Hello everyone,
My name is Kathy. I'm new to the forum
but not to the pain. I have been around since Back Pain support group started.Mark at *** infomed me about this site. I am a nurse. injured my back lifting a patient in Sept. 2000.
L4/L5 discectomy April 2001. Workmans Comp. system nightmare. Some of you know the drill. I have no money for ADR and this is the only surgery I will consider. I have now degenerated to 3 levels. Went to the Spine Symposium last May in NYC that Mark put together. It was awsome. I met some wonderful spineys and learned so much. I also met Dr. Bertognoli and told him I was his future 3 level adr patient. U.S. Dr's say I need 3 level spinal fusion. (I'm 42) I haven't worked in 5 years. existing on pain medication and suffering with severe headaches. I am in the fat man squeeze between WC, Lawyers who will not help me and Medicare. I was injured in the state of N.C. Thanks for letting me vent.

Kathy,

Welcome to the forum! I am sorry to hear of your past back troubles. Feel free to vent, cry and share... we are here to support our fellow members!

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of help.

Justin

Hi Kathy,
well as you probably know, we have quite a few nurse members on here who have suffered exactly the same as you have, it's an occupational hazard.

Interestingly enough after surgery, most of those nurses have studied, and done further exams so they are away from the lifting problems in the future -- -- -- but still are in a good administrative position within the hospital system http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Yes we have people here with three levels who have gone to Dr B. and also some who went to Dr Zeegers that have had three levels.

I don't understand your insurance system as I live in the UK, but I hope and pray that something will work itself out financially so you can get the treatment that you deserve
Best wishes,
Alastair http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Greetings Kathy and welcome to our community. Each member here has used this platform to vent, question, share, and befriend. I am still in the process of dealing with workers' compensation, but I feel very fortunate that I have a great team of honest and supportive professionals. BTW, Alastair, many of us who live in the US don't understand our insurance system. http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common.../icon_razz.gif

Kathy,
Welcome aboard!
Three level fusion...........I had 3 prominent spine surgeons tell me that's what I needed, and each one said they would not perform the surgery; one even explained I would damage his success record!
I hope you find relief for your pain and situation soon......
God bless,

Jeff

Kathy, welcome. And I hope we can help you along your way to wellness... http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Kathy,

I am trying to place your face from the NYC Symposium held last May - but I am unable to... I don't think we met. Anyways, I too am an RN, injured on the job lifting a patient and went through work comp H@LL!!! That injury cause me to be a chronic pain patient for 3 years or so from 2001. I am 1 1/2 yrs post op from a 2 level ADR performed by Dr. Bertagnoli. So far doing okay (compared to pre-surgery) and keeping fingers crossed.

Please feel free to PM me anytime.

Sincerely,
Poncho