What's your experience with Vertiflex Superion Implant?

I have not posted since June 9th, and wanted to give a follow-up on my vertiflex procedure. If you would like to know know more about my condition and history, you can view my previous post from June 9th. However, now that I am 7 months post implant, I am sorry to report that the improvements initially reported did not last for me. After about 3 months I was starting to get the same old problems with the pain running down my butt and legs on both sides. The recurrence of the symptoms was gradual, and by August I was begging for another steroid injection to get me through some very demanding and physical personal and work tasks during the fall. The steroid injection only lasted about 6-8 weeks, and the pain came back with a vengeance. I have been trying to take a prescribed anti-inflammatory medication to keep it under control (with some mild relief), but now I am noticing that my blood pressure has increased significantly (possibly due to the medication), and once I quit taking the medication my blood pressure drops back down to near normal for me. However, the pain is getting very severe.
After speaking with the Doctor who did the procedure, we both concluded that the vertiflex was just not doing enough for my condition, and that I should have it removed at the same time that I should get a laminectomy. I have an appointment scheduled with the surgeon to do that procedure in 2 weeks.
A few other side notes: 1. The ringing in my ears that started post-surgery is still there, and very concerning to me. I have not tried to get it diagnosed or corrected, but will wait and see after I get my back figured out. 2. Much of the other residual pain that I described in my previous post did go away, but I still do have some minor pain in my lower back that was not there prior to the veriflex procedure. 3. Along with this new pain in my lower back is something else unexpected, and that is my lower back "pops" all the time when moving. Prior to the procedure, my lower back never popped, and several chiropractors over the years were amazed that they could never get my back to pop. Now it does all the time, even with simple movements. Not sure if this is good or bad, but it was a noticeable change since the vertiflex implant.
Good luck to all of you, and I hope that your choices lead to the best possible results. I am still working to get there, but my fingers are crossed!

Met with my ortho today. Looked at before and after Vertiflex on MRI. Basically could not tell if it provided additional "space" but he re-enforced laminectomy need at 3 levels. Bottom line as I see it is that the Vertiflex may (and I stress "may") have provided additional space and clearance and it may prove to be a buffer to preventing further deterioration at L2/L3 central space. Pain levels are slightly improved but I am disappointed. I am still not satisfied that adequate explanation was given as to what specifically are the pain points. There has to be a better way. I have 3 distinct types of pain but no one seems to be listening. Oldest pain goes back to 1996 and has not changed which is when other parts of spine were in good shape. Other 2 developed over time. In the meantime Medicare was billed over $30K for the 45 minute procedure.

I had that Vertiflex done about 3 yrs ago it have me some slight relief I could go shopping without a lot of pain but it has stop working I’m disappointed that it doesn’t last I guess I can say it was good while it lasted some people seems to get a lot of relief so really can’t say I would recommend the surgery

Just had Vertiflex. Lots of pain going from a sitting to standing position and more pain as I sit down again. Cannot stand for more than 2 minutes. Lots of gastro issues though it is only been 3 days since my surgery. Did anyone else have these issues? Nausea and loose stools and a sore incision site? Not on any pain meds, took one Norco and was overcome with nausea and stomach pain.

I’m 68 and had Vertiflex put in 3 weeks ago. Back pain is terrrible, have trouble standing and walking. I did have major bruising at the incision site. Please keep all of us posted on how your Mom is doing and I will too!

I know your post was over a year ago but I just had Vertiflex and my rib cage is killing me. My stomach is acid and I’m going for a CAT scan tomorrow. Please let me know what the end result was. Besides my back and legs hurt standing or walking. Not good.

I have the vertiflex implant- not only did it not help , but now my hip is in terrible pain. I can hardly stand and walk without pain. I’ve tried everything and no one seems to be able to help me.

Don’t do it. I had it done Nov 22 and ever since I hv had trouble walking, standing, pain at the tiny incision sites and no relief. They put in 2 spacers at L3&4 and L4&5. Just was in hospital for gastric pain, shakey hands and leg pain. They did a colonoscopy, endoscopy and gave me morphine, Dilaudid and Nexium for the stomach. Nothing found. So now I’m using a walker, since the pain in my butt and legs is so bad. Cannot walk more than 10ft without sitting. No one will do anything until 6 wks have passed. I don’t think I’ll make it

Today is December 24 I had Vertiflex procedure done on December 22. Contrary to what the brochure says I highly recommend and I mean highly being sedated. I could not because of my COPD so I had to be awake, It was excruciating pain being awake but it took care of the pain in my leg I can’t wait till it’s all healed.

It’s been around 31/2 yrs since my implants and that’s about how long it lasted but I could go shopping without being in misery but now back to same old pain so guess it was worth the time to do it I don’t know if anything esle can be done but I’m not having a big surgery because there’s no grantee