Artificial Discs and Disc Replacement - patients' advice: Part II

Patients share advice about artificial disc clinical trials and disc replacement surgery
In this section, patients share their insights about why they decided to have disc replacement, challenges and successes with recovery and advice for others who are considering an artificial disc.

I had the Charite disc replacement done in June of 2005 at my L5-S1 level and at first felt wonderful, approx. 5 months after surgery I started having pain and found that the disc had become dislodged approx. 3mm and a posterior fusion had to be done. In March I started having severe abdominal pain and after numerous ER visits my Orthopedic Doctor saw me and informed me that the disc had now become 80% dislodged. I had to have anterior spine surgery again to remove the disc and replace it with donor bone. I am 36 with 4 kids and having the disc replacement was the worst decision I have ever made. After doing much research with my husband we have found out that there are numerous people that have been fine initially but months down the road have had severe complications like mine. I highly recommend not having the ADR surgery until more trials are done and years of results are available.

From: Kristie – Pennsylvania, USA

I am currently living in Germany and in need of disc replacement. I have lived with back pain for 15 years! I am eagerly awaiting the approval of the ProDisc-L Lumbar Total Disc Replacement. I know others who have had the ProDisc and it was VERY successful and pain relief was immediate. I hope the FDA approves the ProDisc soon.

From: T. Wilson - Germany

I've been waiting for three years for the trials for the artificial disk to be finished and conclusions made, and "let the games begin" –i.e. real surgeries on real people instead of a chosen few with criteria that no one has. It is taking forever. Nothing much has really happened. I have four choices now instead of only the Prodisc. It seems that the Maverick is the best of the choices. It is still a long way off. It is all very confusing. I am thinking of refinancing my house and going to Germany, where they have been doing the actual surgeries since the 1980's, instead of endless FDA trials that are inconclusive at best. Real trials on real people is not the same as being a guinea pig in my way of thinking. It will be years before we reach the expertise of the Europeans who "just did it". I am 52 and want to get better before my life is over.

From: brokenkiwi - California, USA

I sold my house to pay for a double maverick replacement and have never looked back. I had my surgery in May 2004 and it was the best decision of my life. Other than complication from surgery, I was pain free immediately. I returned to work full time 6 weeks later and 6 months to the day after the surgery I played 18 holes of golf (without a buggy). Not a bit of pain! I did have a scare when I came home from the hospital. I was experiencing severe cramping but it turned out to be cured with quinine tablets. I did hydro therapy and pilates to help me get back into shape. I am still fighting with WCB in Canada who were quite happy to pay for a triple fusion but denied me of having my life back. So I sold the house and I would do it again if I had too. You can't put a price on your health. 15 yrs of pain, broken dreams and affected relationships was suffering enough. But be aware, research, prepare yourself and go into it with confidence. Also be aware of the potential consequences of surgery. I came close to dying due to complications but I am alive and well and happy that I did it.

From: Devon - Australia

I was convinced by an ignorant doctor that ADR was the only surgery that worked, that fusion would fail after 10 years and another fusion would be necessary. I say so what? If you could have 10 years without pain, so what if you would need another surgery?  Is that not better than not a single minute without pain?  After 7 1/2 years of relentless pain, my pain increased and bladder failure was added to the list.  When I finally received ADR, my unscrupulous doctor rushed me into it and refused to answer my questions.  Now, a year later and continuing to suffer increased pain and bladder failure, I can’t find a doctor with the courage to fuse that should have been fused before.

From: Anonymous

I had the Flexicore put in 5-4-04 at L5-S1 and even though I had to fight with the Work Comp system for more than 3 years they still refused to authorize physical therapy after the Dr. said I was ready for it. It then took almost a year before I was able to actually start it which of course put me way behind where I should have been in recovery but I am so glad I had the disc replacement. I no longer need any narcotics and my leg pain is virtually gone only for a few phantom shooting pains now and again but almost two years post surgery I can say that I am blessed that the Lord took me on this path not only for my health, but it saved my marriage and family as well because, as many of you know, 5 or more years of heavy narcotics and the rest of the pain killing items just cause your life to disintegrate. I urge anyone thinking of this to read, read, read and ask questions - even e-mail others who have had this done as well as fusion patients, it will be well worth your time. I did 3 years ago despite my pain and the little bit of extra patience I had paid off.

