New User - Possible ADR - Feel confused.
 

Hello everyone,

This community seems awesome and i'm happy to have found such a great resource.

I am joining because I have a herniation from an accident years ago that has gotten worse. I am scared because I am still only 27, can still be fairly active, and stay fit. Here is some more info:

MRI

C4-5: Diffuse central bulge, indents thecal sac.

C5-6:Large left posterolateral disc extrusion, moderate compression on ventral surface of the spinal cord, moderate to severe central spinal stenosis.

Pain

I have a constant ache and tightness in many of my back muscles. I feel like I can feel exact point of the herniation and it's effects. I sometimes get tingles, mostly when I am sitting in a stupid position, or letting the wheels of anxiety turn too rapidly.

I have started to develop a bit of low back pain, and sciatica that comes and goes, but I think that is derived from mostly being a lot lazier than normal the past year or so. I have let this get to me (who wouldn't) and have been a lot less active and have experienced depression. I think I can combat it and strengthen my core and assist it's healing process.

MEDICAL ADVICE

My PCP (i'm in the U.S.) tells me I am too young to have surgery, although an ADR would be the best option. She let me seek out a referral. I contacted the Brandon Nuerospine Center in Brandon, FL (I live in Tampa Bay). And went to see a Dr who specializes in spine issues and ADR.

He said I should have a one level mobi-c ADR. That I wouldn't miss much work, and since I am young and fit have a good chance of healing quickly.

After lurking the message board I see a lot of people venturing to Barcelona for treatment with Dr. Clavel.

Are you all paying for this out of pocket? There is no way I could afford 30-40k without a LONG payment plan. My insurance here pays 70% of the copay.

I do not have a great paying job, but there is lots of flexibility, and within the next year I will be starting a career in software development so the opportuinity to make much more is there.


So, all in all, I am confused. Being 27 and facing a major-ish surgery is terrifying. I know there are options but I wish to lessen my pain and have a more structured spine and be able to build strength and enjoy life again. I also do not want the symptoms to get worse and worse. I'm tired of feeling crazy!

Any help or guidance is appreciated. Thank you

Welcome! I am 30, and need the same disc replaced with a Mobi-c. I have moderate canal stenosis, and have tingling and fire patches in my legs from time to time as well as electric shock like pain. Since I scheduled my surgery with Dr Blumenthal I have been feeling great, so I am confused as well!

How long have you been dealing with this?

I am also curious about the OP's question as to how people are paying for surgery overseas.

I read one thread where someone said that their BC/BS insurance paid for everything overseas! I don't expect to get that lucky, but was hoping that my insurance will pay something (e.g., it seems fair for them to pay what they would have paid an in-system provider in the US). Does anyone have any knowledge or advice as to the laws or common procedures in this matter? I don't even want to say anything to the insurance company until I'm sure I'm not sticking my foot in my mouth.

If you have severe stenosis, you should just go ahead and get the 1-level Mobi-c. If c4-c5 goes, they can always go back in there and add another one (and the insurance will most likely cover it because you already have a Mobi-c in there, which is approved for two-levels).

I'm also pretty young, and if I was in your situation, I'd just go for it. The M6-c is probably a better disc, but because you're only at one level, and it looks like your other discs are pretty healthy, I can't imagine there will be any major problems, so why pay $35k+ overseas when you can get a pretty good disc for almost nothing here?

Over the years I've always been told by the (many) surgeons I've seen, they'll only do surgery on me if I experience weakness, have muscle atrophy, or have severe spinal cord compression. None of which I have (just a lot of neck pain and the occasional radiculopathy).

Thanks for the replies all.

I have been dealing with this for 4 years. I was in a very odd accident. I was in a small fishing boat in the channel heading out to fish after lunch with friends. Some person in a much larger boat cuts through the mangroves (not in the channel), is speeding near the wake zone with his bow straight up, sees us at the last second and swerves to avoid us.

Well he didn't, I hit my head/neck while falling back and get knocked out. I wake up and tingle back to life and have had the neck pain ever since. I'm actually lucky only one disc is screwed up. I am still young and try to stay in shape but keep dreaming of being able to have a better structured spine, be able to run and jump without migraines, and to not be terrified of paralysis.

Also, I contacted my insurance (Florida Blue) and I would not be covered in Spain. I work for a small, two location, locally owned business. I love it, but not the best coverage.

Hello to all, i m young too, we all have similare problems.....i want to call any older members to give us feedback for how long do they have disc replaced and maybe my question is "For how long could we expect if everything goes well and with good and responsible behaviour to preserve repleced disc....5,10 years or so?"

James, when you can, pls see:

https://www.adrsupport.org/forums/sh...ad.php?t=11053

I would opt for a one-level stateside, where you have a good chance of getting insurance to pay for everything.

Pichaku, this is James' topic but I'll reply to your question anyway. I had ADR in 2004 and my Charite' is fine. I met the man in Germany who was the first Charite patient, and he was doing fine at that time. He is now 33 years post-op!