New Consult / Delamarter

[beaverc]

Hello I was to have a three level lumbar fusion (stenosis degeneration etc. etc. etc..) a few years ago and after much research refused. I have a consult with a Dr.Delamarter in a couple of weeks and have been checking patient ratings etc. on him and have, to make a long story short heard everything from love to hate about him and his office. Do not know what to think. My restrictions from an 2009 AME. No standing or sitting /driving for more than 30 minutes , no repetitive bending , no lifting over 25 / 30 lbs. How does one live like this? Wear a timer on your wrist? This isn't living. I was injured some time ago and thought there might be something new??? Maybe ADR ?? Laser?? THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.

Also like something you read in a book or an internet story I have these "maggots" (P.Is?) following / harassing. This does happen I used to think it was just paranoia. I.C doesn't want to pay for surgery.
THANKS AGAIN!

[Hooch]

They'll try to get photos of you doing a bit of yard work on a good day, try and say you're faking it. If you suck it up and move a heavy load make sure there is no where for people to hide and photograph you. That's what they're paid for.

They won't take a photo of you lying on an ice pack eating pain killers tho.

[norwulf]

Hey Hooch I went through exactly the restrictions you have for several years, you are right it is an awful way to live. As to the surgery with Dr, Delemarter I just had my 2 level ADR done by him and his colleague Dr. Risouli and it was a great experience as far as surgeries go lol. Mine was done on December 27th 2010. and seems to have been a 100% success. I would recomend the spine center at Cedars Sinai to anyone needing this surgery.

Good luck.

[beaverc]

Thanks for the info. You had a (2) level ADR? Lumbar spine? What kind of activity level do you expect to regain and how was / is the after care with Dr Delamarter? Prodisc? Thanks again.

[beaverc]

I saw Dr. Delamarter today and was hoping to be an ADR (lumbar) candidate and return, at least somewhat to the land of the living. I was told because of the curve of my spine I was not and that I needed a three level fusion. Which I have been trying to avoid. X-rays were taken and showed a couple of the vertebrae looked as if they were touching because of the disc damage / degeneration, at least on one "corner". There are also arthritic changes. I had a bone scan done a couple of years ago and it was normal. Doesn't the spine at least somewhat straighten out when these spaces are equalized with the ADR? DR. Delamarter said I was "too far gone" for ADR. What constitues too much curvature for ADR. Thanks Much!!