Wholy Brand new to this.......and Scared

[oes ali]

Hi All.
Well i've had a week or so to digest all of this now, as well as other stress related items going on in my life.

I am going in on Thursday afternoon to have my epidural injections done again. I had not realized it had been over one year since i had them done. No wonder i was in pain and not realizing it had been that long.

What i would like to ask is I know i need to start keeping a 'file' for myself, and to take to other Dr's. when they ask to see what has been done. I have not been to a Neurosurgeon since i stress fx'd L3/L4 5 years ago. I never thought of going back to him until someone on here mentioned a NS.
My thoughts were just go back to my Orthopedic Surgeon as it was a 'bone' issue....... never dawned on me 'nerve' and i'm a nurse guys. Anything other than obstetrics........ be it human or dog i don't know.

SO my question is........ for this file for MOU (my own use) WHAT do i need to get from my Ortho and from my Pain clinic Dr.? What needs to be in this file? Shoule i go ahead and make an appointment with a Neurosurgeon? I am very very seriously considering an Appt. with Dr. B in Germany. I am planning on going to South Korea to see my husband late next month and will come back by Germany if i can get in to see him. I'm going to be breeding a litter of puppies hopefully due in June. so any surgery will have to be done after September!

Thanks for the thoughts and good healing prayers to you all!
Ali

[Justin]

Sorry for all of your back trouble and life stressors.

Google actually has something called "Google Health" that is great for organizing your information in one place (films, reports, meds, etc.) and it is free, secure:

Google Health

Regarding Dr. Bertagnoli: he is an extremely busy man and can be in multiple countries in the same week. It would be easier to send him all of your information online, as an appointment might actually be very difficult to arrange.

Dr. Bertagnoli Case Evaluation

Note: there is a fee for this, which is expected with the man hours dedicated to making clinical decisions regarding patients and the information they present. I don't have any financial relationship with Dr. Bertagnoli...I'm just fond of his incredible work.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Originally Posted by oes ali

Hi All.
Well i've had a week or so to digest all of this now, as well as other stress related items going on in my life.

I am going in on Thursday afternoon to have my epidural injections done again. I had not realized it had been over one year since i had them done. No wonder i was in pain and not realizing it had been that long.

What i would like to ask is I know i need to start keeping a 'file' for myself, and to take to other Dr's. when they ask to see what has been done. I have not been to a Neurosurgeon since i stress fx'd L3/L4 5 years ago. I never thought of going back to him until someone on here mentioned a NS.
My thoughts were just go back to my Orthopedic Surgeon as it was a 'bone' issue....... never dawned on me 'nerve' and i'm a nurse guys. Anything other than obstetrics........ be it human or dog i don't know.

SO my question is........ for this file for MOU (my own use) WHAT do i need to get from my Ortho and from my Pain clinic Dr.? What needs to be in this file? Shoule i go ahead and make an appointment with a Neurosurgeon? I am very very seriously considering an Appt. with Dr. B in Germany. I am planning on going to South Korea to see my husband late next month and will come back by Germany if i can get in to see him. I'm going to be breeding a litter of puppies hopefully due in June. so any surgery will have to be done after September!

Thanks for the thoughts and good healing prayers to you all!
Ali

[oes ali]

Thanks Justin,
I guess i am just not being specific enough but, I am one of those types that are please tell me exactly what it is i need to have in my folder as i don't have a clue...........

some ideas please would be appreciated........... a list.

And i will contact Dr. B as soon as i know my dates of traveling..........

Thanks!!
Ali

[fuzzy]

Most importantly you need copies of your MRIs, corresponding Radiology reports, report of the Discogram and records of other important tests or treatments you may have had done. Then to present to someone like Bertagnoly you need to write up carefully your current situation and the history that lead you to this point. I would like to highly recommend Marks GPN service for presenting your case to Bertagnoly, He will help you getting you records organized and placed on his website so then to submit to the doctors.

Best of luck and no more pain!

[Justin]

Originally Posted by oes ali

Thanks Justin,
I guess i am just not being specific enough but, I am one of those types that are please tell me exactly what it is i need to have in my folder as i don't have a clue...........

some ideas please would be appreciated........... a list.

