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rediscover Patient Ambassador
Before I met my spine surgeon, I didn’t know that prodisc was a less invasive option for me. With the total disc replacement, it’s like I’ve never had a neck problem!
Andrea L.
Age: 53
From: Los Angeles, CA
Surgery Date: October 2017
Procedure Type: Cervical Total Disc Replacement with prodisc
Interests: Fitness Training, including CrossFit
Andrea has always led an active lifestyle which included playing collegiate sports and building a career in physical fitness. She worked as a fitness trainer, specializing in marine training, for over thirteen years and, thereafter, developed a passion for the CrossFit high-intensity fitness regimen. She has competed in numerous CrossFit tournaments as well as established a successful career in training clientele in the Hollywood movie and television industry.
In August 2017, while stopped in her car at a stoplight, Andrea was rear-ended by another vehicle going 65 mph. Though the accident resulted in a disc herniation and eventual degeneration, the effects were immediate—Andrea was in constant pain and discomfort. She couldn’t move her neck at all and felt like she was being “electrocuted” down both arms by radiating nerve pain. This physical debilitation affected all aspects of her life: she couldn’t work, sit, or drive due to her inability to move and rotate her neck. Depressed by these limitations, Andrea started relying heavily on the support of family and friends to help her through this difficult time.
"I had complete trust and faith in my surgeon and scheduled surgery within one week after my first appointment."
Prior to finding surgical relief with prodisc, Andrea tried numerous conservative treatments—including medications, epidural injections, and physical therapy. When nothing provided long-term relief, however, Andrea sought a consultation with a spine surgeon. At first, her doctor recommended a fusion procedure, which frightened the traditionally active Andrea. She didn’t want a fusion because she feared having limited mobility post-operatively and how this may affect her lifestyle.
It was at this point that Andrea was fortunate to be referred by a client to a spine surgeon who specializes in total disc replacement procedures. The surgeon examined Andrea and recommended a total disc replacement procedure using prodisc C. To assure her that she would have neck mobility post-operatively, the surgeon educated Andrea on the procedure and also shared his personal experience as a patient who underwent a total disc replacement with prodisc C. With his guidance and recommendation, Andrea was motivated to pursue surgery to get back to her daily activities. According to Andrea, “I had complete trust and faith in my surgeon and scheduled surgery within one week after my first appointment.”
In October 2017, Andrea underwent a total disc replacement procedure with prodisc C and was discharged from the hospital within one day of surgery. When she returned home, she began walking immediately—only needing to take medication for pain relief the first day. Although she struggled with some post-operative surgical and muscle soreness, she immediately noticed that her radiating nerve pain and neck discomfort had disappeared!
"It’s amazing to feel pain-free after so many years!"
Throughout her recovery, Andrea engaged in physical activity and exercise, achieving some amazing milestones. Andrea passionately noted, “After 3 weeks, I ran 377 stairs, and at 6 weeks I was able to do 3 handstand push-ups. By 12 weeks, I was feeling 100% and was able to return to work!” Andrea believes that her positive attitude and determination helped her to recover and regain her active lifestyle.
Now, Andrea is ecstatic that she has no limitations. She can work, exercise, and enjoy spending time with family and loved ones. She claims, “It’s amazing to feel pain-free after so many years!”
These individuals can inspire your journey to healing and life after disc replacement surgery—and the hope of freedom from spine-induced pain and discomfort.
With the total disc replacement, it’s like I’ve never had a neck problem!
Andrea L.
I feel like my activity level is now a 10 out of 10! My recovery after prodisc was amazing.
Brian
Being a patient myself, I understand... the journey. [prodisc] allows my patients to return to their lives.
Dr. Masson
I probably feel better today than when I was 30 years old!
Rory
prodisc [gives] my patients the option to thrive and maintain the highest quality active lifestyle.
Dr. Lanman
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