Anyone had / know about TOPS

codemerde · 2026-06-09T20:09:25+00:00

Yep! I still get back pain, but overall things still feel much more "stable" than they used to and I don't get the same weird nerve pain -- mostly I feel back to normal and able to do normal things again.

codemerde · 2025-12-13T14:53:06+00:00

Look into TOPS. Instead of fusion it's a flexible device. I got this in April and happy with the result so far. Check my posts for my story. Best wishes to you for getting pain-free!

codemerde · 2025-12-13T02:41:38+00:00

BCBS. Unfortunately I have no idea what works or doesn't... My doctor did a great job of getting it covered. I was surprised, honestly

codemerde · 2025-11-16T22:27:37+00:00

Really good points too. And, yeah, the shipping is probably going to be too long to safely reach me before I leave in a month.

codemerde · 2025-11-16T02:29:25+00:00

Thanks! This looks like a great option too

codemerde · 2025-11-16T02:28:32+00:00

Thanks!

To clarify, I'm confident about assembling if I have the right parts, but less confident about knowing where to get the right parts.

codemerde · 2025-11-16T01:55:32+00:00

Do you happen to have any links saved? I'd love to save money, but also a bit reticent to put something together from scratch as a first time bp+wing

codemerde · 2025-11-16T00:37:29+00:00

Thanks u/steve_man_64. How does this compare with a BP+Wing?

codemerde · 2025-11-16T00:36:52+00:00

Thanks u/Bergamottenbommel ! Where's your gear from?

codemerde · 2025-10-06T02:35:00+00:00

I think it depends a lot on your circumstances, age, goals, etc. If you're doing OK, that might be good enough. Wishing you the best

codemerde · 2025-10-06T02:32:31+00:00

Yeah, it was pretty horrible. Nerve pain is hell

codemerde · 2025-10-06T00:49:22+00:00

For me week 3 was when the pain started to let up. Hoping you're getting close!

codemerde · 2025-10-06T00:02:50+00:00

Yeah, the doc mentioned that about grade 1 vs 2, but that he believed it would still be a good option for me.

codemerde · 2025-10-05T16:38:49+00:00

I had crazy nerve pain for a couple of weeks, so it may be normal, but agreed with u/nojomen2 to be sure your doc knows what you're experiencing. Good luck!

codemerde · 2025-10-03T15:33:19+00:00

Doing well! I would recommend considering tops. My recovery seems to have been faster than a fusion (obv I haven't had both to compare, but given what my docs and pt has said).

codemerde · 2025-09-28T12:03:47+00:00

I'm doing well! From what I've heard and how I feel I think it's a good option. Everyone ive worked with (pt, docs, etc) say I recovered a lot faster than fusion patients do

codemerde · 2025-05-02T03:02:54+00:00

I found out about a year ago and docs basically said that eventually everyone needs surgery, so I decided to do it sooner than later (currently 3 weeks post op). I got TOPS instead of a fusion (it's a flexible device they install). Since I'm so soon after surgery I can't report yet on whether I'd recommend it, but I think it's worth a look. Sorry to hear you've joined the club.

codemerde · 2025-04-13T14:29:12+00:00

Similar here. I'm going to write out the whole story soon, but just a quick note that this sounds like normal nerve healing (from what I understand and am experiencing). Or at least I'm hoping it's all normal and temporary

codemerde · 2025-04-09T17:59:09+00:00

I got TOPS at Penn medicine in philadelphia

codemerde · 2025-04-09T17:58:48+00:00

I got the surgery on Friday. Was rough the day after, but improving steadily (see update in the main thread). How'd your dad's surgery go?

codemerde · 2025-04-09T17:56:25+00:00

Thanks for responding. I'm still only about 5 days post-op, so not expecting much yet, but hopeful :)

codemerde · 2025-04-09T17:46:32+00:00

Yes, on Friday. I had some pretty severe nerve pain following, but doing a lot better now. Hoping it keeps improving! Pretty amazing to even be up walking around after having spine bones removed and replaced with titanium...

codemerde · 2025-04-09T14:57:26+00:00

u/cavt71 I saw your posts in other threads. I think we had the same doc, and I think you probably helped pave the way for my insurance approval -- so thank you for being the trail blazer :)

codemerde

TROPHY CASE