[Westwind]

My name is Gene and I am suffering with long term spinal
problems. So far I have lived with the constant pain, but it is slowly
becoming more of a problem. I have met with a number of specialists to
evaluate my problems and hopefully come up with some solutions. They all
agreed that I have serious spinal injuries, but are lacking in the answers
category. I can't even get a consistent diagnosis.

What I know at this point is that I have four damaged discs in my
cervical area along with arthritic changes which include bone spurs. I
also have a damaged disc in the lower lumbar region.

My current doctor suggested a four disc fusion and would not seriously
discuss ADR. His advice was to search out a clinical trial and hope that
I could get them to take exception to the two disc limit that seems to
be the norm in the US. As usual, the European option is not taken
seriously.

I don't like the blind study reality of clinical trials which are
typically spearheaded by surgeons inexperienced in the technique being
tested. That's not good enough when this much is riding on the line.

I want to find the best doctors with the most inexperience in cervical
ADR, but so far that has been a difficult task which has finally led me
here.

I was first attracted to Stenum Hospital. It sounded great, but them I
began reading the input form the forums and took a few steps back when I
read some of the horror stories. What am I supposed to believe? Where
can I get neutral reliable information on doctors who really know there
stuff when it comes to ADR? Which technology is the best for me. Has the
technology really come of age. The list of questions go on.

I know I have to do something about my condition soon, but there's one
thing I don't want to do, and that is make worse, which seems to be a
real possibility if I don't make the right decisions. I need help in
that pursuit. The US doctors I have talked to so far, have not been
helpful. Ideally, I would like to work with a doctor in my area. I live
in California. It's a long way from Germany if something goes wrong,
not to mention the out of pocket expense. Are doctors in US experienced
enough with cervical ADR and would they attempt a four level replacement?

This is getting scary. I hope you can provide some answers and/or point
me in the right direction to get some.