Dr. Regan and ADR Explant Surgery

[fuzzy]

I wish you the best for your upcoming surgery, Jim.

[Maria]

Hey Jim,
Generally with any surgeries it's recommended to stop Nsaids at least 14 days prior to surgery. It sounds like you'll have time to do that. You should call and verify this with Dr. Regan's office in case that's not the case.

Re wife/dau in room I would imagine it depends if you're getting a private room? Are all rooms at St. John's private? It's been a long time since I was there. You can call the hospital and ask about spouse/dau staying overnight because I'm sure they have a policy with regard to that and can answer that question for you. It may be that you can only have one person stay in the room with you and if so hopefully there will be a reclining chair or a cot can be brought in.

[Jim M2]

Thanks Fuzzy.

Maria, I called Dr. Regan's office and they told me to stop taking Ibuprofen and any other blood thinning medications right away. They are sending out an info package tomorrow.

___
Here's something new to me. For a PLIF my boss said he was transported by ambulance to a rehab center where he stayed for 2 or 3 weeks after leaving the hospital. I asked Dr. Regan's office about this and he said they would recommend a rehab center near the hospital. OMG!

[Maria]

Hey Jim,
Surgery date is coming up pretty soon.. have you heard anything else? Any other news about the rehab facility? I think if you get into a 5 star one things should go well though it's nice to have a family member or very close friend close by just in case someone has to act as your advocate. Hope all is going well~ Maria

[sahuaro]

I just saw your post. I wish you the best for the surgery and recovery.
Dr. Regan was the surgeon for my cervical ADR and I have referred other patients here to him. So I think you've made a great choice! (And it was through Mark that I was able to see him.)

By now, Dr. Regan has sent directions regarding medications to stop and you've had your pre-surgery physical. My surgery was at a different hospital, so I don't know the policies at your hospital.

Barbara

[Jim M2]

The insurance pre-approval didn't come through. They took me off Dr. Regan's schedule until the pre-approval does come through. I'm very disappointed.

I haven't heard a thing from Dr. Regan's office about preparations for surgery.

I appreciate the kind thoughts from everyone.

[sahuaro]

Ugh! How frustrating! Do you have any idea when your insurance will respond?

While you are waiting, please ask Dr. Regan's office if you need to have a pre-surgery physical exam by your primary care. If so, you can get that done during this wait phase.

[runner]

Jim,

Sorry your surgery was postponed. I have had my surgery postponed before, no fun. I haven't been on here in a while, but decided to pop on tonight.
I haven't had an explant, but I do have 2 ADRs. They do appear to be working correctly, but something is wrong at L5/S1 in my case. If you need to fall asleep, you can read my thread if you want. I am kidding, but I wanted to lend my support and hope you get what you desire soon. My last surgery, it was postponed because I had a bacterial infection. Luckily, i did not have an insurance problem with that one, but I did before. So good luck.

runner

[Maria]

Jim,
Sorry this happened to you especially when you are told to stop your Nsaids or meds two weeks prior to surgery and made arrangements re work for time off and your wife was well plus arrangements for care.

In the "olden" days or back when I was having surgery particularly I guess because it was WC authorizing, scheduling wasn't done until the authorization had been obtained and then that was good only for a certain amount of time (which I cannot recall now). To me that seems like the safest bet re scheduling especially in terms of all that the patient has to go through with personal arrangements.

I do hope you will get the authorization (every aspect of it that is) and surgery will be scheduled and performed in a timely manner. Sorry you had to go thru this emotional upheaval and any upheaval of your schedule and your family's.

Do take care~ Maria

[nomorepain]

interesting situation, I sometimes wonder what happens if the adr breaks down, or my spine around the adr.

[Maria]

Was wondering if you heard anything yet Jim though I guess not or you'd update. Frustrating situation is what I would call it. Hope you'll get good news soon.

[Jim M2]

Hi Maria,

I just received a copy of the denial letter that was sent to Dr. Regan's office. It came in the mail yesterday. Now that they have the letter Dr. Regan's office will know how to react.

[Jim M2]

Dr. Reagan's office let me know today that he is scheduled for a peer to peer discussion with BCBS tomorrow, Friday 8/22.

[sahuaro]

That is good news. I was not afforded that kind of review by my insurance.
It also means Dr. Regan's staff has been busy on your behalf.
Good luck and please let us know.