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iSpine Discuss Finally... in the Main forums forums; I just got back from the appt. For the first time in 19 months I actually have some validation. This ...

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Old 05-08-2009, 07:41 PM
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Default Finally...

I just got back from the appt. For the first time in 19 months I actually have some validation. This doctor said that the annular tear that I have causes pain in 99% of people who have it and is probably causing a large part of my symptoms.

He also said that even though it is controversial, people with annular tears can have a great deal of pain with no nerve compression due to chemical radiculitis. This is where the chemicals in the disc leak out and inflame the surrounding nerves. I have always suspected this, but most doctors brushed it off.

The last part of the process is the insurance but I think I have that covered.
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Chiari 1 malformation - successful surgery 1-22-09
C5-6 herniation (extrusion) with moderate central canal stenosis and bilateral foraminal stenosis.
Prodisc-C @ C5-6 surgery on 5/28/09
VATS thoracic fusion @ T3-4 and T6-7 on 9/11/09
Fusion w/cage @ C7-T1 on 11/12/09
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Old 05-08-2009, 08:41 PM
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Very good news. I'm glad someone is finally taking your pain seriously.

I hope they come up with a treatment plan that is effective.
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Cathy

46 years old. 12-15 years of intermittent pain, 2 years with constant pain.

DDD, L4-5 and L5-S1, pain confirmed by discogram.
PT, ESI's, Facet injection and block, Acupuncture - all no help.

2-level (Prodisc-L) ADR surgery with Dr. Bertagnoli, May 26, 2009.

Currently taking Opana-ER (tapering off) and oxycodone
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Old 05-08-2009, 08:46 PM
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I guess I forgot to add that we are going with the Prodisc-C.
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Chiari 1 malformation - successful surgery 1-22-09
C5-6 herniation (extrusion) with moderate central canal stenosis and bilateral foraminal stenosis.
Prodisc-C @ C5-6 surgery on 5/28/09
VATS thoracic fusion @ T3-4 and T6-7 on 9/11/09
Fusion w/cage @ C7-T1 on 11/12/09
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Old 05-08-2009, 11:03 PM
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'79,

You mean the pain in not in your head? Gee whiz, I'm shocked. I thought all these doctors were sane while all those living in constant debilitating pain were crazy. AHHHHHHH!

At least your doctor took the time to discover the source of your pain. It's nice to know that someone's on your side and it's not in your imagination,

My best to you, Dale
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3 level Prodisc adr S1-L3, Oct 12, 2005
Dr. B in Bogen, Germany
Severe nerve damage in left leg, still working on it
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Old 05-08-2009, 11:32 PM
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Ahhhhh yes, chemical radiculitis. I had that. Hurt like a bugger too.
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Disc Bulge C4/C5, Disc Degeneration T11/T12, Bi-Lateral tears L5/S1, Diagnosed w/ Lumbar Disc Derangement w/ Radiculopaphy. Treatment: IDET, Percutaneous Discectomy, SI Joint Injection, Facet Block. All failed. Empire BC/BS Denied Coverage for ADR-lost all of my appeals. MVP also denied coverage.

Anterior/Posterior Fusion L5/S1 -1/20/09
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Old 05-09-2009, 01:45 AM
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I had several years worth of disabling low back pain while my surgeons told me, "you're films look way too good for you to be having the the kind of pain your are reporting."

After a 5 year ordeal that included 3 years of disability, my 2-level lumbar ADR gave me my life back.

Chemical radiculitis is only controversial in the ranks of the uniformed. Kind of like discography.

Mark
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1997 MVA
2000 L4-5 Microdiscectomy/laminotomy
2001 L5-S1 Micro-d/lami
2002 L4-S1 Charite' ADR - SUCCESS!
2009 C3-C4, C5-C6-C7, T1-T2 ProDisc-C Nova
Summer 2009, more bad thoracic discs!
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