Hybrid surgery finally authorized~

Maria · #1 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 10:52 PM

Those of you who know me know that I've been hanging by a long dangling thread on WC's spiked spool and fighting for authorization for a surgery that was authorized for me back in '03 and then offer rescinded in '05 when I finally made up my mind to have the surgery! Since that time, instead of 2 level ADR, a hybrid surgery has been recommended with fusion at L5S1 and ADR at L4. And finally, nearly 2 years later~ it's been authorized!!!!!!

How did this come about?? I'm certain it had to do with taking Mark w/me as a patient advocate to the WCAB assigned 2nd surgical opinion (they had already sent me to 2 surgeons plus my own recommending the same thing).

I truly believe had I gone to that appt. alone, I may have ended up as just another statistic even tho the surgeon seemed like a really decent guy, but with Mark there, much more time was spent in review of my films and just a sort of doctor to collegue bonding type of thing going on~

Things are still in the works tho as even tho the surgery was authed to go one place and have it done, I'm trying to get back to a different place where I've been seen twice before and would prefer to have surgery done there if I'm going to have it done in the US.

So anyway, at least the dang thing was approved vs. denied!!! Major achievement with new WC legislation in place here in CA!

Thanks Mark

fortitudine · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 01:05 AM

What great news, Maria! You have worked so incredibly hard, and done so-o-o much research. It's good to see that sometimes those things do pay off. Good luck on getting the location you want.

I hope you'll tell everyone on ADRsupport the good news story too.

sahuaro · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 02:15 AM

Great news! It must feel unreal that things are moving and decisions need to be made so quickly after years of dealing with pain and WC. Wishing you all the best!

Sunshine · #4 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 03:05 AM

Maria,

Congratulations, this is fabulous news!
I do have a question: Is this approval you have received
(1) the report of the 2nd Surgical Opinion indicating his approval of the procedure
or
(2) a letter from the WC insurance company indicating approval?

I am so happy for you and I can’t wait to hear what progress you will make next.
Take care and have a great night!

Andrea

tisury · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 03:59 AM

Congratulations Maria !!! You have fought long and hard for this. Who will be doing your surgery? Best wishes to you, and again, congratulations !!!!

dshobbies · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 04:01 AM

Maria,

Well that's one for adr's. Mark, as always, you've come through again. Congrats to you both.

Dale

Poncho · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 06:01 AM

One thing you have proved here Maria is that persistence pays off!

I hope to see you on the other side of this soon.

TTYL,
Poncho