Wow, three level ADR, sounds like you had a very good outcome.

Hi Claudia, I am very happy for you and your outcome. I am still trying to figure my own situation and I had a question for you.

In terms of paying for the surgery, were you able to use insurance in any way or did you simply have to pay for the surgery out of your own pocket?

Hi Rev. Zen,
It's quite a process. I did pay out of pocket. In my case BCBS would not pay for anything not even a fusion (denied appeals too). Hope you find a possible solution soon.
Claudia

What grounds did they deny fusion? BCBS just approved fusion for me, but I do not want or I want a disc at compromised adjacent levels.

Hi Claudia, sorry it took so long to reply. My outcome is awesome, so far. I only wish everyone would have similar success.

Johnwhof,
What shape were your discs relevant to lost height? Opinion differences that I am stating to get range from 3 level adr to 2 level fusion w/ adr because of fear of too much distraction based on my low disc height and the assumption that my body has been that way for a long time.

I gained about one inch in height, I was told that there would be some healing pain as a result, but it was very minimal.

Hi TPatti,
I was denied under MillimanGuidelines ORG W0072 stating that DDD is not an approved condition for lumbar fusion procedure.."does not meet the medical necessity criteria."
It was the end of the year and I met my deductible. My guess is that they wanted to wait it out, maybe until the new year. I just couldn't wait any longer. Best of luck to you,
Claudia

I hope this answers your question. I'm not quite sure what you are saying. I was told that I had made a good choice in getting the procedure done when I did because all 3 discs were completely done.

Hi johnwhof,
Me too:laugh: I'm an inch taller! Still having, what I think, is "deconditioned" muscles around my operated area. Hope to resolve this with PT. Getting in and out of the car is not a problem anymore.
Claudia