[richmc]

Hello to everyone.

I have joined the forum looking for information and understanding in difficult times.

About me;

Suffered a double disk herniation (full) at levels L4/L5,L5/S1 in late 2006.
Had IDD treatment (Google IDD) in London where I was based at the time and went from 60% lower left leg numbness and agonising lumbar pain with the assosiated problems of walking, to being virtually pain free for 3 years.

I changed my lifestyle, moved to Perth WA and exercised my back, as prescribed by the specialist, with religious fervour.
However, in mid June 2010, the problem flared up again, with localised lumbar pain and sciatica down the left leg. But this cleared up after a couple of weeks and I have been (hope I am not tempting fate with this next bit) virtually pain free since, but the pain will return, maybe in an hour, maybe in 3months, as I have been told that L5,S1 will be "bone on bone".

Referred to a surgeon, who has said I have one of 3 options because I have severe DDD, with little disk left at L5/S1;

1/ Traction...see IDD above.

2/ Cortisone injections...this just masks the problem, doesn't treat the cause.

3/ Fusion surgery...when I enquired about ADR's/TDR's, he dismissed my enquiry with a wave of his hand...he does not do them and did not seem to want to talk about the implications for the adjacent disks.

However, he did calm my worries about spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair and on a diet of painkillers...by saying that I would not end up in a wheelchair....but would be on painkillers.

Whist I was told that there was no need to rush into surgery, salient advice I am sure, I can't linger, because, correct me if wrong, if the disk space becomes too small a TDR/ADR cannot be fitted properly.

I believe in being proactive in situations like this, not reactive and have been in touch with Stenum/Pro Spine and Dr Matthew Scott Young in Brisbane Aus....Does anyone have any advice regards these choices, or any additional suggestions?

I believe forums like ISPINE are invaluable in getting information and making an informed decision, so please, if you have any suggestions let me know.

To all those out there suffering, you have my heart felt sympathy and best wishes and in the not to distant future, very probably my empathy.

Regards,

richard