What is the 'I Can' Challenge?
Patients that struggle with back or neck pain have many questions, such as what could life potentially be like after a spinal surgery. The 'I Can...' Challenge was started as a means of encouraging former back or neck pain sufferers to bring awareness and inspiration to others by demonstrating what life could be like after spine surgery.
While not all surgery is successful, if you have had a disc replacement surgery, let others know about your post-operative experience—especially noting what you CAN do after spine surgery. Those suffering from debilitating neck or back pain would be amazed by many of the success stories.
Can You Do More After Spine Surgery?
These Individuals Can:
Scott M
Columbus, OH, 58
Three months after two-level lumbar ADR surgery, I can ride "adventure-style" motorcycles 320 miles to and from the Ohio river from Columbus and enjoy all the sweepers and twisties that the Appalachian foothills have to offer. Thanks to physical therapy, my core is stronger than it's been in a decade, and I'm delighted to return to leading motorcycle support for Pelotonia's cancer fundraisers. I plan to add trials training and woods riding later this year after continuing to build up my strength and stamina.
Scott M had a Lumbar Disc Replacement in April 2024 and now enjoys Hiking, Biking.
Kristin D
Roswell, GA
I can't wait to see other stories to inspire those who currently can't. Every year, on the anniversary of my surgery, I celebrate by doing something that I could never do if it weren’t for my new disc! I'm attaching a picture of this year's anniversary event: a hike into the volcano crater on the Sliding Sand Trail in Haleakalā National Park in Maui. It's a must-do if you're ever there.
Kristin D had a Lumbar Disc Replacement in June 2012 and now enjoys Competitive Tennis, Running, Triathlons, Hiking in the Mountains.
Cheri
Los Angeles, 42
I can jump out of airplanes or hang glide if I want to as I had jumped out of an airplane over the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York in 2004 and hang glided in Brazil in 2013. I can spin, box, workout hard with a trainer if I want to. I can dance the night away if I want to. I can walk for miles in Manhattan, New York if I want to. I can assist in surgery on surgical missions to Africa or for my job in Los Angeles if I want to. I can do anything if I want to. All because of my 2 Level Lumbar Prodiscs put in me. My 20 year anniversary is coming up and I am going to celebrate the day as I have had NO pain since I recovered because I want to.
Cheri had a Lumbar Disc Replacement in December 2002 and now enjoys Travelling, spinning, boxing, drinking tequila.
Michelle M
Scituate, MA, 45
People often find it hard to believe that I recently had major spinal reconstruction with two artificial neck discs. I just had to get over the initial post-surgical fear of reinjury and debilitating pain. I’ve made major life changes including surrounding myself with only people who encourage me and have my back! I exercise daily between yoga, swimming, barre and paddleboarding without difficulty. This year I started skiing again and began the challenging bucket list goal of hiking all the New Hampshire 4k peaks. I honestly feel like I have a new lease on life! Thank you Centinel Spine!
Michelle M had a Cervical Disc Replacement in June 2019 and now enjoys Skiing, Hiking, Waterboarding.
Joe LM
Oviedo, FL
Just before my one-year anniversary from surgery, I participated in the Savage Race 11, Feb of 2019.
Joe LM had a Cervical Disc Replacement in March 2018 and now enjoys Hiking, running, water sports.
Patrick M
Munich, Germany, 40
First prodisc L in September 2008, second prodisc L in July 2022 - before my surgery I thought - s*#! - this was it now... No more adventures, no more caves... After 3 weeks I had my first dive after the surgery, and it was great. Next 6 weeks after I got physiotherapy and started with small exercises to get back to my fitness again - now I'm on a good way back and soon I'll go for new exploration cave dives.
Patrick M had a Lumbar Disc Replacement in July 2022 and now enjoys Tec diving, cave diving, speleology, Downhill MTB.
Rory S.
Palm Beach, FL, 46
It has been an amazing 3 weeks in Tokyo! I want to thank everyone for their support and kind words. Winning the Silver at the games was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I was fortunate enough to share with my best friend and wife, Martina Sabbatini. I don't know how this would have happened if I hadn't had my disc replacement. Every day is a new adventure.
Rory S. had a Cervical Spinal Fusion in May 2016 and now enjoys Professional Golf and Spending Time with my Family.
Brian G.
Orlando, FL, 50
Big win at the Bermuda Championship! 5th PGA tour win in the books!! Thank you to the PGA Tour & Bermuda Championship organizers. This was my first championship since 2013. With the pain I was in, I never would have thought it was possible before the surgery.
Brian G. had a Cervical Disc Replacement in October 2014 and now enjoys Professional Golf and Spending Time with Family.
Are you suffering from neck or back pain?
