ADR - Patient Outcomes (please respond privately)

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I found this group (and others) a few weeks ago when I knew I was

going to be faced with surgery. I'm trying to gather as much

information as I can because things are moving rather quickly. I

appreciate the feedback and insight I've received so far from people

around the world and I WILL get back to you. I hope I will be able

to contribute someday and give advice based on my own - hopefully

positive outcome.

Anyway, I turned down the docs offer to do a fusion (I don't care if

it IS minimally invasive - the long term outcome is the same). But,

he has referred me to the other doc in their practice that does

ADRs. They've both discussed my case and have agreed to move

forward w/ ADR. I have my pre-op appt on 8/18. Everything I've

read has nothing but POSITIVE things to say about this procedure.

** I even found a really cool website that shows the e-n-t-i-r-e

procedure from start to finish. Let me know if you're interested

and I'll share. ** It definitely was an eye opener for me as to how

important it is to get a really good doctor - the new disc has to be

so strategically and precisely placed ... and fitted, etc. or the

surgery will fail. It was fascinating to watch what this doctor had

to do to ensure it was fitted and placed in there EXACTLY how it

needed to be (BTW-not for those who have weak stomachs). The

hammering of the disc w/ the " mallot " was pretty gross too. I think

I heard they have like 3mm of room for error?? Anyway...

I don't have much time to come out to the boards because I'm a

single Mom to a 3 yr old. But, if people could respond to me

privately about their experience - it would be greatly appreciated.

I realize I'll get most of these questions answered on the 18th but

I'm a little anxious and it's always good to hear from patients who

have been through the same procedure. Here are the question I'm

looking for answers on:

- Did you have more than 1 bad disc? I have 2 (L4-5 and L5-S1)and

in the US - they can still only do 1 disc. L5-S1 is the worse so

that's the one they are going to do - but for others that were in

this position of having to " choose " ... how did that work for you?

Is your pain better? Do you notice a difference? Do you think

you'll have to address the other discs at some point?

- How big is your scar/incision?

- How long was the surgery?

- How long were you in the hosp?

- How long after I'm home will I need somone to help me care for my

son? Thank goodness he is very well behaved. But, I'm talking

about bending over for baths, driving him to school, etc.

- How long until you can drive?

- How long until you could go back to work (I have a stressful job

as a project manager where I sit all day). I know w/ my herniated

disc surgery I was out for 2 weeks and then part-time for 2 weeks

but I'm thinking this will be longer.

- Extensive physical therapy post-op?

- Any " recreational " athletes out here that have had this done and

are able to return to that activity? ie: jogging, aerobics, hiking,

etc.?

- How long did you need pain meds post-op? I can't wait to be able

to wean myself off of the pain meds I've been on for 4 years. I am

very concerned though that the doc will have a hard time supressing

my pain post-op due to the immunity I have built up to keep my daily

pain under control. Anyone have a problem with this?

Any other feedback/insight on other's experiences would be helpful

and greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance (don't forget to send this to my email please!),