Difference between DDD and degenerative disc bulging?

[sfmcfar]

I received a copy of my radiologist's report today to use for my appeal. The goal of my appeal is to demonstrate that I meet the indications as stated by the FDA, and one of those conditions is having DDD at only one level between L4-S1. Anyway, the report goes into great detail concerning all my problems at L5-S1, and then the guy says

"The remainder of the visualized levels are notable only for mild degenerative disc bulging L2-3 through L4-5."

What are the odds that somebody is gonna interpret this as DDD at multiple levels? The radiologist never mentions these discs in his "Impressions" section, and I have my physician's report that states that I have "80% disc collapse at L5-S1 - the other levels are pristine".

I'd just throw out the radiologist's report entirely, except it's the only evidence that I have < 3mm of spondylisthesis, which is also an FDA indication.

Opinions?

[laura-w]

I have never had ADR and probably lots of people will be able to give you a better answer than me but my uneducated impression is that lots of people have bulging disks and it is no big deal. It will likely turn out to be a non-issue so hang in there.

Laura

[Alastair]

Hi Stan,
It sounds like you got what you want L4/5 is the next one down from L5/S1 look at a spine diagram
Best
Alastair

[Harrison]

Stan, it doesn't sound like you have much to worry about...but it doesn't matter what we think. Do have an experienced surgeon yet? What do they say?

Check out surgeons in your area -- insist on one with years of ADR experience:

http://www.adrsupport.org/content.asp?cid=182