Out of Options and very depressed...

[dshobbies]

Kathy,

Sometimes life just plain sucks! You're caught between a rock and a hard place and there's little you can do about it. I have no words of wisdom and no advise other than calming yourself may not be as possible as everyone else is advising. You're angry, you're frustrated and you're in pain. Until your pain goes away, you can't think clearly but if you get yourself all drugged up, you can't think clearly. )*Q#$$%^*!!!!!

I feel for you and I'm sorry. I hope your solution is just around the corner, Dale

[Kathy]

Originally Posted by dshobbies

Kathy,

Sometimes life just plain sucks! You're caught between a rock and a hard place and there's little you can do about it. I have no words of wisdom and no advise other than calming yourself may not be as possible as everyone else is advising. You're angry, you're frustrated and you're in pain. Until your pain goes away, you can't think clearly but if you get yourself all drugged up, you can't think clearly. )*Q#$$%^*!!!!!

I feel for you and I'm sorry. I hope your solution is just around the corner, Dale

Thanks Dale, I just needed to be mad, sad, angry, pissed, and hating life yesterday. After a good drugged night of sleep, I feel better. It almost makes you feel bi-polar being on this up and down ride. One minute, life is looking good, the next it crashes down. I hate this and it sucks!

I may have found the light at the end of the tunnel, trying not to get my hopes up. I did find an active L trial happening in Florida, which is the original trial I wanted in; but it was closed in Texas. Dr. Garcia in Aventura Florida is doing it and there are 8 spots available. They don't have the litigation exclusion either. I talked to the research leader and it sounds like I will be a canidate, God willing. I am hoping to fly out next week to have a visit to sign up, be screened, see the dr and pre-op. Then, I could go back in mid March and have surgery. I may even be able to follow up with my own dr. Pray that this works out for me, if it is in God's will.

I do believe that God has a plan. I know that everything happens for a reason, who knows the freedom disc could never make it through trials. Maybe it isn't the best for my body. I may or may not ever know why this didn't work out. It still sucks when a door is closed. I pray that the active L is the path that I need to be on. I really don't want a fusion. I have had at least 5 dr's tell me to never have a fusion. From early on in my injury to current surgeons, I have been warned against it. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with my age which increases the likelihood of needing more and ending up with a spine fused from C to L. Anyways, if you pray, pray for me.

Thanks for all the support. (Kinda makes one feel crazy having to go through this; starting to question the little bit of sanity I have left.)

[treefrog]

Well, that's encouraging news. I will be hoping for the best when you go to FL.

I have a question in general though, for anyone who knows the answer. When Kathy made the statement that she couldn't pay out of pocket for ADR, as she only had $1500 in savings, can a person not use a credit card? I am asking because this is what I was thinking about doing, if I chose to have the hybrid surgery and being told that my insurance won't cover ADR. I just figured that I would pay it off after surgery. Hmm, maybe with the risk that a person won't make it through surgery, they don't allow it. EEK.

[SandyW]

Kathy,

I've got my fingers, toes, eyes and everything else crossed! This is going to work.

And yes you can use credit cards. I found several of those 0% interest for a specific time, my mother even borrowed for me and was 101 so guess they don't worry about not being able to pay. I'm still paying, driving used cars, etc., etc. But if you can't enjoy your money, it doesn't do you any good. I am very fortunate that I can afford the monthly payments.

Another thought for those who can't afford to pay out of pocket. Churches and organiztions sometimes will help people if you ask, either thru fundraisers or available funds. Asking is pleasant, but it won't kill us.

Is this something that a "group like us" could do? Ask companies like the device manufactures, etc. or other spiney's to donate to a fund to help when insurance won't pay. I know most people here have enough expenses with their own problems, but there may be people who could afford to help. Well, thinking doesn't help much, but seems like there should be some way to help people like Kathy.

Kathy, my dear young lady, think positive thoughts, we are all here for you.

I'm sending those 100 hugs by airmail along with a couple of cheek kisses . Good thoughts and prayers are coming your way, Sandy

[dshobbies]

Not only can you use credit cards but there are medical lending companies that specialize in medical care loans, though credit is tight... maybe a co-signer if you can't qualify. Also, the hospital bills you for the ADR. Maybe you can work out a payment plan with them?

[treefrog]

Thanks for the clarification, it's a big relief. My surgeon told me that the portion of the cost, which insurance wouldn't pay, if I wanted the hybrid surgery would be about $8000.00. That is for Prodisc-L at L4-5 with insurance paying for fusion at L5-S1. Having the surgery all at once means that insurance would end up paying for all the incidentals for spine surgery in general, and all I would have to pay would be those things that are specific to the ADR. I guess that helps a little.

[Eastex]

Kathy,
Have you been to Texas spine and Joint in Tyler yet? I am having better luck there so far. I understand what you are going through right now, and it pisses you off when there is hope and then it is ripped away. My wife is currently given up on me as we speak. I just hopes she remembers that I am not the same person during this ordeal because of the pain, drugs, and emotional roller coaster. You are in my prayers, and I hope you find help. soon.