Mechanical Solution for a Mechanical Problem
 

Over the last year my condition has deteriorated beyond my tolerance, unless I wish to restrict myself to a wheel/power chair. The first opinion was for a double fusion with cages and my own marrow. Concerned this will put undue stress on L3-L4 which looks healthy on MRI. Not sure if my surgeon #1 doesn't do ADR or my weight caused him to not bring it up, thing I'm going to talk to my wife tonight about doing something about that.

I'll see surgeon #2 near the end of November and then decide if I want a third opinion. If anyone knows of ADR specialists in Maryland, I'd love to know about them.

Mike

Goggle Clayton Dean and/or Charles Edwards II. Maybe Paul Mcfee also still does ADR

Look at GmbH or Spain/Bertagnoli and Clavel....FWIW

Spondylolisthesis depending on grade is a contradiction to ADR

Conn.
 

Dr Yule in conn. And Goldstein in NYC.?

Your right....it is Pete if you don't have a stabilization system like the 360 mobility system Bertagnoli uses....(on me). That's why he came up with that...

I'm not certain what level of spondylolisthesis I have at L4/3 but, I do not believe there is any at L5/1.

I've also largely ruled out the first opinion as the thought of returning for questions after an average wait of over an hour on two appointments is beyond my tolerance. While I was sent into a panic attack after being told their was a lot of hope for a solution, the glitter has worn off.

Spent a sleepless night after talking to my wife about medical tourism... Many unknowns right now and what ifs.

Thanks for the suggestions.

This apparently is what a Grade I spondy at looks like at two levels (4-5mm). Clavel ruled it out for ADR even at grade I.

Can you identify which vertebral bodies are involved? I think that image is of L4/5 and L5/1 but, I'm not certain.

yes, those two. the L5-S1 shows almost no disc left. The other shows protrusion, and other images make it appear to indent the canal even more. All I know is that I've had pain down both legs for many years. Before my neck repair, I would still run on that screwed up back. I actually don't believe running made it any worse

Here is how Bertagnoli solves the spondylolisthesis issue.....it's his own innovation.
Attachment 734

X-ray Dr B
 

Fathub "Here is how Bertagnoli solves the spondylolisthesis issue.....it's his own innovation". WOW, is that your lumbar spine pic?? Thanks

Do you set off metal detectors at airports?!!

Any risks that those screws could halo or loosen? Perhaps not as much since there's mobility invovled? What does he use besides rods in conjunction with the pedicle screws? It looks like it has flex.

Thanks for the reply, had to pull up a couple other lumbar spine MRI images with labels to be 100% certain I was seeing things right. Pretty sure mine is slipped worse than that, appreciate the ability to compare.

Wow, can't really made heads or tails of the gear you have in there.

No it's a friend of mine that I helped get over there.....

Here's his background on this.... http://dr-bertagnoli.com/360-motion-...n-surgery.html

no believe it or not....but a hand scanner will detect it......I keep a copy of the fixtures stapled inside my Passport and also a picture of the X-ray on my iPhone to prove it....

X-ray Dr B
 

Fathub; Amazing the entire lumbar spine involved , correct? Are the upper two fused? How is this person doing? Maybe they can post some of their experience(s) / updates here. That would be very interesting to hear about and follow. Thanks for posting the x-ray.

NO FUSING…..all 360 Mobility Preservation units that Bertagnoli developed himself……I've only got one at L4/3 because of the the spondylolisthesis

How Long to Consider?
 

Wondering how much time members have taken to make their decisions?

I have some pressure from family and work to do something now, luckily they are in the minority and most are kept at bay being informed I am moving forward seeking additional opinions. I'm of the mind set they I am largely playing with my life here (in terms of my future, not so much in terms of not surviving) so while I want a solution yesterday, I'm not rushing.

P.S. Just contacted Prof. Dr. Bertagnoli's team.

Surving Til Surgery
 

Standing and walking become agony after a few minutes and I suspect fighting to stay up would drive the scale beyond my ability to cope. Thus far, I've been listening to my pain and take a seat.

Luckily my pain dissipates to zero upon sitting, so the less I move the less I hurt. Pain is present when lying down, so sleep is a real issue. Sleep deprivation it taking a toll on my Sunny Disposition, ability to concentrate and work effectively.

I've requested a modified work arrangement to allow me to work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On those days, I would have more control of my level of activity, be able to nap/rest between work sessions, etc.

Initially it appeared that this would be a easy way forward but, now my employer is asking for a lot more information (scan results, detailed medical questionnaire, surgery date) so I am not so hopeful.