Lumbar L5-S1 (Freedom Lumbar Disc Replacement) - Plano, TX

dbalkema · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009, 10:35 PM

It really has been a rough road getting to this point. When I was told that Fusion or disc replacement surgery was the next step, I didn't really know what to think. I did start the insurance process in May of '08 to get the Pro-disc through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Of course, like many other unfortunate people around the world, my claim was denied. I was about a week away from having fusion in September when Dr. Sachs from Texas Back Institute called me and offered this trial as another option. Before September I had never heard anything about Axiomed and the freedom disc.

The only real problem was the wait. No one knew exactly when this trial was going to start which was extremely frustrating. Everytime I called TBI and the research department, they would always tell me, just hang in a couple of more weeks.

But I do have to say this...... the wait was well worth it. Like I said in my earlier post, all I am really experiancing is surgical pain. I have a little ach in my lower back, but I think thats expected. It's going to take me a while to adjust to getting out of bed and getting back in. I never realized just how many stomach muscles you use to get up and down out of bed.

The cool thing is.... my doctor, Dr. Richard Guyer, cleared me to go back to work a week and a half after my surgery. Thats just amazing! With fusion I possibly would have been out for a month.... but for disc replacement...just a week and a half. Now, I'm a school teacher so there are things that I can get a way with....but still, very amazing!

dshobbies · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009, 10:50 PM

Working a 1 1/2 weeks after surgery, any major surgery? To me, this doesn't sound reasonable even if you do feel up to it. Your body needs time to heal and doing it slowly is the name of this game. I'd double check to make sure he meant sitting or standing all day, etc.

As for getting out of bed, roll over on your side, swing your legs over the edge and using your arms and hands, crawl and push your way up. Are you wearing a brace?

dbalkema · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2009, 11:34 PM

I know, right? I nearly fell out of the chair when Dr. Guyer told me I could go back a week and a half later. I do have some restrictions though. I cannot sit down for more than 20 minutes at a time and cannot stand for more than 20 minutes. I have to wear the brace and not lift anything over 5 pounds until he clears me. I asked him about work at 2 different times and both times he said the same thing. Very truly amazing if you ask me. He said that since I was young and healthy in every other aspect, he didn't see a problem with it.

Of course, I will not push myself and if I feel that I need to go home, I will do so.

But, you also need to understand too that I do not have a strenuous job. I am teacher at an elementary school. I think it will be ok, but I know when to say stop too.

chasswen · #4 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009, 11:40 AM

take at least 6 weeks your body will need it. and that isnt long at all.
chuck

dbalkema · #5 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009, 08:45 PM

Ok, so I have to share this.

Dr. Guyer has put me on Hydrocodine for pain since I got out of the hospital last Thursday. I didn't realize just how much pain I have been masking until this morning when I woke up. I have been taking it around the clock every 4 hours. So, I have been setting my alarm at night to wake up when I need to. I took pain killers at 8 PM last night, 12 AM, and was suppose to take them at 4 AM. I must have slept through the alarm at 4 because I woke up at 7:55 am this morning in tears not being able to move at all because of the pain that was radiating from hip to hip and and stomach and back area. LOTS of pain.

Last night, I was also experiencing some twitching from waist down. It just feels like jolts or short bursts of spasms. Yesterday is the first day I actually noticied it. I think I was scaring my wife a little bit as well.

I have actually been very good since I have been out of the hospital. I have only been getting out of bed to use the restroom and take a shower. I don't think I am over doing it at all. Just a little worried about the spasms.

Has anyone else experienced spasms before after ADR surgery?

dshobbies · #6 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009, 09:11 PM

i believe muscle spasms are very common after this surgery. Aside my my thigh, whenever I overdo, I still get muscle spasms in my back and of all places, my shin

. Your muscles have been though a lot and don't know what's going on. They also tighten up when going into protection mode and they are screaming... what do we do

A good muscle relaxer may help in addition to or as your surgical pain subsides, instead of pain meds.

A little walking may also help rebuild those muscles slowly.

Good luck, Dale

Terry Allen Blackburn · #7 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009, 11:51 PM

Muscle spasms are normal after a surgery that involved cutting through muscle. Your body is healing and, spasms are muscle's nerves firing causing an involuntary response. My stitches used to feel like they were going to rip out I spasm'd so hard after surgery. They also had me on Valium to control the spasms. I agree with everyone else to give yourself time before you go back to work. I am an executive of a large company and basically have a desk job. I went back to work two months to the date of having 4 level ADR Surgery. I would not risk such an awesome gift. Your insurance may not cover any continuing care due to your surgery not being approved to begin with. You cannot afford to mess with a good thing.

Hang in there.

Terry Newton