From: Ron – Idaho, USA

I was apart of the Kineflex disc replacement study on Jan 30,2006, after fighting with my insurance company for two years. I have DDD and have been suffering for about 10 years with lower back, butt, and leg pain. Most days were really bad. I had L4- L5 done. The first thing I noticed in the recovery room was that my feet were not numb like usual. That was nice. It's been four weeks after surgery and I feel pretty good and I'm walking several times a day about 30 minutes each time. My only concern is that I'm doing too much after having the surgery. My nurse told me to stop when your body tells you to. It's very hard to not bend and twist when you’re not feeling too bad. My husband and family have been giving me heck about all that I do. I don't want to hurt myself any more than I am, but I don't feel like sitting around all day doing nothing either. I haven't been lifting over 10 pounds like they said, but I have been doing dishes and laundry. Other than that, I'm very happy that I got the disc replacement surgery. I'm confident that I will be kayaking by the end of the summer. I can't thank my doctor and the nurses enough for giving me back my life "almost" pain free.

From: Jennifer L Cameron – Maryland, USA

I underwent 2 level Charite ADR on 1/29/06 in Towson, MD. I am currently pain free, and I am only 3 weeks post op. This procedure has given me my life back. I suffered pretty severe back pain for the past 12 years and had been on constant pain medication for about the last two years. Currently, I am not taking anything, even OTC medication. Once I knew that surgery was inevitable for me, I sought out disc replacement over fusion. It took fighting with and changing insurance companies to get it done, but I couldn't be happier with the results that I have had so far. I am a fairly athletic 36 year old male, and this is the reason that I chose disc replacement vs. fusion. There is just too much evidence of adjacent lumbar DDD and I did not wish to lose the amount of motion that would be required for a two level fusion. Do some research, make up your own mind about YOUR body, and do what you think is right for you. This surgery, and any surgery for that matter, is not for everyone, but it has worked tremendously in my case. Good Luck.

From: Curt - Maryland, USA

After years of suffering debilitating lower back pain from degenerative disc disease at three levels, L3-S1, I had the Pro-Disc artificial disc replacement in March of 2004 at two levels as part of a clinical trial. At the time of my surgery, I needed crutches to walk most days, and had vertebrae contact at two levels. My recovery was rapid, (to someone who had suffered as long as I had), and within six months, I returned to activities I had not been able to do for nearly 15 years. I feel my surgery was amazingly successful, and will opt for artificial disc replacement with Pro-Disc for repair of the remaining L5-S1 level in the future. I will be grateful for the rest of my life that I did not opt for fusion. My surgeon was wonderful, informative and supportive throughout my treatment.

From: ALIVEONCEMORE - USA

My IDET did more harm in some ways than good, but I know someone my age who had it performed and it was miraculous. It was a last resort for me. The damage was just too much for the procedure. The disc reherniated itself, larger. I'll admit I'm not the best patient but when it came to the IDET I did everything the way I was supposed to to avoid the replacement. I'm currently waiting for the FDA to approve the two-level disc replacement. I was actually scheduled for it on Oct. 31 but the FDA didn't approve it when the doctors thought they would.

From: Nettie - New Jersey, USA

I am part of the clinical trial for the Kineflex artificial disc and had my disc replacement surgery L4-5 in Oct. 2005. I couldn't be more pleased. I had 5 lumbar laminectomies and a cervical laminectomy prior to this surgery. The pain prior to the surgery was between an 8-10 on a scale of 1-10 and I had radiating pain down my right leg that I would rate at least a 7. After the surgery my back pain is gone for the most part. Some days it may be a 1 or 2, but an ibuprofen does the trick. I still had the pain in my leg and my surgeon put me on a new medication called Lyrica which has TOTALLY taken the leg pain away. For the first time in years I am feeling GREAT! What a treat. I would highly recommend the Kineflex! Thank you doctor!

