Guest guest Posted January 21, 2006 Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 Since I'm in the process of being evaluated for surgery by Dr. Rand, I look at the Boston Spine Group website rather frequently. They've added a new page, probably within the last day or so: http://www.bostonspinegroup.org/charite/ I had noticed that one of their surgeons specializes in artificial disc replacement, and even if I had not I would have questioned Dr. Rand about the possibilities for me, but I did find this interesting. It comes on the heels of the US trials of the Charite replacement disc. And who knows, even if I'm never a candidate for a lumbar ADR, perhaps there will be a cervical one in my future. (That's right, just keep up those cheery thoughts....) Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2006 Report Share Posted January 22, 2006 And who knows, even if I'm never a candidate for a lumbar ADR, perhaps there will be a cervical one in my future.Sharon,I've had the exact same cheery thought!kam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2006 Report Share Posted January 22, 2006 FYI--I have seen Dr. Guyer in Plano, TX about the artificial disc. I thought it may be an option since everyone else wants to fuse me again. He says that the current disc is not designed to handle the forces at the bottom of a fusion. It just won't last. That is why is it only for people who have never had a fusion and is recommended to replace a single level fusion. > > Sharon, > > The way I looked at it, I flat out asked Rand what was on the > horizon that would be worth waiting for...and he offered nothing. > You should ask him too. Since I had decided to go with him...all > another year would have gotten me was a surgeon and a patient a year > older...and I didn't think he was going back to school. There is > ADR, but I don't think that was a realistic option to wait for...not > under a long fusion. So, for me....why wait? I had enough sick leave > to be out for 3 months...life wan't getting any more fun...that was > for sure. So I did it...and you know the rest. It was a good > decision. > > Don't wait any longer than you have to. This life we have been given > is not a dress rehersal. There are no " do overs " . > > I am sorry to sound morbid...I just recieved word that a business > aquaintence/friends daughter was killed Christmas Eve in a car > accident. I am so sad for them. > > Cam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2006 Report Share Posted January 22, 2006 Yeah, and supposedly if they fail/or they need to be removed for any reason they are very difficult to get out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 12, 2006 Report Share Posted August 12, 2006 Hi Carol.... Several artificial discs have been approved for use in the U.S., but none for patients with prior fusions, or patients that need more than 1 or 2 levels fused. A year or so ago, I talked with Dr. Hu about the possibility of using an artificial disc in patients with prior fusions. She said that she didn’t think the current “gel” discs would stand up to the uneven forces of someone with scoliosis and a prior fusion. She is, however, doing trials for a new all metal disc which she thinks MAY be appropriate for that purpose. They won’t be able to even test them for that purpose until they’ve been approved. There is one forum member who had an artificial disc put in as part of her revision a few years ago. Unfortunately, she had a terrible outcome. And, as far as I know, no one has heard anything from her in many months. Regards, On 8/12/06 7:49 PM, " Carol " <dcvaughan@...> wrote: When I was explaining to someone at work after I got back from seeing Dr. Hu about the surgery, he asked if she was going to do disc replacement. I said no, and then explained what she was planning to do. I didn't say anything to him, but I understand that disc replacement is still in the experimental or research stages here in the US because the FDA hasn't approved it yet. Does anyone know? I think they're doing it in Europe. Carol V (CA) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2006 Report Share Posted August 13, 2006 Thanks for the info. I thought something had been said about them in the past, but I couldn't remember exactly what. It sounds like it's too untried and experimental. I certainly don't want to be a guinea pig for a disc if there have been so few good results (if any). Thanks for the maps and info last week. I guess I was using the wrong words when I was asking for the " coffee shop " that's why they pointed out the wrong place. But then we asked for " someplace to eat " and the receptionist only told us about the cafeteria. He never mentioned any Food Court! Now we know where it is for next time. As far as the motel, we'd rather stay outside the city proper rather than