Best ADR Surgeon??

[Ernie Graham]

I need an ADR at L3/4 and L 4/5. Does anybody have an opinion on Drs. Bertaglioni, Ritter-Lang, Zeegers or Marnay?

Thanks, Ernie

[tmont]

Hellooooo? (echo echo echo...)

Oh boy...popcorn, anyone? Skittles? No, wait--forget it; three-fourths of us are choking to death behind the Forum sofa already

Hi Ernie,

Welcome to the forum (and sorry you need it!); You'll find lots of info here, and many people to help support you in your decison-making process.

My tongue-in-cheek response above is because your question is a doozy. Not easy to answer because opinions and experiences with all these docs--and others--vary widely, and understandably there's a very personal and emotional element and undercurrent to most replies.

I'd suggest you surf around the Surgical Outcomes file and elsewhere using the keyword search function; you'll come up with many avenues to explore. You may also get more in PM's as well.

Please remember that while all these are real and valid accounts, they are also very much individual experiences and perceptions: good, bad, or downright ugly. While they can contribute to your thought processes and help orient your decision, your own outcome depends as much on your personal case, your knowledge of both it and your options, and your ability to match these with a sharp and open-minded medical team pre and post-op, as it does pure surgical skill. I personally feel that luck also plays a role, but how much I can't determine .

Best of luck to you in any case. How about giving us a bit more of your story when you get the chance? How did you come to the conclusion that you need ADR?

Trace

[Ernie Graham]

I'm new to this message board. "Trace" asked why I thought I needed ADR surgery. Basically, I have been in pain for about 40 years. I've tried pretty much everything. Nothing has worked. I'm currently using crutches about 65% of the time. My MRI/X-ray package indicates ADR would help quite a bit. I have not had any back surgery. I am looking for THE OPERATION that will most likely solve or greatly improve my back issues.

Thanks, Ernie

[annapurna]

You can find opinions about Ritter-Lang by searching on Stenum. They've been hotly debated on the forum. In fact, so hotly debated that I'll pass on mentioning my opinion.

Bertagnoli can also be found by searching Pro-Spine, Zeegers by Alpha Klinik, and I think you mispelled Marnay but I can't remember the correct spelling. Basically, you'll find that anyone, even the best, makes mistakes and your surgery will be a risk. You choose the best so you get the best odds but recognize that forty years of pain suggests that you have many kinds of damage in your back so a complete recovery isn't all that likely.

If you post with a little more of your condition there are quite a few that can help point you in directions, or even discourage you from ADR if things have degenerated to the point where ADR isn't your best bet.

[Harrison]

Ernie, welcome. I'll chime back in soon...please take Trace's advice and spend at least 3-4 hours reading the topics...but across ALL the forums.

In the meantime, as I ask all new members (in the welcome email message) please introduce yourself with more information -- a detailed signature including spine history will do.

Also, please read this post: http://adrsupport.org/eve/forums/a/t...1/m/8361017112

Back soon...

[tmont]

Hiyaz all

Just for the record, that was the correct spelling for Dr Thierry Marnay. You'll find his contact info, and others, in the FAQ I believe. Can't grab the link now Ernie but will try and do so later.

Trace

[Terry]

Ernie:

I'll chime in as my surgery was exactly one year ago today. I had 4 level ADR surgery at Stenum Hospital in Germany. The place stirs up a lot of controversy here though I believe they did right by me. I still have some facet issues that were apparent pre-surgery which I may now need a nerve ablation. The pain is mild compared to a year ago but aggravating nonetheless.

Last year, at age 49, I was hunched over like a little old man and needed a cane to ambulate. I was able to ride a bicycle as, hunched over the handlebars, the pressure was taken off of the nerves and I could ride pain free. I went in to the surgery in great shape.

My healing has been a roller coaster ride that has settled down since June or so though the recovery is continuing.

This past season I rode over 2,000 miles on my bicycle and did a lot of walking and yard work. Life is good.

ADR surgery is not for everyone and the facet issues are showing up more and more for people. Since mine were apparent pre-surgery I cannot blame the surgery on my issues today. I had mild facet deterioration that was visible on the MRI pre-surgery. I believe ADR should be done as a system including the facet replacements. I believe the system approach would help to avoid the facet issues that some are having post ADR surgery. This is a ways down the road probably and would probably not be covered by insurance.

Do your homework before you make any decisions as you are the ultimate judge of what is right for you. Welcome to the group.

Terry Newton

[chasswen]

ernie
i had my surgery with Dr Bertagnoli and i am doing very well after surgery. i was a single level l5-l6
prodisc.
i care i received there was knock your socks off good.
and if i needed more spine surgery i surely would see dr. Bertagnoli again in a heart beat.
best wishes
chuck

[tmont]

hiya Ernie,

Dr Marnay's contact info here:

http://adrsupport.org/eve/forums/a/t...1/m/7931000181

[Brad]

Hi Earnie,

Dr. Bertagnoli did my two level Activ-L. I am 100% satisified.

Brad