ADR surgery today

[CP7959]

Just thought I would share my experience today. This morning (Wed.,6:45am) I had my 3rd ADR installed. I currently have a fusion at C6/7 (2/2002), (2) M6 at C4/C5, C5/C6 (5/2009 Stenum) and now a Prestige ST at C3/C4 (today 12/30/2009).

The surgery was outpatient with the same Dr. who did my 2002 fusion. The surgery itself was about 1 1/2 hours and I woke up about 9:15am and was home by 10:0am. I slept for about 6 hours since I've been home.

I feel pretty good just a bit cloudy. But I would imagine the Oxy 15mg I took is keeping any discomfort at bay. I have no nerve or muscle spasm at this moment. I hope it stays that way. Currently enjoying a chocoalte milk shake.

I am praying I get the same results from my fusion in 2002. I felt great after that surgery and never had a post op issues. But time will tell. Surprisingly I do not have a soar thought. I thought that up at C3/4 I would have. I did when I had C4/5, C5/6.

The Dr. told my wife everything went well. The disk was hernated into my spinal cord and the membrane was torn (I'll have to get clarification on that). He also said he did a thorough decompression in the foramen. And mentioned the alignment and placement was perfect.

I was a guinee pig I guess. This was my Dr's. first cervical ADR he performed. He had done lumbar but as with most surgeons in the states experience is hard to come by because insurance companies are not covering this procedure. The reason I went to him is based on my 2002 fusion. My first hand experience is that he is a wonderful, caring, and meticulous surgeon. He also helped out with all the costs. I feel I am very fortunate to have him and he is working with me regardless of going out of the country for my previous surgery.

Now we just see over the next 8 weeks if my Stenum ADR levels are OK. I have stenosis at formen's at each of the levels (C4/5, C5/C6). I'm praying they are pain free.

I am hoping 2010 is a bright year for me.

[jss]

CP,

ADR as outpatient!? WOW! No sore throat!? I'm six weeks post ADR (one was at C3/4) and I still have great difficulty swallowing. Even though it was his first time, it sounds like your surgeon really had his stuff down.

Third cervical surgery? Condolences, and welcome to the club. Did you ask him to just put in the zipper?

Congratulations! Sounds like you're doing great. And I hope that all continues to go well. Good luck on a symptom free 2010!

Jeff

[Slackwater]

Originally Posted by CP7959

Just thought I would share my experience today. This morning (Wed.,6:45am) I had my 3rd ADR installed. I currently have a fusion at C6/7 (2/2002), (2) M6 at C4/C5, C5/C6 (5/2009 Stenum) and now a Prestige ST at C3/C4 (today 12/30/2009).

The surgery was outpatient with the same Dr. who did my 2002 fusion. The surgery itself was about 1 1/2 hours and I woke up about 9:15am and was home by 10:0am. I slept for about 6 hours since I've been home.

del.text

I am hoping 2010 is a bright year for me.

Best wishes for the new year and many more, S-->

[JKDE302]

why did they not just do the C3/4 when you where at Stenum?

Anyway I hope you get better and have a great 2010!

[JPJH]

All the best for a speedy recovery. Sounds like it was a pretty speedy surgery, out patient and all. That of course will be the trend in most surgeries as the Dr.'s in many ways make more money as most of them own %'s of the surgery centers. So if it's a win / win, good for them good for the patient then why not. Who did your surgery, where was it done and did your insurance cover the cost of the ADR & surgery?

[CP7959]

Stenum said my C3/C4 was "unremarkable". I still have the email I sent them and their response when I questioned it.

My Dr. called me Thursday evening to see how I was doing. He mentioned the jell from the disk extruded. It was on my spinal cord and he felt confident he got it all.

I was given an option for the surgery to be in the hospital or surgery center. After reading some posts here and using "Mattshell's" experience and pricing I felt I could handle the surgery "outpatient", so elected the surgical center. I will file Insurance but I doubt it will be covered. I've aleady been dienied by BCBS twice.

My total cost is $16500. Not that that's cheap, but I'm fortunate to be able to cover the costs and it's reasonable considering the procedure. I paid $40K for Stenum 2 levels (travel & medical).

For those looking for ADR in the states it may be worth your time to get actual costs. Mattshell listed his at about $23K and like I said mine was $16.5K. I have heard stories with prices up near $60-100K. I think it's a matter of a little luck finding the right Dr. to work with you.

Not sure what Medicaid prices are, but a lot of Dr's. charge medicaid prices for self pay patients. And if you use the surgical center they do have influence over those costs as well.