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iSpine Discuss Success story for L4-5 ProDisc in USA in the Main forums forums; I'm just past 6 months post-op, and doing pretty well. I had a facet rhizo just under a ...

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Old 04-12-2007, 07:29 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Colorado
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Default Just an update

I'm just past 6 months post-op, and doing pretty well. I had a facet rhizo just under a month ago. It seems to have reduced the sharp pain I had near the surface of my back. The day after the rhizo I was really excited as I didn't have any pain at all. I can't say that now, unfortunately. My husband had a major stroke last month, and I now have to help him with a lot of movements. I gotta say that I'm still happy with my ADR, because I don't think that without it and the rhizo, I would be able to help him like I am. If the cost of doing that is not getting down to no pain, and still being on some pain meds, I guess I can live with that. He's improving, and can almost transfer himself from bed to chair by himself, so I'm hopeful that this is not a permanent pain level for me. I still get some radiating pain in my hips and legs, and some SI pain with all the sitting and bending. The very localized pain around my implant is pretty well gone, so I'm happy about that. If it weren't for all the bending, and awkward positions I have to get into to help hubby, I think I would have very little pain. I got down to about a 2 most days before the stroke, and now only get up to 4-5 when I've done something I really shouldn't have. Thankfully my pain management doc is great, and really working with me. Hubby will come home from rehab hosp. sometime around May 3. Wish us luck!!
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Herniated disc lifting at age 19
Laminectomy at L4-5 in 1998, repeat in 2001 same level
13 docs, 9 PT's, 8 Epidurals, 3 trigger point inj, 1 Facet Block, 1 Acupuncturist, 3 Chiros and 1 child later, had L4-5 ProDisc placed 9-19-06 by Dr. Janssen in Denver, CO. Facet rhizo March, 2007, November 2007, January 2009
Had healthy baby boy #2 in Dec 2008 with use of some meds during pregnancy and nursing.
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Old 04-12-2007, 09:52 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,405
Default update

Michelle,
You've been so good about keeping us updated, thank you very much for this~

Having worked in nursing for years (injuring my low back w/lifting/moving patients) I really feel for your spine in terms of helping your husband. I know you're doing what is needed and hopefully good body mechanics and a partially new spine will help~ and my thoughts and prayers for your hub's recovery~

take good care and once again much thanks for keeping us udated!
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Old 04-14-2007, 03:05 AM
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Location: Los Angeles
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Michelle,

I am so sorry for your circumstances. While you must rise to the occasion, I can only hope that new back rises with you. I also wish your husband as speedy a recovery as possible. Our worlds take many turns in life which only serve to make us stronger. My thoughts are with both of you.

Please take care, Dale
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3 level Prodisc adr S1-L3, Oct 12, 2005
Dr. B in Bogen, Germany
Severe nerve damage in left leg, still working on it
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Old 04-14-2007, 12:01 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: delaware
Posts: 296
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michelle
very pleased to hear of good recovery. and i am very sorry to hear of your ongoing family problems. wishing and praying for your wade to make a full recovery. please remember all those positive thoughts you needed for a good recovery are still now needed more so than ever before, as now you are baring the weight of the world on your shoulders.
best wishes
chuck and bev
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ddd 1990
2003 mri,xrays,shots,emg
2004 discogram ouch pos l4 l5
facet block neg
lost all appeals BCBS 5 months of that
3 surgeons later
surgery with dr. bertagnoli aug 2nd 2006 in Bogen Germany Successfully ProDisc-L L-4 L-5
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Old 10-03-2007, 06:21 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 67
Default One Year since surgery!

The one year anniversary of my surgery came and went with nary a thought. I'm still on some painkillers, but much happier with the pain levels than before surgery. At least the painkillers work. I'm working full-time, doing pilates, riding my stationary bike, and keeping up with my husband's therapies and doctors since his stroke in March. We're both hanging in there well. He's home, and doing everything himself now except things that require two hands (buttoning, laces, etc) so at least I don't have to physically help him much anymore. The worst taking care of everything does to me is stress, which may be part of the pain as well. But I'm still very happy with my decision! The facet rhizo still seems to help the local pain as well. Now my back pain is just a minor annoyance, not a major thing, so I'm thrilled!
__________________
Herniated disc lifting at age 19
Laminectomy at L4-5 in 1998, repeat in 2001 same level
13 docs, 9 PT's, 8 Epidurals, 3 trigger point inj, 1 Facet Block, 1 Acupuncturist, 3 Chiros and 1 child later, had L4-5 ProDisc placed 9-19-06 by Dr. Janssen in Denver, CO. Facet rhizo March, 2007, November 2007, January 2009
Had healthy baby boy #2 in Dec 2008 with use of some meds during pregnancy and nursing.
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Old 10-03-2007, 11:27 PM
dshobbies's Avatar
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Location: Los Angeles
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Michelle,

Though your circumstances still aren't optimal for your own well being, it appears that you're handling all as best you can and your back is bahaving itself. I commend you and your doctors.

You said that stress is a major factor in your daily life. While this is more than understandable, stress does take its toll. I find that meditation or deep relaxation techniques can be quite beneficial. I'm not a guru or anything close but find that I carry too much inside which I'm able to release through this practice.

I wish you and your husband continued success in your recoveries. All my best, Dale
__________________
3 level Prodisc adr S1-L3, Oct 12, 2005
Dr. B in Bogen, Germany
Severe nerve damage in left leg, still working on it
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Old 03-30-2008, 01:22 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 67
Default 18 months post-op and expecting!!

Just found out we're expecting baby #2! This may be an interesting challenge as I was still on some opiates until yesterday when the second line appeared! My surgeon cleared me to carry a baby as of my 6 WEEK post op appointment, so I'm mostly worried about the pain. Opinions are so mixed about what is safe, and there is a lot of guilt to go along with the decision. Regardless, I'm thrilled, and hoping for the best. Please, anyone who's been through this- I need your stories!!!
__________________
Herniated disc lifting at age 19
Laminectomy at L4-5 in 1998, repeat in 2001 same level
13 docs, 9 PT's, 8 Epidurals, 3 trigger point inj, 1 Facet Block, 1 Acupuncturist, 3 Chiros and 1 child later, had L4-5 ProDisc placed 9-19-06 by Dr. Janssen in Denver, CO. Facet rhizo March, 2007, November 2007, January 2009
Had healthy baby boy #2 in Dec 2008 with use of some meds during pregnancy and nursing.
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