Central stenosis-- what happens?

[Romakis]

Do not give up. You still have a chance. Use it. Whatever happens, happens. That is what I told my family before the surgery. Don't get desperate, it will crush you. Go through the surgery, if you believe it is the only chance you got. You still have hope.

[krisharris2]

Thank you. I am hoping that Dr. Clavel can help me. He received my films and reports today. I am going to the hospital this afternoon to check out if I have inflammation of the spinal cord (transverse myelitis or something like it), as it feels like it.

[Romakis]

I truly believe he can help you. My only advise - keep bugging Yolanda all the time - they get so busy sometimes it takes weeks to get an answer. Tell her you are out of time and it is a true emergency. E-mail her or call her every day. It might make her a little mad, but hopefully you will get your answers quicker. Also, try to schedule a Skype conference with Clavel. It is ~ $200, but it might make him review your files sooner.

[krisharris2]

Ok, thank you for this great advice! Do you happen to know a ballpark figure for a 2-3 level ADR surgery nowadays? Also, does insurance help pay? I can get any type when the time comes. Just trying to figure out how astronomical prices are now. I won't hold you to it. Ha

[Romakis]

Exchange rate is great right now. 2 level lumbar costed me ~ 32K Euro, plus flight tickets and hotel. Third level might add ~ 8K to it.

[Romakis]

My insurance denied everything, citing "experimental and unnecessary". Minority of people on this site got reimbursed somewhat, somehow. A lot depends on your insurance, your paperwork and your art of persuasion, notes, doctors, bunch of factors. I would plan for the worst, meaning no help from your insurance.

[adrigail]

In response to the OP,

Many on here can give you far better technical advise than I, so I will strictly stay with anecdotal advice. My pin symptoms manifested starting in my feet. So logically I saw a Podiatrist. After surgery for Plantar Fascia and rounds of orthotics/injections/PT, and no relief, 5 yrs goes by and out of exasperation the Pod (who is a neighbor) says "maybe it's your back".
Needless to say, that's all he got right. In the 5 yrs, things got much worse according to my sugeon, and had we taken action sooner, I may have avoided the need for ADR and done well with less invasive techniques.
Even after the initial diagnosis and advice for ADR, I wasn't "ready". I didn't feel pain levels warranted surgical intervention. Then "it" happened. Not sure what "it" actually was, but pain thay had been 3 reaching 5 turned into burning, stabbing, shooting pain that ranged 6 to 8.
Four months of that was enough for me and I made the decision to proceed. But, that wasn't as simple as it sounds. From the time I gave my consent to actual surgery and approval of insurance was another 5 months.
Long story longer, knowing all that hindsight brings clarity to, I still dont think I would have moved any faster.
Good luck and godspeed.

[JinSong]

Originally Posted by Romakis

My insurance denied everything, citing "experimental and unnecessary". Minority of people on this site got reimbursed somewhat, somehow. A lot depends on your insurance, your paperwork and your art of persuasion, notes, doctors, bunch of factors. I would plan for the worst, meaning no help from your insurance.

That ended up being my problem for sure--I had an ACDF two weeks ago because I couldn't get my insurance to approve the ADR, and I couldn't wait any longer for the appeals process. I went through a huge mourning process over the whole thing, and I'm still struggling with the longer recovery associated with the ACDF (still in a lot of pain), but many of my neurological symptoms have resolved, and I had a good surgeon. So I guess that's the upshot: find a good surgeon, do all the research you can, and just do whatever you have to to do keep as much function as you can!

[Marbakes]

Demzee,
My wife and I read your initial post and thought it could be me writing it as my symptoms are very similar. I am a 48 year old male with bulging discs C3/4,
C4/5 and cord compression in C5/6 and worst in C6/7. Severe stenosis in C5/6 and C6/7. I am Canadian and ADR is not approved at the levels that I need and my neurosurgeon has recommended a 4-level fusion. I really don't want a 4-level fusion.
I have had Ritter-Lang look at my scans and he suggests a 2-level fusion at C5/6 and 6/7 and ADR for C3/4 and C4/5. Clavel in Spain suggests a 3 or 4 level ADR with the C3/4 being optional. I have since added a CT to my list of scans and it shows some ossification on C6 and C7 which may affect the decision on ADR, waiting to hear.
For now I am standing pat as my symptoms are not severe as far as pain and balance go but I know I will do something eventually...

[aeromarkco]

Deemzee and Marbakes,

I have similar symptoms stemming from an accident in my 20's. Its a very slow progression for me mostly level 2-3 neck pain and some numbness and tingling in the hands.

I'm thinking of having the surgery soon ADR if I can but so many options. 2-level ADR, 2-level ACDF, Hybrid 3 and 4 levels, and Laminoplasty.

I generally believe in Occam's Razor which would indicate 2-level surgery but I'm not sure. How are you doing and what is your thinking?
Thanks!