I got on the lumbar machine - just like I had at the AlphaKlinik. The day before my surgery, I tested with limited range of motion and only about 1/2 of low-average strength. I was trying like hell. Even when it's in my best interest to come up with low numbers, I'm always trying to beat the machine.

Today - the first time on the machine since the surgery, I tested with FULL RANGE OF MOTION. I am at the top of the average range for flexion and at the low end of the average range in extension - but within the average range. All the strength numbers are about twice what they were.

Obviously, my strength hasn't changed that much. It was the pain that was the limiting factor. I'm doing so well that I can't stand it. I'm smiling all the time and bouncing around like the kid I (again) think I am! I swung a tennis racquet today (without a ball.) Hopefully, within a few days, I'll go and hit some balls, maybe against a machine or a wall - very gently.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I took my last pain med at 6 weeks post-op. Withdrawals lasted until 7 weeks. The last two weeks (without the meds and withdrawals) have brought such rapid improvement! Tonight, I'll take my last Wellbutrin. That leaves only the Bextra. If all goes well without the Wellbutrin, I'll knock off the Bextra in a week or so. THAT'LL BE THE END OF ALL MEDS!!!

I wish I could package how I'm feeling and send it out to all of you. I wouldn't be here without you. This forum really saved my life!

Love to 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!!!

Great news.

It is hard to think that the Mark of 10 weeks ago is the same one today. I bet Dr Z is top of your Xmas card list!

Keeping on enjoying life.

That is such wonderful news! I am very happy for you. Keep the good news coming.
It's great to see someone get well and improve. That means there is hope out there
for others. So very encouraging!

love,lisa

On a different note, I have a new puppy, an Alaskan Malamute, who is now about four months old. Maybe we could visit your dogs???

KL, let me know when you want to get together. I'll be tied up until Thanksgiving, but after that, anytime will be fine.

Katie

There are movements that would surely cause pain before the surgery that no longer do. He still has some pain with certain movements, but reports that they are getting better. Remember, he's only one month post-op so even discussing residual pain is a little premature.

Although I was already better at 2 weeks post-op than I was pre-op, my huge improvements didn't start until 7 weeks post-op. That is when the withdrawals were over. I don't know if they slowed my progress, or maybe it's just at that time when the surgical scars are really starting to heal and you can really start the recovery. In any case, weeks 8 and 9 have been awesome for me. I'll bet that Skullman's progress really picks up soon too.

You are an inspiration. Thank you for leading the way for those of us who will be following in your footsteps. You set it up so that we way so so, and I appreciate that. There have been others here as well and, like you have said on many occasions, this foum rocks! I wish you continued success.

I am back to work full time again.
Up to 2.5 miles a day and work out bench and floor exercises. About 2 hours worth.
Haven't taken a pain pill in weeks.
I hope that everybody can get to our stage of being pain free.

I am going back to the PT to see what I can do for starting to lift weights. So far all me exercises have been building up the back muscles.

Paula

Please keep the positive posts coming. Great news on all your progress; increase ROM and off meds. How wonderful...

She's a little too high strung - high energy. Also, she was the dominant dog in her litter and was seriously duking it out with other alpha dogs. She was so high energy as a pup, it wasn't a surprise to us when she got booted. I'm so glad to have my friend back.