Hello

Ray R · #1 12-20-2006, 08:14 AM

Hi,

I have been lurking on this forum for a while now and would like to introduce myself. My name is Ray and I live in Alabama. I have seen an orthopedic spine surgeon and neurosurgeon locally and am currently scheduled for an ACDF (C5-C7)Jan. 15th. I also have a congenital fusion at C2-C3. Myleogram shows pinched nerve root at C5-C6 and spondylosis at C6-C7. I also have a disc herniation at C4-C5 which they don't plan on doing anything with. I am currently trying to get my information to Dr. Bertagnoli to see if he would consider me for ADR. Great information on this site. Thanks.

-Ray

Alastair · #2 12-20-2006, 09:25 AM

Hi Ray,
Welcome to the board .

You will find everything you need to get to Dr B in the FAQ`s, plus how to send your X-rays. Take your time before making decisions.
Best
Alastair

Ray R · #3 12-20-2006, 12:22 PM

Hi Alastair,

Thanks for your advise. I hope I am not rushing into anything.

I have been researching ADR for about a year and have tried all the conservative treatment routes. My family doctor, othopedic surgeon, and neurosurgeon all agree that I need to have surgery. I can't stand the thought of fusion (I'm only 43yrs. old). My main concern is additional wear on adjacent levels. My rationale for wanting to go to Dr. B is:

1. There is no way that I will get BCBS of Alabama to pay for a multi-level cervical ADR.

2. Dr. B is one of the best, if not the best.

3. ADR is less expensive in Germany than US.

4. If I'm going to have to pay out of pocket, why not get the best and pay less?

Am I missing something, or is there a flaw in my logic? I am at the point that I can wait no longer.

Thanks,
Ray

Kim_Dean\'sWife · #4 12-20-2006, 12:46 PM

Welcome Ray!
Please feel free to ask me any questions, any time. My husband and I are both 31 yrs old and Dr. Bertagnoli-bound for a two-level ADR. We can relate to your situation and we'd be happy to pass along information. (We are finalizing our trip details at this time.)

Kim

David · #5 12-20-2006, 12:57 PM

Same here. Although I am a lumbar, and not a cervical patient, I had surgery with Dr. B. just over a month ago.

Feel free to ask me any questions you might have via here, PM, or email.

Thanks.

David

Ray R · #6 12-20-2006, 12:58 PM

Thank you Kim. My wife and I are quite intimidated by the whole process and can use all the help and support we can get.

I'm sure we will have many questions as we move forward.

Was March the soonest you could get in, or was that a personal choice?

Thanks again,
Ray

Kim_Dean\'sWife · #7 12-20-2006, 01:13 PM

Ray,
It gets much less intimidating with time! March was the first we could get. We wanted to go asap. I made some friends here on this site that helped me with all of the little details of planning. The more you ask and the more you know, the better you feel!
Kim

Alastair · #8 12-20-2006, 01:20 PM

Folks don`t forget the Alphaklinik in Munich. Dr B does some of his surgeries there also, and Zeegers is there too. Loads of facilities in Munich, and Hotels are just across the road from the Alphaklinik etc.
Best
Alastair

Ray R · #9 12-20-2006, 01:32 PM

Thanks David. I didn't see your post when I replied to Kim.

I sent Anita Peludat an email several days ago and have yet to receive a reply. I also have been in touch with "Harrison". Is there anything else I could be doing at this point to expedite the process?

How did you guys get your films and records to Dr. B? I saw in the FAQ's about photographing them with a digital camera, is that the easiest/best way? I have had an MRI,EMG,CT scan, and myelogram done. I assume they will want all of those?

Thanks,
Ray

Kim_Dean\'sWife · #10 12-20-2006, 02:28 PM

Ray,
Yes, there is good info in the FAQ's about taking photos of your records. If any of your records are on discs, email them to patient-affairs@pro-spine.com. Also, you can mail records via the United States Post Office (Global Priority or Express Mail) to the following address:
Pro-Spine

Dr. Bertagnoli/Dr. Fenk-Mayer

Spitzwegstrasse 64 D-93051 Regensburg Germany

I HIGHLY recommend that you save the records to your computer before mailing them. Our package of x-rays, MRI and CT Scan got held up in customs. No one knew where the package was for a couple of weeks. This is very rare, however.

A helpful hint: The US post office can provide you with free Flat Rate Global Priority Mail Envelopes (small or large size.) I know that it only costs about $5.25 to mail something in the small sized envelope. The large is around $10.00. If you have things like X-rays that cannot be folded, but should be rolled, the post office provides free Global Priority/Express Tubes. This will run you around $30.00 to ship.
The post office will ask how much your package's contents are worth. Prospine tells you to declare it for $19.00 or less, or else they have to pay big fees and will not accept it.
Hope that helps!

Kim