Prodisc-C multi-level

Pain-In-FL · #1 (**permalink**) 08-29-2009, 11:29 PM

Hi, I am new to this site, and have read some very helpful information here. Does anyone know of a Dr. in Florida that uses the Prodisc-C and also does multi-level ADR's? I am in need of surgery soon for 3 levels C3 thru C6.

Sandy

mmglobal · #2 (**permalink**) 08-30-2009, 01:50 AM

Hi Sandy, welcome to iSpine.

I'm not sure who in Florida has the experience with cervical ADR. I'm sure that you'll find many surgeons using them, but please consider the size of your case. With 3 levels, placement and technique is very critical. You'll be hard pressed to find someone with much experience in such cases. The rollout of ADR has been very controlled... not only by the manufacturers, but also by the FDA, insurance companies, and the medical climate that keeps surgeons from stepping outside clinical trial guidelines for fear of lawsuits.

Good luck... let us know what you discover.

All the best,

Mark

dshobbies · #3 (**permalink**) 08-30-2009, 05:51 PM

Hi Sandy,

I'm sorry for your suffering and don't know any doctors in Florida but just wanted to say welcome. I hope you find someone knowledgable enough to help.

Dale

Pain-In-FL · #4 (**permalink**) 08-30-2009, 08:55 PM

for the warm welcome, and advise. I have found one surgeon in California that seems to have a bit of experience with 3 levels his name is Dr. Rick Delemarter at LA Spine Institute, but was hoping for someone closer. You are right I do need to be careful, and I will definately do my research before jumping in. Most likely I will end up having to go to Germany, because of Insurance not covering. I wish things were easier, for us suffering with this pain.

dshobbies · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 03:26 AM

Sandy,

So many of us fell into those same shoes. Though in retrospect, going to Germany was the best decision for me, if insurance would have paid, I would have stayed. In LA, there's Dr. Delamarter and Dr. Regan. New York and Texas also have renowned doctors. But Dr.s Bertagnoli and Zeegers, both in Germany are still the top dogs. Also, the care you get in Germany far surpasses anything here. But going into the unknown in a foreign country is a scary proposition.

Moving forward is not an easy decision. Deciding on which doctor is no picnic either. The more you educate yourself, the easier your decision.

Good luck to you, Dale

ssn711eng · #6 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 10:20 PM

Sandy --

Just had my 2 level cervical case done last week in Bogen with the Bertagnolit team. A very nice experience overall and the initial outcome is positive.

However, I have a friend who also had a single level done domestically with great results.

My recommendation to you is to get several opinions, domestic and international, and go with your gut. However, if your case involves severe herniations for which the prognosis of conservative treatment is poor do not wait for surgery too long. Though I have some post surgery neck pain, it is nothing like before. No need to maximize suffering!

Matt

melodyl · #7 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 08:30 PM

Hi Sandy,

Welcome to Ispine. I haven't been on my computer much or I would have replied sooner.

I had a 3 level cervical ADR done in Washington State by Dr. Jens Chapman from the University of Washington Medical Center. Dr. Chapman and his staff were very helpful in appealing my insurance company's initial denial. The insurance company wouldn't pay for 2 of the prodisc implants, but the hospital agreed to do the surgery and let me pay for the implants at wholesale cost. I have heard good things about Dr. Delemarter.

I hope you find a dr. you trust and can afford. This is a good site with lots of good information and support.

Please let us know how you are doing.

melody