I hope everyone is having a great holiday season.

I'm always posting the positive. It's time for a quick reality check. Nothing bad is happening, but I need to let everyone know that my recovery is not as perfect as my posts would lead you to believe.

Last Wednesday (12/11), my Med-Ex I had two things occur. First, I went from feeling wonderful to feeling some pain when I transition from flexion to extension. Second, my Med-Ex therapy really seemed to set off my cervical spine. As soon as I went off the meds it was clear that they were masking some cervical pain. It's usually there and gets moderate for about 2 or 3 days a week.

Since then, (and a few times before then) I've had some pretty lousy evenings with moderately high pain levels. Some of the time without severe pain have been accompanied by that nagging discomfort that doesn't make you scream, but it makes you miserable anyway.

I had been waiting for the other shoe to drop. This is not it! Maybe it won't drop. For a day or two I really worried about the jabs when going to extension. I worried about a mechanical problem, or maybe scar tissue starting to form. I can rationalize it away now, so I'm not going to worry about it.

I'm starting to get some release on my hamstrings and quads. They have been unbelievably tight. It makes me think that my body is starting to relax after 3 years of constant guarding. Maybe my body is starting to allow true flexion and extension at the affected segments. As I start to regain motion where I had none, the surrounding tissues must figure out how they'll move again. Maybe adhesions formed? Whatever??? In any case, I'm still not concerned. I'm still in fantastic shape compared to where I was.

I always posted about what I was about to start, but really chickened out when it came to it. I still haven't played tennis. I quit riding my bike because of the flexion to extension thing (getting off the bike). I still haven't gone skiing. Although I kicked a soccer ball around a couple of times, I'm not participating in any physical activities except for PT and my very mild workouts. I'll stop the Med-ex therapy for a short time and see if it helps.

It's all still good. No narcotics in 7 weeks (tomorrow). No AD's in 4 weeks. I think I'm really starting to feel the lack of AD's. It probably takes that long for the boost you get from them to fade away completely. I do get some pangs of depression, but since things are going relatively well, it's not too much of a problem.

I just want everyone to fully understand. I love posting my success and I still consider my surgery to be more successful than I could have possible imagined. However, I hope to let everyone who's following me know that although my recovery still is miraculous, it's not all sunshine and roses.

Take care all,

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!!!

Yes indeed, there's a bed of thorns in whichever route all of us elect to choose when it comes to dealing with our spinal problems but that's what makes this one 'helluva' forum, don't you think? Best wishes from down here in Dixie for you an yours this Holiday season....as you well know, NEVER, EVER give up!

Still sounds as though you're doing remarkably well. Your set backs are all normal, but it's good of you to post them to make sure everyone understands.

Those pains you get are normal too, yet they tend to make one a bit paranoid don't they? I hated them, no so much because I couldn't handle the discomfort, but that I was so deathly afraid of returning to my previous physical state. It took me a LONG time to get over that and I still get paranoid from time to time because I still get sore from time to time. And there was days during soccer season where I was really uncomfortable, but once I realized that it didn't necessarily mean something was wrong it was easier to deal with. But, I still sometimes get fearful when I have a bad day...even though it's miniscule comparatively. Who's to blame us though??? We go from virtually handicapped to somewhat normal in a relatively short time period that it's almost surreal. I don't think the fear ever truly leaves, but I just try to take each day for what it's worth.

Also, I found it interesting about your cervical issues. I think I had more problems with my upper back and neck when I became active again then I did with my lumbar. I think it's mainly from my body carrying itself different now. Although, I did have a few neck injuries in high school and I guess the shift in posture could flare-up old wounds? But, my neck still misbehaves from time to time. I missed a game this season because I woke up the morning after a tough game and couldn't move my head for a few days.

And about the ADs. I think its possible that your depression "pangs" are normal parts of your recovery too. I hit that point after my last two surgeries. It always happened to me in spurts...like when I would hit a wall with rehab. It's all just so emotionally draining. You force yourself into a constant adrenaline high for your recovery and it sucks when you hit a wall and have no real release of the adrenaline. At least that's how it was for me.

Anyway, haven't talked to you in awhile, but I'm still keeping up with your progress. Keep it up!

You know this already but I will say it anyway, it takes time, and as that goes you are on an incredible curve. Take it easy and take care, and as usual a great post.

Regards,

I hope you feel better to get some of that off your chest.......don't worry,You'll be doing fantastic again soon.....

I was that way early post op.....I wanted NO set-backs,NO bad days,nothing.....well,it felt good not to hide it anymore and tell everyone about my bad days.......but,I always pulled through,and I just got through another set-back last weekend........

I'm sure your recovery will be WAY quicker than mine, but we'll both get there.....I know it......I know I may not be perfect,and I may not be a total whoppin success,but I'll make it.....I'll make it enough to do the things I need to do...............you'll probobly pass me by with flying colors, and I'll be very happy for you.....

