a question regarding ADR

[srajan0929]

I am sorry but i didn't know on which area to post this topic under. but I have a question regarding ADR. why are many doctors against this procedure? i have read numerous research and it scares me to see that the risk accociated with this procedure is death. (i hate the d word). Honestly, when i had my disectomy, i was told 'death' as well. but the doctor told me its highly unlikely at his hands since he does it about 200 times a year. So, here we go. After numerous research, obviously i think the skill level of an ADR surgeon cannot be disputed. Its highly imperative to know the skill level. Does anyone know how many for example, dr. Reagan or Delamarter have performed? When I called in to ask, they said i have to first consult with the doctor...i.e...pay up 1 hour consulting fees to find such info which i declined to do. These surgeons pretty much demand about 700 in consulting fees...its outrageous. But i see Bertagnoli has done in the order of 3000 and his counterpart Zeegers about 2000. Would you guys recommend between Zeegers or dr.B? and whats up with the medical tourism? is that a viable option or just that they are trying to dig in deeper into your pockets?

Sorry i am most likely going to go through with this surgery by june. i cant sit any longer. Its weird. i can sit on a sofa, but when it comes to sitting on a chair i am pretty much dying. As days have gone by, now i feel something weird running into my leg like some sort of numbness i cant define. My foots starting to twitch too. (I am assuming the disc is dying?)...

[JPJH]

Any surgery is risky......having stated the obvious I would not look at either of those Dr.'s. I would recommed you spend your time and money consulting with Dr. Clavel in Barcelona or Dr. Boeree in England. I would contact them directly via their web sites. I just did not get a good vibe off of the Dr.'s in Germany. It seemed to me they were willing to tell you whatever you wanted to hear. Dr's. Clavel and Boeree to me anyway were a bit more direct and upfront about what I needed and what they could and were willing to do. Plus the cost in Germany was way more expensive. I ended up having my ADR surgery with Dr. Clavel in Oct. 2010 and was very pleased with him as well as my outcome.

JPJH

[JJames]

sarjan0929-

I do not believe that ANY surgical procedure can be done without at least the mention by the Dr. that there is a possibility of death. We live in too much of a sue-happy, litigious society for them not to mention it regardless of the actual risk.

I am uncertain if I can be of great assistance regarding your other question(s) either, as although I live in a constant state of debilitating pain too, I have yet to decide on the proper surgeon, facility, or procedure to have (or attempt to have). With that said, in my honest opinion there are surgeons within the U.S. who are as capable at performing ADR surgery. Obviously, this is merely my opinion, as I have not yet actually had the surgery done!

Based on your geographical location, you may wish to get a consult from Dr. James Yue at Yale, New Haven, CT, maybe Dr. Cammisa (and some others) at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. I was very impressed with Dr. Yue's resume and believe he learned directly under Dr. Bertagnoli. I was extremely impressed with Dr. Cammisa's knowledge as well.

I again must admit, I am very lost in this decision for myself, so I am not sure if my information can be of assistance for you. I firmly believe that I need a surgical option performed very soon, and also need to find that "one" surgeon who I feel most confident with when I am ready. I will definitely be having this done state-side though.

Wish I could be of more assistance. Good luck in whatever decision(s) you make!

Jeff

[Harrison]

Raj, where are you at? Is your sitting tolerance getting worse -- or is it stabilized as generally intolerable?! We've been there...hope you are working towards a resolution...

[srajan0929]

Hello guys, thanks for your reply. I have been doing extensive research because I believe ADR is not a light decision. Its a life altering decision (for the better or worse). Since I am the only child of my parents, my parents are also going through hell because they cant see me like this. I know this is somewhat unrelevant, but I have been studying to get admitted into a top masters in Financial Engineering program. Over the past 4-5 months, i have been spending 8 hours a day lying on the floor. its just my pain is not getting any better. Injection seemed to mask the problem, but it came back a week later. My problem just stems from sitting. I have been doing the hamstring exercises and other exercises for the lower back but it hasn't helped me a bit. I will continue doing it. I ordered a back brace and a small pillow to balance my back. I feel better when i sit on a soft cushion as opposed to a hard chair. I have been putting off going to the doctors recently because I have exam in 2 weeks. Everytime i go to a doctor, i end up spending 3-4 hours there which i really cant afford. However, I have my first PT next week on thursday and first post injection follow up with my pain management doctor. I hope i get your blessings and see what he thinks. In the meantime, i have made a very good friend in here. Her name is Liz and she goes by 'too young to hurt like this'. she has become like a sister i never had. thanks liz....