And i will contact Dr. B as soon as i know my dates of traveling..........

Thanks!!
Ali

No problem, as I know it can be overwhelming when just starting out. If possible, you should request a copy of your medical records from your primary care doctor as well as all specialists you have seen. It is also a good idea to request a copy of all films (most places put them on a CD now, but some still give you films). Here's the "meat and potatoes" that should be provided to your doctors:

1. Past Surgical History (Spine/Non-spine related) / Medical History (comorbidities: high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc.)
2. Meds / Allergies (Drugs, Environmental, Food)
3. Diagnostics (xrays, MRIs, CTs, discograms, etc. [films with dictated reports])
4. A short list of conservative therapy you've tried (PT, meds, injections, etc.)
5. History of Present Illness: a concise description of your current symptoms describing:
--> the Location of pain
--> Quality (burning, numbness, electrical shocks, weakness and explain duration)
--> Quantity (pain on a scale out of 10)
--> Timing (when your injury(ies) occurred or when your symptoms became troublesome)
--> Better or Worse (what makes your pain better [rest, frequent change in position, heat, stretching, etc.] or worse [prolonged activity, what position is least tolerable])
--> Associated Symptoms (any associated nausea, vomiting, fever, etc. issues)

Good luck!

[dshobbies]

Ali,

Your file is pretty self explanatory. You should keep dates of doctors appt, who they were, your symptoms, what they did, recommend, diagnosis, prescriptions taken, reactions, all films and reports. and anything else you think even remotely might be relevent. After procedures, treatments, surgeries, keep a diary of your pain, swelling, reactions, meds, etc.

The easiest way to get through to Dr. B is going through Mark. GPN Artificial Disc Replacement ADR He can put your records, films up on his website and consult with Dr. B on your behalf in just a matter of days, and even schedule surgery should that be what you decide.

[oes ali]

Thank you all this is exactly what/how i needed to see this.
Right now i'm pretty well zonked out on 30 mg of oxycontin, not feeling very well really shakey......... as soon as i come out of this i will get started.
cant keep eyes open
Ali

[oes ali]

hi guys. boy i am sorry i haven't been around. When i say i'm going thru a lot of other 'stuff' here too you just have no idea. Whatever you do in your life, do not get into showdogs. The politics are horrid and people are so nasty to each other you have no idea. I have a young pup (the one in my avitar i think) that everyone is saying is up for the next winner of Westminster/Eukanuba/our national etc.... he is that nice. And a guy that lives around me that is so not wanting me to do anything with him he is being so nasty etc.........so remember, dont get into dogs. Unless you have lots and lots of money and want to back my boy!

ANYWAY BEYOND THAT AND BACK TO BACKS

I had my epidural injections done a week ago. These were the first ones in over a year i have had done (didn't realize it had been that long no wonder i hurt). Today i am in such misery you guys probably know. I am sitting/lying here with sciatic pain 'STINGING' in each of my buttocks and burning hot pain coming out of each of my big toes and toes next to them. Hot flashes from the steroids i guess. They have put me on 30 mg of Oxycontin and all it does is make me sleep. LITERALLY.

They finally told me that the disc's being gone or leaking/torn WERE probably due to my stress fractures as they are all below that level from my auto accident. I've always wondered it.......and finally someoen admitted it to me. But what do i do right now? I am feeling like this last set is not working and i don't know what to do........ do i suck this up for anothe two weeks or so or do i call the dr. tomorrow??? What can they do go back in again??

I'm trying to get all my records together. seems like it is taking forever.

Can anyone recommend anyone in Texas to see? Remember this is Lumbar/sacaral from L2/3 down to S/1

Ali

[Gil Denis]

Hi Ali

If you see Dr B he will want a bone density test done. You could do it here or he will perform one in Germany, I would do it here , Hate to find out in Germany not to be a patient for ADR because of low bone density.

