It's Tuesday afternoon here in Munich. I had my surgery Friday afternoon, so I'm almost exactly 4 days post-op.

I'm still in a lot of pain and haven't read anything that's been posted. Thanks to those I called who posted the updates. There were many more I called from the hospital, but I wasn't thinking all that clearly and didn't leave too many messages.

WOW!!!! All I can say is that I've been to hell and back.... and this is just for the abdominal surgery. I can't imagine having been flipped over for a posterior procedure too!!!!!!!! My hat goes off to anyone who's endured a 360, especially a multi-level 360. I guess that if you can get through that, you can take just about anything!!!!

I have a lot to post, but am not up to it yet. I was feeling much better yesterday morning. Saturday was hell... Sunday was better, but still hell. Monday morning I was feeling pretty good. I looked in the mirror and there stood someone I hadn't seen in a long time!!! However, Monday is pretty busy. X-rays, PT visit, sonogram, Doctor visits, lots of walking around the entire clinic several times. I had misunderstood about the need for the brace. I thought it was to protect yourself from doing stupid things, but you didn't need it just for short strolls and when you won't be going out or at risk of any stupidity. I think that if I had worn the brace/corset for my busy Monday, I wouldn't have paid for it so severely.

Even so, I was released Tuesday morning, so we are back at the hotel now. All of yesterdays tests looked fine. I was concerned about the placement of the discs, but the x-rays looked perfect..... even if a little alien.

I still plan to post the entire story in the journal thread, but that will take some time. I just wanted to stop by and let you all know I came through it just fine. I won't know if my back pain is solved, until the the surgical pain subsides.

There is a young woman here from the east coast who has posted on the forum. She has the smallest incision any of the nurses have ever seen (under 2"). She is doing very well. She told me (has have other post-ADR patients) that she knew immediately that her old back pain was gone. Obviously, it is replaced by surgical pain. She looks so much better now than she did before the surgery. I'm still in so much pain that I can't imagine differentiating between my old back pain and new, surgical pain. I think that if you closed your eyes and someone chopped off a finger, you couldn't tell which one it was... OK, well, maybe it's not all that grim.

It's very cold and rainy now, but Munich is really beautiful. I hope I'm well enough to see a little more before we leave. I'll be here almost another week, so that isn't out of the question.

YOU GUYS ROCK!!!! I can't express how much you all have helped me to get through this. I'll be back as soon as I can.

Love to all,

Mark

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2/25/00 Microdiscectomy/laminotomy L4-5, 10x15x7 mm left paracentral protrusion

9/23/00 CANCELED L4-S1 360 fusion CANCELED

9/15/01 emergency microdiscectomy L5-S1, 14x13x10 mm left paracentral protrusion

Both discectomies resolved hip/leg/foot symptoms, but left the underlying back pain. Residual left foot pain and numbness. Lost axial reflex (left ankle).

Researching artificial disc options. ProDisc vs. SB Charite III looks like a toss-up.

I hope the surgery pain subsides quickly for you.

You rock, too, Mark!!

Hugs. Take care.

Sure hope the pain let's up soon, and you and the Mrs. get a chance to see the beautiful Country that has given you hope~

We care, and will be anxiously waiting for you to come home.

A BIG admirer of one who followed his dream,
Bo

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3 level ACDF 4-7 with hardware
5-15-01

Love,Lisa

I am so glad to read your post, been thinking of you. I wish you a speedy recovery.

From one two level ADR to another, take it easy and don't push it.

Good luck on your trip back.

I know how you feel after the abdominal surgery - it's like you've been eviscerated... And you're very lucky not to have the posterior as well.

Enjoy Munich and I look forward to hearing the rest of your story.

I must say I am just a bit jealous...

Jim

I WAS SO HAPPY THAT YOU TOOK THE TIME TO CALL ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry I wasn't in but I got such a kick just hearing your voice!

Lots of love and best wishes from me to you and let's chat in detail when you are home.

Love,

Karen

WHOHOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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05-01-2000: L4-S1 Hemi-Laminectomy w/bilateral decompressions & discectomy. Severe Spinal Stenosis, Instability, DDD/Athritis & Hypermobility

11-22-2000: PLIF L4-S1, L3-S1 Facet Fusion.

06-20-2001: Emergency C5/C6 ACDF. (Rupture w/ severe cord compression, Bi-lateral Stenosis)

11-29-2001: 360 Global Fusion - Anterior L4/S1, (12-12-2001): Posterior portion Completed. "Hardware Replacement". Re-fusion of L3-S1 facet joints.

5 out of 6 screws had become "very" loose per the OSS! Bottom screws have left permanent damage in both legs. OSS said I "clearly" w/not have made it much longer after seeing things in surgery) Former NS wanted me to wait another year to see if I would fuse! (I still shudder)

09-23-2002 - I AM COMPLETELY "BEAUTIFULLY" FUSED, HE SAID FROM MY 360 !!

04-29-2002: Right Hand Carpal Tunnel Surgery. Severe nerve and muscle damage. (Ulnar Nerve Dsyfunction in right & left elbow now, carpal tunnel in left hand also)

02-2002: MRI Confirming: C4/C5 Bone Spurs/, C5/C6 Hardware Shifting, resulting in severe nerve compression/swelling. C6/C7 Herniation

06-2002: OSS Confirmed during post op x-rays of 360 Global - L3/L4 already taking the stress from 360 Global & agrees with NS on C4/C5, C5/C6 and C6/C7.

09-05-2002: CT/Myelo Results: L2/L3 and L3/L4 Now Herniated Per NS & OSS

Both OSS and NS have agreed that my spine is deterioating at a high rate of speed & believe I have stress levels already occuring in the thoracic.

I have opted "out" of surgery in "any" level of the spine now after much discussion with "each" surgeon, unless either level ruptures (like my c-spine did) or dangerous neuropathic levels arise - due to tampering with the thoracic and how quickly my levels are going after surgery and will continue with pain management as long as possible.

Current Meds: Oxycontin, OxyIR for breakthrough, Valium, Zanaflex, Topomax & Phenegran. Beta Blocker - Toprol XL for High Blood Pressure.

major congrats!!!!!! dee