Shipping off medical reports today!

[Jstuckey]

The third recommendation came in today, and unfortunately, all three have been a little different!
Dr. Clavel recommends M6s at L4-5, L5-S1
Dr. Boeree recommends M6 at L4-5, optional to do L3-4 with an M6, and an anterior fusion with a STALIF cage at L5-S1
Dr. Bertagnoli recommends 3 levels of ADR L3-S1! (Type not indicated yet)

The high probability of having additional surgery done in the future in the same area (for L3-4) is risky due to scarring. So do I have an ADR in an area now when it isn't as bad, but is likely will be? I definitely agree with Dr Boeree's reasoning for fusion at the lowest level.... big question is what to do with L3-4.

This is not easy! Any educated thoughts?

[annapurna]

You might try ADCT with Bertagnoli instead of ADR for L3/4. It's a way to split the difference between surgery now when it's borderline and hoping that it never gets bad enough to need surgery. It's an option for any surgeon but I'm only sure of Prospine willingness to do it.

[jss]

Originally Posted by Jstuckey

The high probability of having additional surgery done in the future in the same area (for L3-4) is risky due to scarring. So do I have an ADR in an area now when it isn't as bad, but is likely will be?

Joey Sue,

You are making me feel really really lucky. Five of the six surgeons I consulted recommended the exact same procedure, which of course made the decision easy.

I can think of all kinds of pro's and con's for you to go either way, and I truly don't have a clue as to which direction is medically wisest. I do have a question though; As these are all three European surgeons, two of which use non-FDA approved devices, I'm betting that you're paying out of pocket. You have the cash on hand to incur the expenses of one European surgery. If/when a second surgery becomes necessary will you be in a position to cover that one out of pocket as well?

Good luck, Jeff

[Jstuckey]

That's what I'm thinking... A second surgery (which sounds inevitable) is not only medically risky in the same area (moving major arteries around the scar tissue), but it's so much more expensive to go in a second time rather than take care of it now. I wouldn't say I have the cash on hand, but am fairly certain I can get a loan for the majority of it, and sell a few toys for the rest. I keep telling myself, "It's a car.... it's just a car. People buy cars for this price all the time!" But I'll be driving my "car" for a lifetime! $32-$40K. But, finding that huge chunk of money again in a few years does not fit into my finances, when we have 3 college-age children that will then be getting married. Our real plans involve paying for those finer things in life, not medical bills, so a one time shot is about all I can stomach when it comes to money.

BTW, for anyone following this... just got the quote this morning from Dr Bertagnoli, and although he is a well respected surgeon, he is out of my league on price. Even if I insisted on using him medically, I would have no choice but to do without... $68,000 for 3 level ADR. Eick. If you are fortunate enough to have the funds, I do believe he is one of the best.

[Jstuckey]

Sorry... I misquoted a bit (my euro conversion was off). The quote from Dr Bertagnoli was $57,300. Still out of my league!

[Tyler]

Hi Joey Sue -

I just checked back in and noticed your posts on Jeff's M6 surgial outcome thread. It sounds like you made a lot of progress exploring a complex situation and I'm glad to hear that you've now got a plan and schedule.

I think you'll find Nick Boeree to be as thoughtful and conscientious in person as he is when consulting by phone or email. And September's a wonderful time of year to be in Hampshire so getting a house seems like a great idea.

I hope you'll keep us posted and in the meantime I'm wishing you the best for the Summer here. If you have any questions or I can be of help in any way don't hesitate to send me a message.

Best,
Tyler

[Jstuckey]

Thanks Tyler. Can't wait to join the M6ers group! Doing pretty well at the moment, so not too much to talk about, other than the usual aches and pains.... and that discussion gets boring fast! I will definitely ramp up my discussions in Sep. when this adventure truly gets rolling. Thanks for your offer of help. It is appreciated.

[Maddie]

Hi Joey Sue,

I'm so sorry that I haven't replied sooner, but I haven't been on the forum for quite awhile. I answered your PM a little while ago.

Someone asked about Dr. Pimenta and his cost. He was $35K US, and it didn't seem to matter how many levels, three or four. While we had a different plan than what we ended up with once he went in during surgery, the price never varied. And that included spending five days more in the hospital than expected because I had a bad case of constipation. I couldn't leave until I 'went' . It had more to do with how I went into the surgery, and way too much pain medication for months beforehand.

I believe that one or two levels is much less, but depends on the case.

I'm very happy that you have come up with a good plan, JS.

I also had a significant slip between L4/5/S1 which complicated things. My husband was able to stay in my private room the whole time, which greatly lessened our hotel bill. He went out for meals, but other than that, our costs were minimal in that area. The slip did not show up on any of my images....over half a dozen surgeons & radiologists had seen them and for some reason, only surgery itself showed the real issue.

If anyone has any questions about my very successful experience, please contact me both by PM and email. I'll try to check in more often!