What-If's

[ThornInTheFlesh]

Hello,

'Nice' probably isn't a good word to describe how finding a forum of people who understand the life issues associated with severe back pain/problems...so for now I will just say I'm grateful for the shared information and potential comradere.

I have been planning to write some questions for awhile now but have had trouble putting together my 'story' --because it required re-living some of the past decade which was a painful journey.

I will make it as brief as possible... I am a 45 year old female who has always been very active. Twelve years of gymnastics (age 8-20), later becoming an avid golfer and sailor. I have been off and on disability from my job as an airline pilot since 2000. Each cycle off work lasted longer and longer until 2005....so it has now been five years and I miss my job desperately (been flying since 1986). I miss my life even more. Not surprisingly, I have not played a round of golf in ten years, and sold my sailboat a long time ago.

My job entails long hours of sitting as well as hauling luggage around. Most pain meds are not allowed to qualify for a flight physical. I stopped flying because physically I could not sit there and perform "flight duties"...but also, mentally, the pain was so distracting I was not safe to fly as I couldn't concentrate. I didn't realize that as my condition deteriorated I could no longer perform "life duties"....sitting at dinner or a movie...riding in a car...sports I loved...housework (even the smallest job like standing chopping vegetables)...traveling (I get free travel worldwide and I haven't been anywhere in years)...spending time with friends/family (many of whom don't really understand). I spend most of my time horizontal. You guys all know what I am talking about...

Basically, I have two bad (black) discs at L5-S1 and L4-L5. I have gone through countless days/weeks/months/years of PT, injections, Vax-D (decompressions) etc...all to no (or very limited) avail. I have not had sciatica/leg pain throughout this time...though seem to be getting some in the last several months.

I have had two discograms (2007 and January of 2010) which confirm the condition of the 2 discs from annular tears. Several years of injections tried to better isolate the pain as I have had additional pain generators...SI Joint, Facet Joint.

In fall 2007, I was told by an ortho surgeon in NC that I needed a 2-level ADR....the only catch was that they weren't being done in this country yet and insurance certainly wouldn't cover it. He also said he didn't want to do surgery because I had 'multiple pain generators' thereby my chances for success were not good.

Moved to the Pacific NW in 2008...saw several doctors recommending everything from minimally invasive fusion (with BMP), traditional fusions, to 2-level ADR and a 'hybrid.' So far I have not had any surgery....it is so confusing and complicated...trying to determine the right course.

There are so many "what-ifs"...especially looking at some of the ADR statistics...even for just a single level ADR (70%) vs. 2 level. And the list of complications is scary...and will likely require additional surgeries (as I've read many stories on this forum)

My husband and I are willing to cash our a retirement account to pay out of pocket for a 2 level ADR...we also decided against buying a house to have the money available....but who pays if I have problems/complications downline? Our insurance company sure won't (United Healthcare).

A hybrid surgery has been suggested (fuse L5-S1 with ADR at L4-5)....same problem as above...it would be out of pocket...as would any complications.

A two level fusion has alot of risks too...especially when trying to prevent adjacent level deterioration which is so common.

So many other issues and what-if's...the right doctor,the right prosthesis (if ADR)...if fusion...what about minimally invasive...BMP??? How is Obamacare going to effect this all (I've read back treatments are a big area of planned cuts)....etc.

All discussions I would like to have but haven't found 'experts'....til now. Hopefully I can pick your brains and find mutual support here!

-E