Making the Leap - who to choose?

[Stonewall_Boris]

Hi,

I don't know if this will help or not.

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I hope it does help.

[LauraB]

Thank you so much Mark, Stonewall, and Dema for your responses. My decision, I believe, is really between Dr. Bertognoli and Dr. Bierstedt. I feel that either choice would leave me in excellent hands. Dr. Bertognoli's office has been extremely diligent about providing timely information and answering all my probing questions. I just heard back from Malte Petersen (Dr. Bierstedt's office) today. Financially the cost of treatment is about the same between both; give or take $1000/$2000 - as Dr. Bertognoli's office does not pick up the cost of hotels or transportation, but does provide discounts and assistance. With this aspect out of the picture, it really is a decision of possible devices. Dr. Bertognoli has suggested using the ProDisc Nova which seems to be a simpler predecessor of the M6. I've heard some negativity about the keeled design of the M6 - so being I'm not an engineer, I would be happy to hear any opinions about that.

Dema, I wish you the best. It seems like we are in the same boat. Please keep in touch and I will do the same. This forum has maintained my sanity and anxiety level while trying to make the best informed decision. THANK YOU ALL!!!!!

[2Confused]

Hi Laura,

The decision was the hardest part of the procedure! Once my mind had been made up I felt a release, the tension dissipated and I knew I had arrived at the right conclusion! Then when I met Dr. Clavel I immediately was comforted by his caring, confident manner. My surgery was in Oct. 2012 and I am continually amazed at how good I feel.... I truly did not expect to be 100% pain free ever again after my accident, but I'm happy to report that I am pain free & the nerve pain is gone also! We are in the process of planning another trip to Spain... We liked Dr. Clavel and his group so much that we decided we want the one year follow up done by him and at Quirón.
I'm sure you will do fine! I think, if I read correctly you too will have C 5-6 & 6-7. I love my new neck and I love living pain free! Best of luck to you!

[LauraB]

2confused: So happy to hear that you hit the "1 year" mark and doing great! That is the added confidence I need to hear too. I've heard great comments about Dr. Clavel; unfortunately he hasn't been able to respond to my diagnostic reports (vacation, maybe?) Have you returned to normal activity without pain or problems? I'm not sure I remember what it feels like to be without pain altogether. There are some days, it is tolerable - but then again I really can't be overly active in any way without paying a price. I'm soooo looking forward to getting my active life back - no more restrictions and relying on others to do things for me. Happy healing to you - Bravo!

[2Confused]

Laura,

I'm doing everything I want to except for surfing. I am sure the neck would hold up, but I am not sure if I have the confidence, i'm not sure that I am fit enough after 3+ years of weight gain and loss of muscle strength. I am in Pilates 2 -3 days a wk, paddleboarding as often as possible, walking 7 days a week and slowing beginning to jog/run - running is not my fav exercise! LoL. I am going to start back kick-boxing in the fall. So YES! I can do anything I want! The only thing that bothers me is too much work in front of a computer, but it's strictly achiness in the shoulders. NO NECK PSIN!

Like you, I had forgotten what it felt like to fell good! Everyone is amazed at how quickly I recovered and began living again! My doctor here had talked about disability!!! Which was a terrifying thought for me - prior to accident I had always been active.
My husband and I were very impressed with the compassionate care and the confidence Dr. Clavel portrays - it made us both more comfortable in the situation of being away from "home" for medical care. Not sure why Dr. Clavel or someone has not responded -- Yolanda is getting married so that may be one reason. I know most in Europe consider August the time for summer holiday...
I have been corresponding with Yolanda, planning our return trip & one year evaluation, but am unsure of her wedding date but know it is prior to Oct. 1. Maybe you should send a second message?

[LauraB]

2confused: Again, you are an inspiration. Unfortunately this course of treatment will exhaust my funds - probably down to nothing, but I'm hoping that I can go back to work full-time. I have been working as a substitute teacher only because I couldn't rely on my health. Like you, (same age) I'm also very active and can't wait to go skiing again -pain free (definately will need to start another fund). I've gained weight too and my muscle atrophy is getting worse - I know it will be an uphill battle to try and get in shape again. I've never tried surfing, but it is on my list. My husband kiteboards, and although I was up for it a few years back, I've seen to many body slams on the beach - not worth another trip to the ER.
I will drop a reminder to Dr. Clavel again; just to see what happened, but at this juncture - I feel I couldn't go wrong with Dr. Bertognoli or Dr. Bierstedt.
Thanks again - you gave me a renewed sense of well-being. yeah!

