need a GOOD doctor closer to home in NJ

[mrsblood312]

Hi
Anyone have a top doc recommendation for the central Jersey or philly area? Dr Bitan did my ADR L3-4 and fusion L4-5, but going back into the city 4 years post op doesnt seem like the best approach to my newer issues. Any ideas?

[mrsblood312]

Originally Posted by mrsblood312
(originally PM Harrison- but openning this one up to anyone interested in adding thoughts)

I am know youre very busy but I was hoping for a moment of consult, as your knowledge in this field are admirable-
If you were a hybrid patient living in central NJ, yrs post op for ADR L3/4 with fusion L4/5 (sorry if I repeat myself)...where would YOU turn next?

Dr Bitan was the finest of doctors and if I was in due of a complete revision I'd be back in NYC...but my biggest problems I believe root for the nerve damage at the fusion site (only basing that on where the pain/lose of nerve runs through the leg/foot)...anyway long story shorter, I need someone good to see me through the next step.

On last wks study, to add insult to injury, the MRI findings at those levels are "nondiagnosis" in nature do to the large amt of artifacts...so I guess that means they cant see what's happening for sure.

so I am left here...with the local doctors not a wealth of helpfulness... What a mess for us hybrids truly...any ideas for top Doctors or better tests??

I would be eternity grateful for any suggestions at this point...

Thanks K

[jss]

mrsblood,

I am truly sorry for your condition. I can only imagine debilitating pain for which the source cannot be found. A few things come to mind.

Has your doctor ever performed a myelogram? That is sometimes specifically used when an MRI contains too much artifact; such as the case when there is considerable amounts of metal in the spine.

"Selective nerve root block" and "facet blocks" are used to determine that a specific root nerve or facet joint is or is not a pain generator. Have those been performed?

Those are all commonly used tools in the battle against spine based pain.

Good luck, Jeff

[kennethhoff]

Sorry to hear your having other issues, hope they're not too severe!
I am originally from central NJ (Westfield), and lived a long time in Princeton. If it were me though, I would look at Dr. Balderston at University of Penn. He's one of the "top-docs" for ADR in the Philly area and has had many great recommendations. I would have gone too him had I not moved to NC.

Ken

Originally Posted by mrsblood312

Hi
Anyone have a top doc recommendation for the central Jersey or philly area? Dr Bitan did my ADR L3-4 and fusion L4-5, but going back into the city 4 years post op doesnt seem like the best approach to my newer issues. Any ideas?

[mrsblood312]

Hum
Last Mylogram was done between 2 and 3 surgeries so it seems likely that it should be reordered somewhere along the road..Iam not looking forward to the procedure as I recall it wasnt fun
I will definately reach out to Dr. Balderston, THATS MY PLAN this week, as his name is more then just your post so I thinking he might just be a good fit...-But I have my doubts that my insurance is "in network" as this too that seems like secondary nightmare..to our spinal woes
Thanks to all for everything!
K