From: ColoradoSunshine – Colorado, USA

I had an artificial disc implanted at L5 S1 in September 2002. I started having increasing leg pain within 9 months.  I had bone removed to open the passageway for the nerves in 2/04. I still had no relief so I had a spinal cord stimulator installed 4/04 but the pain at this point is only controllable with large doses of oxycontin. I recently switched doctors to a doctor that listened and took x-rays which revealed that the top plate of the implant has receded way up into my L5 vertebra to the point he is concerned the plastic center might dislodge. I would really think hard about having any mechanical device implanted in your spine. My only hope now to have any chance of a normal life is to have it removed and get fused to restore the proper spacing between the L5 S1 joint.

From: Jim

I was 18 when I had surgery on my back. I tore a hole in the disk (L5S1) I tried everything from steroid shots to traction. I had an MRI done that showed a minor hole tore into the disc. When they could not help control the acute pain they did a discogram. The discogram showed a huge hole. They took out the disc and replaced it with a deceased man’s. I now have a plate and screws. It was very painful for the first year but it has settled down now and it feels as if nothing ever happened. Of course there are many things I can no longer do. Many things will cause me to suffer. The back is not a thing to mess with. Take your time and be careful. If you want to learn to feel okay you sometimes have to find a new way of life. Being pain free is worth it.

From: Rachel

I had a 14 foot fall 30 years ago and have been in chronic pain for most of my life (I am now 44). I went through all the diagnostics and several injection procedures (which were very expensive and did not work). I had a Charite disc on 7/13/05 at the L5/S1 level and am very pleased with the results except for the leg pain. Five months after the surgery I am still having severe pain in my legs. My doctors say this is normal and that it will go away, evidently the nerves have to readjust or something. In the meantime I am on pain meds to control the leg pain, but I am able to work and be active. I would recommend the surgery, but be aware that you may have difficulty with the insurance company. My insurance has paid the hospital bill, but refuses to pay the doctor saying it was experimental surgery (and they approved the surgery ahead of time!).

From: Cheryl – Texas, USA

Wait for the ProDisc. Simply put...it is the best (Currently
proven in Europe). We will all see in the near future these devices will provide optional care for patients that normally would get fusion. If you are in need of a fusion, do what it takes to have a ALIF done. Post op pain and long lasting pain is a fraction of what will occur in a PLIF. Research your docs and wait for the ProDisc if you are able.

From: DiscMan

At the age of 36 (athletic, not overweight) and suffering with back pain from a car accident for 2.5 years, I made the decision to have the Charite artificial disc surgery (one level L4-5) in October 2005. I am now 5 weeks post-op. I had a bad reaction to anesthesia (lots of vomiting-almost 3 hours in recovery). My incision is infected but doing better after antibiotics. I did my research for months on all the available options and I tried everything nonsurgical. I think it is too early to tell if I’m “normal" yet. I will say I totally trusted and had the utmost confidence in my surgeon. I have had numbness in my left hip area immediately after surgery, something I never had before. I’m wondering how long it really takes to get back to work and functioning normally. Everything I'm reading says I should be back "normal" in 6 weeks.
I do not think that is going to happen. I'm a little discouraged, but I would never do anything too soon to
risk putting myself back on the table. I'm glad I had the
surgery-now at least.

From: Jen

Wow! It has been 8 days since my disc replacement surgery. I had a ruptured my L5/S1 and had a it replaced with an Active L implant. My surgery was performed in Heidelberg, Germany so I'm not even sure if this disc is available in the United States. From what I've been told it's like the next generation ProDisc. Immediately after the surgery I could tell the pain that had existed in my right leg for 6 months was gone. Really, the only problem I have had is self inflicted. I was worried that I was going to do something to "hurt" the new disc. So, I kept my posture extremely rigid for the first few days after I was discharged from the hospital. As a result, my back got real stiff and resulted in lots of pain in the form of muscle cramps. After going to my first physical therapy session I learned ways to help relax my back and the pain I was
experiencing has subsided significantly. In fact I was finally able to climb behind the wheel of my car and drive to the grocery store today.

Seeing as how I'm only 28 yrs old, I had lots of questions and concerns going into this operation. I would like to say that my doctor has done an amazing job at talking me through the process and on correcting my decompression and instabilty.

