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The Big File All issues not easily categorized in the above forums are here. Comments on general health, diet, "getting comfortable," and more are here. |
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#11
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well im not for the fusion but its not my back.
getting to and from germany isnt a picnic either. dont fly usair there flight 14 and 15 both need new seats in 1st class.heheh and im sure you could have yourseft talked into by the end of the day. chuck
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ddd 1990 2003 mri,xrays,shots,emg 2004 discogram ouch pos l4 l5 facet block neg lost all appeals BCBS 5 months of that 3 surgeons later surgery with dr. bertagnoli aug 2nd 2006 in Bogen Germany Successfully ProDisc-L L-4 L-5 |
#12
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Quote:
Dr. Y's surgical coordinator should be preparing the paperwork sometime soon, so I can wait a week or two and see if anything happens. David
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47 years old Surgery: 14-NOV-2006; Straubing, Germany (Dr. B.) L4-S1: Prodisc |
#13
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david there is a questionair on pro spines web site you will need to fill out. if your bored of waiting
chuck
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ddd 1990 2003 mri,xrays,shots,emg 2004 discogram ouch pos l4 l5 facet block neg lost all appeals BCBS 5 months of that 3 surgeons later surgery with dr. bertagnoli aug 2nd 2006 in Bogen Germany Successfully ProDisc-L L-4 L-5 |
#14
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David,
my cobra just expired but my last attempt to get a hybrid approved (fusion at L5/S1 with Charite at L4/5) was denied. I had Pacificare which was bought out by UHC. When I pressed, they conceeded that they would approve the fusion at L5/S1 but would not approve the adr at L4/5, and did indicate that they would approve at 2 level fusion (since I pointed out that the injury to my L4/5 is the same as to L5/S1). I am now on a state health plan for people whose Cobra has been exhausted. Was hoping to try a 2 level pro disc claim ...until I read what you wrote about no off label use being allowed May have to try the hybrid approach with pro disc with my new ins. Good luck to us!
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Injured 9/01 Annular tears L4/5 & L5/S1 denied adr by insurance for 2 level charite as well as hybrid fusion at L5/S1 with Charite at L4/5. New ins paid for 2 level lumbar prodisc surgery on 4/7/08 (at age 39) with Dr. Westerlund, at Core Orthop |
#15
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The more I wait, the more I hope that my insurance company denies me. The instant they deny me is the instant that I re-contact Dr. B.
At least I will have tried everything I can, have been backed into a corner, and have no other available options. David
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47 years old Surgery: 14-NOV-2006; Straubing, Germany (Dr. B.) L4-S1: Prodisc |
#16
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David: Try looking on ispine - it's a new forum set up by Mark ******* for people who want the hard goods - Mark is a patient advocate who has observed dozens of spine surgeries, is friends with the top surgeons and has helped many. At any rate, he has a lending library that includes the proceedings of the main spine conferences - you might find a/some paper/s on the question you are agonizing over.
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Cervie trying to avoid 3-level fusion |
#17
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Thanks.
I have worked with Mark before, as he was the one that helped me contact Dr. Y, Dr. B, and Dr. Z about a year ago. I tried going with Dr. Y, but his hands are pretty much tied now by the FDA and by Synthes. I really have no other alternatives anymore. I can either do nothing, or I can go to Germany and get on with my life. More than likely, by the end of this week, I will be forwarding Anita the last email I got from Dr. B, in order to start my visit to das Vaterland. David
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47 years old Surgery: 14-NOV-2006; Straubing, Germany (Dr. B.) L4-S1: Prodisc |
#18
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David,
You have been at this fare too long my vote is for Dr B and getting to the other side before more damage is done. You are worth the best and I would rather know you had 2 ProDisc riding that motorcycle then a fusion ProDisc combo. $ comes $ goes and it will always come again. Don't let $ keep you in this hell of a place you are in. My thoughs are with you on this very difficult decision.
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Paulette ProDisc L5-S1 W/Dr Delamarter Aug 23, 2005 L5-S1 DDD Diagnosis 12/04 T-12 Compression Fracture 10/04 C-7 Spines Process Fracture 5/99 http://prodisc2.blogspot.com/ You are my Rock God in you I can do anything |
#19
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Paulette,
Agreed 100%. I waited this year, hoping to have surgery with Dr. Y, but it just isn't going to happen. I will be contacting Dr. B's office shortly, as soon as I can coordinate with my parents, since they will be going with me. Looks like I will find out what Germany is like in the winter (I was in München during the summer, years ago). David
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47 years old Surgery: 14-NOV-2006; Straubing, Germany (Dr. B.) L4-S1: Prodisc |
#20
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David,
Remember me..still waiting to see if WC is going to authorize a fusion at L5S1 and ADR at L4. It's been denied already, then the CA. WCAB sent me to 2nd surgical opinion (a formal one) who actually agreed with the other surgeons re a feasible idea. Now I guess I still have another years worth of waiting to find out the next move by WC... I'm pretty sure no matter what you hear from the insurance company that even with appeals you're still going to beat me to having some kind of surgery done!!! take good care! Maria |
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