I'm new here - need 3 disc fusion - looking at options

[Lillyth]

Originally Posted by Harrison

Just to set the record straight, many US docs have performed multi-level surgery, up to 3 levels. Of course, it's not as common as the German docs, but it happens every day.

Wow. Where? How do they get paid? I only know of docs who do two levels, and they only can do it on workmen's comp cases.

[Lillyth]

Originally Posted by Grover771

About 5 weeks. Looking into Fentanyl patch.

Five weeks shouldn't hurt you. Is this for pain management until you can get the surgery? Also, DO be aware that Fentanyl has a tendency to shut down your bowels, so I would be worried about the pain that might cause when you are trying to go. It might press on the torn disc.

[wineaux]

Hi Grover,

Lillith is absolutely right, it will shut things down. But, your body will also get used to it after a bit. For that reason, if you’re looking for something to reduce pain until surgery, I would start asap on at least the 12.5 so that your body gets used to it and that side effect is long gone by surgery time. That probably wouldn't be fun with a nice new incision. I’m a bit of an elephant when it comes to medicine, but for me, no loopiness at all. No “euphoria”. That said, I’m pretty sure I’m far from normal, so please take it slow. All it really did was dull the pain, just like you said about the vicodin, but it took me from standing for 30 secs to 3 minutes to more like 3-5 minutes, which is actually a lot more significant than someone might think when it comes to doing things.

Also, most of the scary stories you’ve probably read were based on the “pouch” type. At this point, I think most of the pharmaceutical companies that have a generic version are in the process of, or have finished, switching over to the dot matrix style, which is flat vs. having a “pouch” of medicine. The scary OD stories are mostly about the pouch breaking and releasing the medicine too quickly, so ask your pharmacist for the dot matrix type. Interstingly, I like the Sandoz brand and ask for it specifically because Mylan doesn't work for me at all and also doesn't stick on me very well, but my pharmacist says everyone else does the opposite and asks for Mylan and thinks it works better, so different strokes.

Good luck and take care.

[Harrison]

Lillyth, Texas Back quoted a cervie patient $44k for a 3 level disc replacement a few weeks ago. If I needed a multi-level, that would be one of the clinics I would seriously consider.

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by Harrison

Lillyth, Texas Back quoted a cervie patient $44k for a 3 level disc replacement a few weeks ago. If I needed a multi-level, that would be one of the clinics I would seriously consider.

Lilllyth,

FYI I was quoted 78K for a three level lumbar at TBI. Of course to answer your question this was completely out of pocket. (Some) U.S. docs can do multi-level, the trick is getting insurance to pay for it. :P

-Jeff

[Harrison]

Ouch, $78K. Yikes.

[Lillyth]

Originally Posted by Harrison

Ouch, $78K. Yikes.

That's how much I am paying for SIX levels in Barcelona! Screw the states man...

[Grover771]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I'm STILL reading and reading... Have two calls/emails in to two other docs (one in MD who has done multilevel ADR) and one here in FL who is ProDisc trained. It looks like a hybrid surgery would be the best choice my insurance company would approve. I just want someone to at least tell me that I'd be a candidate! Hoping to hear back tomorrow.

I've added Lidoderm patches to my daily "intake" of pain management. They seem to help. Reading all of your postings, that you lived with pain for a year or more.. Just bums me.. As its only been 6 months and I'm beginning to feel defeated. Just thankful that some of you have actually had success with multilevel ADR and/or hybrid in the US. Out of the country surgery isn't an option for me.. So I continue to comb the Internet, to try and identify the best here for ADR. If anyone could recommend ProDisc surgeons on US, I'd be grateful.

[Lillyth]

Originally Posted by Grover771

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I'm STILL reading and reading... Have two calls/emails in to two other docs (one in MD who has done multilevel ADR) and one here in FL who is ProDisc trained. It looks like a hybrid surgery would be the best choice my insurance company would approve. I just want someone to at least tell me that I'd be a candidate! Hoping to hear back tomorrow.

I've added Lidoderm patches to my daily "intake" of pain management. They seem to help. Reading all of your postings, that you lived with pain for a year or more.. Just bums me.. As its only been 6 months and I'm beginning to feel defeated. Just thankful that some of you have actually had success with multilevel ADR and/or hybrid in the US. Out of the country surgery isn't an option for me.. So I continue to comb the Internet, to try and identify the best here for ADR. If anyone could recommend ProDisc surgeons on US, I'd be grateful.

Dr. Zeigler in Texas. Texas Back Institute. What insurance do you have?

[Grover771]

Originally Posted by Lillyth

Dr. Zeigler in Texas. Texas Back Institute. What insurance do you have?

BCBS Fl. Saw on the ProDisc website that Fl insurance companies did not cover lumbar..but they do have entire department commited to helping get insurance approval. Will look them up, thanks Lillyth.