[laid up doc]

See my signature below.... I've exhausted my non-surgical options and am looking at surgery options. I'm having allergy testing next week, but per Prodisc's website, a person getting a prodisc "Must not be allergic to cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, polyethylene or titanium". I'm definitely allergic to nickel, and fear being allergic to any of those other things. Am being tested formally next week, patch testing and LTT blood work.

I feel like i'm in a pickle and in for a big fight.... but still trying to figure out what to fight FOR. I'm hoping SOMEONE out there has won an appeal for 1. out of country ADR for device not available here, or 2. fusion for disc pain...

1. Aetna states that they only cover FDA approved single-level ADR. Which is great, for a lot of people... but not for ME. Prodisc is the only disc currently being made in the US. There are still some Charite's out there, but both contain cobalt and chromium. I'm a highly atopic individual... lucky me. There are titanium discs in Europe - particularly the M6L. I spoke w/ Aetna today - they say they aren't in network w/ any international docs, and my policy covers emergency treatment only.

2. Aetna states that they don't cover fusion for discogenic pain. Isn't it great that 2 of my surgeons unequivocally hate lumbar ADR's and suggest fusion. I would love love love to know of a precedent where Aetna has covered fusion when the ADR available here is contra-indicated.

If anyone has any input on these 2 scenarios, please contact me by PM or on this thread. thank you!!!