Degenerative Disc

Hi Rhino,

sorry for my spelling errors in my first post, was a bit rushed.

the surgeon that you are going to see, is your appointment on the 11th of August?
the Kineflex is not a bad disc but also not the best, and in comparison to the M6 well..it cannot be compared at all.

like I said in my first post if you go and look at what your natural disc does the M6 is the best alternative because it mimics your natural anatomy! and as a patient that is exactly what you want. I have heard patients who have had 3 to 4 level disc replacement surgery with the M6 saying that it feels like they never had surgery on the neck, I am not bullshitting you bud, at the age of 34 and being so active the way you are, you want something that will improve your quality of life, and M6 is self spoken for, if you visit their website you will understand exactly what I am saying. the surgeon that you are going to does not use the M6 and the biggest problem is in today's life patients are too uninformed, I know exactly what this industry is about and I can tell you that there are just a few surgeons who are actually concerned about their patients and their progress.it is all about money these days, and Bud I am willing to put my life on the line for my statements above.

the M6-c and M6-L are the best disc's in the world and nothing but nothing can compare to it!

when you go and see your surgeon go in there educated, there is no doubt that surgery will take place, if your disc is herniated into the canal, the Dr is going to operate, the procedure sounds hectic and intense because of the approach being Anterior, but trust me I see this on a daily basis and its actually very straight forward, the Dr does his Discectomy, distraction and de-compression, trials then knocks in the disc, screens, close up and you are on your way to recovery! patients that have had Disc replacement with the M6 Cervical are up and running within 5days! no pain whatsoever and can achieve all SIX DEGREES OF FREEDOM JUST LIKE THE NATURAL DISC WITH THE M6! NO OTHER DISC CAN DO THIS!

just by looking at your lifestyle a bit, do you think that with the Kineflex or any other disc for that argument that you will be able achieve axial compression? NO! and when ever you stand up or lift weights your spine compresses, that is why your natural disc acts as a shock absorber! no other disc can do this. now that is just one argument! there are plenty plenty more. I will ask admin if I can forward him so documents and patient follow ups and studies to prove this to you and you can go and show this to your surgeon and see if he can come up with any "counter argument"

look Bud as a patient you need to decide and therefor you need to do your research, and speak to your surgeon! but a few questions that you can ask yourself and your surgeon:

which disc allows six degrees of freedom?
Which disc has got an artificial Nucleus and an Annulus?
Which discs are compressible?
which disc Mimics the Natural Anatomy?
What is the Kinematic signature of the M6 compared to any other disc in the world?
what disc changes the Centre of rotation in the spine the most? " this is a bad thing because changing the Centre of Rotation in the spine puts more pressure on the adjacent levels and stresses the Facets.

ask yourself bud would you prefer something that is almost identical to your Natural anatomy or something that is going to lead to further complications in the years to come where you will find yourself back in the OR with a Fusion perhaps? educate yourself bud and do what is best for you!

keep well and I am looking forward to hear what your surgeon has to say.

@ Christian, +1 to you for taking the time to give such solid advice. I'm most impressed.

Thanks Bud

Could you recommend a neurosurgeon in the JHB Pretoria are that I could get a second opinion from?

Eish, I didn't realise choosing a disk will be so complex. It's easier to buy a car and less complicating to buy lenses for a digital SLR camera.

You are welcome bud,

And sure there are plenty that I could recommend but there is one particular surgeon that I would say is the best and the reason why is because I have never seen a surgeon that is so thorough with his patients he preps the patients him self, he sets up his theater him self, and he takes about 3 to 4 hours with his procedure removing al osteophystes scaning adequately and making sure he uses the right size and the right product.

He is situated at Zuid afrikaans hospital in pretoria, I can give you his number as well? Its Dr C Aldrich, Neuro/spinal surgeon. There are plenty more that I will recommend you too and then you can choose. Just out of time now and will do that in the afternoon if you dont mind?

And ps bud, I know you are worried but trust me with the right and honest Doc you cant go wrong and you will be back at gym and living quality life in no time.

Will revert with further information shortly. And another thing bud can you perhaps upload a picture of your MRI? obviously with your personal details hidden out, please it would be great to comment on that as well?

Hey Bud

I haven't had an MRI as yet, all as I have are the X-rays that show the C5/C6 disc clearly compressed but still stable. All other discs are 100%.
I was waiting to see the specialist to have an MRI as I have a hospital plan not a medical aid so I'm hoping I'll get admitted and have the bulk of the 10k covered.

I'm going to try and get hold of Dr C Aldrich and see if it's possible to get an earlier appointment.

Thanks

+1 Christian. Amazing feedback

hey Rhino.I'm sorry about your bad news,man...but I'm sure your you'll get yourself sorted out quicker then you expect and be able to train harder then you ever did before.
And thanx to Christian for his solid and educated advice.
Glad to see we have some knowledgable members like him on this forum.

I can confirm Dr. A gets a 12 out of 10.

Ok well Dr Aldrich couldn't see Me until September but I did manage to get a cancelation with Dr Weinberg on the 1st of August.
I also found out that I can't get admitted for an MRI so I'll just cough up and have one done on the 1st I need to no what I'm up against.

