2nd post: Anyone out there with successful 3 level cervical ADR? Getting desperate.

Ringo · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2013, 09:44 AM

I just need to get someting done. I know I shouldn't get desperate but I need to get this ball roling in the right direction. If I need to leave the country, then I need to start making plans. My doctor leaves the country a couple times a year to do surgeries. Is this a good way to do things?

Maria · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2013, 01:51 PM

Hi Ringo,
I hope someone here who has had multiple cervical levels will reply to you however I will state that there are surgeons abroad that do multiple levels and I think the most I've read about on this particular forum I believe was someone that got 4 levels done. May have been more. I'm hoping Mark will reply to this thread and give accurate detail plus fill you in a bit on surgeons you might consider.

The two that come to mind I can give off hand are Dr.Zeegers and Dr. Bertagnoli. I no longer have their contact information though someone here can give it. They both practice in Germany.

I believe there are other surgeons to consider as well in other countries however I do not know who they are.

I don't know if surgeons in the US who do ADR will do multiple levels for cash since insurance isn't going to authorize it here so again I'm hoping someone with more information will reply to you.

You should talk to Mark (mmglobal). Good luck ~ Maria

Maria · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2013, 11:54 PM

for Mark.. I think Mark might be able to answer this one

mmglobal · #4 (**permalink**) 11-13-2013, 01:23 AM

Me: C3-4, C5-6, C6-7, T1-2 ProDisc-C Nova ADR blog

I view my surgery as a success. The ongoing problems I'm having with my thoracic spine, I believe are unrelated to either of my ADR surgeries. Also, my case is somewhat extreme with 4 levels in a construct that spans 6 levels and goes all the way down to Th1-2

Ginger: http://www.globalpatientnetwork.com/...er/index.shtml

Ginger's story was quite remarkable. She went back to Germany long after the surgery described there. An injury blew out another level and hers was revised to 4 levels. I've had dozens of clients with multi-level cervical ADR.

Keep in mind that by the time we need a 3 level procedure, there is (most likely) a lot wrong with your spine in addition to the operated levels. So, stories like mine and Ginger's are not uncommon.

Mark

Ringo · #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2014, 10:51 PM

Thanks for the reply.

ajspine · #6 (**permalink**) 03-27-2014, 12:32 PM

Hello Ringo,
I feel your pain. I needed 2 levels(C5/6 and C6/7) done but I was only able to get one level done at a time here in the states. I will be having the 2nd level done in 18 to 24 months. When I had the surgery I asked why they couldn't do both levels at the same time. Answer: The FDA has not approved more than one level at a time. This sucks as the surgery(for me) was horrible and I am not looking forward to having it done again, especially since it has not cured all of my symptoms and pain. But that could be because I am still about 6 months out and need more time to heal.
I hope this helps in your decision and going out of the country might be the only option for multilevel ADR surgery. Good luck and please keep us posted.
AJ

don_wagner · #7 (**permalink**) 11-13-2013, 04:42 AM

Ringo, I felt your desperation when conservative treatments and strong medications stopped working. All this on top of the fact that I was about to lose my job and hence my health insurance. It was an absolutely awful period, however I prayed, and I prayed allot. I was referred to another doctor and his treatment helped me a great deal. Although much pain remained, it was the first time I felt hopes and didn't feel rushed to make a decision.

I am in the process of trying to get a second treatment from the pain management specialist.

However, I continue to look for an affordable, non-fusion treatment, without sacrificing quality. It is difficult finding accurate cost data about well qualified surgeons aside from two, allegedly top dollar but, well know surgeons practicing in Germany.

It would be much easier and helpful on this site if someone could create a record of the cost of their surgery’s, who did it, where it was done, and the outcome.

I hope you find what you need.

Don

Maria · #8 (**permalink**) 11-13-2013, 05:27 AM

Don
there is the surgical outcome part of the forum to check out surgeries. I don't know if people put the cost or not but since surgeries probably aren't the same and it seems many were done quite some time ago costs are likely different. People may have put the cost down.. don't know as I've not looked at that part of the forum for some time as it's been nearly 7 years since I was considering a 3rd spine surgery.