Anybody have XP with Dr. Bertagnoli?

[hezeronek]

Originally Posted by ans

Was there any discussion of ADR vs. fusion at the L5-S1 level? Some say that ADR isn't necessitated at this level although there can be S-1 joint problems w/fusion. Nothing's easy.

Best of luck! ~ ans

P.S. So Harrison, no "love brokers" allowed here.

I've discussed fusion with a few of the surgeons I have consulted with here in the US. However, I wasn't horribly fond of the idea of such a long recovery, and have had several friends who were very unhappy with their fusions. Dr. Bertagnoli said he didn't think fusion was necessary, and I do believe him. I realize he is likely biased towards ADRs, but I think I am too... Has anyone heard of problems with L5-S1 ADRs?

[Terry]

Yes there have been some difficulties with some patients over the S1-L5 ADR replacement. It's hard to say if the implant caused facet issues or, the facet issues were there and, exacerbated by the implant. You should type facet issues in to the search engine, on this forum, and see what you come up with.

I got excellent care in Germany and, had no issues being followed up with by any doctor since I came back from surgery almost two years ago.

Terry Newton

[Sandra L]

Hello, I had a 4-level cervical disc replacement by Dr. Bertagnoli in April 08 and thought that he and Dr. Andrea Fenk-Mayer were excellent. I would have it done again, although my recovery has been slow - blamed on my age and four discs.

I also have been concerned about having a local spine doctor even though I don't have a reason to see one. Dr. B has given me a thumbs up on all my x-rays that I've sent. I just would feel better if I could talk to a doctor. My attempts at having the best hospital in Ohio see me didn't work? Don't know whether they are afraid to see me because of lawsuits or if they are stupid! I have emailed Dr. Fenk-Mayer and she has promised to get back to me about finding a doctor in the area that Dr. B has trained. HOWEVER, what Jessica stated in her reply about "not being hooked up to monitors or IV's while in the hospital is correct. This proved to be almost fatal. Because of this I would recommend that you have someone stay with you in the hospital for a least one night. It's inexpensive. Sandy

[hezeronek]

Originally Posted by Sandra L

Hello, I had a 4-level cervical disc replacement by Dr. Bertagnoli in April 08 and thought that he and Dr. Andrea Fenk-Mayer were excellent. I would have it done again, although my recovery has been slow - blamed on my age and four discs.

I also have been concerned about having a local spine doctor even though I don't have a reason to see one. Dr. B has given me a thumbs up on all my x-rays that I've sent. I just would feel better if I could talk to a doctor. My attempts at having the best hospital in Ohio see me didn't work? Don't know whether they are afraid to see me because of lawsuits or if they are stupid! I have emailed Dr. Fenk-Mayer and she has promised to get back to me about finding a doctor in the area that Dr. B has trained. HOWEVER, what Jessica stated in her reply about "not being hooked up to monitors or IV's while in the hospital is correct. This proved to be almost fatal. Because of this I would recommend that you have someone stay with you in the hospital for a least one night. It's inexpensive. Sandy

Almost fatal??? If you wouldn't mind, I'm interested in hearing what happened. When I do go down there, my husband will be staying with me until I'm discharged. We are both paramedics, so I'm confident between the two of us that we could catch any immediately life threatening problems (like infections or bleeds). But I'd certainly feel much better knowing the hospital was looking for them too...

[TamiN]

Originally Posted by ans

Was there any discussion of ADR vs. fusion at the L5-S1 level? Some say that ADR isn't necessitated at this level although there can be S-1 joint problems w/fusion. Nothing's easy.

Best of luck! ~ ans

P.S. So Harrison, no "love brokers" allowed here.

Ans-

I'm interested in your comment about L5-S1...ADR vs Fusion. What do you know about it so I can discuss this with Dr. B?

Thx
tami