It has been 8 years since my two level artificial disc replacement in my lumbar spine, the L4-L5 and L5-S1, and I am doing great working while enjoying my life.

In 2010 I started having pain in my neck radiating down my left arm. My arm and fingers were going numb and my neck was stiff with limited mobility. A CT scan lead to an MRI and a resulting diagnosis of degenerative disc disease with severe spinal stenosis of the C5-C6 and C6-C7 caused by a large herniation that was flattening my spinal cord. My family doctor referred me to a neurosurgeon in Vancouver, BC, whom I had seen in the past for my lumbar spine. Following my appointment he recommended fusing my C5-C6 and C6-C7 right away. I returned home and start physiotherapy with Kerri Roberts at the YMCA. Her regimen included mild traction, acupuncture, ultrasound, and hot/cold compresses which slowly decreased the pain in my arm to a point where I was able to continue working. The numbness and tingling lessened but the mobility was still limited.

I submitted my MRI images and x-rays to Dr. Ritter-Lang in Germany for review. He did not feel I was ready for surgery and if my symptoms worsened I was to contact him. By 2015 my symptoms were progressing. I had numbness and tingling in both my arms and hands but the numbness in my left arm and fingers was getting worse. I lost all mobility in my neck and driving was becoming quite difficult. I was only able to work in short spirts as debilitating headaches became a daily occurrence which impacted my vision. Reading was a challenge and fast movements resulted in severe pain. I was spending more and more time lying down, icing my neck. An inability to find a comfortable position greatly impacted my sleep. When I began to feel some numbing sensations in my face I knew it was time to contact Dr. Ritter-Lang again. I sent in a new MRI with x-rays and he confirmed my diagnosis and therapy plan.

It was definitely time for surgery.

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Evaluated medical data:

MRI cervical dated 03/2015

X-rays cervical dated 04/2015

Patient Data Sheet/ anamnesis

Diagnosis:

C5/6: osteochondrosis with disc bulging

C6/7: osteochondrosis with disc bulging

Therapy plan:

C5-7: surgical solution with removal of disc material and implantation of M6-artificial disc including revision of the spinal canal

My Letter of Medical Necessity

The osteochondrosis at C5/6 and C6/7 in the case of Colleen Gibson is a clear indication for a surgical intervention. Due to the persistent cervical pain syndrome, which proved to be resistant to conservative therapy there is a clear medical necessity for a surgical intervention as soon as possible.

In correlation of the diagnostic and clinical findings surgical advice is for total anterior discectomy, nerve decompression and artificial disc replacement C5/6 and C6/7.

The pain, numbness and tingling have made everyday activities extremely difficult. A further delay of surgery could lead to a chronification of her symptoms and thus reduce the chances of a successful treatment.

We clearly advise against a fusion of the affected degenerated levels because it would decrease mobility and further increase the chance for future fusion surgery for Colleen Gibson.

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I scheduled my surgery in Bremen Germany for November 5th, 2015.

I flew from Prince George, BC, Canada to Bremen, Germany, where I was picked up and taken to the hotel Backenkoehler, across from the hospital. I rested that night as I was very sore and tired from my long flight. My aunt Barb Watson came with me again and I was so thankful.

I met with Melanie over at the hospital the next day and was started on my preoperative tests. I was admitted to the hospital the morning of my surgery. My surgery was performed by Dr. Karsten Ritter-Lang and his surgical assistant Dr. Jan Spiller on November 5^th, 2015.

These two surgeons are the very best at what they do and have been doing disc replacement for many years. I have had the opportunity to spend a day in the operating room with both of them and watch them perform surgery, both lumbar and cervical. The entire surgical team has been working together for many years and do a fantastic job with excellent results.

When I woke up in ICU to my amazement I felt good with no post-operative pain. I spent the night in ICU. The following day I was transferred to the regular ward. I was up walking the first day following surgery, and even walking outside the second day.

I spent one week in the hospital and was transferred to the beautiful Park Hotel in Bremen. My Aunt and I enjoyed walking through the park beside the hotel and even stopped at the restaurants in the park to enjoy some delicious food and great German beer.

I was feeling good except for some distraction pain which is normal. The doctors told me it would slowly go away as my body was adjusting to the new discs in my neck. Some nights were rough but I got through it and believe me it was worth it!!!

I slowing continued to get stronger each passing day as I completed the provided daily exercises. I could have returned home 13 days after surgery but I chose to stay an additional week to do some sightseeing in Bremen. I then transferred to the Classico Hotel in Bremen for the remainder of my stay and quite enjoyed what Bremen has to offer. It is such a beautiful city with old architecture and great history.  The food was delicious and the chocolate was incredible!!

When I returned home I continued with my exercises and visited my family doctor who was very impressed with how well I was doing. 8 weeks after surgery I discontinued my prescribed pain medication and turned to one ibuprofen or Tylenol whenever my neck muscles got sore, usually nearing the end of the day. As my muscles get stronger I will no longer need any medication.

I am now 17 weeks post op and feel great. I am back working full time. My headaches are gone and I am once again able to drive. My mobility is good. I can look up at the sky again. I do not have any problems reading and my numbness and tingling are all gone. I have set up a gym in my basement with a treadmill, elliptical, recumbent bike and weight lifting station.  I have an exercise ball and a mat for floor exercises. I complete my core exercise every day, along with a couple miles of walking on the treadmill or outside. I can’t stress enough how important exercises is following spinal surgery.

I am very happy with my results and would highly recommend artificial disc replacement if you are suffering with disc problems either in your lumbar spine or cervical spine.

You don’t have to suffer you can do something about it and it doesn’t always have to be fusion.

Thank you Dr. Ritter-Lang, Dr. Jan Spiller, Dr. Luay Deiri and the rest of the surgical team. You have saved my life.

A very special thank you to the entire Enande Team, I am forever grateful.

Thank you Aunty Barb you are my rock and one of the best surgical nurses I know.

I now have 4 artificial discs and couldn’t be happier.

If you have any questions I am more than happy to help via phone or email. I will do my best to answer your questions.