From: Jason Strunk - Germany

I have had the Charite Artificial Disc Replacement done to my L5/S1 level, and I regret it every day. I have D.D.D. from L/3 to S/1. I had retro-spondylolisthesis between L5/5-S/1 (L5 vertebrae slipped back from S/1). It was almost bone to bone. I had & still have acute osteoarthritis which seems to be spreading above the lumbar area. Like many other comments on this website, I suffered acute pain that interfered with my work & hobbies. I was referred to a doctor and he explained all the benefits of ADR & how simple it was. The doctor discharged me after only 2 days and I was driven home by my mother, about a 45 to 50 minute drive home. My legs, especially my left, were swollen, red, had a pins & needles sensation, and burning pain. I have since done my homework on this procedure and learned the avg hospital stay is 4 days for this procedure. I also learned that having multiple levels of degeneration and retro-spondylolisthesis, I was not a good candidate for this procedure. At my next visit, the doctor was alarmed and said the disk was too big. The disk had migrated backward and I ended up having a fusion 6 weeks later. When I requested copies of my medical records, I discovered that my doctor had falsely accused me, citing "She was extremely noncompliant with her bracing protocol,& was overly active resulting in posterior migration of the implant."

From: Yvette Estrella - California, USA

I have had 2 discectomys fail. (I was told that would happen, but it was the conservative approach while awaiting FDA approval for the Artificial replacements) I was free from pain for 5 years the first time L5/S1 and only 3 following the second L4/L5. The next hurdle was waiting for the Charite, then for insurance to offer coverage. After insurance approved the procedure, I soon found out that due to the need for a two-level replacement that Charite was not for me. Now I can either wait in pain for FDA approval of the Prodisc or go to a doctor that I don't know or trust or try the more conservative approach such as IDET. Please note that if
you're waiting on the prodisc approval that you can see 1 of 15 or so doctors in the US that are part of a non-randomized continued access program assuming that you meet the criteria. We must also keep in mind that most of the issues are not a result of the disc but a result of mistakes made prior to or during the procedure such as improper sizing, fitment and general surgical mistakes. This is why we must all find someone that we trust before letting them perform the surgery. I will let you all know what I decide and the outcome.

From: Bret Bradbury - Texas, USA

I had Maverick total disc replacement in 2004. Unfortunately, I was one of the unlucky ones with anterior spinal surgery. My common iliac vein was irreparably damaged during surgery and I am very lucky to be alive. The vein was ligated and has left me with a severe post thrombotic leg syndrome and, to couple with this, the fact the back surgery failed. I wished I had gone with a posterior fusion. I chose the disc replacement because I am only 30 and joint saving surgery was more appealing than fusion. Beware anyone having total disc replacement because the very rare complication highlighted can and does happen with catastrophic consequences of death or, worse, survival with my complications.

From: Big H

I had L5 plastic disc replacement and two screws into the L6.  I have suffered 20 years and all I can say is don’t wait. Do your home work, find the best place you can, and go.  The only kicker is you will be stiff and have less mobility, but 90% less pain. I was out in one day.

From: B. Dodge – Illinois, USA

I had the Maverick disc procedure done in June 2004 in Austin, Texas. Before that I had extreme and nearly disabling pain. I chose the Maverick after doing a great deal of internet research and based upon my knowledge that spinal fusion often was only marginally successful. I am deeply involved in politics and the practice of law and found myself increasingly impaired by pain and unable to do those things that I wanted to do. The results of the Maverick surgery have been fantastic. I can now walk, exercise, play golf (essentially anything) The recovery period flew by. I am 54, out of pain and not limited in any way. I would be willing to talk to anyone about the procedure. Whether your insurance will pay or not, I would say "Get it done".