God Bless,
Merry Christmas,
Love Lisa

Actually, I'm relieved to hear that you too have some of what I call residual normal pain, as I was beginning to get bummed out reading your All is Perfect posts, as I am still feeling a slight but persistent pain(I classify it as 3-4, which is still WAY less than the 7-8-9 pre ADR)

Hang in there bro... I guess I'm about 2 months ahead of you in my recovery phase, and although I only have 1 SB Charite', I can tell you that every day, every minute that passes I get better !!!!!

We are traveling to our hometown(Austin TX)tomorrow, and I plan to bring my clubs to play golf for the first time since forever it seems like, and the first time since the surgery. I'm only going to try 9 holes, but I know the ol' back is going to handle it.

BTW: I noticed in 1 of your posts you referred to playing keeper- I too played Keeper(as well as Sweeper) in High school , college, and in a Men's League for many years.

Have you ever thought that maybe because of the torsion, tweaks, and abuse you put on your body flying to the ball, that it might have been 1 of the factors contributing to your DDD?

oh well, long post.
Thanks for your posts, I appreciate your help!
PS: I'm going to be interviewed by the media about my surgery, for the Doctor who did it.
peace
wave
(Jim)

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X-RAY& MRI:
DDD, severe stenosis L4-5, facet hypertrophy , Disc Obliteration(!?!) L4-5

3 ESI
L3-S1 Facet Selective Nerve Root Blocks

10/01 Microdiscetomy/Laminectomy/Foramenotomy L4-5
MEDS: Duragesic, Norco, Ambien
7/11/02 Scheduled for SB Charite'III prosthesis Anterior approach
10/12/02 12 weeks Post-Op
Not 100% pain -free, but now at 3-4 instead of 7-8

Yes, the ADR's effect follows us for weeks before lack of them begins showing up.

I cannot believe you are still off painkillers with that aggressive PT.

it goes without saying that within the miraculous recovery/outcome that there would be some minor flaws.

all in all/overall, it still sounds fantastic to me.

i hope your success continues!!

have a great evening!

Search this forum and the Spinal Disorders 2 forum for the following keywords: charite, prodisc, adr, artificial - you'll find a lot of discussion. Specify only the subject line and you'll get a managable number of hits.

I'm happy to share my story. I've been on the forum for over 2 years. The ADR surgery in September was my third surgery in 3 years. I had no life and had been on opiates for those three years and then some. It's an absolute miracle for me to experience the kind of recovery I have.

Jim, yes I'm a hard-core keeper. I started because it was the only way into a mens league that I wanted to play in. Next thing I know, I'm taking lessons from pro keepers. For 5 years I taught a clinic for kids who wanted to learn keeper skills. Never charged a dime and never turned a kid away. It was always magic, being able to deal with the kids who loved playing keeper as much as I did. I really wish I would have started before my late thirties.... I coulda been a contender!

Becs... you rock!!! you were my inspiration. Returning to college soccer after your ordeal is incredible.

Thanks to everyone for the kind replies. Take care, and pain-free vibes out to all.

I have been pain free for months now and I walk quite a bit considering everything. It is hard to imagine life back to where it was only a matter of five or so years ago. Considering where I was only a year ago, that is beyond comprehension.

I did not want this reply to be about me, but more to say that is just takes time. Longer than we want, but in a few more months you will suddenly realize how far you've come and it will be exciting. The day by day grind makes it hard to have a true perspective on our progress. It's when there is enough time to look back and see where we were and where we are now that we realize how blessed we are.

You still had a major surgery, and you'll still have residual problems, since your pain didn't come over night, and I think you're doing great, bearing through it all.

Still, to show to us, that you are not 100% and a triathlete (yet), is being truthful without adding the sugar to it. Surgery is still rough.

Your are about the last person, I would accuse of being biased. It is true that your preference for the ADR was quite clear but I believe most here; admired your determination, seek and you shall receive attitude. I have a similar preference regarding surgery, (it does not involve an ADR).

I have certainly experienced resistance from what I now term THE UN-INFLICTED.

Basically, these are friends and family who "try" to accuse me of playing doctor. My answer, is now no response. This forum, Dr. W., inclusive has given enough information for me to make my own informed judgement call. (The last advise I was suppose "to take", came via an operating technician. "Oh, yes I seen tons of them done". My response, really how's the follow-up? (No response). Its each our own row, and collectively I think "we" (this forum does quite well).

So, if anyone is still reading this thread, WHY IS IT DIFFICULT TO POST THE NEGATIVE?

It seems that we go in cycles. I'm lucky enough to be having a recovery, so posting negatively must cast a cloud on my rosy recovery. It's not much of a cloud. In spite of what I'm posting, I'm still in fantastic shape and very hopeful about my recovery.

I did forget to mention that I must be dealing with some sort of inflammation. When my activity levels are higher, not only the back pain goes up, but my foot hurts and the rock in my shoe returns. It's not that bad, but it does give me pause.

Lynnie, cervie ADR is coming soon. I sure hope we get to meet someday.

NotWalkin, you are so right about the uninflicted. They will never get it. Only you can make the decisions about your treatment options.

Joe, I wish I could see you out walking with BeBop and your grandbuddies.

Take care all,

I will remember your posts and your comments. I do need to know that it is not all a bed of roses like you have said.

Take care.