It's official...

[Tatonka_usn]

Well, it's been a while since I've had the opportunity to post on here, but I figured I'd take a moment to bring everyone up to speed on where things stand for me. After being declared a lumbar ADR candidate by one of the Navy Neurosurgeons in San Diego (back in October), I finally got a 2nd opinion, from (of all people) Dr Zigler at TBI, yesterday. Had to fight my insurance network to get to Dallas, but the appointment (while brief) verified that (in his opinion) I'm a prime candidate for a single level PRODISC at L5-S1.

It's going to take me a couple days to digest the news, and determine how I want to proceed at this point. There's a part of me that's glad to have confirmation, and yet the other part is disappointed that my disc has deteriorated to the point where this is necessary. I will also be challenged as to whether 1) TRICARE will cover the procedure at all (can't see how they won't), 2) where the procedure would be done (I'd prefer TBI, but I can foresee them shuffling me off to a military hospital) and 3) whether I'll have enough time to get this taken care of before I depart the military the end of January.

So, there you have it. If anyone has any specific pointers regarding the process/surgery/rehabilitation I would certainly appreciate it over time. I have a ton of questions, and was a bit flustered with myself that I didn't remember nearly all of the to ask Dr Zigler during the appointment. I'm still torn between waiting for something better to come along and going foward with this in the near term, and figure it'll just take a bit of time to accept this will likely be my best option.

Thanks!

Alan

[Harrison]

Hey Alan,

Sorry you're here, but I hope we can help you. Why were you "flustered" at your appointment? How can we help with that?

Try not to party to crazily tonight...happy, peaceful, comfortable new year to you...

[davidj8121]

Alan,

Sounds like your time constraint is your biggest problem. It took me a long time to finally make the decision too. My advice would be to take your time and make the right decision but your situation is unique.

If you can get them to pay for Dr. Zigler to do the procedure, I would jump on the opportunity. If you wait just make sure when you get into private life (post-military) you do your research on the insurance carriers that may pay for the surgery. If it works out that you can get insurance that will pay for it then maybe you can by some time to make the decision.

The alternative is about $35-40K out of your own pocket.

Good luck with your decision.

Dave

[tooyoungforthis]

Alan- I know you have a big decision coming up and I just want you to know that many people will be thinking of you during this time. I had L5-S1 done with Zigler 3 months ago and I am doing great. I just saw him last week and the trial they have there was actually extended for 17 more people. I am not sure if they talked to you about it then.. just wanted to let you know that they still have a trial going on there. I know Zigler likes formulated questions! My first appointment was much like you described. I then found a notebook and wrote all my questions down I thought of, my husband thought of, my family thought of and my friends thought of. Now I go in and he just smiles and puts out his hand to get the notebook from me and start going through every question I have. He is really great at answering questions.. it's just you have to ask right then and there while you have him in your grasps!

I hope and pray that you find peace with what you chose to do with your back and I hope you can get pain relief soon!

Beth

[neckman5000]

Tatonka,
You have huge decisions to make in such a short time!!
I am a vet going to Spain end of Jan (on my dime) for Spinal Kinetics cervical M6 (related to a rollover MVA while active duty). VA system is extremely time consuming and just found out from my VA doc that he has never seen Denver VA do ADR (he's been there for 20yrs!)

So here's some advice from a vet:
1) If you feel comfortable with your options than do it while you're in. VA may be able to cover post-op issues.

2)File VA disability claim/medical treatment apps ASAP- get a good VA patient advocate to help you. I had a severe hip strain while on active duty and never got proper PT. I had a chance to file for a claim when I was outprocessing but was feeling pretty decent (dumb,young, and proud) so I said no thanks. Situation deteriorated for 4 yrs to the point I needed help to put on my underwear. Finally went to the VA and then it took them over a year to process my claim and only received 10%. Lesson: Easier for VA to believe you while on active duty!!

3)Make multiple complete copies of your medical records (X-rays, MRI, etc). Treat them like your DD-214. Once you are out, base sends recs to St. Louis archives and takes a long time to get them. Records have been lost/misplaced/incomplete from there.

4) Once you leave the military don't avoid or dismiss service connected issues. Always have them medically documented wherever you go. VA needs to see a consistent medical pattern! Get complete copies of medical records from these civilian places because they will purge files after some time!

5) Last month while speaking to the healthbase rep, I specifically remembered him saying that Tricare has paid for many ADRs in Europe for military. Might be worth checking out or more ammo to fight with.
If you have any more questions let me know. Good luck and thanks for your service!!