[Cynlite]

Colorado Babe ~ There are a few things I'm considering besides cost when it comes to surgery. I have to make cost not be a deciding factor on where I'll go because I have to put my future health first. But, I think you are right in that appealing the insurance company when all is said and done makes sense. (BTW, I removed you as a hybrid on the spreadsheet because I think that means an ADR next to a fusion.)

I could get the Mobi-C surgery here in Arizona but, I'm not thrilled with the surgeons here so far. I need to keep exploring my options though and try not to taint my decision before I have all the information. So, far all I have gotten is disappointment in my home state because they always say fusion. Dr. Yeung, who I think is one with the most ADR experience here is a Pro-Disc doctor. Because of the HO rate and all the failed surgeries I've read about with this disc, I'm not even going to consider it. So, it's down to the M6-C and the Mobi-C. (BTW, one surgeon thinks I need two discs replaced but, they are not adjacent so, a surgeon with experience doing two adjacent levels with the Mobi-C is not an issue for me.)

I traveled six times to Pittsburgh already for spinal surgery so, I have that experience behind me. It really wasn't pleasant as you can imagine and this has been a long hard road of suffering. I know you get that too! I want to make sure that when I have surgery this time, it will be my best shot at my last time! These are the things I'm thinking about:

Surgeon - Who is the best surgeon to give me the best shot at recovering? I think Dr. Pettine is one of them so, I haven't ruled him out. I think there are three really good ones in Europe as well. The three in Europe have so much experience it's kind of hard to stack anyone in the U.S. up against them. But, like I said before, I won't proceed with surgery until I have explored all my options in the U.S. too.
Disc - What disc is going to give me the lowest HO rate and avoid further degeneration of my spine? I don't have enough information to compare the Mobi-C and M6-C. I just know that in Europe, they use the M6-C more often and the fact that it is self constraining is a selling point.
Physical Therapy - I've read and believe that immediate physical therapy after surgery is critical to the healing process. Dr. Bierstedt charges an extra $2000 euro over Dr. Clavel and I'm pretty sure it's to cover the cost of PT. He offers a very extensive PT program. Here's what his rep said to me "Post-surgical rehab is very beneficial and has a significant impact on the final success of the surgery. The extended stay gives us the chance to supervise for 2 weeks post-surgery including wound control and final check up. That patients would only stay 1-2 days as in-patient and then send home without further close supervision is almost unethical. This procedure is rather associated with costs and legal responsibility – factors that are not really having the focus on the patients well-being and care." I don't know what the other European doctors offer when it comes to PT. In the U.S., many people don't start P.T. until six weeks after surgery. I kind of like Dr. Bierstedt's approach that includes a daily program with massage and guided stretching to wake up the body. I wish we had something like that here.

I am so appreciative of you sharing your experience with me and offering your thoughts and suggestions. Knowing that your migraines went away is huge. I just spent the last two days in bed again because of them. They have completely crippled my life so I cannot make any plans whatsoever. The headaches on top of all the other pain are just a bi***! Every time I read of someone who no longer has them, it makes me happy and gives me hope. I would not wish them on my worst enemy.

I know the experience that you and several others have shared with me is truly invaluable so, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!