Spinal Surgery - Fusion, ADR?

[Waynester]

I have had various ops on my back after rupturing 2 spinal discs. In fact the L5/S1 had literally 'exploded' & was one of the worst the consultant who performed the discectomy op in 2001 had seen!

I had an L5/S1 fusion & L4/5 ADR (Artificial Disc Replacement) operation 4 years ago now. Still have significant pain & associated nerve issues but.. the op was still worth while compared to how I was previous to the surgery!

I was curious if anyone else has had similar surgery, particularly the ADR operation? Any post-op problems?
Other than myself & a forum in the US, I have not come across anyone else who has had the prosthetic spinal disc operation??

[dreamer75]

I've had the fusion - was originally planned for ADR but the bones had too many holes in them. Google ADR uk forum - lots of people in the uk have had it done.

[anonymous-user]

Both very common procedures. I've had both (5 years ago) apart from permanently numb toes (was warned this would be a side effect) and a varying degree of left foot drop I lead a completely normal life and I can't recommend it enough as a permanent cure for the years of lower back pain I endured. I wish I'd done it 10 years ago.