Seen my Spine Specialist and he is recommending surgery. He said that is my only option right now besides continuing on meds. I am not so much worried about the surgery as I am pondering on which surgery to go for. He gave me the option of the old way, which is the fusion or a study out called Dynesys(not FDA approved yet).The new way uses flexible rods and you don't need the hip bone. When you sign up for study you don't necessary get new way. They pick for you and you can get old or new. So, what do you think, should I go for old way or sign up for study and possible get new way. Would love you hear your thoughts especially if you know anything about the new Study.

Hajuju,

I've heard that they are starting a Dynesys clinical trial soon (if not already). I know that Dr. Bertagnoli at St. Elisabeth in Straubing Germany has been using it for some time.

I don't know if the surgeon's experience with Dynesys is as critical as it is with ADR, but if you can afford a trip abroad, you might contact the manufacturer and find out who is the Dynesys Ace.

Good luck,

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

*** 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 ***

i am terrified of surgery and losing my ability to enjoy life. i have neurological deficit and now they are talking spondylolysthesis. I am going to the doc but I am getting increasing depressed. My hubby is not a warm person and this disability has made him colder. I am very scared of the future. It has been three months of taking it easy and my back is not healing. I can't find a surgeon I trust. I must keep shopping I guess. After three months of trying to get better I now have no life and not done yet.

*****Also bumping this one up for Packerted_98*******

Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

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Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.