Originally Posted by TPatti (Post 97834)

Dr. Pimenta is part of AIMIS and had considered using the M6. Does AIMIS not support the M6? I need to update where I am at but am waiting for a few tests and to get a final recommendation from Dr. Clavel. Recently I finally found a local doctor, Dr. Cappuccino, agrees I need to go overseas. He is also part of AIMIS and our preliminary discussion is that 3 disk might not work and I might need 2 disks and 1 fusion. Dr. Cappuccino said he is not sure if he would go with M6 or Kineflex and would discuss with Dr. Pimenta, they work on clinical trials together. He also implied that he may suggest having Pimenta perform the surgery depending on the final recommendation. He said that the M6 is the best disk functionally but that because I am only 42 he was not sure if we should stay with a metal disk for life span. I worry about having 3 levels with no shock absorption. I have opinion from Dr. Dare, waiting for final from Dr. Clavel and Dr. Cappuccino and not sure if I will send info to Dr. Pimenta directly or if it will go thru Dr. Cappuccino. Does anyone know if the costs at AIMIS or comparable to Dr. Clavel? If M6 is the way to go I am not sure if Dr. Pimenta has used yet or not. Dr. Cappuccino has not. Dr. Cappuccino seemed more comfortable that if it was not him performing the surgery that it should be a someone he knows and has worked with if he was to be involved in follow up. I will update in my Intro section once I have all recommendations.

Originally Posted by NJ Gene (Post 97835)

Based on everything I've heard on Stenum, I now know why they insisted on a MRSA test before being allowed to be operated on there. I have asked the U.S. coordinator of the team, Sue, to forward my medical information to Dr. Clavel. I want a second opinion from a doctor overseas. Since he is technically a partner with Dr. Ritter-Lang, she should be able to send my info to him without difficulty. If she makes an issue of it, I will get to Dr. Clavel through another route. One of my biggest concerns is that I did have one foraminotomy at C6/C7 in 2008. My understanding is that this can be a contraindication of ADR. As much as I want ADR, I don't want it if it's going to cause permanent pain at that level. Does anyone have links to some of these other surgeons (ie - the ones in the UK, Brazil, and Cyprus)? Thank you all for your feedback and help.

Originally Posted by NJ Gene (Post 97842)

Thank you TPatti and Newleaseonlife. To Newleaseonlife, where are you located? If you prefer I can send you a PM if you don't want to answer me publicly. I am inclined to consider Cyrpus, because the surgeon with whom I had my last fusion here in the U.S. endorses it. However, I don't want to rule out Dr. Clavel either. I've heard great things from TPatti and others. Here is one question, why is Dr. Clavel on Dr Ritter-Lang's website? According to Sue, he is a "partner" but that website pushes Germany and Stenum. They also have a location in Berlin, but less available surgery dates there. If I consider Dr. Clavel, should I go through Sue or directly through Dr. Clavel's office? With both Cyprus and Dr. Clavel, is there a way to electronically send my MRI images to them? Also, with respect to Cyprus, are there direct flights from the U.S.? Not that I mind switching in Europe. To get to Bremen I would have to make a switch as well. Thanks again for your feedback. It gives me food for thought. The internet seems to take you directly to Stenum as the first option and I'm starting to learn true nightmares about the place.

Originally Posted by newleaseonlife (Post 97845)

NJ Gene,

You can upload your MRI films to AIMIS directly. AIMIS Spine | American Institute of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

It is a free MRI review. Feel free to ask me all your Cyprus/AIMIS questions. :)

Originally Posted by johnwhof (Post 97844)

Hi NJ Gene, I totally agree with Lillyth about Stenum. Since I started researching ADR, I have heard of far too many negative outcomes from there, and most of them at the hands of Ritter Lang. He was my first choice in Europe, mainly because that's the first option that pops up when one searches on line. I am very glad I did not end up going there for treatment.
If your leaning towards Germany, Dr Bierstedt of ONZ is a great surgeon, and a good option. However, the reviews I have read on here about Dr Clavel are super, and I would have no problem with trusting him.