Met with Dr Pettine

[Hooch]

Gday Gil,

Pretty terrible situation, feeling like you're headed towards disability? I know there is always someone worse but sometimes that's like being thankful for being kicked in the guts and not the nuts. I could do a lot of stuff pre-op, but only through pretty full on pain.

It's a huge surgery, 4 levels. I'd echo Maria's comments that pain meds to get you through in the meantime may help a little... no good being just on Advil.

I hope your family can find a way out.

[dshobbies]

Gil,

And around and around we go.

I think you know how many of us feel about Stenum. I'd stay away.

Not crazy about the 4 level fusion, if avoidable.

2 level fusion with 2 adrs on top - not sure I'd fuse L4/5 if avoidable.

fusion, adr, fusion adr might be best if you can't get a 4 level adr. How about fusion with 3 adrs on top?

I've read other posts about WC and how the wheels turn slowly. You always have the option of legal assistance. What about legal aid? Would the threat of legal action push things along or would you then have to actually act on it?

I'm exhausted just thinking about your fight. I remember mine 5 1/2 years ago. You'd think we'd be further along by now!

[Maria]

Hey Gil,
My experience w/the insurance carrier I had w/WC would only auth surgery in the states. If I went outside the country I would have had to settle benefits and take cash w/no future medical. Future medical is covering next to nothing anyway now so it may have been something had I known then I wouldn't have thought so important to keep in place then again hindsight is 20/20 as everyone knows.

I don't like the idea of a four level fusion. The idea of two on the bottom fused and maybe 2 ADRs on top as Dale mentioned might work then again doubt that's something WC would auth.

If surgery is authorized here by WC then you decide you don't want to have it at least then the cash value should stick if you're settling out your bennies to go elsewhere. Always a thought. It's still cheaper I believe to do mult level whatever abroad then even 2 level fusion, ADR or hybrid here in the states unless someone is going to give you a cash deal.

good luck.. understand why your head is swimming...mine was once as well. I think everyone does when presented with so many options and limitations and just wants to make the best decision possible to try and get it right on one try.

[Gil Denis]

Hi All

The surgery order was just submitted to W.C. today it should take three to six weeks to be approved

Coflex has recently been approved by the FDA, lets hope it goes through? W.C. does not approve ADR it is considered experimental

Live goes on

Gil

[Gil Denis]

Hey All

Good news W.C has approved surgery with Dr Petinie in Loveland Colorado for Coflex at two levels L4-L5 and L5-S1 not sure how it is connected at L5-S1?
Will also install Staxx spacers at both levels not sure how they stay in place?
L2-L3 is not in great shape or is L3-L4 but they are not pain generators may never be or may get worse?

If and when the other levels go I may need more. This is the best I can do with no finances to go for the big surgery with ADR,

I will add more going to soccer to watch junior>

Gil

[Maria]

Hey Gil,
Congrats on the WC auth for the surgery with the surgeon of your choice and at 2 levels! Look forward to hearing more about it all and hope this surgery will take care of "what ails you" and the rest if and when necessary can be addressed at that point.

I was always worried about my disrupted L3 so didn't get L4 and L5S1 taken care of re ADR or hybrid surgery and while I've been pleasantly surprised with autofusion results of L5S1 I do believe L4 is still a problematic level for me.

So go for it and best wishes with everything! thanks for keeping us updated!

[mmglobal]

Gil, great news. I look forward to hearing of your success. Please keep us posted.

Mark