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| one year on from ADR; but another one to follow!!!! | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: 24 Jan 2011, 09:35 PM (553 Views) | |
| Gilly | 24 Jan 2011, 09:35 PM Post #1 |
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Hi everyone, my ADR anniversary was Jan 7th so I saw Mr Shackleford on Friday. Generally things are going well with my lumbar area, though still on a fair amount of painkillers but I am ever grateful that I am able to walk longer distances and climb stairs and have a much improved quality of life. I am very glad that I had the operation and was never expecting a complete recovery or a magic wand miracle. I still have a way to go I think and still may have improvements this year. It has been a harder decision to make to have the operation on my neck than on my lumbar area as there was no alternative. Mr Shackleford gave me time to think about it since last October and said he would list me at my lumbar checkup. Over the past few weeks it has been worse and especially since I came off the Buprenorphine patches in the New Year. The journey to Warrington caused me a lot of pain and by the time Mr S came to see me I could hardly hold my head up and for a few nights before I had started with pain on the other side to my normal pain area. So I took his advice and asked him to list me. I am finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that I will have had to have 4 discs in total replaced though I know many others are worse. I can't think why I have ended up with them all being misplaced as I don't have disc degenerative disease. I have spent a lot of years doing a lot of 'man's work' renovating my own and sister's houses though. I thought nothing of filling skips, knocking off plaster and replacing ceilings after pulling them down first and can only think this is when I have caused some damage. Anyway, I am just rambling and trying to work it out really!!!! So, there it goes another wait for the op, probably 6 months, Mr Shackleford thought. He was so lovely and gave me a hug saying he was going to operate but I had to promise to get back on the exercise programme for my back as he knew I had let things lapse. Hope everyone is coping at whatever levels you are at and as always many thanks goes out to everyone for your unconditional support and understanding. Love to everyone Gilly xxxx |
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1990 MRI - disc protrusions levels 4/5 - fusion offered but declined due to poor prognosis. 2007 MRI - disc protrusions Level 4/5 level5/S1 2010 2 level lumbar ADR Mr Ian Shackleford Warrington General 2010 MRI - disc protrusions at levels C4/5 C5/6 2011 27 June 2 level Cervical ADR Mr S at Spire (on NHS) | |
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| ajj1001 | 25 Jan 2011, 10:40 AM Post #2 |
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Wow a year already, sounds like you are doing really well. The cervical will be a breeze after all you have coped with already. Its unlikely you have done anything that has caused this unless you have had an accident or injury. DDD is just when a disc goes bad (prolapses or degenerates), sometimes this produces symptoms other times it doesn't. Being active is usually an protective factor for better spine health. It'll be summer when you have your next op and you'll have the nice weather to recuperate in! |
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Std Meds Gabapentin, MR Tramadol, Paracetemol, Laxatives 2011 Sept PLIF L4 - S1 2010 May Discogram L2/L3 & L3/L4 both looking ok. 2009 May PLG Fusion L5/S1 Charite in situ April Dismissed 2008 Caudal Epidural failed to work 2007 Deterioration L5/S1 Facet arthritis, Loss of disc height. 2004 Returned to Work 2002 Aug - physio March 2 level ADR Charite L4/5, L5/S1 2000 Broadbased disc prolapses L4/5, L5/S1 | |
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| Hooch | 26 Jan 2011, 12:41 AM Post #3 |
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It's strange, if you'd been hit by a car at least it'd all sort of make sense. Alison is right, you'll have this done and dusted in no time compared to the lumbar op. Pity you have to go back to the waiting game for another 6 months. Good luck |
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| curlyshirl56 | 27 Jan 2011, 11:19 PM Post #4 |
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I'm so pleased you have such a compassionate surgeon Gilly. I completely understand what you are feeling re your neck. I echo all that has been said by others - neck surgery is really so much easier to recover from than lumbar, you will be bouncing around before you know it. I hope you are managing to get to grips with your news - its really tough. Sending you best wishes and a gentle hug, Shirley x |
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2014 Mini micro discectomy L3/4 and L4/5 prolapse Ongoing Pain Management Plaster body cast for 12 weeks post surgery, readmission for rehab Thoroscapular Fusion at RNOH 12/4/12 to stabilise shoulder. Loss of muscle use re Brachial Neuritis- shoulder dropped, winged scapula. Developed Brachial Neuritis immediately post op L5/S1 Spinal Kinetics M6 Implant, Mr Gavin Marsh, Croydon RTA Severe whiplash Sep 2009 L4/5 IDET 2005 C5/6 Fusion + Titanium cage 2002 C4/5 Fusion 1987 RTA aged 18 | |
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| Gilly | 28 Jan 2011, 10:20 PM Post #5 |
