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My apologies to everyone who's freezing now. This has been the most incredible winter that I remember.

Diving started out with all sorts of special plans to help the guy with the bad back. I'd climb down to the swim step without gear. Someone would hand the gear down. I'd get the gear on in the water. Reverse the process after the dive. What a pain! I felt fine with all the gear, so for the second dive, I geared up on the deck, then did a normal giant-stride entry. That involves stepping off the boat about 5 feet above the water line. No problem. After the dive, I was able to climb the ladder back onto the deck with full gear. No assistance, no shedding the weight before I got out. I was actually able to function like a normal person!

Lauren and I had a great time. I drove everyone nuts with a constant HUGE grin, singing and laughing all the time. The Cee Ray is a dive boat, so it's set up perfectly. It's run by divers for divers and they know what they are doing. Sunday, I did 4 dives, including a long night dive. That is incredible. Monday, I just did 1 snorkel and 1 dive. The sea life around Catalina is fantastic. There were lots of lobsters, rays, and all kinds of fish. There was even an occasional leopard shark, eel, and sea lion. I won't be jumping, but it looks like there will be a group of SCUBA divers and instructors going out to the DZ for some skydiving.

It's really happening for me. I'm returning to normal. I've got some serious job prospects and will be returning to work soon. I'm not planning on going back to what I was doing. Such a change in perspective calls for a change in careers... something more interesting is called for. I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing yet, but I'm looking forward to the change.

Take care all.... pain-free vibes being sent out in all directions.

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!!!

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

Katie

My husband and I were just talking about whether or not I can try SCUBA diving again, now that I am fused. We are hoping that I can sail again on our 35" sloop. It has been out of the water for 3 years, as It caused me so much pain pre-surgery and then my NS wouldn't let me sail until I was fully fused....Like you, I was thinking I would be OK if I put my tank on in the water- I'm also a bit concerned about the weight belt..

WE did alot of diving - Beliz, Bonaire, Turks & Caicos & Exhuma keys were the best.
Fantastic!!

I'm so glad to hear that you are doing so well. I am sure that most of it is a result of your great mental attitude and desire to resume your adventurous lifestyle.

That's pretty incredible, I know from experience what it's like to climb aboard gear and all. Sounds like the tide has changed.

Well, sure wish I felt like you tho! My back is good one day and really gnawing at me the next! Ouch! Trying to hold out on my epidural!!

Wow! Awesome, totally! Loved the descriptions and the pictures are fabulous. But, even more is that your are getting a life back!!! I am so incredibly happy for you and your family. And jealous. (honesty too).

I am curious also as to what career you were in vs what you are looking at??

WAY to go!! And yes, it is nice to see your face as you have talked to us so much. Yes, you certainly did your homework. And look at how it has paid off. I had alot more than just needing back surgery and like Wojt, fusion was all I was offered also. Bad car wreck plus degenerative issues. My son, also inherited the degenerative disc and arthritis of spine, at 25, had a fusion with cages and at 31 is still doing great. No accident trauma to add to the inherited junk and his age, I think is what helped him. But, he is a successful fusion for 6 years now.

Go out and get 'em for all of us!!!

Hugs,
Debby

I know EXACTLY how you feel!
Dig this: The other day I actually pushed a co-wrkers Ford Ranger UPHILL by myself to get it out of a parking space, so I could jump start it!
The only thing that was sore the next day was my Hamstring!!! NO back pain!

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

Great pictures! What a thrill that must have been, doing your first step-off (Look, ma, I'm normal!). May you have many more great dives.

Katie, remember that you are weightless under water. We were wearing 7mm wetsuits, so I needed a lot of weight. It did bother my back (mildly) at times. Also, sometimes I put myself into extension which was a no,no. Not too bad... just a gentle reminder. You be the judge. Maybe you can go for a snorkel, then if if felt great you might graduate to a dive.

Tia, hopefully, you'll be diving off your sloop again soon. If you go to a warm-water where you won't need much weight... use a steel tank and a BC with the weight incorporated, that should make it much easier. You can do it, just be smart and take it easy at first.

NotWalkin... I've been a self-employed computer consultant since the late 80's. I have a degree in computer science ('81) and have worked in the field ever since. I'll let everyone know what the new prospects are when the get firmer... still a little early to be talking about it.

Wojt, for years it seemed that if I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any at all. (there must be a song in there somewhere) I hope you get some relief soon. Thanks for all the support you've given me. Some of our discussions were the most productive and really helped me to understand the key issues. Take care.

Maria, I thought that was you... I could tell by the walk! Hilary and I are talking about the dog beach on Friday. Maybe you could join us?

Debby, I'm so glad to hear that your son is doing well. Spine surgery should be for us old farts!

Jim... take it easy on pushing the cars...OK??? We should talk... I think I have some old email of yours. I'll get in touch with you.

Katie... maybe you'll be out here diving with us after your surgery?

Tim, I just shaved my goatee because it was looking a little too gray. I was lucky to only miss 5 active years. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but the future sure looks bright now. Maybe you can look for some special experiences that don't require a healthy back. I'm looking at radio controlled gliders now. They are much less expensive, less complex, and more durable than they used to be. I hope to start for about $125. The kids might like that.

Take care all... more pain-free vibes out in all directions.

Next week I am going to be in Chicago for evaluation to recieve the Prodisc... Hearing your recovery lends hope to those who need it!

I've already missed out on 2 years of my "active" life... Hopefully this summer will be better.

I'm glad you are doing so well....you deserve it.......

I did get you email and pictures,BEAUTIFUL, and thank you

Talk to you soon,

Love,lisa

And look at that Southern California Weather!!! You show 'em Mark!

Sunday through Tuesday, we were in Yosemite. I'm too tired to finish that page now... I hope I can do it tomorrow.

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Michelle----Diagnosed w/scoliosis at 16---1998 partial discectomy at L4-L5----reoccurence of injury in Oct 2002, MRI shows almost no disc space left at L4-L5. had 5 ESI's and 1 facet block, Am currently waiting on surgeon to decide on date for fusion