From: Charles Soechting - Texas, USA

I injured my back while working as a police officer. My partner and I responded to a domestic violence call where nine people were fighting with one another. Unfortunately, they turned on us and I ruptured three discs fighting with those fine folks. I was an active fighter and body builder before this injury occurred. I competed in ultimate fighting, lifting weights, and running on a regular basis. The injury made me give up all of my hobbies and retire from the police department at 33. The pain was disabling physically and mentally! I had a couple of surgeries but nothing worked and I had heard bad things about fusions (especially at three levels). I went to Santa Monica California and had L3/L4/L5-S1 replaced with the Charite Prodisc in February 2005. The surgery went well and I was walking the next day. Most of the pain was gone immediately after surgery. My left leg did not function very well after surgery and I had numbness on the top of my thighs for several months. My left leg is still not 100%. I have regained most of my range of motion and I am able to have a normal life. I still
have some pain but not even close to the pain I had before the surgery. I have met several nice people who have had back surgeries since I had mine. The folks that had the fusions still have serious pain and little range of motion. The folks that have had disc replacement surgeries reported they were doing well. I hope this helps someone. Keep the faith and don’t give up!

From: Chris - Ohio, USA

I am a 20 year old female who found out a couple of years ago that I will have to have back surgery done to fuse my L5 & L4 together and even the L3 and possible the L2. I have had a discogram, a CAT scan, MRI, and numerous x-rays and it showed that I was born like this. The doctor's want to wait till I'm at least 30, but I think it will be best for me to get it done at a young age, so I may have it done right after college. Which will be the Spring of 2008. I don't know what I should do, if I should wait like the doctor's said or go ahead and do it when I get done with school? Either way I will have to have it done.

From: Mo - Missouri, USA

I am a 26 yr old female. I injured my back in august of 2001. L5- S1 was ruptured due to my work injury. On August 10th 2004 I went in to be the first patient in Sacramento to have the flexicore disc placed in my back. Before surgery I had leg pain, back pain, fibromyalgia symptoms and other pains that would pop up. I was up walking about 3 hours after my surgery, I was very pleased that I did not have any pain (due to the drugs to put me to sleep). About 2 hours later I was in bed crying. They had me on Demerol, Morphine, and Dilaudid. None of those would work. I found out that the disc was a little too big but they did it anyways. It has been a year since surgery and I am still in a lot of pain. A lot of my pain is now in my legs, however the only symptoms that went away were the fibromyalgia pains. Most of the time I regret having the surgery, but I know it will stop the rest of my disc from going bad. I am now expecting my 3rd child in Feb. And I have had to stop all medication except low doses of lortab elixir which only takes the edge off, and I’m worried about the outcome pain-wise after delivery.

From: Genni Gutierrez – California, USA

I am 45 years old and have had chronic pain since 1996 that ridiculously began after a bad fall. Over the years the back pain and esp. sciatica have progressively become worse and incapacitating. It has gotten to the point that I cannot stand for any amount of time and can barely walk 50 steps without feeling searing, burning pain from the lumbar area, across my buttock, shooting down my left leg, under my foot. My left leg, particularly from the knee down, has become insensitive to the touch. Last year I learned I had congenital spinal stenosis, aggravated by bulging disks, moderate to severe osteoarthritis, bone spurs, and damaged ligaments. I have DDD at L4/L5, grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Trust me, I have tried everything: conservative treatment and the drugs do not relieve the pain. I am scheduled for a Maverick artificial disk replacement by an orthopedic surgeon in October. A neurosurgeon I consulted for second opinion told me he thought the artificial disk would not work for me. My hope turned into devastation. I feel like I am caught between two schools of thought and two generations. The orthopedist is much younger and is using advanced, state of the art procedures and the neurosurgeon is highly experienced but about to retire. The latter recommends opening up the spinal canal but won't perform the surgery which he feels is not serious enough (8mm). Now I am afraid to go through with the surgery. Help!

From: Dominique – Quebec, Canada

What can I say about my total disk replacement? It was good for me because it took the squeeze pain out but there is always a problem bending twisting reaching kneeling and sitting.  I was an asbestos supervisor.  I went from a hard worker to this old man that I am now.  All I want you to read is that there is a second chance in life if you really look for one.  It’s going to take more than effort to do it but I did.  Just remember as long as you are in the hospital you are going to be okay.  Injured 06\04\02 right now. My doctor saved my life but I still think it was my lawyer.  Nobody in this life will believe that I’m in pain but me...I’m the youngest one that did it—I’m only 28 years old.  MRI, discogram, you name it I was there...if I had a chance to go back I would never work...take care for real