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Thanks everyone especially ~Alison for your info. How are you doing these days??? Have you heard anything about your operation??? I did have an accident that caused my back problems, I should have mentioned this really - but as for my neck I don't know why that has deteriorated so much on the other hand I could have done something at the same time to my neck as it has always been a problem and I know they usually go hand-in hand. I suppose I have just answered my own question!!! Thanks for the reassurance that the neck op isn't as bad as lumbar surgery, still find it a bit scary that I will have to have my neck cut though, in fact, lumbar surgery didn't worry me half as much. Gilly xxx |
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1990 MRI - disc protrusions levels 4/5 - fusion offered but declined due to poor prognosis. 2007 MRI - disc protrusions Level 4/5 level5/S1 2010 2 level lumbar ADR Mr Ian Shackleford Warrington General 2010 MRI - disc protrusions at levels C4/5 C5/6 2011 27 June 2 level Cervical ADR Mr S at Spire (on NHS) | |
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| curlyshirl56 | 29 Jan 2011, 09:32 AM Post #6 |
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Hi Gilly, I understand your scare but just want to reassure you - my first neck op was an emergency, the disc was shattered and floating loose in the spinal fluid, one bit settled on the nerve going down my arm so loss of function there and I was told another bit could settle on my spinal cord at any time - hence do it now The result was amazing, I went down to surgery in the most horrific pain I have ever experienced and came out with it gone!! Just the loss of function in my hand but that returned within a year. The second op was planned some years later and again was a complete success. As I said previously, there is such a difference in the loading on our necks compared to lumbar I'm told the surgical outcome is far better. Is that what your surgeon has said?I'm so sorry you have got to face another op but if I had to choose between neck or lumbar there would be no hesitation :rolleyes: i hope your pain has eased since your journey to hospital? Take good care Shirley xx |
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2014 Mini micro discectomy L3/4 and L4/5 prolapse Ongoing Pain Management Plaster body cast for 12 weeks post surgery, readmission for rehab Thoroscapular Fusion at RNOH 12/4/12 to stabilise shoulder. Loss of muscle use re Brachial Neuritis- shoulder dropped, winged scapula. Developed Brachial Neuritis immediately post op L5/S1 Spinal Kinetics M6 Implant, Mr Gavin Marsh, Croydon RTA Severe whiplash Sep 2009 L4/5 IDET 2005 C5/6 Fusion + Titanium cage 2002 C4/5 Fusion 1987 RTA aged 18 | |
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| Lynda | 29 Jan 2011, 11:45 AM Post #7 |
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Hi Gilly, I too would like to reassure you that the cervical surgery is just no comparison to lumbar, none at all, so please try not to be too anxious about it. I know what you mean though, just the thought of having my neck cut with a scalpel brought a lump to my throat and a knot to my tummy. Once it was done, I wondered why I was so nervous about it all. You've a while to wait yet before you're facing it so don't waste your energy worrying about it right now. (Easy for me to say now I know. )Take care Lynda xx |
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May 2008 onwards - Lumbar facet injections - First post-op ones four years post surgery, have lost count of the number I've had since then but they do help. Pre-op they didn't make much difference- Mr Shackleford, Warrington Feb 2008 - Cervical TDR, (Activ C's) C5/6 & C6/7- Mr Shackleford, Warrington May 2006 - Craniotomy and resection frontal lobe brain tumour - The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery Feb 2004 - Lumbar TDR, (ProDisc's) L4/5 & L5/S1 - Mr Shackleford, Warrington | |
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| Alastair | 29 Jan 2011, 02:37 PM Post #8 |
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Hi Gilly, It is a fact that cervical surgery is not nearly as dangerous or as bad as lumber surgery. I can however understand your nervousness prior to the surgery as we all are, I don't care who you are, we all get very "uptight" prior to the actual procedure. No matter how much confidence we have in our surgeon, your surgeon is one of our stars, it's only natural to feel nervous. I'm sure you'll come out completely new lady Very Best Wishes, (many thanks for your e-mail which was much appreciated) Alastair
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Founder of this board 24th February 2007 Slow and Steady Wins This Race Over 23 Years experience and research into spine surgery and over 2500 surgeries discussed and recorded ADR L5/S1 Surgery with Dr Zeegers 26th July 2002 in Munich 8 facet joint ablations 28 – 8 – 12 with Dr Baranidharan and Jake Timothy in Leeds Diagnosed Forestiers disease Your Best Asset Is Your Health I live in West Yorkshire aged 81 now Knowledge is power | |
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| Gilly | 31 Jan 2011, 03:30 PM Post #9 |
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Thanks for the reassurance, it is really very much appreciated and has put my mind at rest, Mr Shackleford said it is a breeze in comparison to lumbar surgery and has an excellent outcome in most cases, so I will hang on to that and what you all have said, as you can't get better advice than from you all who have been through it. I am busy booking trips and holidays now to pack them in before the next 6 months when I will be called in!!!!Any excuse!!! Love to all Gilly xxx |
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1990 MRI - disc protrusions levels 4/5 - fusion offered but declined due to poor prognosis. 2007 MRI - disc protrusions Level 4/5 level5/S1 2010 2 level lumbar ADR Mr Ian Shackleford Warrington General 2010 MRI - disc protrusions at levels C4/5 C5/6 2011 27 June 2 level Cervical ADR Mr S at Spire (on NHS) | |
