KathyEarhart; Active L; L4/5; March 2009

[Kathy]

Wow, it really doesn't seem like 5 1/2 months since surgery, it really does pass quickly.
I have been seeing Dr. Blumenthal of Texas Back Institute for my follow up, as he is an investigator in the trial. He said early on the only way it could be better placed was if he did it. LOL I take that as a compliment and him tooting his own horn!

My old pain is gone; but I am having different pain. I knew going into this that I had 2mm herniations on the disc above and below this one; but none of the surgeons I visited (Dr. Bradley, Dr. Zigler and Dr. Garcia) all felt these were not my pain generators. During my discogram, these discs were injected and caused no pain, only L4/5 caused pain, at a level of 10/10. I also had facet arthritis prior to surgery; but once again, all 3 surgeons still felt I was a good canidate for ADR. I had to be within certain medical guidelines for the clinical trial, so I was not beyond those limits. I had also had a facet rhizotomy prior to ADR and had no relief from it. The surgeons also took this in account and felt that my facets were not my pain generators.

I asked Dr. Blumenthal the other day why he thought I still have pain. He said that in like 10-20% of the population, facets will cause problems after ADR. He set me up for facet injections and thinks this could fix it completely (which I have heard of from fellow spineys who had/have to get them every few months post-ADR and feel great). I asked Dr. Blumenthal if I was a good canidate for ADR. He said that I was, that my disc was placed perfectly, is moving exactly as it should and looks great; he said Dr. Garcia did a wonderful job.

I also feel like this could be muscular pain, as I haven't been doing my PT like I should. I really need to schedule a time in my day to do it and make myself do it. My main issue has been that my pain management doctor is so eager to get me off meds, that they keep cutting me back and I'm on just enough to function my daily duties and no extra. I am currently taking 3-5 10 mg vicodin a day, plus Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Zanaflex. I also had run out of Lyrica and did not call for my refill and was off of it for about a month and think that caused my temporary increase in pain.
I have also noticed that on the days that I make myself be active, that I feel better the next day and vice versa, the days that I lay around, then I feel worse the next day.

I am glad that I had ADR, as I have seen my pain going from a 9 or 10 daily to a 3 or 4 daily. I have reduced my meds from 40 mg of Morphine and 60-80 mg of Vicodin a day to 30-50 mg of Vicodin a day. I am also able to completely get rid of my pain with meds, whereas before it would only go down to a 3 or 4 with meds.

Another plus, since I was in the clinical trial, all of my post-op visits and x-rays are paid for 100% by the sponsor! They also give you $100 gift cards at your 1 year, 2 year, etc visits. They told me they do this, because people will have the surgery and feel great, so they won't come in for their follow-ups, not realizing that they are important for the study to be done correctly.

[dshobbies]

Hi Kathy,

It's been awhile since we heard from you and I'm glad you're doing well.

As a non-exercizer and one who doesn't like to sweat, I know what I should be doing and so do you. It's hard to get motivated but something we both need to confront and get going. Stretching is equally as important.

I was first diagnosed as a 4 level but my non-anesthetized discogram revealed L2/3 as a non pain generator. I believe it became one and as my pain began to interfere with my level of activity I knew I had to do something about it. Currently, anymore back surgeries are not my option!!!

I just started Pilates a month ago and already regret not doing so much earlier. I don't mind saying this is not within my comfort level but these slow and controlled movements are designed to maximize core strength and for the first time in about 6 years, I sat through a movie in relative comfort. (I highly recommend Julie and Julia)

Nobody but you can make you get up and go to pt. I'm older than you and have come up with many more excuses but we both know they are excuses.

One more thing - I think it can be dangerous quitting Lyrica cold turkey. Starting and stopping should be gradual. And if you're truly unhappy with your pm doctor, either tell him or find another one. More than just functioning is not an unrealistic desire.

Keep up the good work, Dale

[Kathy]

Wow, I can't believe it has been over a year since i updated! I'm 18 months post op and doing wonderfully. I still have minimal pain, but I am able to manage on 7.5-15mg of Hydrocodone a day. I am completely off of the muscle relaxers, Lyrica and Cymbalta; the only prescription I take for my spine is hydrocodone. I am able to do anything I want to and generally don't have to suffer because of it.

After much planning and discussion with all of my doctors, I am now pregnant with my 3rd baby! We are completely thrilled, as we thought that this would never be possible. I'm 11.5 weeks and feeling no extra pain. Morning (all day) sickness has been kicking my butt, but I've been given a good anti-nausea medication from OB that is helping now. I initially was having less pain and only needing 1 hydrocodone a day, so hoping once this first trimester is over I can go back to that and be off completely.

Thanks again for all of your support as I went through my pain and recovery journey. I'm so happy to be a success!

[Maria]

Kathy,
Congratulations on your pregnancy as well as wonderful recovery!
Please keep us posted and thanks so much for enlightening update!

[steve55]

This is great to hear Cathy. You and I sound the same, lol. I too still have some pain, and take hydrocordone and ibuprofen as needed, mostly in the evenings but in still far better than before surgury and am able to be pain free with a little meds. Of course, I don't have my ADR's anymore like you do. : (

[Kathy]

I'm almost 2 years post op, 7 months pregnant with baby #3 and completely pain free. I am on absolutely no medication and have zero pain! I have been doing crazy amounts of nesting and working around my house and having no pain. The first of October was when the rest of the pain went away, at 18.5 months post op. When the morning sickness left, the pain went with it. My OBGYN is amazed that I'm having no pain, as most women who don't have back problems are having them at this stage in pregnancy. I'm so very thankful for all who helped me on my journey to ADR.

Oh and I'm having a little boy to join my 2 little girls! Due late March/ early April.

From a month ago, but here is me and baby!

[mmglobal]

Kathy, you look great! I am so happy for you. What an amazing story about the pain leaving with your morning sickness.

Please keep us posted... I know a few, but there are not many women who have delivered post-ADR. The question occasionally comes up. I've discussed this with many of the spine surgeons I know and they say there is no reason not to have a normal delivery. I'm looking forward to seeing you as the poster, ADR mom!

All the best.

Mark

[Maria]

Kathy,
how wonderful that you're doing so well! It's an amazing testament to the change that this type of surgery can have for women of childbearing age as well as non childbearing age. I didn't have kids because of my back which at the time seemed like the only viable option given how badly I was doing for such a long time however there weren't the options available that there are now (plus pain meds were totally frowned upon back in my day during pregnancy).

While I know of women that have gotten pregnant and had a baby post fusion (even multilevel fusion) it's really great to hear that one can successfully do so post ADR as well.

Please keep us posted and take good care! Maria