What's your experience with Vertiflex Superion Implant?

I had it done about 20 days ago - I was in severe pain after the surgery, which was a surprise as I was told there would be minimal pain. I had to beg for some type of pain medication. They finally gave me a steroid pack and some celebrex that helped slightly. The surgeon gave me 6 injections on my back about a week after surgery and it hurt as my back was so sore. They said it was probably nerve pain - I was prescribed some gabapentin - but the dosage was way too small. I am starting to feel a little better and I use the gabapentin combined with meloxcam - my hope is that this is just temporary as I am finally feeling a bit better - but my pain is worse that it was before. I wish that they would have told me this was to be expected....I am giving it more time with the hope I am just an unusual case. I do not like taking these medications and hope to be off of them soon. Right now I would not recommend this to anyone

just the last 2 days a bit better with the help of the gabapentin(for nerve pain) and meloxicam for arthritis - seems to be improving daily - I will keep you updated

I had 2 inserts a week ago. I also had severe pain after the operation, much greater than expected.
After a few days it was determined that one of the inserts had dislodged. It will be removed today.
I am hopeful the remaining insert will do its job. I was really keen to use this option to ease my pain but feel the doctor should have emphasized how difficult recovery could be. Minimally invasive indeed !!
Several people report taking gabapentin. I used this before surgery and even at a super high dose of 600 mg 3 times per day, it did not help; it only made me drowsy.

I am so sorry - it is very discouraging, I know - finally I was prescribed Gabapentin but only 100mg 2 x a day - I looked up normal dose for adults and upped my dose to 300mg 3 x a day - I get some relief - but not enough - I never had pain when sitting or lying down before only when walking/standing..now I get pain while sitting or lying down - I will say I have had some improvement since surgery - but it is still worse than before..I go to see my Dr tomorrow - thanks for sharing - yes they totally led me to believe I wouldn't have pain - needless to say, I have very little faith in this doctor

It can be very discouraging. I have concluded that finding a good doctor is key, but even then he/she is dealing with a complicated nervous system. Just reading the various experiences on this website shows we are dealing with something that maybe well understood but not easy to manage.
I now have only one insert and a bruised, but not too painful, back and trying to keep a positive attitude ! Hope your doctor has some proposals to improve your situation.

Glad to hear your operation went well. I am encouraged by my visit yesterday - the PA explained to me that it is normal for 4-6 week recovery - I told her that the problem is that I was mislead to believe I would be walking a mile in 2-3 days!! I am feeling better and taking gabapentin which does seem to help - I will wean myself off once I feel I am fully recovered. You are correct we are dealing with the nervous system and I imagine everyone reacts differently. I am scheduled to have Lumbar radiofrequency ablation on January 14th - a little nervous - but apparantly it is supposed to help ..regardless the good news is that I am feeling better and more hopeful - not walking a mile yet - but soon! So good communicating with another person dealing with a similar issue - I am hoping I will be golfing in a few weeks - best of luck keep me posted on your recovery

Glad to hear you are feeling better and more hopeful. "Hopeful" is the key word. When doctors talk about recovery, I always wonder what that really means; back to normal or 75% or what ? I am trying to stay hopeful and patient, but I am not planning to play golf anytime soon. You definitely have the right mental attitude !! Best of luck with the new procedure.

Yes mental is important - mind spirit body - all connected - I hope you feel better soon....My goal is to walk 1-3 miles a day and of course get back to golfing - I may not make the tour though:) Keep me in the loop and it is nice to share the experience - you have helped me - God Bless

I have just seen a spine specialist. He said my problem is minor and would only need minimum invasive surgery. Hmm...I already have a Vertiflex. He pointed out that the doctor who inserted the Vertiflex is not a surgeon!!! He also said that non-spine specialists often...always...give the impression that all operations done by spine specialists are major and often with unpredictable outcomes. This is not true; they do many procedures which can be considered "minor".
So much for Veriflex. I thought it was neat way to address my problem but I should have done a bit more research. Having said that, my Vertiflex seems to be doing its job. However, I am going back to see the spine specialist in 3 weeks to determine the next step, if any.
How are things with you? I would be delighted to hear how you are progressing.

Well still in pain although better - I go back in middle of January for radiofrequency injections - yes I am with you I should have done more research - but fingers crossed for both of us - have a great holiday