negotiate all those " hilly " and tight city streets. We'd probably get lost!! It's enough to come in on 19th and go to Judah St.!! Carol V. > > > When I was explaining to someone at work after I got back from seeing > > Dr. Hu about the surgery, he asked if she was going to do disc > > replacement. I said no, and then explained what she was planning to do. > > I didn't say anything to him, but I understand that disc replacement is > > still in the experimental or research stages here in the US because the > > FDA hasn't approved it yet. Does anyone know? I think they're doing it > > in Europe. > > > > Carol V (CA) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2006 Report Share Posted August 16, 2006 & Carol Sorry to jump in so late on this, but I'm getting ready for a little surgery. ;^) in LI has been back to let us know that she had her revision re-done by Dr. Farcy, who had originally worked with an experienced disc replacement surgeon to do a revision with disc, and she was doing much better, fused to the sacrum. I think Dr. Farcy made good for her, and this says much in his favor. She was willing to take the chance, and unfortunately the replacement disc didn't work in her case. Maybe some day... Sharon Re: [ ] Disc Replacement Hi Carol....Several artificial discs have been approved for use in the U.S., but none for patients with prior fusions, or patients that need more than 1 or 2 levels fused.A year or so ago, I talked with Dr. Hu about the possibility of using an artificial disc in patients with prior fusions. She said that she didn’t think the current “gel” discs would stand up to the uneven forces of someone with scoliosis and a prior fusion. She is, however, doing trials for a new all metal disc which she thinks MAY be appropriate for that purpose. They won’t be able to even test them for that purpose until they’ve been approved.There is one forum member who had an artificial disc put in as part of her revision a few years ago. Unfortunately, she had a terrible outcome. And, as far as I know, no one has heard anything from her in many months.Regards,On 8/12/06 7:49 PM, "Carol" <dcvaughansbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: When I was explaining to someone at work after I got back from seeing Dr. Hu about the surgery, he asked if she was going to do disc replacement. I said no, and then explained what she was planning to do. I didn't say anything to him, but I understand that disc replacement is still in the experimental or research stages here in the US because the FDA hasn't approved it yet. Does anyone know? I think they're doing it in Europe. Carol V (CA) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Well, here I am back again a year later and scheduled for another discogram in a week and a half. My back has been acting up a lot and we got another MRI. It showed that the disc at l4/l5 has again herniated (3rd time) and is causing a severe stenosis on the canel that carries the nerve to the left leg. Lots of sciatica and a fair amount of back pain (probably a 3 - 5 every day). The disc at L3/l4 is also bulging, but this has been pretty stable for the last few years. The discogram is needed to prove that my problem is single level (if it is not, the insurance will not pay for an artificial disc). I feel between a rock and a hard place. First, my job could be in jeopardy this year. I really would prefer to do the operation if I do it with long term disability just in case. This would cease if I lost my job. I am not in severe pain every day, but if I do anything simple like wash the car, my back usually freaks for a couple days. So it is really impacting my daily life. I was found to have NSAID induced ulcers in my small intestines last year. No NSAIDs or aspirin anymore. I also can not tolerate oral steroids due to stomach issues. This is a real problem if I need a little relief. I only take narcotics if things get bad. So I am back to considering the artificial disc replacement again and as you can see a lot of things are steering me in that direction. So what do you all think? All I read says to avoid operations at all cost, but you can see my back is severely limiting what I can do. It also is getting worse every year. At some point, the disc at l3/l4 will herniate (or the DDD will cause pain), and then I will not be covered by insurance for an artificial disc. Life's decisions get real tough sometimes! Ken > > The following is the website for Pro Disc which is made by the company > Synthes, a leader in orthopedics and joint replacements. You may be > able to find a surgeon through the company. > http://us.synthesprodisc.com/EN-US/DiscReplacement/ > > Also, this is a doc in North Carolina who does them, he has a nice info > page on it... http://www.discreplacementservices.com/prodisc_tooke.htm > > And another on disk