“Backup” is my attempt to document the process of repairing or replacing my faulty/degenerative L4-5 intervertebral disc.  It is very eye opening when you realize the human body has almost no ability to repair or regenerate cartilage.  Your health is your wealth!

I’m a 33 year old father, husband and cocker spaniel overlord.  I’m employed as an IT Manager by day, for a digital advertising agency.  By night, I enjoy hockey, yoga, video games and photography.

I’m in search of a “cure” for my lame back… as my first post alludes.  I’m documenting the journey in hopes that it might help someone else in a similar situation.  Our Canadian healthcare system seems to operate at a glacial pace and I hope to avoid any pitfalls, or help anyone else with a similar plight to do the same.

Wish me luck and keep your stick on the ice.

banhorn at gmail.com is my email address if you have any questions, comments or pointers!

*Update – I ended up travelling to Dr. Boeree in England to have an artificial disc implanted at L4-5. The long/short is that my condition worsened over 11 months of conservative treatment, my L4-5 was shot, I was looking at a 2 year waiting list to speak with my local surgeon and Dr. Boeree is a wonderful and exceptionally experienced surgeon with 500+ ADRs under his belt. I hope I made the right call, but only time will tell! I’ve left this blog in place to document my recovery and the decision process that brought me to where I’m at today.

My pre-op thread at ADRSupport.

My post-op thread at ADRSupport.

My pre-op thread at Spine Patient Society.

My post-op thread at Spine Patient Society.

My thread at iSpine.