Introduction

Merlinus · #1 09-13-2011, 10:45 AM

Greetings!

I've been diagnosed with DDD at levels c5/c6 & c6/c7. I've met with Dr. Masson of the Neurospine Institute in Ocoee, FL (Orlando, FL)- Neuro Spine Institute. He worked with Synthes in developing their ADR products and is associated with the University of Florida (Shands Hosptal). He reviewed my case and agrees that I need surgery and has submitted the paperwork to Aetna for approval for a 2 level ADR. He indicated that the insurance company usually does not approve ADR beyond 1 level due FDA approval for this product only covers 1 level. The ins co considers this "experimental".

However, Dr. Masson has done many 2 & 3 level ADR procedures and says that in comparison to fusion, ADR has fewer instances of complications requiring additional operations (20% Fusion vs. 5% ADR). I've read many of the same ins co problems on this site and will be prepared for battle as needed.

Thank you for being here,

Harrison · #2 09-13-2011, 09:47 PM

Hi Merlinus, thx for finding us. Where are you at in terms of your daily living and pain levels? To what do you attribute your DDD? How can we help?

When you can, please add a signature. I explained this in my earlier email to you.

Merlinus · #3 09-16-2011, 07:31 PM

11/2010, noted discomfort in my right shoulder
5/2011, increased pain in rt shoulder and noticed numbness in rt hand.
6/2011, pain spreads to rt shoulder blade, rt arm, rt hand is numb. Pain increasing & worsens each day.
7/2011, pain is excruciating, saw orthopedic doctor 7/18, he checked my shoulder and said I didn't seem to have any obvious rotator cuff issues, maybe a slight tear. PT makes the pain worse & 500mg Naprosyn 2x daily does not touch the pain. Discontinued PT, requested add'l pain meds.
7/2011 – on STD from work due to pain. Visited chiropractor, he orders MRI.
8/2011 – revisited orthopedic, he reviewed MRI & x-rays and said I needed 2 level fusion.
9/2011 – visited neurosurgeon, he concurs w/ surgery as only option but he does ADR (Prodisc-C) and will submit to insurance for 2 level ADR. Scheduled surgery for 9/27/2011 & I’m waiting for response. I will appeal if denied, currently under review as of 9/16/11.

9/16/11 - After much rest, my pain levels have subsided to uncomfortable w/ no activity, pain level increases with activity. Numbness in my hand is not as noticeable.