Marty, Here is my 2 cents.
A discgram is not fun, but most times in the US they will give you drugs and it is over very quickly. I had it done three times. The results will help you make a decsion. If the disc is shot then ADR is the right answer. If a micro/lami is an option then find yourself a good neurosurgeon. I know many people that have had successful microdiscetomies but they all used neurosurgeons. The reason -- it is primarily soft tissue and neurosurgeons seem to be more gentle with the nerves. (sorry if anyone is offended but thats my observation) One downside to any surgury is the formation of scar tissue. There are some new procdures that are supposed to be less evasive, also worth looking into --orthoscopic type procdures. I had an micro/lami on one level (which helped) and later on IDET on two levels. The IDET cooked my discs and pushed me over the edge but I found out later that I really shouldn't have had it because of my advanced condition. You need more info to make a decision. Consult with two or three doctors, at least one who has been trained in ADR. Preferably one that has particiapted in the early
trials as they have the most experience (all orthopedic surgeons). I use Dr. James Yue at Yale in Conn. He is an associate of Dr. B and very easy to talk to. There is also Dr. Goldstein at NYU in NYC and Dr. Cammisa at Hosptial for Special Surgery in NYC. All three have extensive experience with ProDisc ADR.
One other option I didn't see discussed is epidural shots. Even if it doesn't solve your problem long term, it may give you relief short term, while you gather info.
good luck
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3 level ProDisc, L3-S1, 10/06 Dr Bertagnoli Germany
3 rounds of facet injections--Eastern Long Island Hospital
Continuous PT and Graston treatments (keeps me moving)
Out on long term disability 5/04
IDET 8/03 L5/S1 and L4/L5 Hospital for Special Surgery
Micro discectomy/laminiectomy L5/S1 1/00 St Lukes Hospital
3 rounds of epidural shots HSS
Years of PT
Injured while gardening 1991 and lifting weights 1994