Hey everyone, I have been going through a lot of back pain for the last few years and this Nov. 1st I will be having a 3 level lumbar back fusion. I have been looking all around the web for information on this, and came across this site. It is nice to see that I will be able to corrasponde with others that have an idea of what I have been living with and about to go through. It is hard for those not in this situation to fully understand, even though thier support for me is wonderful, I find it nice to be able to see and hear from others in the same boat. I read the sticky post already and never thought of a lot of that, those are some great tips I will be applying around the house here. I am about to make a light board that will fit across my lazyboy so I can sit near my computer with my cordless keyboard and mouse so I do not loose touch with my webby friends.

Sorry to hear about you back problems. I too have lumbar problems. 2 torn disks , 1 protusion of the disk. I need a two level fusion, but have been getting the run around from work comp since nov. 2002.
I was all set for fusion. In fact I have a neurologist appointment tomorrow. If he says yes I'm told the work comp review board will authorize it. However in the long days of waiting to get a fusion, I've been researching artificial disk replacement and will hopefully qualify for that instead. It means going to germany in my case because I need a 2 level replacement. They do up to 4 levels I've been told. The states do single level and 2 level trials. FDA should approve single level ADR in October.
Going to Germany to have it done, $30,000 and lost income, were very serious concerns. But the success rates are much better, the recovery time is short and not one of the people I've spoke with have regrets. I'm a nurse and truly found fusions stats not good enough. One lady I spoke to was from Indiana. She was told about ADR in Germany by her doctor because his wife had severe back problems and recommended ADR. So if an American doctor sends his wife there, it must be ok. You should seriously look up ADR Charite Stenum . These web sites are very informative and very hopeful. Good luck in whatever you choose. Just thought another alternative might be something for you to consider.

Aloha and welcome to our world, :wave:

You will find a very supportive and informed bunch in this community, I hope you enjoy your stay. I would also like to convey my sorrow for your respective predicaments.

I pretty much ruled out ADR almost immediately for my personal circumstances. ADR looks to be a very promising alternative technology with favorable advantages over fusion for certain patients. Do a search on this board for ADR and you will get some positive feedback from people who have had this procedure done. But due to my multilevel DDD I was pretty much ruled out as a candidate. The following is verifiable exclusion criteria for ADR:

* Previous back surgery (except discectomy, laminotomy or nucleolysis at the same level) or other spinal surgery at any level
* Multiple levels of degeneration
* Osteoporosis, osteopenia or other metabolic bone disease
* Spondylolisthesis, scoliosis or spinal tumor
* History of chronic steroid use
* Pregnancy
* Autoimmune disorder
* Morbid obesity

I am also in the W/C world and was certain that I would be in a death match with the insurance company for approval, and even if they would have considered it, the wait was not an option for me.

Rain, I can relate to your statement about being all set for surgery, I went to my surgeon in early December last year and at the end of the appointment, we had all agreed that surgery was next (of course my nurse case mgr was in the appointment also :rolleyes: ) and I was under the impression that all they needed to do was schedule the surgery date, my doctor filled out his treatment plan and the whole nine yards while I was there. And rain, I am sure you know what’s coming next, a letter from the insurance company about two weeks later, with a surgery date you ask.....noooooooo, a date for an IME…a month and a half later! :eek:

I was beside myself, I was all psyched up for surgery only to be let down by having to go to an IME almost two months after I thought the treatment plan was in motion. I finally did have surgery in February, but what a drain that has on a person.

Anyway, welcome again to the both of you.

Carl

Welcome to the HealthBoard! I'm sorry you have to be here. But you will find a lot of information and a lot of really nice people. I'm fairly new here, but I feel like at least I now have a support outlet. These people have been there and done that. They know how it feels, they know the answers to almost all the questions. They are kind and wonderful and give great advice.

I'm glad they put up with a goof like me. :D

You're not alone anymore. We're here for you. For anything. Rants, raves, or just a vent. We'll give you a hug.

/hug

Stormy

Hello, hope everthing is going ok. Well, had my neurosurgical consult. The surgeon was very thorough and spent alot of time reviewing my films, explaining fusion, and assessing me. If ADR not possible, and fusion is my last option, I have comfort in his style and attention to details. Just wanted to update and keep in touch with others in the same situation. Good days and good health. Kevin :cool: