L4-5 & L5-S1 Chartie Stenum - kc0iet

treefrog · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 06:45 PM

Wow. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is admirable that you want to help others, by letting them know what can go wrong. I really hope that you are able to find someone who can figure out a way to help you. No one should have to live like this.

I was also a single parent raising my son, coincidentally born in 1984 too.

Can I ask if you got bone density tests done before you had surgery, or since then even?

Also, what was your reasoning for asking to have the Charite discs removed and putting in Maverick discs?

I am struggling to figure out how to determine which disc is better. Though from all I have heard, I don't think I would ever want a Charite. I assume that the Charite was the disc to use though, back in 2004.

Again, thank you for sharing your story, and I hope you find some pain relief.

dshobbies · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 07:50 PM

kcOiet,

My heart goes out to you. Other than sympathizing with your circumstances, there's little I can say. You put all your eggs into a basket and the bottom fell out. I'm sorry.

I know you want no more surgeries and have no more money but perhaps there is still hope for a successful revision surgery. I realize disability benefits won't pay for another surgery in Germany but Dr. Regan in Los Angeles has now done successful revision surgeries. Perhaps if and when you're ready, you'll be able to put this together and pain free days may lay ahead.

thank-you for sharing your story, Dale

wilsonrob · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 08:46 PM

You are such a strong person. I will be praying for you very hard. I met you at Stenum in 2/06. What a life. Don't give up. You are an inspiration.

kc0iet · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 09:02 PM

Great to hear from you!

Where is Bonatia Institute? Did they replace your ADR's?

wilsonrob · #5 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 09:08 PM

They are in Florida. My ADR's are fine. Of course my 9 blood clots cause some swelling in my leg but it is much better than it was. After ADR I still had leg pain from the stenosis that needed to be cleaned out posteriorly.

Kathy · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 01:18 AM

Welcome back, sorry under such bad pain circumstances. I pray you can find someone to help you with your pain. Don't lose hope, God can do Anything! God Bless, Kathy

kc0iet · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treefrog

Can I ask if you got bone density tests done before you had surgery, or since then even?

Also, what was your reasoning for asking to have the Charite discs removed and putting in Maverick discs?

I am struggling to figure out how to determine which disc is better. Though from all I have heard, I don't think I would ever want a Charite. I assume that the Charite was the disc to use though, back in 2004.

Again, thank you for sharing your story, and I hope you find some pain relief.

Hi Treefrog,

First; I have never had a bone density test done; then or now. Remember, I live in an area where medical treatment is at least 20 years behind the rest of the country! In fact, I just got a post card in the mail yesterday from my GP letting me know that my last x-ray's (View New Films Here) looked good! They even drew a smiley face on the card!!!!!!!!!! The ADR's have subsided to the point that almost half of the plate is in the bone; there is a non-union of the fusion, and it looks to me as if there is a substantial vertical crack in the vertebra that was not there before. Not to mention what ever is going on at L2-L3. But here in the middle of nowhere - everything looks good!

Second; The reasons that I asked (even begged) to have my Charitie's removed and replaced with the Maverick discs are:
1) I DID NOT want a fusion. I did not want the loss of motion and the progressive complications associated with fusions.

2) The surgeon I had seen in TX talked to me a quite a bit about the problems with the Charitie discs; the degeneration of the core, the problems with rotation, etc.

3) I still, then and now, remember the weeks after my original ADR surgery when the pain was gone and I was doing well. At that time I felt strongly that the reason the ADR's had failed was because I returned to work too soon. Now, I think that may have been part of it, but also feel that too small of a size was used lending to the substanence.

4) The Maverick disc is what Stenum was using at the time I was begging for the replacement.

Third; You are correct. In 2004, when I had my ADR surgery the Chartie was the only disc used at Stenum. The Alpha clinic was using the Pro Disc. At that time, a couple of things that led me to favor the Chartie was the reports that if there was ever a need to have the disc removed it was possible with the Chartie but not the Pro Disc, due to the notch made in the vertebra for the Pro Disc. Overall, it looked like - and posts I had read sounded like- the procedure for the Chartie was less invasive and recovery time shorter with the Chartie. Also, the Chartie was very close to FDA approval here in the US at that time. I assumed if future care was needed, here in the states, I would have a better chance of finding a physician that would take my case with an FDA approved device. Pro Disc and Chartie were the only two options in 2004.

Believe it or not, if I had the money and was given the option of having my ADR's and fusion replaced with new ADR's today, I would do it! But, I do not have the money, or even the means to get the money, for a consultation with Dr. Bertagnoli.

Justin · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 02:17 PM

kc0iet,

Thanks for sharing your story. I wish you the very best in the future.

Terry Allen Blackburn · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 05:49 PM

I am so sorry that you have continued to struggle. You've remained incredibly strong and brave in spite of all that you have went through. I can only imagine the hell that you have gone through though I have been through some similar bouts with my spine. I have two Prestige discs and two Maverick discs in my spine.

I hope and pray that your situation can and will improve.

Go with God.

Terry Newton

steve55 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 05:35 AM

I would try to get consultation with Dr Regan and one with Dr Bertagnoli to see what they have to say. Dr Regan has worked miracles with people who have had bad ADR's. He has dealt with extremely complicated ADR removals in the lumbar on patients that no other doctors would touch. He removes ADR's and does fusions. DOnt be so afraid of fusions now that your ADR's arent working out. The one lady who was at her wits end (same situation as you) had dr regan remove the ADR's and fuse her at both levels and she is fully healed and back to normal now. ANy type of health insurance should cover a 2 level fusion done here in the US Id think?? Dr Bertganoli is one of the top surgeons in the world and his advice would be well worth considering also. Seems to me that ADR's may not be good for you, maybe some people's spines just arent well adapted to have ADR's??

treefrog · #11 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 03:17 PM

Thanks for the answers kc0iet. It sounds like you made the best decisions under the circumstances.

I really hope that you are able to get help. Even with no money.insurance, I would try to contact some of the doctor's that Steve55 mentioned. It wouldn't hurt to explain your situation, and ask for help. Their hands may be tied, but then again, there may be options available for those without the means to pay for treatment themselves.