From: merchisedec – Massachusetts, USA

After suffering with low back pain for many years, I decided to think about surgery. I was no longer having any good days. The pain was not getting any better and I knew it would not. At L5 the disc was gone. My doctor sent me to a surgeon in Plano at the Texas Back Institute. After talking to the surgeon about my options, I decided on the disc replacement surgery. The procedure was minimally invasive; meaning they went in through my stomach making a skin incision and just moved everything over and replaced the disc. I was up and walking about 3 hours after the surgery and I went home the next day. I was given exercises to do and was advised to walk; starting off a little at a time and gradually adding more as I felt like it. My surgery was 6 weeks ago and I am back at work full time. I went back to work 2 weeks after but only worked half days. I walk 1 mile 2 times a day and still do the exercises. I will start new exercises this week to help strengthen my abs and back muscles. My back pain is gone. I haven't hurt at all. Right after the surgery there was discomfort but not what I would call pain. The discomfort lasted about 3 days. I recommend disc replacement if it is an option for you.

From: Amy Towers – Texas, USA

Hello everyone. I injured my lower back June 2001 and have a bulged disc L4/L5. Just went to Neurosurgeon who wants to pull the disc out and fuse. He also said the disc above and below are showing some signs of degeneration and recommended removing them and fusing. I was absolutely appalled at what he wanted to do and left. I just found out about the Charite artifical disc and saw an Orthopedic Surgeon who does the surgery yesterday. My pain level fluctuates--normally my pain level is around 4 but when my back goes out it is 9. Typically my back has been going out about 3 or 4 times a year. Not sure if I should have surgery or not but am looking into the artifical disc replacement.

From: Margaret S – Louisiana, USA

I have watched my boyfriend for almost 5 years suffer from chronic pain in his back and right leg. A year ago tomorrow, he had L3-L4, L5-S1 replaced with the pro disc. He has been in as much pain, if not more pain now than before the surgery. I found this website, and I am glad to see that we are not alone. I dont think that we have been through anything like this before, without any help. I would only recommend that you really investigate the surgery and the doctors before having any surgery, as it can turn your life from really bad to horrific.

From: Anonymous

I had the Charite disc replacement surgery L4/L5 on 6/27/05. I had a previous discectomy same location in 1997. My condition worsened over the years to degenerative disc disease. I had CAT scans, MRI, etc. all confirming that I had three choices: 1. grin and bear it with narcotics, 2. Fusion, or 3. Artificial disc. I believe I made the right choice with the Charite. The lower back pain has changed as has the shooting pain/tingling in my left leg. I'm told pain change is good as this can and should get better over time. My hope is to be pain free in 1 -2 months. I am 6 days post op and still have a lot of pain at the frontal incision and the back. I did not go fusion as I know some that did this and were in agony at the site of the fusion and bone grafton sites, immobile/in casts, etc. for a long time. I did not want to deal with that. I believe in the technology of the artificial disc. The minimal invasive nature of the surgery was appealing. After four days, I was able to walk unaided up and down steps, etc. I did overdo it by taking a long walk on 7/1. Today the pain is much greater than yesterday. Patience is needed - take baby steps for a while. My other problem is bowel cramping, etc. which I believe to be from the general anathesia. I hope this goes away soon.

From: Dan – Wisconsin, USA

I had c6 c7 cervical artifical disc replacement on June 21st, 2005. It was done in the front of the neck. I was up and walking same day, had a problem with swallowing food but was able to eat ice cream and pudding. Went home the next day. It took away my upper back pain and the pain which radiated into my left arm immediately. I had the Prestege L artificial disc. It was the best option for me instead fo the fusion and bone graft and plate. I was told I should be back to work in 2-3 weeks, I'll have my post op visit on July 6th, I'll keep you updated.

From: Cathy Seltzer – Iowa, USA

I am a 39 year old female that had a Charite disc replacement in level L3-L4. This was my 6th lower back surgery. I have a 2 level fusion from S1-L4 and degenerative discs above L3-L4. I felt that I needed the artificial disc to preserve the discs above because of the slight movement the disc offers. Any way, my surgery went fine, but I have had a lot of lower back pain and was wondering if anyone else had that after their surgery. The surgery also damage nerves in my groin area and I no longer have much feeling in my upper inner thighs. I think the disc is a life saver, but was wondering what challenges others have had in the 3-4 months after surgery.

