Things continue to go well. I'm taking it much easier than I thought I would. I'm still riding my bike around a bit. I've deferred starting the athletics, because what little I've done has come with some pain. Please understand that this pain is relatively mild compared to what I've been used to. I think it's still mainly from being so out of shape. I don't think it's related to the artificial discs... but I'm not 100% certain. I just don't feel like I'm in a big hurry.

Part of it is because the Med-Ex workouts are somewhat strenuous. I'm in the no pain, no gain portion of the therapy. Since it's testing the limits, I don't feel the need to test them on my own.

I haven't had any pain meds since the 6 week mark. I stopped the anti-depressants a 9 weeks and I'm still doing great. I just don't have anything to be depressed about or enough pain to worry about.

I'm talking to a few places about work and have landed a small consulting contract. It's got me back into the world. I've got a huge financial hole to dig out of, but when I return to work, with 2 incomes, it won't take too long to recover.

Tomorrow, I'm going to Phoenix for the American Academy of Minimally Invasive Spinal Medicine and Surgery conference. I'll get to meet Dr. Bertagnoli, Regan, Young, Hoogland (AlphaKlinik), Chiu, and our own Dr. W! I don't know what to expect there, but it seems like it'll be too interesting to pass up.

Oh yes... the kids from my goalkeeper clinic have been after me to get started again. I'm not ready for the physical stuff myself, but I can run the clinics. Hopefully, I'll be starting soon. Some of these kids had been training with me since they were 10. Now, they'll drive themselves to practice. I taught the clinic for 5 straight years - year round. I've been off for most of the last 3 years. I can't wait to get started again. I love the kids so much and really miss coaching!

So, I'm back in the saddle again. I hope you all are doing well.

Pain-free vibes out to all!

Love,

Mark

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*** L4-5 and L5-S1 Disc Replacement (SB Charite III) 9/20/02 by Dr. Zeegers, AlphaKlinik, Munich, Germany ***

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, but you can see which one won.

*** The AlphaKlinik was wonderful. My expectations were high, but the clinic, it's staff, and Dr. Zeegers far exceeded them!!!

Fantastic!

You are such an inspiration to all of us.

Enjoy the conference and give us a full report.

Hugs,

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And Merry Christmas what a great gift you've been given......

Love,Lisa

I am so glad that you share with us you success. I have something tangible that I feel is within my own grasp.

Have a great trip. Oh yeah. I received a response email from Lila, but have not hear from the other camp. I will press on and let you know what I find out.

Take care.

Your approach sounds smart. You sound like you are doing wonderful. It is exciting!

How interesting to meet all those doctors. Our own Dr. W. too!

Great news about work and goalkeeper clinic.
Both sound like fun. I hear you what you are saying about both. How wonderful to be able to be earning some $ to pay off bills.
Later when you are feeling much better to get back to coaching.

Things are falling into place for you.
Best of the best for you and your family.
Love, Pearl

I am so very glad to hear how well you are doing. Are you a medical professional? Regardless, I am glad that you are going to that conference. The docs here need to know how well you are doing so they can advocate for getting the ADR in the US.