Keep Moving Forward

Dr Zigler Texas Back Institute

Gil

[dshobbies]

Ali,

Do what you can to stay comfortable. Mark is in Germany right now, having just had a 4 level cervical ADR on Tuesday. I'm not sure when he's coming back, or if his office can get your records up and running while he's over there and he can consult with Dr. B while still there.

As for your records, the most important things are your films and reports. Put together a list of surgeries and/or procedures even if you don't have the actual records. Even without a whole picture, your films will probably be sufficient enough to paint the picture. Don't wait until you've completed all other tests because you can always add to your online profile and Dr. B will also let you know whatever else he needs.

I know this can be overwhelming and all you need to do is actually get started. The rest just seems to fall into place.

Just get started and call Mark's office (Angie), if that's the route you want to take.

Good luck, Dale

[oes ali]

Hi guys......... i've not been on the forum for a while. Thought i would update you a bit. I had another set of epidural injections 4 weeks ago now. I see some days as it helping but lately not that much. My L3-L4 disc area 'stings' and pains down my legs again with my toes freezing most all the time.

I also am gathering all my info up (physical info from Dr's) and am driving next week to a dog show (yeah i know BUT i am not going to be the one showing now! my partner in crime is going to show them for me) in Denton Texas, and the following Tuesday I have an appointment with Dr. Ziegler in Plano. Thank you for whoever it was that recommended him for me.

I also bought a new sleep number bed and today is my first night on it. I'll let you know how THAT goes! lol. So far Peepers kitty is very happy with it..... lol.

[oes ali]

OH I forgot, i have 2 books that i have ordered.

I heard a woman on tv talking about her experiences.
Lynne Greenberg The Body Broken
and
Dr. Nathaniel L. Tindel, M.D., I've Got Your Back - The truth about spine surgery


I've only read a little of both but they appear to be very good. Different styles of books. Dr. Tindel is a board certified ortho surgeon.

i'll let you know what i think of them after i've finished.

on another note. The day after i see the Dr. in Plano, i leave to go visit my husband in Korea for 2 weeks......... I've something to be excited about!
Ali

[jessmith07]

Hey Ali...since your husband works for the Fed, they will cover ADR, but may only cover one level...and you'll probably have to fight with them to get them to cover that. The insurance companies that insure federal employees go by the guidelines that, if it's FDA approved, then it's not "investigational". However, the FDA has only approved a single-level disc replacement.

Here's my two-cents worth on getting around this...go to Germany. Dr. Bertagnoli's team provided me with everything I needed to give to my insurance company for a 2-level ADR, but without actually CALLING it a 2-level ADR. Plus the fact that it's about half the cost over there vs. here, so the insurance company doesn't "inspect" the foreign claims too closely...they even told me that (because they're still saving money, and they know it). I had to fight with them for a few weeks, but I won.

Plus, in my opinion, and I think a lot of people here will second this, Dr. B in one of the top spine surgeons in the world. I have a great neurosurgeon here in the States, but I'm scared to death of this surgery, and I know that my surgeon only has a few ADR procedures under his belt. That's not good enough for me...if I'm going to do this, I want the VERY BEST, because experience and track records speak volumes. So I'm leaving for Germany in 3 weeks.

If your insurance company gives you any crap, send me a private message...I'll try to help you.

Jess

[Kathy]

You are going to love Dr. Zigler! He is extremely down to earth, takes the time to listen and explain things to you, in a way that is easy to understand. I really liked him and was going to have my surgery with him. He is one of the best surgeons in the US and world. He has done hundreds of ADR's, has been an investigator in clinical trials and has a great track record. It was funny, when I was turning in all the research and trial information for my Pro-Disc surgery, he had written some of it (as in published in a medical journal research, which is a big thing for a dr). It turned out that I didn't have surgery with him; because my insurance denied it and I was excluded from the clinical trial for spinal litigation. I went to Florida and was in a different clinical trial and I follow up with Dr. Blumenthal at TBI. That entire office is great. Go to their website and read the history, it is very interesting. They have been on the cutting edge of spines for decades. They were in the clnical trial that proved MRI's were more effective imaging for spines (which now is crazy to think that that was ever a question). He is brilliant and a great doctor. You can google his name and find tons of great information on him.