[KL Aguilar]

Hi Louis,

I am also new to this site, but have been a "cervie" for eleven years. I have been investigating ADR for two months now, and will probably have a two-level ADR at C5-6 and C6-7. I have never heard of a C6-7 causing face pain. More typical for this level is scapular and arm pain. How big is the bulge? My experience is that once the disc fluid stops leaking, the climbing-the-walls pain eases up. It is my non-medical opinion that you need to get a better diagnosis as to what is causing your pain unless the discogram reproduced the type of pain you normally suffer. 22 degree scoliosis sounds like it might be a big factor in your pain.

Dr. John Regan in Los Angeles, who does ADRs and other surgeries, will examine your films and tests and do a telephone consultation for $100--this might be your best initial step. The Alphaklinik in Germany will also do a brief e-mail consult (possibly for free) if you send your films and reports electronically.

I have been trying to find out about the possibility of cervical ADR in the U.S. and it seems to be available only in clinical trials or under appeal to the FDA (called something like compassionate use).

I am a Workers' Comp patient in California and if have surgery that is not FDA approved, I will lose my rights to future medical costs related to my injury.