maybe one day.
I think you are right about not dragging your feet getting into surgery, if you have exhausted all conservative treatments. I went 3 years and think it delayed my healing.

[tyler]

Tyler, any chance you could post your X-Ray pics with the 2 M6 disc in? Please...

Hi JK - I can definitely post X-rays but I don't have a CD drive in my netbook so it will take till I get back to the States mid-Sept. - unless I decide to stay...!