C4-C5, C5-C6, Prodisc - C (Nova); Dr.B in Bogen
 

SURGERY DATE: 10 September 2009

AGE AT SURGERY DATE: 35 year old male

SURGEON: Dr. Bertagnoli
PATIENT ADVOCATE: Tim Vicknair, European Medical Tourist

SURGERY LOCATION/CLINIC: Bogen KKH; Bogen, Germany

DEVICE(s), LEVEL(s): 2 level with Pro-Disc C (Nova); C4-C5, C5-C6

COST = 28,978 Euro
INSURANCE ALLOWED: 96%
OUT OF POCKET: 4% + travel, lodging and entertainment

ONSET OF CERVICAL PROBLEMS, DATE OF INJURY, CAUSE, ETC...: As an active duty submarine officer, was involved in a head-on submarine crash on January 8 2005 when the USS San Francisco hit an uncharted underwater mountain going flank speed. My head hit the wall going 34 knots. Since then, I have had neck pain and radiating arm pain that has increased in severity, intensity and duration over time.

PRIOR SPINE SURGERIES AND PROCEDURES (IDET, ESI, etc...): 2 epidural steroid injections to C5-C6 and a discogram to C4-C5.

PRE-OP MEDICATIONS: 20 mg OxyContin, 10 mg Cyclobenzaprine, and 900 mg Neurontin

PRE-OP NEUROPATHIES: Severe radiating right arm pain with tingling and intermittent numbness. Occasional neck pain.

PRE-OP CONDITION: 70% arm pain, 20% neck pain, and 10% depression / fatiguability

TIME POST-OP AT ORIGINAL POST HERE: 72 hours

DESCRIBE YOUR SURGICAL EXPERIENCE: Had a fantastic time in Bogen. Dr. Fenk-Mayer and Dr. Bertagnoli opted to do a discogram before surgery to ensure scope of treatment was correct. Ended up doing a 2 level ADR at C4-C6 instead of a 1 level ADR at C5-C6 as a result of this procedure.

On day of check in, had a discogram, refresher x-rays, an EKG, a check-in with pro-spine and a meeting with Dr. Masyk, the anasthesiologist.

On day of surgery, I was the third of three cases. The first was a 3 level cervical ADR, the second a lumbar case, and the third my case (2 level cervical). Went into the OR at about 5:00 pm and the surgery lasted until 8:30 pm. Spent the night in the ICU. Had some pain through the night and was very dehydrated. Was up and about the next day after being released from the ICU arm pain free. Have felt great ever since. Worst of it was the first night post op in the ICU by far.

I am very happy with my decision and am thankful to Dr. Bertagnoli, Tim Vicknair, and the rest of the Pro-Spine team.

Hey SSN,

Welcome to the forum and a great big congrats for your successful surgery. You're already on the other side!

Many of us sing the praises of Dr. B and F-M. I'm glad he was able to help you.

I noticed your insurance picked up most of the cost. Is this a military type of insurance or private insurance? Most of us had/has to pay for this surgery out of our own pockets.

One word of caution if I may - take your recovery nice and slow. Don't rush it and you should do fine. Overdoing can have consequences.

Good to have you with us. Please keep us posted.

Dale

Insurance and recovery
 

Dale --

In this case, I was fortunate to have a blend of "service-connected" disability insurance and private insurance that covers out of network, experimental, and unproven procedures, which I understand is somewhat rare. My consulting firm is self-insured.

Either way I am thankful and would have paid rather than have a fusion.

Will be sure to follow your advice and take my recovery slow.

Matt

9 week post op update
 

Hi all,

Has been a while since I have visited the boards to see how my fellow spineys are doing.

In any event I am 9 weeks post op now from 2 level cervical ADR. I am fully recovered, out of my cervical collar, running, and weightlifting again. I take no pain pills of any kind, prescription or over the counter.

It is like my problem never happened. I am very thankful for ADR and wish all of you the best in your own personal battles with pain. My only regret is not getting the surgery sooner.

Matt

Wow Matt,

Sounds like you are the poster boy for cervical ADRs. Glad to hear the great news. I'd warn you to take it slow but that sounds pretty mute.
Dale

Two levels rocks!
 

Matt,

Congrats! I had a similar surgery with Dr. B, just move the hardware down one level. I received the ProdiscC, not the nova. This was interesting to me as others following me within weeks got the nova. (I joke that they needed to use up the inventory!) I'm doing well for the most part too. Still trying to strengthen that core to keep from having to return to Germany for lumbar surgery someday. I'll be having my 1yr anniversary of my new neck in January. I wish you the best! I also only regret that I suffered (and allowed further degeneration-ie bone spurs etc)for so long too.

No bungee-jumping, kickboxing, or wrestling-according to Dr. Fenk-Mayer!
Take care and give yourself some time to rest too.
Jen

Great News Im happy for you...
 

Great News Im happy for you...:)

Hi everyone,

I had 3 level ADR w? Dr. on 11/27/09. I'm doing ok. I wanted to see how all of you are doing and what your recoveries were like at different statged.

Thanks,

Wendy