Need 2 level cervical ADR - prefer USA - Page 2

KimH in Florida · #11 07-07-2011, 07:37 PM

Surprisingly, the local general practice doc used a code of 'broken back' for the DXA scan; so we were a little worried that the scan would have the neck (which is our interest). I really didn't pay much attention to the other parts, but the hip-neck number was -0.9.

TBI has had Steve's results for over a week, so we are helpful that we'll hear from them soon.

Steve wants to quit the gabapentin because of the possible kidney failure side effect. He's weened himself down to three a day; so he's in a lot of pain.

We have very impatient customers so we don't want to do the same and call TBI, but it's hard to wait...

Harrison · #12 07-08-2011, 09:23 PM

Kim, broken back?! What the heck? Any way, how is Steve? Is he taking anything for the pain? NSAIDs? Enzymes? Also, did you already read the meaty topic I posted on DEXA scans -- samples reports, comments, details therein...

KimH in Florida · #13 07-13-2011, 08:50 PM

We sent the DXA scan results to Texas Back two weeks ago. We called since the pain is getting much worse. Zelma was going to make an appointment, but she wasn't sure if a discogramwas was needed (if so, it would be a separate trip to TX). She will ask Dr. Guyer. Now, we're on hold waiting for that answer. It's hard to be patient when so much pain is involved.

Harrison · #14 07-13-2011, 09:04 PM

Hi Kim, hopefully you will hear back very soon. In the meantime, pls see:

http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/f51...porosis-10179/

if you've not already.

I am still unclear as to what these two things mean:
1. hip-neck number was -0.9
2. 'broken back' for the DXA scan
Please tell me what the density of the bones are at the affected levels, the areas of disease, that may be target areas of the ADR. This is what really matters!

DAnn · #15 07-15-2011, 08:01 PM

Kim,
Just fyi,
I had a cervical hybrid (ADR and fusion) 12 weeks ago at Texas Back. I am doing well. I used a different surgeon, but I have heard wonderful things about Dr. Guyer. I hear he has a great bedside manner, and he is also old tech and new tech both, giving you great options.
Zelma too is great to work with. Don't worry about calling her too much. They are so busy! You can email her too, and I found that that was the best way to make sure she got back to me.
Best of luck.
P.S. I asked about 2 level ADR and they could have done it, I just would have had to pay for the second level b/c insurance wouldn't (and fda doesn't approve). Just make sure you are ok with two level prodisc. Ask a lot of questions and do your research. Look forward to hearing what you two decide to do.
D'Ann

KimH in Florida · #16 07-16-2011, 10:06 PM

D'Ann, thank-you so much for the info. Steve has an appt with TBI Aug 1st. We're fine with paying for the second level ADR. We just want whatever is best for Steve (triathlete/works out 5 days/wk).

Glad to hear all went well with you. Was your second level at C6-7? Any idea if you'll be regaining your strength in you effected arm? Steve's probably lost over 50%.

Are you local to TX Back? If not, how long did you stay in Texas for the surgery trip?

Sorry for so many questions. You're a great find - thanks for any answers.

Kim

christinlal · #17 07-26-2011, 01:27 PM

Dr. Zigler's office was able to schedule an appointment with me to see him within a week, and he ordered tests and made a follow up appointment available to me since I flew into Dallas to see him.
The TBI Plano Office has been extremely helpful.

KimH in Florida · #18 09-10-2011, 10:41 AM

Steve's surgery by Dr Guyer went wonderful on Thursday, Sept 8th. It's the 10th now, this morning he did a complete lap around the outside of the hotel (probably 1/5 of a mile). He had some shivers around 4:30 AM but was able to walk it off. The internet shows that to be from the hydrocodone. He has some pain between his shoulders and that is consistent with what others have already posted about. He's very happy to feel warmth in his hand that he hasn't had in months. He'll taper off the Gabapentin and be more able to tell the improvements so far. His incision site is not very sore at all. If I can attach a picture, this is Steve at 24 hrs post op.