3 level C - stenosis - searching best alternative

[Lucelia]

Hi,

This website has been incredible. From the moment I found out that I needed a 3 level cervical "fusion" back in October and after getting over the initial shock, I have been focused on research and this site has been the most helpful! But I am still feeling very overwelmed by all the info. Sometimes the pain is so much that I want to have the surgery done right away and also because I am converned about permanent damage on my spinal cord.

At this point have scheduled surgery with Dr. Bierstedt on January 6th, but I am running into obstacles of going to Germany by myself and I dont have the heart to tell my parents as I think they would worry too much.

I just found out about Dr. Pimenta in Brazil and will contact him on Monday to get his opinion. I have heard some pro and cons about him but i feel that I need to try. Since I am originally from Brazil and travel there for my job abt 6 times a year, it seems that it is worth a try and easier to make travel arrangements since I would have a place to stay, etc.

Disc type - it seems that he uses the PCM, does anyone has an experience about it? Dr Bierstedt has suggested the M6 or Secure Cimplant technology, any thoughts?

I am surprised that none of the doctors that I submitted my films for review have asked for a Bone density test before suggesting surgery. Should they? And there any other tests that should be performed prior to surgery that is not normally performed by the surgeons?

I also have heard about requesting to have a separate vascular surgeon during the surgery. Is this currently done and accepted by the doctors?

I have many questions but will leave it here for now.

Thank you everyone! You have been my inspiration!
Best,
Lucelia

Still having problems nVegating on site, so let me know if I am doing it right.

[Harrison]

Hi Lucelia!

I am sorry you are here, but I hope we can help! I'll post again in a few days or talk to you offline.

I hope you can have a pain-free New Year.

[Jen93312]

A bone density test is absolutely necessary in my opinion! Research subsidence after ADR and see how painful it is.

I also think a metal allergy test is wise, especially if one is considering a ProDisc. I'm assuming with a three level that you probably aren't as it is well documented how they have a tendency to split the vertebrae in multi-level ADR's.

Good luck!

[Lucelia]

Still trying to make the best decision. I have seen today yet another doctor from a very respectable hospital in NYC. Did my due diligence, read his profile, and it looked promising, ADR experience, etc. He agreed that I need a surgery, sooner than later. He offered to do fusion or ADR and it was the first to say he could do a 3 level. However he said he has done a 3 level a few times, maybe less than 10 and 2 level maybe 20 times or more. He said the surgery was not covered by the insurance and it was a length process to find out how much it would cost but if I was interested in doing it he would start the process. After a 10 minutes consultation I left his office thinking that I had no choice but to go overseas. It seems that it will be very difficult to find a doctor that has enough experience to do the surgery that I need in the US. And if I did find one that has the experience. it will probably not be affordable since this doctor was very clear to say that I should not expect anything to be reimbursed by the insurance.

Still waiting for an answer from the Texas Back Institute and from Dr. Pimenta in Brazil.

Best,
Lucelia

[Harrison]

Lucelia,

I will merge this with your previous post...hope that's OK. This will be your topic and allow us to comment and focus our energies on your situation. Happy New Year!

[Harrison]

Jen raised an excellent point...did you have a DEXA scan yet? Results?