DIAM vs ADR

[Katie]

I have to add that the health care here has gone downhill dramatically in the past ten years or so. As the government changes, so does the quality.

It really is a good concept, if you can keep the politics out of it, so don't let our problems completely turn you off the whole idea. I think you honestly have a chance to make a go of it down there, with the right people in charge. Other countries have made a go of it as well, and done better than us. Do your research and make wise choices...JMHO

[mmglobal]

C-spine looks like pretty significant issues... are they talking about doing C7-T1 too?

I'm not a doctor, yada, yada, yada, but I've seen people with similar images told that lumbar surgery would be dangerous with such substantial cord impingement in the neck. (They move you around while you are out... you have your head kicked back and are intubated for hours.) I've seen presentations at conferences showing serious complications w/spinal cord injuries in c-spine related to lumbar surgeries. Unless there is reason to believe that there are no c-spine issues, I would not have lumbar surgery without checking c-spine too, just for the reasons I just mentioned.

[Katie]

Thanks for the heads up Mark. I have been told that by all of my surgeons so far....cervical first. I have no problems with that as long as I get my lumbar done the same week also. Dr. Bitan has confirmed that this is the way he will go too.

I'll post more on another thread...the results of my visit with him....after I finish what I hope is a good night's sleep after a long trip to NYC

[Katie]

Sorry, I forgot to answer your other question. No, there has been no talk about the C7/T1 from anyone (six different surgeons). Dr. Bitan said that the C4/5 will have ADR and C5/6 will be fused to let it repair itself as much as possible...stabilize it to let the swelling go down.

In the lumbar, he will be doing ADR at L3/4, then fusion at L4/5 and L5/S1. He said there is very little motion at those two bottom levels, and putting in the ADR above will minimize the adjacent disc syndrome, the likelihood of the next disc in line disintegrating from the extra load put on it.

It is a good compromise from all the other conflicting opinions we've had.

[Kathy]

Katie,
I am so glad you found a solution for your spine. I would go with cervical first, since 6 surgeons have all agreed on that. There is a reason they have the Dr. in front of their name and we don't! As much as we do know, they went to medical school and we didn't. Plus, I wouldn't want to take the chance of something bad happening (I'm sure lots of people have dodged the bullet; but you don't want to be the one who doesn't).
You are way braver than me having two surgeries so close together; not that you have much choice. It's probably better to get it all fixed at once and be on the road to recovery.
Did you get a surgery date?
Best Wishes,
Kathy

[Katie]

I had written such a lovely long letter explaining all of our plans and reasons why Dr. Bitan is doing what he is. Then POOF!, it disappeared when the computer timed out when I tried to send it. That will teach me, once again, to 'copy' before I press 'send'

We are planning on doing the cervical level first, with what he called a hybrid ...the ADR/fusion combination spanning two levels. It is critical, and he thought that there was a chance that some or much of my severe lumbar pain might be coming from there also, as well as bowel and bladder issues. Such a wonderful word, 'issues'...it covers so many touchy subjects so well

Dr. Bitan's assistant was pretty stunned when he realized that we would be doing everything in one week...guess that doesn't happen often! Whether it was the five levels or all surgeries in one week...not sure what surprised him the most

I must say that I've never met such a kind and caring doctor. He asked questions, and most importantly listened to my answers, then responded and made sure we both understood each other. Plus showed off his wicked sense of humour when I least expected it.

So, while we don't have any dates yet, we are hoping for late May or early June, if not earlier, if everything falls into place. 'Everything' being funding from the province, of course. It can take up to a month for approval (or not), but since I have been waiting three years already, and Dr. Bitan has made the urgency of my situation very clear in a letter, I am hoping that it will be pushed through much faster than that.

This will be the kicker...the $$$$. The cost for this is so far out of my league, it is insane. Well over $100,000 without insurance. But I am thinking very positive thoughts that it will all come together sooner than later. Fingers crossed everyone!

[treefrog]

That is wonderful, that you were able to get some answers and a plan. And it sounds like you feel like Dr. Bitan is the right surgeon for the job, that's very important.

I will hope that the funding comes through for you, and that you can have surgery as soon as possible.