Jim..

[Jim M2]

Hi Maria,

Dr. Alleyne said exactly what I thought he would say, "after L5 fuses with S1 the pain will subside." I don't doubt it. I was in the bad configuration for over 11 years and it will take some time to adjust.

Here at three weeks I tolerate sitting a little better than before surgery. They don't want me sitting for more than 30 minutes without getting up and walking for a little bit. I didn't like sitting at all before the surgery.

Dr. A said the Charite came out with no problems. They did have trouble distracting the space and inserting the high density poly cage. Once the cage was in he saw no big pay off to balance the risk of going in from the back. In the two pictures you'll see vertical metallic pins that seem to be holding the vertabra apart. The pins are part of the plastic cage and are there for the purpose of sighting the orientation of the cage in the x-ray (similar to the metal ring in a Charite core).

I have another post op visit with Dr. A on March 30. That's it for now. I'll let you know if something new develops.

[Maria]

Jim,
I completely misread what you wrote prior to this last update. I read that the ADR was removed and nothing was done from the back .. however I didn't remember that you have probably already stated previously what was going to happen from the front so I was thinking there was just the ADR removal!

Sounds like you are progressing and of course that can take time. After my failed 2nd surgery it took me from '92-2005 to really feel some real improvement and that's because of the auto fusion at L5. L4 still gives me problems and WC still does not certify ESIs for me which really did help.

Their latest reason was the doctor that ordered the ESI did not call them back. Of course they were calling my OSS's office and wrote that they were trying to reach Dr. Toliver (my PM in SD). I have the right to request to see an IME which I know is like seeing an optometrist for my low back as far no one doing anything helpful for me.

Also I have to wait 12 months now from the non certification or denial before I can have another ESI requested.

Back to you.. glad the sitting is improving even a little .. it's kind of a nice thing when one wants to be social or use the computer or ride a bus, train, airplane, drive further than down to the end of the street etc!!!

take care! Maria