Ok, so, what are the different types of disc available for ADR? Is there a preferred type based on success & longevity?

What is the difference between Prodisc & Charitee?

Thanks in advance http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

The real differences between the Prodisc and Charite can be found with a search here or on the web.

As an absolute rule, there is no data available at all that indicates that one ADR is preferrable in any way over another, other than the biased 'studies' funded by the Maverick producer that were loaded with bad science and worse statistical analysis. There just isn't any driving need for the manufacturers to produce a study to show which ADR is best for any definition of best and without the driving need there isn't any money to do the study. There are lots of thoughts and much debate here but there are no studies other than those being used in a smear campaign by one manufacturer and they fail to compare their own device to those being smeared.

Lindsay I personally made the FAQ` s for you - - -lol http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

All the stuff you will ever need is in the FAQ`s as this

http://adrsupport.org/eve/forums/a/t...1/m/1481000181

http://adrsupport.org/eve/forums/a/t...1/m/9531000181


Charitee

http://www.charitedisc.com/charitedev/domestic/patients...ut_whatisCHARITE.asp

Best
Alastair http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Thank you very much, I'll go take a look http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

It was seeing another post talking of preference over one or the other & the longevity but I guess that as ADR is still relatively in it's infancy compared to other procedures, we can at this time only go on the research & testing to date.

I have to admit, that if indeed I will be considered at candidate for ADR, that there will be a good longevity in the disc as at 33, I wouldn't want to be going for repeat ops every 10-15 years!

Thanks again http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

I'm sorry about not reading your signature well enough the first time. You mention that you have facet joint arthritis. That could easily block any chance at ADR or complicate a sucessful ADR and lead to long-term problems. While you research disks, there have been a large number of discussions about facet damage and its potential effects and possible future facet joint replacments. You might want to look over what's there before making any decisions.

Thanks Anna http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Yes I had picked up on that myself. I've got to go & pick up my past xrays & scans to take with me to Mr Lam so that he can see them & then I assume he'll do new ones?

If it turns out that I have to live with things as they are for at least sometime longer, at least I can tell myself I've looked into everything so far & do as a previous Dr told me & put up with it http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_frown.gif

Only time now is going to tell http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Thanks again

Hey, Lyndsay........after reading your posts, I can see we've had some similar outcomes in our search for answers to the problem. One doctor told me that I was going to have to "live with it." He went on to say, "do you see any back centers or pain management clinics in third world countries?" I was totally floored by this reputable spine surgeon.
Do citizens of the UK get some type of universal health care?
I would think that like anywhere the level of insurance probably depends on your financial situation.
I've read some good stuff about Dr. Lam. I wonder how much out of pocket he would charge for a one or two level adr...do you have any idea?

All inclusive fees summarised below: Mr Lam

4 day hospital stay + implants + Surgeon fee + Anaesthetic fee + MRI/consultations x2



1) Single level £11,000 (US$19,250)

2) 2 level £15,000 (US$26,250)

3) Discograms £1200 (US$2100)

Prosthesis used
LUMBAR: Mainly Prodisc-L, rarely Maverick (in those very young, i.e. less than 30 years old because of much improved wear characterisitics).



CERVICAL: Mainly Prodisc-C, occasionally Prestige (BUPA patients since BUPA only reimburse for Prestige and Bryan). I do not use Bryan because it needs to cut out the unnecessary excess number of steps.

Hi JFerg & thanks. The health service in the UK can be somewhat third world at times http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_frown.gif Luckily my husbands job gives us the private insurance with BUPA.

I'm now getting quite nervous about my appointment on Monday! I've seen Mr Lam on the TV (which is where I first found out about the op) & have read nothing but praise for him but there's still that bit of insecurity because of how badly I've been treated (& ignored) for so many years.

Alistair ~ I emailed you earlier in the week but not sure if you got it?

Hi Lindsay,
yes I got your e-mail and did reply to it, basically I said you should be "quietly confident of amazingly better treatment than you have experienced in the past".

It is usually immediately prior to surgery they do a diskogram or the day before, I hope it all goes well, sorry my e-mail has not arrived with you as yet -- -- good luck on Monday, I guess he's going to do x-rays and maybe an MRI scan plus a physical examination.
Best,
Alastair http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif