Back surgery!

[mastercard]

Looks like I'll be undergoing back surgery in early February, artificial disc replacement @ L3/4 and a spacer/fusion @ L4/5. Have any of y'all water sports enthusiasts had a similar operation and how has it affected your time on the water(wakeboarding)?

[ffmedic74]

Get a second opinion just to be safe. Just remember the Depuy Charite artificial disk was recalled as well.

[mastercard]

There wont be any Depuy parts being installed here! The only other approved option is the Prodisc by Synthes. The Maverick disc looks even better but it isn't available in the US. I'm very apprehensive but I'm crippled already, worth a try.

[gride]

Www.thefeldmaninstitute.com

Granted I'm biased bc it's my dad, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone with the knowledge, skill, passion, and top of the line technology anywhere. Refuse to fuse is a good mantra. You basically lose mobility with fusion and oft times pain stays. Has a discopic(endoscopic) discectomy been discussed? I would seriously consider a consult with dr. Feldman.

[gride]

DId you have the surgery? If so, how are you?

[mastercard]

gride, thanks for the tip and for the concern. My insurance provider has recently informed me that I am not qualified to receive any assistance from them for the procedures my surgeon had planned which is fine with me and may be a blessing in disguise. In the meantime, I am going to continue educating myself more and research other options and wait on summer to get here!

[Gasman87]

I don't know crap about backs .
I just hope you get better fast !!!!

[gride]

Typical insurance. Have you looked at the website I posted? Lots of great info and visual procedure info. The trip to baton rouge wouldn't be too bad(even though ur back hurts) I'm telling you you'll get the best advice you could imagine. On site MRI, ct scan, etc. don't mess with your back by letting an old school and or stubborn doctor talk u into something. Artificial discs are not that we'll tested over time. He might suggest the same thing ur dr. Did, but I doubt it.