Surgery tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM... - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Dutchgirl · 08-21-2006, 08:08 PM

I wish that I could not be so dang nervous, but it's not working so well... My sister-in-law was wondering why I'm not getting an artificial disc instead of a donor bone. From what I understand.. not everyone is a candidate for an artificial disc, and they prefer people that have degeneration on only one level. Also it looks like the other ones are still waiting for FDA approval..

I hate doubts in my mind at the last minute ugggghhh, but I'm going. They put the wrist bands on me today, and I asked them if they do that incase I run away, so that it is easier to find me....

Kissa · 08-22-2006, 08:35 PM

I hope that your surgery went well and proves to provide you with pain relief.
As you mentioned the disk replacement is only approved for one level, multiple levels is still under investigation. For what it's worth from what I've been reading lately there's quite a bit of problems with the artificial disk, called the Charite disk, in that if there is a problem it can not be removed unlike donor bone. Many insurance companies including Medicare are not approving individuals surgery who's doctors want to use the disk.

Good luck and let usknow how you are doing?

laranol · 08-22-2006, 10:48 PM

Also the artificial disks are not currently recommended for people with any spinal cord or significant nerve root impingement. We sent my MRIs to a NS at the Cleveland Clinic who has done lots of artificial disks, to verify that what my NS had said about the artificial disks was true. The specialist said that indeed, I was not a candidate even though I had a single level herniation at 5/6. Too much stuff going on around the spinal cord; they needed to open it up and stabilize.

DollyDnovrain · 08-22-2006, 11:13 PM

Good Luck Dutch Girl!
I scheduled for Aug 29 and when I went for one of my two pre-ops yesterday I became extremely nauseous and had anxiety over it. I've had many surgeries, but none where they cut open the front of my throat and remove discs and put metal in with screws. It's frightening as heck.

I hope all will turn out well for you. Can't wait to see you post when you're on your feet. Or should I say Butt, lol? Sitting at a computer will be quite a feat after this, eh?

Diann

ICC · 08-23-2006, 06:35 AM

wish you all the best of luck. prayers are with you.