New to forum and in New Zealand

[Hgrantnz]

Hi all,
I'm new to this forum and thank you all for the fantastic information re ADR.
I need to decide between ADR and spinal fusion.
Here in New Zealand there are only 9 surgeons who practice ADR.
The total number of ADR's done over the last 10 years is only 110 and only 10 of these where more than one level ....
As I have read that the experience of the surgeon is so important I am a little concerned...so much so I have approached Prof. Dr. Bertagnoli in Germany.
It looks like I may have a appointment with him in late March 2011 - but it is very expensive !

Are there any other members on this forum here in New Zealand ? If so please could I contact you ?

Just really really sick of this 'pain monster' that lives in my body day and night and has done off and on for the last 25 years ...

[Jstuckey]

Looking at a hybrid myself.
You actually made an appointment in Germany? Did you send your records first? You can ship them almost for free and get some inexpensive to free consultation via email and phone before you get to the appointment level.
If you are willing to see Dr Bertagnoli, get advice from other physicians in other countries as well. I found him to be very expensive also - about $20,000 more for similar procedures. I was more impressed with other surgeons, even outside of the money, for my situation too (more correspondence / more thought into my particular situation).
Keep reading for good names.... there are several doctors mentioned over and over that are experts in the world. I spoke/emailed Bertagnoli, P. Clavel (Barcelona), N. Boeree (UK), and am waiting on a response from L. Pimenta (Brazil). There are others though too.
Best wishes.

[Hgrantnz]

Thanks Joey
I am a bit concerned re lack of comms - ...
Sent MRI and xrays and bone scan to DR B (started approx 2mths ago)
Apparently there is room for me in March ... But price quoted is €36,000 +

Man that is a lot of cash ! Approx $70k in NZ dollars.
Recorded cost for local ADR 2 level is $32k

Just concerned re cheap vs experience

As we all know - you only have one back and it is
Worth way more than $80k .... But ...

Did you get any approx prices from the other international specialists ?
And more importantly - who gave you the most confidence ?

I really don't want a 'muck up' .....

Cheers
H

[Jstuckey]

Money aside, I felt very good about Nick Boeree in the UK. With my mild scoliosis and mild facet degeneration, I had a lot of questions and concerns. Dr Bertagnoli and Clavel both quickly dismissed these concerns - a little more quickly than I was comfortable.
Unfortunately, I have 4 different recommendations at this point:
USA surgeon: (US FDA rules and poor insurance coverage limit options) Fusion L5-S1 plus Charite L4-5 (Cost: not even worth asking about if insurance doesn't pay. I'll go overseas if that's the case)
Dr Clavel: 2 level M6 L4-S1 $40,123 US dollars (hotel included)
Dr. Boeree: Fusion L5-S1 plus 2 level M6 $37,543 US dollars (no hotel)
Dr Bertagnoli: 3 level Prodisc for about $60,000 US dollars (hotel included)

Side note: Nick Boeree had a fee for the phone consultation that was VERY much worth the money. Even if I don't end up in the UK, it was very informative and helped me wrap my head around many issues.
My thoughts: If you don't have any contraindications to ADR, and several opinions come back with the same recommendations, any of these surgeons (and more) are highly qualified. With my boarderline problems and questionable good candidacy for ADR, I got a great feel about Nick Boeree's opinion. He really talked through it with me and did not have his mind made up until doing so.

Like I said earlier, still waiting on an opinion from Dr Pimenta in Brazil. I have read he is excellent, experienced, and has a wide range of options. I have yet to find anything remotely negative on him PLUS reports are that his prices are significantly lower. The exchange rate between US dollars and the Brazilian Real is very much in my favor right now.

So for me.... I'm holding out another couple of weeks before deciding. If my insurance will pay, I'll get the work done locally, but if not, the UK is the best option right now. I would definitely get some more opinions than just one outside of your country. That is a lot of money, and you're right - you only have one back and often times, only one chance at getting this right.

[Harrison]

Welcome, I hope we can help you. Did you know that you can search for members by location? See this link:

http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/members/list/

Then use the advanced search. You’ll find these members, all of whom joined at different dates through the years:

Hgrantnz
Junior Member
02-13-2011

Jonathan
Junior Member
09-28-2008

OsteoRach
Senior Member
1-25-2007

I would send a PM to Jon and Rachel – especially OsteoRach who is super helpful and in the medical field…let us know what you find out!

[Hgrantnz]

Thanks for the advice - I've IM'ed both of them.

On a positive - if not a bit scary.... I have a appointment with Dr B in Germany on the 18th March 2011 !!

[Harrison]

Sure. Duh -- I meant to say that these members are also "Kiwis." You can search by location: country, state, etc.

; )

[JPJH]

Hamish,

I consulted the two main Dr.'s in Germany doing ADR and found them to be the most expensive of the major ADR surgeons in Europe. I also consulted with Dr. Boeree in England and Dr. Clavel in Spain. I liked both of them, but ended up going to Dr. Clavel for my 2 level M-6 ADR in Oct. 2010. There were a few reason I ended up with Dr. Clavel and one of those was the cost. At the time he was the least expensive of the four. One area of the globe you might consider is the Hospital in Bangalor India. It is associated with Harvard Medical Scool (I think I recall that?)and I have read positive ADR outcomes posted on other forums. As for cost it would probalby be the least expensive. The man reason I ruled it out was the distance to get there from the U.S.. I have been to India before and would go back again, but it's a looong trip to go and have surgery. Just my thoughts.

JPJH

[Hgrantnz]

Thanks JPJH
Trying to get hold of osteorach at moment (she lives n NZ) but failing on IM
She had exactly what I need done in 2008 in NZ ! Would much rather get it done here if I can ...
Does anyone know anyone else who has had 2 level plus Ortho surgery one here in NZ ?

I contacted the Ortho registration board here and there have only been 110 ADR ops here in NZ in the last 10 years.... And these are by 9 surgeons ...

Any people who have had 1-2 level ADR in NZ - pls contact me

+64 274 673071 or hgrant@ezibuy.co.nz

Cheers
Hamish