Finally a surgery date
 

I finally have a surgery date for a two level fusion (front and back) with case and screws for October 7. I saw about six doctors until I had my answer as to whom to go to. It was tiring schlepping to new docs over and over but worth it.

Apparently due to chemotherapy I had my bones don't qualify for ADR and thus I will have the fusion. I've started to buy my tools...grabbers, etc. I'll post again when I get there. Thinking of everyone.

And we of you, Dale

I am soooooo glad to hear this! And a bit envious that you have a date ;) Please don't disappear till then. We would miss you too much.

cONGRATULATIONS!! You must feel relieved to finally have things in place and be satisfied with your decision.
I wish you an smooth recovery, all the best.
Michelle.

Too nosey, or can you say who you decided on and why?:D

Who I chose
 

In the end I chose Dr. Baines of Kaiser, Oakland....I can hear everyone screaming!!! Believe it or not he was recommended to me by Dr. Berven (UCSF) who in the end chose not to do the surgery. Also Dr. Reynolds of Seton Medical Center and Dr. Derby recommended him. Some of this is obviously due to the fact I have Kaiser, but I looked for many recommendations.

Interestingly I went to see Dr. Bittan in NYC and he told me that he didn't want the kind of discogram I had if anyone in the future goes to see him. He wants provacative. I also saw Dr. Neuwirth in NYC also as well as some others.

I would have probably had Dr. Berven at UCSF do it but he tends to do pretty complicated stuff and UCSF doesn't do too much self pay anymore as a fusion he said starts at over $150,000. Insane, but they can get it apparently.

Im glad you found someone to help you, is he not too far away? It is very frustrating when you travel a long way and pay a lot of money to see someone just to get told they dont want to operate on you.
It is the worst position ever to be in pain trapesing around the place tryng to find someone compassionate to your concerns,meanwhile symptoms worsening.
You have done a good job seeking the varied opinions that you needed.
Out of curiosity was thier much variation in the type of fusion they would perform?
I have been recommended Alif,Plif and Tlif. I think I will go with a Plif as I realy want lordotic cages for L5/s1.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Michelle.

type of fusion
 

Thanks everyone for all your kind words and support.

Michelle, due to the fact I have a chemically sensitive disc, it is very important that they try to remove every last bit of the disc. I am told by five surgeons now that this is best done by going through the front AND then back for the screws and rods.

I think I remember (feel free anyone to correct me) that in going through the back there is a huge muscle they have to be careful of and not damage. It is harder to completely get rid of the entire disc from the back.

As to what it's called not sure...APLIF?

whoops
 

Forgot to mention...it will be in Oakland about one half hour away.

Just curious, did Dr. Bitan not offer to do the other discogram for you, especially since he did not specify before you went over there? You could have had the other one, couldn't you, if you had only known?

I think I understand the difference between them, but he at least could have explained it to you before you went all the way out there. Sheesh !

Please keep us posted; as I really am curious about the outcomes of this.

I am happy for you the desision process is over and time to move forward.

Keep us posted :rolleyes:

All The Best Good Luck And Happy Healing

Gil:)