C3-4, C5-6, C6-7, T1-2 ProDisc-C Nova ADR blog

[jentop]

Mark,

I'm so glad I got to talk to you before you were too relaxed tonight with that wonderful pill. If it could get me to sleep, you'll be rested for the morning. I know you may not get a chance to read this for a day or so, but the way I see it is that since I took your previous surgery date, you now have mine. So logically that can only mean that you will have the same outcome I had. The stars aligned perfectly for me. From finding you online, using your date in January and having a superlative recovery and outcome. I truly believe that they will now do the same for you. It's interesting to read your posts about how hard the decision became-it's like reading my thoughts from late last year before I committed to the date, really deja-vu. You were there for me through it all. I wish so much that I could be in Germany right now, if only to help you or Diane out in some small way. It'll just be like a dream before you know it and you'll be "on the other side of it" feeling soooo much better. You are capable of creating that reality, with just a bit of help from Dr. B,
Sweet dreams,
Jennifer

[Diane]

7am in Germany, Tuesday morning. Mark here, posting under Diane's ID.

Yesterday was pretty hectic, arriving with little sleep and heading straight for the hospital. I've been running around saying, "I'm glad it's really hurting." It's easier to head into the surgery with all the symptoms lit up and reminding me that I have few options. There is no question in my mind about needing the surgery. I have wracked my brain to think of ways to make the surgery smaller... which levels could we leave out and only do later if needed? The answer is none. So here I go with my 6-level approach and 4-levels of ProDisc-C Nova.

Bertagnoli came by and answered all of our questions. The Nova looks great and while the enhancements are significant, the function of the prosthesis is unchanged, so I don't feel like I'm test flying new equipment.

Emotionally, this has been an interesting process. You want to say the things that one should say before leaving on an uncertain journey, but it seems like saying good bye... so much is left out in the interest of keeping good karma going into the surgery. I hope to write more later, but I guess I should wait until I'm not well into the effects of the 'loopy pill' that everyone who's been through this knows about.

Wish me luck! Hopefully, I'll be back in a day or two. Diane will update when she can.

All the best,

Mark

PS... to everyone on the patient community, new and old... this has been a big part of my life since I discovered Braintalk in 2000. Thanks for all you do to help one another. YOU ROCK!

[ans]

You have more than a "good luck" wish from me. I'm glad that you were pleased and that Diane w/keep us informed. Best - Allan

[Cindylou]

Oh, Mark, I'm just glad that you are there, with your wife for support, in the good hands of Dr. Bertagnoli. We'll hold vigil, till we hear from you or Diane on the other side. God bless!

Cindylou

[Justin]

Mark, I wish you the very best. You'll be on the other side and on the road to recovery in no time. I look forward to your updates and inevitable success.

[Terry Allen Blackburn]

Good Luck Mark. May the Force Be With You!

Terry Newton

[Maria]

Hey Mark,
I couldn't sleep last night and realized that you guys are a day ahead of us here so wasn't sure if your surgery was Tuesday USA or Tuesday Germany.. ok so we know that the drugs really get hold of my mind!

Truthfully I was just wondering how ya doin'??? I'm glad to see that you posted and of course as you know the spine community is rooting for you and all the other good things we'd be doing in wishing you well with your surgery.

Your experience and knowledge is what gives me hope for my future and your own personal surgical endeavors are what really allow me to trust you/your thoughts/opinions/recommendations.

Rock on Mark and have an excellent surgery/recovery

[SandyW]

Mark, Was thinking about you last night before I went to sleep (knowing that Straubing is about 6 hrs ahead of me) and imagining your thoughts while being prepared for surgery. It's Tuesday evening in Germany, know you made it through with flying colors. Can't wait to get the good news. Sandy