Just quoted cost of 2 level Cervical ADR

[Terry Allen Blackburn]

For the flight I recommend taking a little Ativan, as it will make you sleep through the flight over to Germany. Make sure that your loved one administers the medication, as you can do strange things under the influence of them. I went over and back in a near amnesiac state of being and, do not remember any of it. This made the trip much more bearable though, and less anxiety producing. You also make sure you go over as a handicapper, where they put you in a wheelchair, get yo on the plane first, take you off first, go through security and customs first, etc. Makes it much easier.

Germany was beautiful as a country. The city was very clean and neat and the sites were incredible. I definitely want to go back and see more of the country.

As far as the decision, I always encourage my clients to write a list of pros and cons for each decision then weigh them out.

An example:

Pros
Closer to Home
Possibly covered by insurance

Cons
Not as Experienced
A long trip over there

You get the idea.

Whatever you decide to do, you will find support here, in a non-judgmental manner.

Hang in there.

Terry Newton

[Gil Denis]

Hi Todd

I an sorry to hear you have neck issues, What level or levels?

My neck has DDD at C3-C4 and holding on for now no arm pain just some discomfort.

Is your avatar going to be a Lobstaa.

Post soon

Gil

[Justin]

Hey Steve,

Good luck in deciding what direction to choose. I know it's tough and there are 101 questions that pop in one's mind before surgery. You're asking all the right questions and covering all your bases.

My experience with Dr. Bertagnoli and Dr. Fenk-Mayer was incredible. Having surgery was the best vacation (yes, I had an incredible time sight seeing before and after my operation) I've ever had and I've traveled to plenty of places.

I am indebted to Drs. Bertagnoli and Fenk-Mayer--they gave me my life back and I am forever grateful.

(Just an FYI: my new pain is in NO way related to the hands of Dr. Bertagnoli. I have something going on in my spine that I will share with the community at a later date when I have confirmation of the exact details.)

[steve55]

Hi everone. I forgot to update this post. Last Friday I made my decison to go with Dr B. and sent all my films/records to Mark for submission. AT $27K, the Price is way better, and I dont risk having the US facilities padding my bill beyond initial quotes(Ive heard in Germany, they pretty much stick to the initial quote even if extra care is needed afterwards). And all the posts about experiences with Dr B seem to 95% successful. Dr Zig may have been just as good to go with, but like I said, I dont want to be looking back later in life second guessing or regretting my decision. I decided to go with what most people seem to believe is the best in the world.

Im just praying I can get it fast. Honestly, my neck is getting worse as time goes on. Each day is hell, even with the pain meds, its still hard to sleep due to the discomfort. I cant stand the constant crackling/grinding sensations either, I know the pain is occuring as a result of that.

[New-disc]

Steve,

Sounds like your ready for surgery..... Please keep us posted!

Take lots of pictures of your travels ....

My surgery has been a gift from God, but at the same time I try not to abuse it.

Your in my prayers....

Todd
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Gil,

Not sure how to upload my avitar on yet .... , but yes it'll be a picture from Maine.

Todd

[treefrog]

Steve, it does sound as though you are ready for surgery. And you've made the best decision you can, with the information available. If only we had a crystal ball, to show us the outcomes with different decisions.

Keep us updated on the progression of events. I'll be hoping for the best outcome possible for you.