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  #1  
Old 03-24-2013, 11:07 AM
ansnj ansnj is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 28
Default Need Direction
Hello: I am new here and am so glad I found all of you. I was a pedestrian hit by a car many years ago, but over the years things have gotten progressively worse. My neck is achy to the point where I live on Advil. ( this will be doing other damage am quite sure . I have had several MRI'S, the last one done 12/2012. I need 3 cervical discs replaced and have only the fusion option ( must sound familiar to all) here in the states. I have found no clinical trials, so my only option to retain my mobility is to go overseas. I sent my cd to Germany and Dr. Bierstedt phoned me but being at work, I missed his call. He left a vm stating I would need C-4-5, C5-6, C6-7 replaced and am a candidate for M6 ( which I am happy about). I hope to speak with him soon, at a mutually available time. I forwarded films through dropbox to Dr. Clavel and hopefully will hear back soon from him. How does one go about making a decision between these 2 surgeons. Thanks!
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Pedestrian hit by a car 1996
Progressive cervical degeneration
MRI 12/2012- DDD C4-5, C5-6, C6-7
Neck pain and intermittent finger numbness
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  #2  
Old 03-24-2013, 11:15 AM
JeffR JeffR is offline
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Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 356
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ansnj View Post
Hello: I am new here and am so glad I found all of you. I was a pedestrian hit by a car many years ago, but over the years things have gotten progressively worse. My neck is achy to the point where I live on Advil. ( this will be doing other damage am quite sure . I have had several MRI'S, the last one done 12/2012. I need 3 cervical discs replaced and have only the fusion option ( must sound familiar to all) here in the states. I have found no clinical trials, so my only option to retain my mobility is to go overseas. I sent my cd to Germany and Dr. Bierstedt phoned me but being at work, I missed his call. He left a vm stating I would need C-4-5, C5-6, C6-7 replaced and am a candidate for M6 ( which I am happy about). I hope to speak with him soon, at a mutually available time. I forwarded films through dropbox to Dr. Clavel and hopefully will hear back soon from him. How does one go about making a decision between these 2 surgeons. Thanks!
Talk with both, ask them about the number of procedures they have done, how many three levels etc. then figure out whom you are more comfortable with.
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Lifelong history of back issues from a young age, spasms etc.
1995 - Weightlifting injury
1997 - Hip Injury
2009 - Trampoline injury (just bounced down on my butt)
2009-2011 Physiotherapy and medication, progress but no lasting pain relief
2010 - X-Ray DDD L5-S1, L4-L5, L4-L3
2010 - MRI Herniation L5-S1, Bulges L4-L5, L4-L3
2011 - Epidurals - No relief
2012 - Facet Injections - No relief
2012 - Discogram TBI - positive L3-S1

L3-S1 ADR M6-L w Clavel 11/28/2012
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  #3  
Old 03-24-2013, 11:23 AM
ansnj ansnj is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 28
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Thanks Jeff, it's just so overwhelming and scary to boot!
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Pedestrian hit by a car 1996
Progressive cervical degeneration
MRI 12/2012- DDD C4-5, C5-6, C6-7
Neck pain and intermittent finger numbness
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  #4  
Old 03-24-2013, 11:44 AM
Boxer78 Boxer78 is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 393
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I have spoken to Bierstedt he's a nice guy write down as many questions as u can. And yes scariest thing ever
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L5 S 1 herniation burning feet groin pain. Undisgnosed for months finally getting answers.
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  #5  
Old 03-24-2013, 01:17 PM
Claudia K.'s Avatar
Claudia K. Claudia K. is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 41
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Ansnj,
I'm sure Dr. Clavel and other surgeons mentioned here are great surgeons. However, since I'm a native German (living in the USA) I preferred looking for a surgeon in Germany. Dr. Bierstedt is skilled in what he does, efficient and besides that has a very caring attitude and might be more affordable. (it was for me). He doesn't charge anything for a consultation by phone or skype. In the end its the surgeon you feel most comfortable with.
__________________
DDD L5-S1- mechanical back pain since 2008, disc herniation same level 2011. Siatic nerv pain and tingling in foot. Stiffness and muscle spasms in lower back.
Conservative treatments for four years only gave me temporarly pain relieve.
November 27th 2012- artificial disc replacement L5-S1 by Neurosugeon Dr. Thomas Bierstedt in Hattingen, Germany
All my symtoms are GONE!
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  #6  
Old 03-25-2013, 04:18 PM
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jss jss is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,411
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ansnj,

Regarding choosing between Clavel and Beirstedt I don't have anything to add over what's been shared. Know that both gentlemen get a non-ending stream of positive reviews on this site; so it sounds like a win either direction you go.

Good luck, Jeff
__________________
C4/5 - ACDF in 2000
C5/6 - ACDF in 2002
C3/4 & C6/7 - M6 ADR, Nov 2009, Barcelona
Conceded defeat to a manifestly disingenuous BCBS-TX in my quest for reimbursement, Jan 2011
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  #7  
Old 03-25-2013, 08:00 PM
ansnj ansnj is offline
Junior Member
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 28
Lightbulb Will keep you posted and wondered lead time
Can anyone give me a rough idea of how long it took for Dr. Clavel to get back to you after receiving your images for review? I sent via Dropbox and haven't received confirmation of receipt. I hope they didn't end up in the Dropbox abyss!

Also, I have yet to hear from Yolanda that everyone speaks about. I have emails from gals named Lisa and Nicci, not sure how they are associated with Dr. Clavel.

Thank you all, will keep you posted on my progress in making a decision.
__________________
Pedestrian hit by a car 1996
Progressive cervical degeneration
MRI 12/2012- DDD C4-5, C5-6, C6-7
Neck pain and intermittent finger numbness
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  #8  
Old 03-25-2013, 08:35 PM
Boxer78 Boxer78 is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 393
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You have to hound them and get confirmation on all of your emails. I ended up sending by fedex
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L5 S 1 herniation burning feet groin pain. Undisgnosed for months finally getting answers.
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  #9  
Old 03-25-2013, 08:36 PM
RobertM RobertM is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 54
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It can take a week to two weeks to hear something. I talked to Nicola this past Friday she said Dr. Clavel was very busy with surgeries last week.
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  #10  
Old 03-26-2013, 07:03 AM
firemedix911 firemedix911 is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertM View Post
It can take a week to two weeks to hear something. I talked to Nicola this past Friday she said Dr. Clavel was very busy with surgeries last week.
This sounds accurate as I know of a couple of people that went to have surgery last week. You can also look up in the surgery outcome side. Peps here have been great at listing details of their experience. Best of luck at least you are in the right track.
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-On duty injury in 2005 resulted in DDD
- L4-L5 Central-posterior herniation/annular rupture superimposed on circumferential disc bulge 1cm stenosis.
-L5-S1 Broad-based posterior disc herniation/annular rupture superimposed on a circumferential disc bulge with impression on the anterior the cal sac and the lateral recess bilaterally compressing the descending nerve roots. Mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.
-L2-L3 1cm herniation and early DDD signs asymptomatic.
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