replacement > http://www.centerforspinecare.com/approach/minimalinvasive/lowerback/rea > lities.html > > There is another brand in the US for disk prosthesis which is called > Charite, but the Pro Disc is thought to be superior by some > http://www.charitedisc.com/charitedev/domestic/ > > The place in Germany is called Stenum Hospital, below is the link... > http://www.stenumhospital.com/ > --- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Hello Ken! First off, I hope you are having a good day today. I know first hand, as do many others here, how each day differs from the one before, and how with this kind of condition you live moment to moment. Knowing that the slightest wrong movement can throw you whole day into a whirlwind of intense and mind-blowing pain. There are loads of us out here - and many on this group have great ideas, and thoughts garnered from personal experience, research and medical backgrounds. You are definitely in the right place! The problem with asking opinions or advice is if you ask 5 people you will get 5 different answers and those answers will be different from yours. Just my $.02 worth and nothing more, if I were in your shoes and with the current economic turmoil, I would go ahead and get it done if the insurance will cover. The thing I have learned about pain, in the last 9 years of dealing with almost the same exact condition as yours only in a different area, is that it isn't going to go away or get better. It almost always gets worse. You may end up down the road when it gets really bad - so much so that it has to be fixed asap - that you have no coverage or your coverage has changed. You don't want to be in those shoes. Either way you go, I wish you well. Healing thoughts and warm wishes for a speedy recovery back to your old self. Blessings, Callie ----------------------------------------------------------------- Re: Disc Replacement Posted by: " wa3kf " Tue Feb 3, 2009 8:43 am (PST) Well, here I am back again a year later and scheduled for another discogram in a week and a half. My back has been acting up a lot and we got another MRI. It showed that the disc at l4/l5 has again herniated (3rd time) and is causing a severe stenosis on the canel that carries the nerve to the left leg. Lots of sciatica and a fair amount of back pain (probably a 3 - 5 every day). The disc at L3/l4 is also bulging, but this has been pretty stable for the last few years. The discogram is needed to prove that my problem is single level (if it is not, the insurance will not pay for an artificial disc). I feel between a rock and a hard place. First, my job could be in jeopardy this year. I really would prefer to do the operation if I do it with long term disability just in case. This would cease if I lost my job. I am not in severe pain every day, but if I do anything simple like wash the car, my back usually freaks for a couple days. So it is really impacting my daily life. I was found to have NSAID induced ulcers in my small intestines last year. No NSAIDs or aspirin anymore. I also can not tolerate oral steroids due to stomach issues. This is a real problem if I need a little relief. I only take narcotics if things get bad. So I am back to considering the artificial disc replacement again and as you can see a lot of things are steering me in that direction. So what do you all think? All I read says to avoid operations at all cost, but you can see my back is severely limiting what I can do. It also is getting worse every year. At some point, the disc at l3/l4 will herniate (or the DDD will cause pain), and then I will not be covered by insurance for an artificial disc. Life's decisions get real tough sometimes! Ken ____________________________________________________________ How much is your personal injury case worth? Click now to find a lawyer. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2131/fc/PnY6rbv5MqiDELGtzR6WlDMCf4GFPOkU7ccR\ tQgWM0O9h2tss7sk9/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Hi Ken and Callie, I agree with Callie about it does not get better, after 20 months there is a slight loosening of my back but nothing else. I have been told to take it easy by a Consultant and I do not and will not work because I would not be able to do it for any length of time. I do not know what is wrong exactly and will face the same dilemma as you when I finally get an MRI scan of cervical and lumbar vertebrae. My symptoms are similar to yours and sometimes it feels I am walking on stilts. What I have found is that sleeping on the floor on very thin coverings helps a lot. Less headache and the ability to stand straighter with less pain. I also lay down on the opposite side to the pain on the floor during the day if I have over exerted myself but without a pillow not to fall asleep. Also leaning over backwards seems to help with or without hands on back of hips. I know that if I approach tasks differently, slowly, more relaxed somehow there is an easiness there which reduces the tension (I cannot relax or sit in an easy chair). If I think about doing it too much I bring it on myself. But if spur of the moment I do it relaxed it somehow does not produce quite so much hassle.