As a tax-payer and a family member of a serviceman, I am so angered they do not take better care of you guys!
That being said, I am glad you were able to get an ADR, as all the studies I have seen say ADR is WAY better than fusion.
Gotigers, I really hope the OP has some sound advice for you.
BTW, the data out of Europe (and US clinical trials) supports ADR as the best solution. They have been doing it in Europe since 1990, so you are probably looking at more like 30 years out instead of ten. By my way of thinking, another surgery 30 years down the line for your life back is no big deal, really.
I do have a good friend who works for the VA that I could ask about this stuff, if you like. I'm not sure what he does exactly, but I'd be happy to shoot him an email if you would like.
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Multiple traumas to spine starting age 13.
1st American to have 6 ADR's in one surgery. C3-4 - C/7, & L5-S1 - L3-4.
Surgery w/ Dr. Clavel, 3/18/13, M6.
Before surgery: severe spinal stenosis C5/C6 (cord "flattened" per stateside doc), + for Hoffman's & Babinsky's.
At time of surgery: 5 yrs MAX before ending up in wheelchair.
Clavel found L5-S1 partially fused. Had to cut it apart to put in M6.
Please excuse brevity - SEVERE carpel tunnel.
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