[Sgriff50]

Thanks for allowing me to join.. I had the Charite Disc surgery in 2005 at 37 at L5, at the time was lucky insurance approved as it was still considered experimental plus my surgeon didn’t want to fuse me. For about a year had good results but by 2007 my pain returned and have been under pain management for 12 years now. Back and nerve pain. My pill regiment consist of Belbuca 75 mg, Hydro 10-325 4X, Lyrica 2x, and Zanaflex. I also have Broad base Bulge at L4 with narrowing and Facet Joint osteoarthritis and SI Joint osteoarthritis. I am 13 yrs post op and concerns are device wear and Surgeon now recommends a fusion to lock device into place. Many research out there talks about theses issues with conflicting data as to if device should removed then fused or leaving in. Plus estimates being given on device life expectancy being between 10-15 years. Interested in discussing with others who face same decisions. Thanks for letting me join this by far the most informative board on net!