(Like washing the car I will take turns with both arms and I am trying to be more left handed.) It seems wherever you go you will get divided opinion on whatever you are seeking and this is worse than most! Shayna earlier today posted her experience which might be useful. I wish you well whatever your decision. My decision time will be along soon enough. I think if there was a fair or good chance that I would be immobilised if I did not have an operation then I would have the operation. But I think also that if there was only a fair chance of immobilisation because of the operation I would not have the operation but suffer until something changed my mind. > From: tiggers@... <tiggers@...> > Subject: Re: Disc Replacement > spinal problems > Date: Tuesday, 3 February, 2009, 9:40 PM > Hello Ken! > > First off, I hope you are having a good day today. I know > first hand, as do many others here, how each day differs > from the one before, and how with this kind of condition you > live moment to moment. Knowing that the slightest wrong > movement can throw you whole day into a whirlwind of intense > and mind-blowing pain. There are loads of us out here - and > many on this group have great ideas, and thoughts garnered > from personal experience, research and medical backgrounds. > You are definitely in the right place! > > The problem with asking opinions or advice is if you ask 5 > people you will get 5 different answers and those answers > will be different from yours. Just my $.02 worth and nothing > more, if I were in your shoes and with the current economic > turmoil, I would go ahead and get it done if the insurance > will cover. The thing I have learned about pain, in the last > 9 years of dealing with almost the same exact condition as > yours only in a different area, is that it isn't going > to go away or get better. It almost always gets worse. You > may end up down the road when it gets really bad - so much > so that it has to be fixed asap - that you have no coverage > or your coverage has changed. You don't want to be in > those shoes. > > Either way you go, I wish you well. Healing thoughts and > warm wishes for a speedy recovery back to your old self. > > Blessings, > Callie > > > ----------------------------------------------------------------- > Re: Disc Replacement > Posted by: " wa3kf " > Tue Feb 3, 2009 8:43 am (PST) > Well, here I am back again a year later and scheduled for > another > discogram in a week and a half. My back has been acting up > a lot and > we got another MRI. It showed that the disc at l4/l5 has > again > herniated (3rd time) and is causing a severe stenosis on > the canel > that carries the nerve to the left leg. Lots of sciatica > and a fair > amount of back pain (probably a 3 - 5 every day). The disc > at L3/l4 is > also bulging, but this has been pretty stable for the last > few years. > The discogram is needed to prove that my problem is single > level (if > it is not, the insurance will not pay for an artificial > disc). I feel > between a rock and a hard place. First, my job could be in > jeopardy > this year. I really would prefer to do the operation if I > do it with > long term disability just in case. This would cease if I > lost my job. > I am not in severe pain every day, but if I do anything > simple like > wash the car, my back usually freaks for a couple days. So > it is > really impacting my daily life. I was found to have NSAID > induced > ulcers in my small intestines last year. No NSAIDs or > aspirin anymore. > I also can not tolerate oral steroids due to stomach > issues. This is a > real problem if I need a little relief. I only take > narcotics if > things get bad. So I am back to considering the artificial > disc > replacement again and as you can see a lot of things are > steering me > in that direction. > > So what do you all think? All I read says to avoid > operations at all > cost, but you can see my back is severely limiting what I > can do. It > also is getting worse every year. At some point, the disc > at l3/l4 > will herniate (or the DDD will cause pain), and then I will > not be > covered by insurance for an artificial disc. Life's > decisions get real > tough sometimes! > > Ken > > ____________________________________________________________ > How much is your personal injury case worth? Click now to > find a lawyer. > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2131/fc/PnY6rbv5MqiDELGtzR6WlDMCf4GFPOkU7ccR\ tQgWM0O9h2tss7sk9/ > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2009 Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 Hi Callie and , Yes I know that the only person that can make the right decision for me, is me. Its hard when the doctor gives you odds on the order of 90% that the disc replacement will make things better since this sounds really good. Now you have to understand that better means that the scoring system they use for your back pain will get lower. Then there is the 7% that will remain the same and the 3% that will be worse off. Good odds unless you are in the 7% or 3% groups. And of course, what you find on the various groups is the 3% since they need to complain! Thanks for the comments. Guess I am just looking for some " comforting " ! Ken > > > From: tiggers@... <tiggers@...> > > Subject: Re: Disc Replacement > > spinal problems > > Date: Tuesday, 3 February, 2009, 9:40 PM > > Hello Ken! > > > > First off, I hope you are having a good day today. I know > > first hand, as do many others here, how each day differs > > from the one before, and how with this kind of condition you > > live moment to moment. Knowing that the slightest wrong > > movement can throw you whole day into a whirlwind of intense > > and mind-blowing pain. There are loads of us out here - and > > many on this group have great ideas, and thoughts garnered > > from personal experience, research and medical backgrounds. > > You are definitely in the right place! > > > > The problem with asking opinions or advice is if you ask 5 > > people you will get 5 different answers and those answers > > will be different from yours. Just my $.02 worth and nothing > > more, if I were in your shoes and with the current economic > > turmoil, I would go ahead and get it done if the insurance > > will cover. The thing I have learned about pain, in the last > > 9 years of dealing with almost the same exact condition as > > yours only in a different area, is that it isn't going > > to go away or get better. It almost always gets worse. You > > may end up down the road when it gets really bad - so much > > so that it has to be fixed asap - that you have no coverage > > or your coverage has changed. You don't want to be in > > those shoes. > > > > Either way you go, I wish you well. Healing thoughts and > > warm wishes for a speedy recovery back to your old self. > > > > Blessings, > > Callie > > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------------- > > Re: Disc Replacement > > Posted by: " wa3kf " > > Tue Feb 3, 2009 8:43 am (PST) > > Well, here I am back again a year later and scheduled for > > another > > discogram in a week and a half. My back has been acting up > > a lot and > > we got another MRI. It showed that the disc at l4/l5 has > > again > > herniated (3rd time) and is causing a severe stenosis on > > the canel > > that carries the nerve to the left leg. Lots of sciatica > > and a fair > > amount of back pain (probably a 3 - 5 every day). The disc > > at L3/l4 is > > also bulging, but this has been pretty stable for the last > > few years. > > The discogram is needed to prove that my problem is single > > level (if > > it is not, the insurance will not pay for an artificial > > disc). I feel > > between a rock and a hard place. First, my job could be in > > jeopardy > > this year. I really would prefer to do the operation if I > > do it with > > long term disability just in case. This would cease if I > > lost my job. > > I am not in severe pain every day, but if I do anything > > simple like > > wash the car, my back usually freaks for a couple days. So > > it is > > really impacting my daily life. I was found to have NSAID > > induced > > ulcers in my small intestines last year. No NSAIDs or > > aspirin anymore. > > I also can not tolerate oral steroids due to stomach > > issues. This is a > > real problem if I need a little relief. I only take > > narcotics if > > things get bad. So I am back to considering the artificial > > disc > > replacement again and as you can see a lot of things are > > steering me > > in that direction. > > > > So what do you all think? All I read says to avoid > > operations at all > > cost, but you can see my back is severely limiting what I > > can do. It > > also is getting worse every year. At some point, the disc > > at l3/l4 > > will herniate (or the DDD will cause pain), and then I will > > not be > > covered by insurance for an artificial disc. Life's > > decisions get real > > tough sometimes! > > > > Ken > > > > ____________________________________________________________ > > How much is your personal injury case worth? Click now to > > find a lawyer. > > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2131/fc/PnY6rbv5MqiDELGtzR6WlDMCf4GFPOkU7ccR\ tQgWM0O9h2tss7sk9/ > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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