[rcbasketball]

An ex athlete I am 52 years old and played sports for recreation (mostly basketball and tennis) . 6'1' 195 I am fit and still in good shape. My original back injury was in 1986. I went through PT for 2 years and slowly got back to playing sports but my back would flare up or go out on me from time to time. With excellent insurance and the best PT and Dr.'s I managed to play basketball till 2006 jumping as high as 36" . In 2007 I was convinced to have a hip labral repair surgery. This made my back even worse. I have 3 flattened discs L2-3 L3-4 and L4-5. I also have annular tears at 3-4 and 4-5. I have seen the had of back surgery at UCLA , USC, DISC, Brottman Hospital and consulted with Dr. Rasouli and Dr. Robert Wadkins. Wadkins consults with the top athletes around the country and has been part of the studies done with Pro Disc.

I have insurance with Anthem Blue Cross who have denied the surgery. I disputed with the Insurance commission who sided with Blue Cross and suggested fusion. Fusion is not an option an I have damaged hips and dont bend well . The cost for the surgery at Cedars Sinai is 70K plus Dr.'s fees likely another 20 to 30K. Wadkins works with Daniel Freeman hospital where the cost is 40K plus Dr.'s fees another 30 or 40K.

Aside from the financial harship Rasouli and Wadkins say I will do great . 2 nights in the hospital, back to work in 2 weeks and full activity in 2 months. From what I read on this site that sounds unlikely. I am told I am a good candidate for the surgery with plenty of space, mostly back pain and a youthful strong body. Can anyone share their ideas and thoughts about my situation. I need to do something as I have no life with an unstable back. I am truly worried about not recovering or what I might have deal with if I have the surgery. I want my life back but want some feedback from people who have had this type of surgery.

Rick