[Cynlite]

I just wanted to see if you have been tested for the Radio Frequency Ablation of the facet joints? (also called Facet Rhizotomy.)

I have had six minimally invasive spinal surgeries with four of them cervical to get rid of the horrible non-stop headaches that sometimes turn into migraines and two thoracic to try to correct the problems I have with my legs (I think the problem is cervical but, that's another story.) Finally, in 2013 after 7 years of suffering, a Pain Specialist tested me for the above procedure and in the middle of a level 10 pain headache it magically faded away in one second. OMG HEAVEN ON EARTH! The procedures only last about 10 months for me (had each side done separately) before the headaches returned because the nerves grow back but, it allows me to THINK again and at least function. I just finished two more procedures a week ago. Message me if you want to know more.

FYI, I just this week started emailing with Malte Petersen and have not had any issues as of yet. They now have my complete package. Dr. Clavel is also on my list of doctors to contact. I see Dr. Porter at the Barrow Institute on the 23rd so, that will be my first U.S. surgeon on this round. I'm waiting to find out what these surgeons think of my prognosis so, can't say much about that but, last time the surgeons locally all wanted to do a two level fusion on my neck and I declined. Last round of surgeries went from 2006 - 2010 but, I never improved that much from the minimally invasive surgeries (total cost excluding insurance premiums was about $30,000.). I traveled from Phoenix to Pittsburgh for those surgeries and I did not know anything about ADR at the time. I've got 9 years into this journey and am really desperately hoping that either Dr. Bierstedt or Dr. Porter have the answers because I'm really in bad shape right now and it came on really fast over the last three months. If I can hang in there, I'll contact Dr. Clavel and get him my package as well.

I already know I'll have to appeal my insurance and wait to try and get the Mobi-C with no guarantee they will approve a two level surgery. I'm not in your profession so, either the Mobi-C or the M6-C would probably be fine for me but, I'm really leaning towards the M6-C. It makes sense to me to have a game plan that does not involve waiting even if it does break the bank. Quality of life is more important than preserving cash for later. My point of all this is that surgeries done in the U.S. can also not work so, I think it's always going to be a bit of a gamble anywhere you have it done. I would not go back to my old surgeon in the U.S. at this point. For me, picking a great surgeon is the most important part of the equation. I missed the mark the first time at least for me but, he had some very good reviews from others including a professional wrestler.

Thanks so much for all the information you have shared! Sorry for the long post but, hopefully you found some useful information in it. This is a very good thread. Be well!