I am now 8 weeks post op from lumbar disc replacement

[Tassie Nurse]

Thank you to all those who answered my questions about lumbar disc replacement. I am now 8 weeks post op and am thrilled with the results. I have gone from 20mg of morpine every 2 hrs to 2 paracetamol per day.:) I had L4/5 and S1 discs replaced using Charite II prothesis' via an anterior approach.

The operation was less painful than a laparoscopy I had years ago, thanks to a morphine infusion for 24 hours then oral narcotic pain relief for 4 weeks. I was discharged 4 days post op, but was ready for home on day 3.

I have spent the last week gardening and packing up my house to move, not something I would have dreamed of previously.

Anyone contemplating this procedure should go for it, I am now looking forward to a new start and getting back to work.

Julie

Tassie Nurse

[maggie489]

I'm so encouraged to hear that the disc replacement works so well. I'm sceduled to discuss it with Dr. Yue in New Haven, CT in March. I was not aware of insurance company approval problems or the possibility of a long waiting period. Like others, I too am increasing the pain meds quickly and am anxious to get this over with. I had a 5mm cyst removed last in May of 2005 which helped some. Then cancelled fusion surgery 3 days before it - and just heard about the disc replacement option. I'd love to know more and will share what I can find out.

[rncrrncws]

I swore I would never have back sugery. I was hurt at work and was in so much pain I could not hardly stand it, but I never missed a day for work. Went to the surgeon and he told me I had 2 choices wheelcair or surgery. I had the fusion anterior/posterior using my rib. I was off work only one month and am absolutely pain free!!!! Before surgery my leg constantly felt like it does when it has been asleep and waking up with pins and needles. Pain meds, blocks nothing touched it. I am so glad I had the surgery only regret is not having it sooner. I suffered for nealy a year after getting hurt, before having the surgery. I know I am one of the success stories and not everyone has such a good outcome, but I was to the point I refused to live my life in pain if there was even a remote possibility the surgery would decrease the pain.