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View Full Version : Two Level Prodisc at TBI Approved!!!!!!


Ihateinsurance
01-10-2007, 10:08 AM
I have been reading and monitoring this page for several years now and I cannot find a more educated and knowledgeable group of people. I just recently received approval for a two level Prodisc with Dr. Zigler at TBI. I am VERY excited to have the surgery, as I am so tired of the pain over the past 5 years.

My question for you is this:
1. How long is the hospital stay for a two level? I have been told by TBI, in Thursday out by Saturday or Sunday. That seems quick to me.

2. How long will I be immobile at home? I dont stay still very well.

Harrison
01-10-2007, 11:24 AM
Wow, good for you for getting approval on a 2 level ProDisc! Where did you get your superpowers!? http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

The wide range on hospital stays is appr. 2-7 days, with most being 3-4 days. So your expectation of 3-4 days seems rational. Since you’ve been reading the site, you may already know about some of the post-op resources here: http://www.adrsupport.org/post_op.html

The paper I wrote on recovery is based on my own research and experiences. It’s a bit crusty, but you may get a few things out of it to help you through your recovery (e.g., deep breathing).

If you are the type A type, don’t worry too much – you’ll be pretty tired from the major trauma to your body! In the first few weeks, it’s important to walk a little bit; just being vertical helps all of your body systems.

Where you must be careful is in the second, third and fourth months of recovery. This is where you may need to moderate your activities, especially while the implant is “osteo-integrating” into your vertebrae. That means no skydiving, jack hammering, heavy construction, water skiing!

Everyone’s mobility after surgery is a bit different, but you may expect to stumble around awkwardly for 1-2 weeks. Being a 2 level, maybe 2-3. Again, recovery times vary because of many variables: your spine condition, your overall health, the number of levels retracted/implanted, surgery time, etc.

Hope this helps, good luck with all!

davidj8121
01-10-2007, 01:45 PM
Congratulations on your approval. And good luck with your surgery. Just shows you how crazy the world of insurance companies and ADR is because I just got my denial today for a 1 level Charite at TBI with DR. BLUMENTHAL.

Who was your insurance co.? Did you have to go through the appeal process ?

I did find out today that if I chose to I could have the surgery with Dr. Zigler using the ProDisc. I have been leaning that way.

Congrats and Good Luck.

Dave

LBP
01-10-2007, 02:05 PM
yes, please share who your insurance company is and what process you went though to get approved. I'm hoping it's someone other than Aetna or a situation other than workers comp cuz I'd like to get some hope we are making some progress on the coverage front! Esp for 2 levels!

good luck

Ihateinsurance
01-10-2007, 02:52 PM
Sorry guys/gals...I guess I should have been more exact. Mine is a workcomp case. But that doesnt mean it was easy. For the past four years I have been told by several neuro's that I am a "great canditate" for adr "when it is approved by the FDA". Well even after approval of the Charite and Prodisc at ONE level, I had the same answer.."not FDA approved" or in Workcomp terms.."reasonable and customary". I have been in the court room 10-15 times arguing the points and in Oklahoma the law doesnt recognize any physician not licensed in the state of oklahoma. So Dr. Zigler was out of the question. I finally had to go to TBI on my own dime to get a surgery recomendation from Jack and take it back to my employer. Even then they said no, the courts were still powerless. So then I found a DR. in Oklahoma conducting two level charite. He recommended me for the procedure, still I got a no in the "reasonable and customary" argument. In the end I had to get political and involve the power players (NOT MY ATTNY)and my union. Still a "no". Last week one of their surgeons saw me and stated that I have been getting the runaround and really needed the two level by either doc. I was given a choice and I chose to travel to Texas to see the best. So in closing....no matter which system we poor souls have to deal with....its the entire insurance system as a whole that needs to be re-evaluated. We pay our entire lives and when we need it we are treated like SCUM. Also, in my opinion the biggest misunderstanding in the whole process is the definition of FDA APPROVAL. I think I will write a book on those 11 letters that made the past five years so horrible. LET DOCS BE DOCS AND POLITICIANS BE POLITICIANS!!!!

LBP
01-10-2007, 04:16 PM
thanks for the update and info. it's horribly frustrating for all of us. did you happen to read my post under "decision time" re what fda approval means for diff people!

jf110
01-10-2007, 04:58 PM
Congratulations on your W.C. approval. You are in excellent hands at TBI. Dr. Zigler did a two level cervical ADR on me back in Aug. 2006 and I was out of the hospital the following morning. You will do fine. They are all fine ADR surgeons. Good luck to you, Mark

Bailey
01-11-2007, 12:58 PM
Great news! I am awaiting approval from my insurance carrier on 2 level Prodisc and will be having Zigler do it as well. Perhaps we'll be hall-mates and pass each other in recovery! Best of luck!

Ihateinsurance
01-11-2007, 02:14 PM
LBP: Great post, I couldnt agree more.
Bailey: I hope your approval goes well and see you at TBI soon.
I called today and although the surgery was approved they have spent the past week negotiating for a price...I tell ya...the mighty green controls the world!!!

Ihateinsurance
01-31-2007, 10:16 AM
Well after all the trouble, I finally have a two level Prodisc scheduled for Dr. Zigler and TBI. I am very axcited and nervous at the same time. I cant wait to come back here and let yall know how it went.

JL
02-02-2007, 05:27 PM
Great Balls of Fire, ya are getting fixed. The number of times you took "no" and hung in there is amazing. I am sure that after all this, you must be one strong candidate, and that is good for a successful outcome. I was in three days. The PT tried to get me up at 1 1/2 days. Soon as you hit the stairs, you are herded to the curb. Take it easy. I'll PM you and tell you what the nurses really like!