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| dillie | 4 Feb 2011, 02:07 PM Post #10 |
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Hi Gilly I know how you feel, I've just been advised my neck surgery is scheduled for end of March. Like you I'm more apprehensive second time around. We're both lucky to be in the hands of top surgeons but as you said, it's the thought of needing yet more discs operated on. I've been putting up with neck/shoulder pains for so long I'm tempted to say forget it, but then things are pretty bad spinal canal wise and it could get worse. Ho hum! Lets be brave together? Lynette xx |
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| Gilly | 6 Feb 2011, 08:54 PM Post #11 |
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Yes Lynette, looks like we will have to be!!!!! Hopefully by the time I go in yours will be done and dusted and you will be recovered. I hope it all goes well for you - you have had so many operations you must be sick of them. When Mr Shackleford told me I needed 2 discs replacing in my neck I was quite shocked but now that the pain has got gradually worse and is now radiating down my arm and keeping me awake most nights I am glad I was listed. Sure you will feel the same once you get it over with. Will be thinking of you in these weeks leading up. Gilly xx |
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1990 MRI - disc protrusions levels 4/5 - fusion offered but declined due to poor prognosis. 2007 MRI - disc protrusions Level 4/5 level5/S1 2010 2 level lumbar ADR Mr Ian Shackleford Warrington General 2010 MRI - disc protrusions at levels C4/5 C5/6 2011 27 June 2 level Cervical ADR Mr S at Spire (on NHS) | |
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| willtom | 21 Feb 2011, 09:23 PM Post #12 |
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Hi Gilly Sorry to hear your news. I know a few people that have had cervical ADR and been back to normal in 3-6 months. I am not sure if this is reality but for you I really hope so. Please keep in touch and keep me informed. I am here if you need a chat or ramble. Thinking of you. Willtom |
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2009 injured back at gym 2009 had MRI 2009 various needle pain relief including nerve blocks which offered a small amount of relief for about 1 week 2010 had discogram 2010 told I have L4/5 bulge and tear with L5/S1 having no space 28th June 2010 - 2 level disk replacement with active L disk at L4/5 and L5/S1 | |
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| Gilly | 23 Feb 2011, 11:33 PM Post #13 |
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Thanks so much Willtom, I am expecting this next op to be a lot easier than recovery from the lumbar ADR but you just never know do you? One of the problems of having it so soon after, is the whole thing is still fresh in your mind but it has to be got through and I am sure this one will be the same, in that it is not as bad as you think it is going to be. Hope you are doing well still and that you are not too busy. Gilly xx |
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1990 MRI - disc protrusions levels 4/5 - fusion offered but declined due to poor prognosis. 2007 MRI - disc protrusions Level 4/5 level5/S1 2010 2 level lumbar ADR Mr Ian Shackleford Warrington General 2010 MRI - disc protrusions at levels C4/5 C5/6 2011 27 June 2 level Cervical ADR Mr S at Spire (on NHS) | |
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| lovecatz | 24 Feb 2011, 01:35 PM Post #14 |
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Hi Gilly, I'm sure your cervical ADR will be much easier to recover from I only had one level done so not as bad as you but with similar symptoms and I was back at work after 3 weeks. It was a walk in the park compared to my lumbar fusion and ADR 18 mths before. Everyone is different so just take it as it comes
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DDD S1/L5 L5/L4 L4/L3 Lower Back Pain Since 2003 Fusion L4/S1 & ADR (Pro Disc L) L3/4 07/01/09 Mr Lam Posterior Fusion with instrumentation 14/01/09 Neck pain diagnosed with bulging C5/C6 Jan 2010 Cervical ADR booked for 11/08/10 Further neck/back pain Nov 2011 | |
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| Gilly | 26 Feb 2011, 01:40 PM Post #15 |
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Oh that's very reassuring, Karen, thanks so much for the info. Gilly xx
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1990 MRI - disc protrusions levels 4/5 - fusion offered but declined due to poor prognosis. 2007 MRI - disc protrusions Level 4/5 level5/S1 2010 2 level lumbar ADR Mr Ian Shackleford Warrington General 2010 MRI - disc protrusions at levels C4/5 C5/6 2011 27 June 2 level Cervical ADR Mr S at Spire (on NHS) | |
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![]](http://z6.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)
Hi everyone, my ADR anniversary was Jan 7th so I saw Mr Shackleford on Friday. Generally things are going well with my lumbar area, though still on a fair amount of painkillers but I am ever grateful that I am able to walk longer distances and climb stairs and have a much improved quality of life. I am very glad that I had the operation and was never expecting a complete recovery or a magic wand miracle. I still have a way to go I think and still may have improvements this year.



The result was amazing, I went down to surgery in the most horrific pain I have ever experienced and came out with it gone!! Just the loss of function in my hand but that returned within a year. The second op was planned some years later and again was a complete success. As I said previously, there is such a difference in the loading on our necks compared to lumbar I'm told the surgical outcome is far better. Is that what your surgeon has said?
)