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International Assistance Any topics relating to traveling or communicating with international treatment locations are here. |
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#11
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Whoever you get an evaluation from, make sure they understand this. With these symptoms, you need to go straight to the front of the line.
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32 Years Old C5-C6: Disc bulge, bone spurs, mild cord compression; Arm/Shoulder Pain, both sides. L5-S1: Mild disc bulge, managed with physical therapy |
#12
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Thank you
Hi, Cynlite: Yes. I am on narcotics. I do have a lumbar mri scan and it does show that I have an issue there. I do have health insurance, two kinds.
I got into a neurosurgeon 2 weeks ago, and he scheduled surgery immediately after seeing my cervical MRI. It's been really, really bad for a very long time. BUT, nobody would help me....Nobody. I left his office in tears that someone was nice to me, showed me where the problems were, let me ask questions, AND he answered them, AND he treated me with respect.....AND he was going to do surgery, and the Mobi-C at C4-6. Surgery was Monday. The pain was bad, bad, bad but that's ok if it gives me my life back (pain like mine is to be expected because I was on narcotics for so long, and injured for so long). Thank you! Quote:
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Mild bilateral facet hypertrophy C2-C6 and with severe posterior osteophyte complex from C2-3/C5-6. Herniations at C3 to C5-6 with severe bilataral foramimal and canal stenosis at C4-5/C5-6 contacting cord. SURGEON REPORT: Moderate to severe cord compression C4-5/C5-6. Flattening cord at C4-5 Severe narrowing of the C5 nerve root. Cord is compressed, forced against lamina. C4-5/C5-6 worst. ADR suggested at C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 Associated Diagnoses: Brachial Neuritis |
#13
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Surgery Scheduled Day Of Consult
Thank you very much for commenting, and caring.
I had an appointment with a neurosurgeon proficient in the Mobi-C implant. He took one look at MRI report and scheduled surgery that day. I had surgery this past Monday. Doing pretty good, thanks. I didn't tell him about the bowl or bladder issues, because he was so concerned about paralysis, and he treated me such respect, kindness and caring that I forgot!! lol I haven't had a surgeon even SHOW me the MRI pictures, or let me ask questions, nothing. And, for him to have been as kind as he was. I felt so---I don't have an adjective for how I felt. I was in tears when I left his office--giddy as school girl while still in his exam room. I was so excited, and just amazed someone was being nice to me. I was on cloud 9 on the drive home. His entire staff was terrific. Thank you very much.
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Mild bilateral facet hypertrophy C2-C6 and with severe posterior osteophyte complex from C2-3/C5-6. Herniations at C3 to C5-6 with severe bilataral foramimal and canal stenosis at C4-5/C5-6 contacting cord. SURGEON REPORT: Moderate to severe cord compression C4-5/C5-6. Flattening cord at C4-5 Severe narrowing of the C5 nerve root. Cord is compressed, forced against lamina. C4-5/C5-6 worst. ADR suggested at C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 Associated Diagnoses: Brachial Neuritis |
#14
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Surgery Covered By Insurance
Surgery was scheduled immediately after I saw a neurosurgeon proficient in the Mobi-C technology. The only money I had spend was on a driver, and hotel rooms for us night before surgery.
I am not in as much danger, and chances are quite likely I will not be in nearly as much pain as I was. Thanks a bunch for caring to comment. I have been absolutely desperate, and scared to death, for a few years now. Thanks.
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Mild bilateral facet hypertrophy C2-C6 and with severe posterior osteophyte complex from C2-3/C5-6. Herniations at C3 to C5-6 with severe bilataral foramimal and canal stenosis at C4-5/C5-6 contacting cord. SURGEON REPORT: Moderate to severe cord compression C4-5/C5-6. Flattening cord at C4-5 Severe narrowing of the C5 nerve root. Cord is compressed, forced against lamina. C4-5/C5-6 worst. ADR suggested at C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 Associated Diagnoses: Brachial Neuritis |
#15
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Successful
I kept going, and found a surgeon about 4 hours from here proficient in the Mobi-C. He scheduled surgery immediately.
He said I was a good candidate for the surgery. I was worried I wouldn't be either. Surgery was on 3/30. Was released the next day. Thanks a bunch. Quote:
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Mild bilateral facet hypertrophy C2-C6 and with severe posterior osteophyte complex from C2-3/C5-6. Herniations at C3 to C5-6 with severe bilataral foramimal and canal stenosis at C4-5/C5-6 contacting cord. SURGEON REPORT: Moderate to severe cord compression C4-5/C5-6. Flattening cord at C4-5 Severe narrowing of the C5 nerve root. Cord is compressed, forced against lamina. C4-5/C5-6 worst. ADR suggested at C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 Associated Diagnoses: Brachial Neuritis |
#16
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Successful
Thank you for your advice. I had those concerns myself. I am very glad to share that I found a neurosurgeon that scheduled surgery immediately after seeing my MRI (it was *dangerous* mess, alright). I had surgery on 3/30.
I still have some more issues--Mobi-C only good for two levels as of right now. It's all a start. Now--My lower back. Smiles Thanks again Quote:
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Mild bilateral facet hypertrophy C2-C6 and with severe posterior osteophyte complex from C2-3/C5-6. Herniations at C3 to C5-6 with severe bilataral foramimal and canal stenosis at C4-5/C5-6 contacting cord. SURGEON REPORT: Moderate to severe cord compression C4-5/C5-6. Flattening cord at C4-5 Severe narrowing of the C5 nerve root. Cord is compressed, forced against lamina. C4-5/C5-6 worst. ADR suggested at C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 Associated Diagnoses: Brachial Neuritis |
#17
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Congratulations on your surgery Renee! I'm glad everything eventually worked out well for you and that your insurance company stepped up to the plate. Sometimes it is the insurance company's fault and sometimes it is the doctor's office fault. I know the communication breakdown often drives me crazy! Navigating through our healthcare system is a challenge for all of us. Sadly, it can sometimes be detrimental to one's health and I'm so sorry you experienced this kind of failure. Thank goodness it's behind you now and you have a good surgeon in your corner. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
P.S. If you continue to have bladder and bowel trouble, I highly recommend you speak to your doctor or his nurse about it because it can turn into something serious.
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2006: epidural shots did nothing; 2 surgeons recommended 2 level fusion, I declined. 2007 - 2010 4 foraminotomy and cord decompression cervical surgeries and 2 endoscopic discectomy T7-T8 surgeries; total 6 with Dr. Jho (Pittsburgh,PA) My C6/C7 autofused around 2009. 2013 - 2015: epidurals 3 times (again did nothing) and 4 Radiofrequency ablation (or RFA) procedures. 2016 more RFAs, hit the 10 year mark of this insanity and pain, 3 level M6-C ADR with Dr. Clavel May 19, 2016 |
#18
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Renee,
Congratulations on making to the other side and on finding a US surgeon that you like and trusted. I trust that a week out of cervical surgery that you're already feeling better than before surgery? Please update us when you're able; and good luck!
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C4/5 - ACDF in 2000 C5/6 - ACDF in 2002 C3/4 & C6/7 - M6 ADR, Nov 2009, Barcelona Conceded defeat to a manifestly disingenuous BCBS-TX in my quest for reimbursement, Jan 2011 |
#19
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Similar
similar to JSS, I too have fusion at 4/5/6 peek cage at 3/4, which I wouldn't have done that one! thankfully my facet are in good shape going to Clavel for adr c6/7/t1 early may. I feel I have no choice even with the concerns post op back here. they are only giving me two options here: more fusion or do nothing either of which I'm screwed! prayers are welcomed. I feel that I have waiting to long, symptoms are so bad, and we don't leave for four weeks! we have to wire at least 65% of our money today. taking that plunge is scary!!!
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54 yr old female 5'7" 147 lbs. non-smoker conservative treatments failed 2007 fusion @ C4-6 peek cages, failed due to long term use of cox-2 inhibitor 2008 revised C4-6 donor bone, plate & screws 2009 fusion with Roi-C @ C3-4 2015 MRI & CT mjr ddd @ C6-7, segmental kyphosis at C7-T1, 2-level M6-C prosthesis by Dr. Clavel Barcelona Spain 2019 H.O. formed behind M6-C @ C6-7 left nerve rt & in spinal canal. 2020 Revision C6-7 to a CP-ESP prosthesis by Dr. Schmitz Dusseldorf Germany |
#20
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Congratulations Renee, that's wonderful news, finding a surgeon you like & trust and getting the surgery done so quick. Wishing you full & speedy recovery, and look forward to your future posts and love to know your symptoms pre & post surgery!
Dema & Raouf
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7/2007 Whiplash injury 11/2009 Cervical disc herniation C3-C6 (C5-C6 worse) 2010-2013 Conservative treatments (drugs, PT, epidurals, prolotherapy, acupuncture...etc), little effect on pain Considering surgery (typical questions, which type & which surgeon!) |
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over-seas; denied care; 3-level cervical implants; severe spinal cord injury |
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