I think it was definitely well worth it, in my mind, to go to Germany and have the worlds expert on ADR perform my surgery. The travel back to the US was uncomfortable, and I am glad that I was able to get a first class seat. I didn't book business or first class when I made the arrangements, instead I waited to see if I would be able to handle sitting in coach. There are some people who have been okay flying back coach, but I don't think I would recommend it.
I would definitely do the surgery again. I have no doubt that I will be pain free in the coming months.
I was still pretty mobile and flexible pre-op, though I did have pain.
My disc height was still pretty good, in comparison to other people's. But I don't know the exact height.
The ProDiscs I had put in are both size M, 10 mm core, both upper plates and one lower plate are 3 degrees, and the other lower plate is 8 degrees.
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Cathy
46 years old. 12-15 years of intermittent pain, 2 years with constant pain.
DDD, L4-5 and L5-S1, pain confirmed by discogram.
PT, ESI's, Facet injection and block, Acupuncture - all no help.
2-level (Prodisc-L) ADR surgery with Dr. Bertagnoli, May 26, 2009.
Currently taking Opana-ER (tapering off) and oxycodone
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