From: Justine

I am 37 years old and I just had 2 level prodisc replacement on 4/26/05. It’s only been 3 weeks but I feel much better already. I still have a lot of surgery pain in my stomach and a little leg pain on the side of my leg that I never had before but my doctor said it’s because my nerves were stretched out and the new disc is at right height so it will take 6 weeks to go away.  I hope and pray.

From: Rob - NJ, USA

I had disc replacement L4 on April 21, 05. I fought long and hard for this procedure. I had pain for over a year in my sacrum area and hips and pins and needles and congestion on the sides of my legs and my butt. The pain is starting to subside a little, but not all the way and my Dr. said at least 6 weeks. I am glad I had it done, but remember, everyone is different when it comes to the pain for I still have it, but I am praying it will go away soon for the nerves have memories and it supposedly takes a little while.

From: Skeet

I had a 3 tier total disc replacement in September of 2004 - the first 6 months was great I was completely pain free. However, please note, I did have pain at the surgery site, and it actually took about 3 months for my stomach swelling to go away. It’s now been 7 months since disc replacement surgery, and I have started noticing some pain again which seems to be getting more constant. However, this only seems to be in the lowest level of disc replacement (I had L3 L4 and L5 replaced).

From: Becs – Auckland, New Zealand

I had the disc replacement L5-S1 around 3 years ago in Toronto. I was the third person to have it done and I have to say that I’m very pleased with the outcome right after surgery. I had zero pain and was walking around that same night. I have full movement, and the best part was that there was NOOOOO pain. For anyone thinking of having it done, don’t wait! I’m telling you, this was the best thing I ever did for myself. I was scared, just like I’m sure most of you all are, and I thank God everyday and, of course, Doctor Y.R. Rampersaud (Toronto Western Hospital).

From: Mary

I was part of the FDA study through Texas Back Institute on March 30, 2000. I was the 5th person in the USA to receive the SB Charité Artificial Disc. The disc replacement at L5/S1 relieved my leg pain but I still had a lot of lower back pain. Turns out I had facet joint disease also at the same level. After numerous injections, prolotherapy and surgery to insert a spinal cord stimulator, etc., I eventually had a 360 fusion with stabilization at that same level. Even had multiple laminectomies to relieve leg pain that resurfaced afterwards, and in August 2004 came down with a staph infection in my spinal canal and was hours away from dying. I had a total of 7 surgeries in 5 years and heavy narcotic drugs for years. They had to remove all of my metal hardware from my body due to the infection, including the spinal cord stimulator.

I finally found a pain management doctor who diagnosed the "burning pain" in my lower back and leg as piriformis syndrome. Botox injections finally fixed the problem by paralyzing the muscles in my lower back. It has since come to my attention that some patients have had to have their artificial discs extracted years afterwards when the Plastic Spacer has disintegrated. I have not had problems with my SB Charité Artificial Disc yet, but I wonder if I will. I believe in the advancement but have questions in the back of my mind. I am doing wonderful now and am walking 5 miles a day on the treadmill. Good Luck and hope you find a pain free life soon!

From: Chris – Plano, Texas, USA

Chronic pain for last 15 years as a result of spondylolisthesis L5-S1 and degenerative disks at L3-L4 & L4-L5. Positive discogram at two lower segments.  Two opinions that artificial disc at L4-L5 and interbody fusion at L5-S1 would present best chance of solving problem without causing L3-L4 disc to degenerate further. Have not had procedure yet as I am waiting for PRODISC approvial.

From: Bonanzatom - Woodland, California, USA

About 8 months ago, I had a FlexiCore disc replacement at level L5-S1. Knocked my 4 year pain from a level 8 to a level 1. At 44 years, I feel great. Recovery time was just for the minimally invasive frontal incision. SpineCore, who makes FlexiCore, has been bought by another company. Let’s hope they keep making the FlexiCore. Dr. Zucherman of St. Mary’s Spine Center in San Francisco is a truly skilled professional. Prayers answered....