[NJ Gene]

LauraB, I wanted to mention a couple things that you might want to be aware of. First of all Skype offers an unlimited calling plan to Europe for $99.00 a year. If you sign up for it, you basically have a U.S. number that you dial from a select set of phone numbers (I have three, our home phone, my cell phone, and my wife's cell phone). Once you dial that number it prompts you to dial the full international phone number you are calling. I found this invaluable when trying to get in touch with European surgeons. I guarantee you that a telephone call will save you a lot of time in communicating with any of them.

Additionally, although your medical costs will be expensive, it will be tax deductible on Schedule A of your tax return to the extent it exceeds 10% of your adjusted gross income. The threshold used to be 7.5%, but for 2013 and going forward it is 10%. That means that all medical (and travel/lodging) costs will be tax deducible to the extent it exceeds 10%. Because your procedure will probably bring you above that threshold, you can deduct all out-of-pocket medical costs that you incur at home as well (i.e. doctor copays, prescription drug copays, mental health not covered by ins, acupuncture, massage, etc). If you file a joint return, all expenses by your spouse in this category count too. If you have children as dependents, their costs also count. Understand that this will be like Uncle Sam paying for 25% to 30% of your surgery in the form of tax breaks. Also know that you can never bring your income to down to a negative amount. If you can bring it down to zero, you will get a refund of all of your tax withholdings from your job as well as your spouse's next year when you file your return. If you have further questions on this, feel free to send me a PM or contact your personal accountant.

Gene

[Harrison]

Thx Gene, that's a very helpful post. You rock, brother!

[NJ Gene]

Harrison, thanks for the kind words

[2Confused]

Laura,

Check your insurance policy.... I was happy to discover several things:
1. My policy had a worldwide rider
2. Quirón Hospital was on the approved list
(There were hospitals in Germany that were also on the approved list)

We filed a claim through the worldwide company in January and included as much information as possible, a letter of medical necessity, a cover letter discribing the full treatment that I had undergone prior to surgery and the verbiage that the procedure is not considered experimental in Europe. To our complete delight & surprise we recieved a check for 60% of the medical, surgical & hospital costs. We made to attempt to be reimbursed for our personal expenses, accommodations and travel. The reimbursement was a huge relief, especially since my income was way down since the auto accident.... It felt like a gift!!

Laura, it was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. I talked with several doctors, both abroad and here in the states. The consensus was the best option was ADR. I based my decision on many factors, including hospital atmosphere, country traditions and which doctor best fit me & my personality. I knew I wanted and needed a doctor who was nurturing & compassionate as well as skilled. I also spoke with patients who had surgery by the doctors and quizzed them on their experiences. We even went so far as to travel to meet one person face to face so BOTH I and my husband could be more comfortable making the decision. From my research, I think you are looking at very skilled surgeons - pick the one that "fits you the best".

Hopefully this helps... Feel free to message me if I can assist further.

Originally Posted by NJ Gene

LauraB, I wanted to mention a couple things that you might want to be aware of. First of all Skype offers an unlimited calling plan to Europe for $99.00 a year. If you sign up for it, you basically have a U.S. number that you dial from a select set of phone numbers (I have three, our home phone, my cell phone, and my wife's cell phone). Once you dial that number it prompts you to dial the full international phone number you are calling. I found this invaluable when trying to get in touch with European surgeons. I guarantee you that a telephone call will save you a lot of time in communicating with any of them.

Additionally, although your medical costs will be expensive, it will be tax deductible on Schedule A of your tax return to the extent it exceeds 10% of your adjusted gross income. The threshold used to be 7.5%, but for 2013 and going forward it is 10%. That means that all medical (and travel/lodging) costs will be tax deducible to the extent it exceeds 10%. Because your procedure will probably bring you above that threshold, you can deduct all out-of-pocket medical costs that you incur at home as well (i.e. doctor copays, prescription drug copays, mental health not covered by ins, acupuncture, massage, etc). If you file a joint return, all expenses by your spouse in this category count too. If you have children as dependents, their costs also count. Understand that this will be like Uncle Sam paying for 25% to 30% of your surgery in the form of tax breaks. Also know that you can never bring your income to down to a negative amount. If you can bring it down to zero, you will get a refund of all of your tax withholdings from your job as well as your spouse's next year when you file your return. If you have further questions on this, feel free to send me a PM or contact your personal accountant.

Gene