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My 3 mo X ray - Discs tilted all over the place
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| iSpine Discuss My 3 mo X ray - Discs tilted all over the place in the Main forums forums; Could it be because it is a 3 level ADR? Is prodisc not approved for 3 levels in the US ... |
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06-01-2009, 06:50 AM
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Could it be because it is a 3 level ADR?
Is prodisc not approved for 3 levels in the US yet? Excuse me for being uninformed, but maybe that is part of it. I guess some people think we are volunteering to be guinea pigs before all the studies have been done and confirmed that more than 2 levels is safe and replicatable. There is always going to be huge risks envolved when dealing with cutting edge medicine especially where the spine is concerned. With ADR we are all pioneers of relatively unchartered territory. But when you are in constant pain, dont have a life and suicide sometimes seems like a good option, sometimes we are willing to take this risk especially when we see it has worked for others. It is easy for others to think you have made a stupid mistake, but have they ever had a spinal injury and been in your position? Im sad Steve that you were one it didnt work for but I think there is still hope and you will be helped soon. Michelle. 
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06-02-2009, 09:20 PM
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Steve,
I continue to be amazed at how well you are handling this. I've felt like dirt, had the silent treatments as well with these spine doctors. Your feelings really hit home. Great job, I wish you the best. Cheryl
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44 Year Old, mom of 3 DDD - l4-s1- woke up Feb 2005 and couldn't walk Tried PT, Injections, Accupuncture, drugs, etc. 2 level Prodisc ADR L4-S1, Feb. 18, 2008 Dr. Bertagnoli - Straubing, Germany - SUCCESS - Now I struggle with Neck Pain likely c5-7 PT, injections, rhizotomy.......MRI and CT Myleo not consistent with pain symptoms, waiting that out, keeping my passport valid
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06-03-2009, 12:52 AM
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Update
Well, some potentially Awesome news! Dr John regan, of Beverly Hills, CA called me Sunday evening at 9pm and we spoke for about 10 minutes. He knew I was about to pull the trigger with Dr Bitan Monday morning for $15K and he said he can do it for $10,000!! (Plus they will also get 70% of my Humana payout for the fusion costs). His billing assistant is working with the hospital side and contacting humana to confirm his Quote. Its supposed to include all fees such as hospital fees, anesthesiologist , his fees, ...the whole shabang. I told him how much I appreciated that and thanked him for taking the time to call me, something very few doctors would do, especially the heavy hitters, Im sure they are busy enough as it is. Of course, it was a result of my urging Mark to contact him for me and ask him to call me. So Mark finally did come through for me in arranging this connection. We'll see if it comes to fruition. I should hear back by tommorrow. My aunt lives in Beverly hills so it would be kind of nice to have her available to watch over me after the surgury. I planned on sticking with Dr Bitan, after all, he was quick with his responses. But $5,000 is a HUGE difference!! And Dr Regan was very cordial on the phone similar to Dr Bitan. So, why would I not save $5,000?
Thanks for all the support everyone. I hope my experience will be of benefit for future patients who are facing ADR revisions.
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2/26/09 - c4-c7 3 level ADR Prodisc Nova with Dr Bertagnoli. 100% success. 9/22/09 -Dr B opened me up to find a staph infection was eating my vertebrae causing ADR subsidence. Had to remove all 3 ADR's and convert to 3 level fusion. Mostly pain free 2 weeks post op. 9/20/10 - I think I jinxed myself. As soon as I told dr b and dr Sullivan I was doing well (on 6/1/10) I tanked and have experienced the return of pain. My neuro says the new pain is at t4. Last edited by steve55; 06-03-2009 at 01:45 AM.
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06-03-2009, 01:04 AM
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Steve, this sounds like some potentially really good news. I sure hope this comes through for you. Let us know what you find out tomorrow. I do so admire your attitude and pressing forward gumption. Here's praying that pain free days are right around the corner for you!
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bicycle accident 6/01: 2 compression fractures @ T12-L1; vertibroplasty; 4/06: right hip labral tear & arthroscopic repair; 4/07: lumbar prodiscs @ 3 levels, L3-6 by Dr. Bertagnoli; 7/02/08: ALIF L6-S1; 7/30/08: reopened to remove bone cement, leaked onto S1 nerve root; 8/08: pulmonary embolism, double pneumonia, collapsed left lung, pleurisy, pleural effusion; ALIF fusion complete; 3/10/09: SI Joint Fusion by Dr. Stark; Jury still out.
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06-03-2009, 05:47 PM
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Steve,
I think either dr. will do a fantastic job for you. Staying with your aunt will also help you save on hotel costs. When is this likely to happen?
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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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06-03-2009, 06:06 PM
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re dr.regan
Steve,
I had a consultation w/dr.R thru Mark and he was so nice and actually treated me like a *person* vs. just spine case #2999292992999 He knew he was *just a consultation* for me as WC has auth'd surgery with Dr.Delamarter but truly I was impressed with Dr.R's consultation and explanations of things and just overall treatment of his me as a person foremost. I also saw a PM in that office that was really incredible. He took the history and spoke to me intially.. and the way he looked into my eyes with understanding when I talked about my pain I won't forget. You know when someone *get's it*.. Good luck and I too think either doc would be great altho a $5000 savings can't be sneezed at..
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06-03-2009, 06:12 PM
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Nuts Steve, I really wanted you to go first with Dr. Bitan
 Then I could get your first hand opinion about him...that has to be worth $5K, right!  I'm sure whomever you decide to go with will give you great 'service', and I wish you the very best. You have been through a lot, and have had a wonderful attitude about it all. I don't know if I would have been so graceful. Would it just be polite to discuss this with Dr. Bitan again? I wonder if he could do even better for you? I should get you to do my negotiating
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DDD Herniated discs C4/5 & 5/6, L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1 Severe compression of spinal cord in two levels All conventional therapy exhausted, including spinal injections, PT, massage, etc. In appeal with Gov't Insurance for Out-of-country coverage for ADR hybrid surgery of above discs. Recently discovered that I am severely allergic to all common metals used in surgical hardware except for Titanium.
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