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New Member Introductions If you just joined, please introduce yourself here. Please add a signature describing your spinal history (use the "User CP) and ask us how we can help you get started. |
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#1
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L3-4 l4-5 l5-s1
Hi Group,
My first post here. I have DDD at three levels and have just been advised to undergo my second micro discectomy at the same level: L4 - L5. I am hesitant to do that as there is not much disc material left. If I injure it again, a fusion would be next, which is not an easy one as they would have to fuse multiple levels as the adjacent discs are degenerative also. I am not satisfied with my options and would like to hear any guidance, suggestions, or personal experiences that could steer me in the right direction. |
#2
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Welcome, I hope we can support you in your next steps. To help us help you, please see:
http://adrsupport.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11053 Let me know if you need help with this. Please tell us more about your "spinal history." Did you have any trauma or accidents? Do you consider yourself healthy? History of illnesses, e.g. Lyme disease -- which is epidemic?
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"Harrison" - info (at) adrsupport.org Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004 Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston Founder & moderator of ADRSupport - 2004 Founder Arthroplasty Patient Foundation a 501(c)(3) - 2006 Creator & producer, Why Am I Still Sick? - 2012 Donate www.arthropatient.org/about/donate |
#3
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Thanks, Harrison. I have updated my profile.
Thanks so much for what you have done for so many with your work and especially this site. I have made contact with Dr. Bertagnoli so far and am waiting to hear back. I think I understand who to stay away from from a little studying here. Who else would be recommended to speak with?
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47 y.o male. Very healthy. First major injury in 1988 from injury as a carpenter. Many more after that. Three level DDD: L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1. Micro discectomy in 2006 on L4/5. Back pain very manageable for last 10 years allowing a very active lifestyle. Re-injury occurred 11/23/15 with a major disc bulge and extrusion at L4/5. I've had no major illnesses or injuries outside the back problems. |
#4
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ADR surgery L4-S1 2 level
Hello,
I am 36 year old and 3 years ago I had fall on ski. Since then I had pain in my lumbar area I was diagnosed with DDD and herniations of L4/L5 and L5/S1 and also some facet arthrosis on L4/L5 but Prof Bertagnoli claims its within range. I was so active person but now I can just go shortly on bike if I have good period. I contacted doctor Bertagnoli and he suggested ProdiscL on both levels. I am scared and need some encouragement. I want to have my life back but also afraid about all these scary posts here. About broken vertebraes with keels, autofusions etc. I am just to schedule the surgery but wait a bit til 12.1. for second opinion. |
#5
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I feel for you, Tomas. Some of these posts are very scary. Who are you getting the second opinion from?
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47 y.o male. Very healthy. First major injury in 1988 from injury as a carpenter. Many more after that. Three level DDD: L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1. Micro discectomy in 2006 on L4/5. Back pain very manageable for last 10 years allowing a very active lifestyle. Re-injury occurred 11/23/15 with a major disc bulge and extrusion at L4/5. I've had no major illnesses or injuries outside the back problems. |
#6
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Thanks fishshon.
Have you reached out to U.S. doctors? Many have performed disc replacement since 2000.
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"Harrison" - info (at) adrsupport.org Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004 Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston Founder & moderator of ADRSupport - 2004 Founder Arthroplasty Patient Foundation a 501(c)(3) - 2006 Creator & producer, Why Am I Still Sick? - 2012 Donate www.arthropatient.org/about/donate |
#7
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Hi Harrison,
No, I haven't reached out to any u.s. surgeons other than my surgeon and Kaiser, my health care provider. I don't know where to begin, really. Also, I imagine they would suggest what my surgeon suggested: first undergo another micro discectomy, then when that goes, fuse all three levels up. I'm all ears if you have a direction to point me toward...
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47 y.o male. Very healthy. First major injury in 1988 from injury as a carpenter. Many more after that. Three level DDD: L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1. Micro discectomy in 2006 on L4/5. Back pain very manageable for last 10 years allowing a very active lifestyle. Re-injury occurred 11/23/15 with a major disc bulge and extrusion at L4/5. I've had no major illnesses or injuries outside the back problems. |
#8
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Quote:
I am not an expert (only 5 weeks out of surgery in Bogen GmbH with Dr. Bertagnoli) but I would highly suggest looking at this man's credentials, track record and length of him performing these. I had S1-L3 - 3 level ADR and a mobility preservation (instead of a fusion) at L4/3 where I have Grade 1 Spondylolisthesis. This prevents the need for fusion and thus helps unload the adjacent remaining discs to prevent further damage. He has a representative in the USA and Tim can walk you through all the questions. I also spent a great deal on the referral pages and secured phone numbers from google as opposed to the ones left there so I could get honest answers... Good Luck
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Dec 1/15 - 3 level ADR from S1/L3 c/w 360 mobility preservation at L3/L4 for Spondylolisthesis done by Dr. Bertagnoli in Bogen GmbH. |
#9
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Hi Faith,
That is awesome! It sounds encouraging. I imagine this is not the "right" spot for the discussion, but how are you doing so far? I have been speaking with Tim V about Dr Bert.. He has given an initial recommendation: 3 level ADR. I am nervous and am thinking about potentially just getting a micro D done here to buy some time before I must take the more extensive route. I would love to hear more about your experience and follow your recovery!
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47 y.o male. Very healthy. First major injury in 1988 from injury as a carpenter. Many more after that. Three level DDD: L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1. Micro discectomy in 2006 on L4/5. Back pain very manageable for last 10 years allowing a very active lifestyle. Re-injury occurred 11/23/15 with a major disc bulge and extrusion at L4/5. I've had no major illnesses or injuries outside the back problems. |
#10
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Quote:
The old nerve pain is gone but the 'traction' pain is a come and go thing that I cannot figure out quite yet but as everyone says.....take it slow and easy. I've sent you a PM with contact information.
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Dec 1/15 - 3 level ADR from S1/L3 c/w 360 mobility preservation at L3/L4 for Spondylolisthesis done by Dr. Bertagnoli in Bogen GmbH. |
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