From: John Shaw – Oroville, California, USA

I had the PRODISC surgery in 2003. It was not FDA approved, so insurance would not cover it. After fighting with them for about a year, my husband and I decided to pay for it ourselves and become part of the clinical trials. I was in so much pain, we didn't have a choice. The operation went smoothly. I was home a few days later. After the pain from surgery, I think I felt some relief for about 6 months. After that, all the pain came right back. The worst past about my story is because of the clinical trials.

I agreed to come into to my doctor’s office and fill out information for the FDA on my PRODISC. Now that all the pain is back, and my operation was not a success, I'm having problems with my doctor. It almost seems because the PRODISC didn't work for me, he wants nothing to do with me. He has told me there is nothing more he can do for me, and the only way he will communicate with me is through e mail. I'm even having an awful time getting my medical records. Every time I call they say they have mailed them out. I asked them to fax them to me, and they say the fax won't go through (but I get faxes everyday for my business and have no problem).

From: Kimberly

I have struggled with lower back pain for what seems like forever now, and I am just now turning 31. I have been a hard-core athlete most of my life, excepting these past few years. Could this be why I am 'degenerating'?

So, after all these years and doctors telling me basically there is nothing wrong with me, I found my diagnosis yesterday- degenerative disc disease at L5-S1. And, I also found out that there was nothing to be done. Doc says: "Fusion has small success record, wait 'til more data on replacement disc is out." But, is it already and we don't know about it? Where does one go?

WHY ARE WE ACCEPTING OF THE PAIN, WHICH IS UNBEARABLE?

From: Georgia - Asheville, North Carolina, USA

A couple years ago, I was being treated by an orthopedic surgeon who was taking part in the Charité study. We discussed that option, but it turned out that I need replacement on two levels, and the study parameters specified only one. So now I'm waiting for FDA certification of the PRODISC lumbar implant.

From: David Windhorst

After a few years of intermittent back pain, I injured it in August 2000. My back never recovered from this and I suffered with chronic pain for the next three years. One doctor told me that I was a candidate for spinal fusion, but he suggested I wait. In December 2003, I participated in the final phase of the Charité artificial disc. This was the best thing that I could have done. I can easily say that I have not had pain that is anything close to what I experienced prior to the surgery. Any pain that I have had was usually associated with trying to do too much too soon (I was back to regular activity at 3 weeks - but I don't recommend this!)

In June, I was given permission to begin playing tennis - something I had not been able to do since August 2000. It is wonderful to be able to play without any pain or stiffness. I must also attribute my post-op success to the help of a very good physical therapist. I have also continued to exercise and stretch on a regular basis. In fact, if I skip a few days of exercise, my back stiffens. This is not pain as in an injured back, but for stiffness from lack of movement. The great thing is that if I exercise and stretch, the stiffness goes away. Continued exercise and stretching is a necessity. Based upon my experience, I would recommend this surgery to anyone with similar problems.

From: Louise - California, USA

Thank you for your site. It really helped me sort out this decision and to obtain more information that I did not get from my primary care doctor. My C5-C6 disc ruptured centrally and completely. The delayed diagnosis resulted in the spinal cord being "pinned" against bone spurs created by the constant grinding of the C5 vertebra against the C6 vertebra. The adjacent levels/discs were also degenerating. I repeatedly reported the pain shooting down from my neck into my fingers to my health plan primary care doc for several months so he finally ordered an MRI that was misread as "normal". I was not offered a second opinion, and paid for one myself and also for the anterior cervical fusion with allograft and traditional plating and screws. I didn't qualify for the artificial discs because: (a) I lived too far away from any of the sites conducting trials; (b) more than 1 level was fused (3 were); and, (c) the surgeon advised the "tried and true" technique that's proven successful over many years. I deferred to his judgment - while I also read about the anterior cervical discectomy with plating and allograft on this website.

Your website provided much-needed information. I actually used your check-off form with my family to determine why I needed the surgery and how it would help. Thanks for this opportunity to provide feedback and to help others with their decisions -- and to help myself.

From: Anonymous

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Communicate with others about disc replacement surgery

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* Note: This page expresses the experiences and opinions of patients, not doctors. The Back-to-Back forum is provided because we think people often have very practical advice and insights to share that can benefit other patients who have similar back problems. This section has not been peer reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board, and is provided for your informational purposes only.

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