I'll speak to him about the M6 and if it comes to it I'll insist.

Good luck Rhino. And +1 Christian ons his advice. Keep us updated man

Hi Rhino,

its a pitty that he could not see you soon but no stress, there are a few other surgeons that you can consider as a second opinion:

Dr Branca - Glynwood Hospital
Dr Wasserman - Wilgeheuwel hospital
Dr Van Der Meulen - Union Hospital
and Dr Louis Nel (jnr) some say he is the best Spinal surgeon in South Africa but he is extremely busy and I doubt that you will get an appointment soon, patients from America and Europ fly in just to see him and he is the one that Discovered the M6, His Father retired last year and he also believed in preserving motion with the M6. Dr Nel Jnr is also situated at Zuid Afrikaans Hospital.

Just another thing bud, I see you mentioned that you are on a hospital plan, do you know if they have got a certain prosthesis limit? Because what ever disc you will take will have to come out of your prosthesis limit, and depending on the company some give discount within the limit and others ask Patients to pay in.

and if I may ask your previous Drs that you have been to have they diagnosed you with any Condition/disease yet?

Thanks to all for your appreciation, it means a lot and that is what this site is here for to help wherever we can.

Best of Luck Bud.

Thanks Bud

No I've never been diagnosed with any condition or decease. No surgeries or even a broken bones before.
The only reason I opted for a hospital plan is that with my Mum being a Doc if I've ever needed Stitches or a script I just go to her but I do have the top Hospital plan Discovery offer so we'll see. Either way what ever needs to be done will be done.

I think for now I'll go and see Doc Weinberg and have a chat and an MRI next week and then go for there.

Hey gents

Well I just had a Wisdom tooth pulled so I feel like even more of an Ass :lol: i did manage to train legs and force down 2000 cals before they took my ivory though which meant I was only able to have a numbing injection!

The more I research Degenerative disc disease and the more Surgeons and people I talk to the more I realize that it's quite a common thing in our game, Mma and Power lifting.

So what ill do is keep this thread running ill post pics of the MRI and update it with all the advice I get for the Gurus plus I'll keep you all updated on my journey.
Christian has already added a lot to this thread.

I'm sure it'll be valuable to other members at some point.

Most definitely. Thank you +1

Rhino wrote: Hey gents
Well I just had a Wisdom tooth pulled so I feel like even more of an Ass :lol: i did manage to train legs and force down 2000 cals before they took my ivory though which meant I was only able to have a numbing injection!

Rhino.. Dude, now that's what you call pure dedication.. To go do a kick ass leg workout and stuff 2000 cals down your throat, all before having your tooth yanked out. >> you are inspiring and very brave! +1 for you bru!

This thread will help lank guys in the future and YOU can be proud of that. You ganna look back at this thread and be so thrilled with the way this has all turned out.

@ Christian >> respect to you! +1 unbelievable input!

Ye I think we need a decent log on the subject.

I looked on all the American forums and it's quite a popular issue but unbelievably they still mainly do spinal fission and that's so outdated and basically guaranties that the disc above and below will go if you carry on training, A lot of them seem to go to Europe for disc replacement.
In that regard we are very lucky here as a couple of different discs were invented in this country.

Well I woke up this morning and I'm feeling much better! In the past this is when I'd think I was healed until it came back next time and kicked my ass even harder and for longer.
I didn't need any pain meads yesterday only last night and I've been eating more codeine and muscle relaxants than most junkies..!

So I'm still going to the neurosurgeon to sort this shit out once and for all, my left arm is probably 10% weaker than my right(1 or 2 reps)

I've got a new goal :lol: I'm going to get through this and next year I'll be 35 so I'll be able to compete with the other old boys and that's my goal to motivate my recovery. Just one comp to say I've done it and to give me a goal to work towards!

Rhino. Admiration for pushing down those calories after having wisdom teeth removed. I remeber the worst part bout that is the lack of being able to chew. Your a real soldier bud. Thats a great goal and gives meaning and motivation to pull you through this kak time. Hoping you all the best and please keep us updated

Do you have a digital pic of your x-ray? It'll be interesting to compare I'll see if I can dig mine up.

What you described earlier sounds remarkably similar to mine.

I don't Bud and I'm a computer Retard :lol: I'll post my MRI as soon as I get it next Friday.

Basically the gap between the vertebra has narrowed right down because the disc is Fucked. So in the side X-ray when I'm looking up my neck doesn't have the natural backwards sweep as the C5/C6 gap doesn't spread like the others do.
And that's were my nerve gets trapped..!

Mine is lower back - but I'll upload the pic over the weekend, you can see how it compares to yours.

(obviously - I only know what the doctor told me - I'm still very "untrusting" on a disc diagnosis made from a x-ray)

They can't diagnose it 100% from an X-ray. They can see there is a problem but until you've had an MRI you won't really no what your up against.
That's why your previous Neurosurgeon sounds like an ass clown. How can he just say don't lift anything for 3 years? That's no kind of answer or solution

Hi Rhino,

Hope you are well bud?

What is the latest update regarding your degenerative disc?

Regards.

Well tomorrow is D day, I'll be seeing the Neuro and having the MRI and stuff done.
I'll keep you posted.