New level of disgust with US healthcare

trkdoc714 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 10:39 AM

My wife's Prestige surgery for C5/6 has been cancelled. The surgeon told her he wanted her in the Discover trial but there was a 20% chance he's perform a fusion even though he had promised her/ us the ADR. Just yesterday he told her he didn't want to use the Prestige (after promoting it in December). He went further by berating her for not trusting his judgement. He threw a barb at both of us (mostly aimed at me) for doing to much research, as we're not doctors, we're ignorant. He told her this over the telephone as we accompany each other to our appointments. Thankfully his assistant hinted at this the day before at her pre-op exam. We were able to discuss it and she had the mindset to not be intimidated ("It's my spine, doctor. I'll be the one deciding which procedure I have!") Unfortunately this leaves her back at square one and even more distrusting of the local medical community.

She contacted the Stenum representative and we've gotten the ball rolling for surgery in Germany. She's never travelled overseas (except our Jamaica honeymon) so she's apprehensive about having major surgery out of the country (odd, she was very comfortable with me doing it. Life insurance???

).

She's covered by both of our individual group policies so once we work out the logistics, she'll have the surgery first. I don't think it's a good idea for us to both be recovering at the same time, especially with Sean (2 years old).

So the journey continues. I often wonder what I'm going to do with my time once she and I get our respective disc issues resolved. We're both spending so much time with doctors, insurance and information gathering I almost forget what we used to do with our time before all of this started. Then I look at Sean and I remember

.

Bob

Justin · #2 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 11:34 AM

Bob,

This is ridiculous. How dare you and your wife research your own health issues and decide the treatment option / device you are both most comfortable living with for the rest of your lives.

Berating patients on the phone.

Who the heck does this guy think he is??? That is unbelievable--it's not like you were questioning his surgical abilities.

I am so sorry this puts you guys back at "square one." However, this might just be a blessing in disguise.

About your wife traveling overseas for the first time: tell her that when I had my surgery in 2003 I had never been overseas and I was only 23 years old at the time. If my wife and I were able to do, anyone can do it!

We actually did a lot of sightseeing and it was a great "vacation," as we were able to explore Munich and Vienna before and after surgery.

Keep your head up and keep moving forward. If you need anything, you've got my email.

Gil Denis · #3 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 02:31 PM

Hi Bob
That is a bunch of crap,I agree with Dr J a blessing in disguise.
Sorry for the run around.
Keep moving forward

Gil

dbalkema · #4 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 04:36 PM

Thats unbelievable.

I'm sorry for your troubles.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family while you travel overseas.

Good Luck!
Dan

dshobbies · #5 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 05:41 PM

Bob,

There are good and bad people in all aspects of life but too often a doctor's ego is his downfall. I'm sorry this wrench was thrown in at the last minute but like eveyone else, it might be a blessing. My insurance company was my wrench and I too went to Germany.

I've posted often how afraid I was to go to Germany for surgery. It was a waste of my energies. However, one word of caution. The Stenum hospital may have helped a lot of people but they also have a blemished record. Especially if you have an insurance reimbursement, have you considered Dr. Bertagnoli, more commonly referred to as Dr. B?

If you go through Mark, GPN Artificial Disc Replacement ADR, a consultation can take place quickly and surgery may be just around the corner. Please call him if for nothing else then to investigate this possibility.

I hope you find the relief you seek, I'm just pretty skepical about Stenum.

Dale

New-disc · #6 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 06:21 PM

Hello,

You only have 1 spine ..... do your research!

The Maverick's design looked strong @ the time of
my surgery.

I chose not to be fused due to my life style.

Real life #'s are yet to come out on how long the
discs will last. ( I'll let you know in about 10 yrs )

Please keep us posted!!

Todd

PS. My Doctors in Maine had me doomed before I found the Maverick. (They wanted me sitting in a wheelchair full time before they would do any surgery)