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#11
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Yale University maybe within reason for your location in Georgia. UCSF is similar to the travel distance to see Dr. Delamarter(sp). My personal preference is the same time zone, but flexible. ====================================== There is an activ L™ (Aesculap Implant Systems, aka Braun) clinical FDA trial with US-based surgeons. ClinicalTrials.gov shows two (2) sites in the trial, listed below. Rush Univ. Med School lists Dr. Deutsch with an ongoing activ L™ trial; UCSF ~may be participating. Listed, Recruiting James Yue, MD Yale University Orthopædics and Rehabilitation Yale Physicians Building 800 Howard Avenue P.O. Box 208071 New Haven, CT 06520-8071 Appointments (203) 737-5656 Yale Orthopaedics Clinical Trials Listed, Not Recruiting Dr. Rolando Garcia Aventura Hosptial and Medical Center 21000 N.E. 28 Ave, Ste 104 Aventura FL 33180 Phone: 305-937-1999 Fax: 305-931-6554 Dr. Garcia may have been the first surgeon to implant the activ L™ in the U.S, January 30, 2007. Not Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, Ongoing Trial Harel Deutsch, MD Co-director, Rush Spine and Back Center 1725 W. Harrison St. Ste. 970 Chicago, IL 60612 Phone: (312) 942-6644 Fax: (312) 942-2176 Dr. Deutsch has ongoing trials listed @ the bottom of this page/link. Not Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, possible future involvement Dr. Christopher Ames Co-director of the UCSF Spine Center and UCSF Neurospinal Surgery UCSF Spine Center 400 Parnassus Ave. 3rd Floor San Francisco, CA 94143 (415) 353-7500 (866) 81-SPINE or (866) 817-7463 A newsletter, on page 6, mentioned Dr. Ames / UCSF will serve as an investigational device site for activ-L™. Please assume that an artificial disc is not appropriate for everyone. I think the FDA has "approved" its use in adults up to age 60 who have a single degenerative disc in one of the two lowest lumbar discs (?and have never had a fusion operation?) A compassionate use request may, sometimes has, allowed a deviation from the rules.
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---------------------------------------------------------- slackwater_sf 2004 MVA, 2-level lumbar surgical candidate |
#12
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Thanks everyone for your feedback, info and personal experience, it is invaluable. I too have read Volume 7, Spine Journal...appears to be good news for me. I had not really considered going to Yale or being in a clinical trial, just something scary to me being used for experimental purposes by those who may not have the level of experience I feel I need for 3 levels. I also thought clinical trials were still for only 1 level problems at this time in the US.I am however from CN originally and have family pretty close to New Haven so I might need to rethink my options on which doctors to consider when I get an answer from WC on the money issues.
On another note, since my original post, I've gotten confirmation from Dr. Bertagnoli and from Dr. Delamarter that they both recommend 3 level ADR. It felt like good news and not so good news at the same time, but at least now I know for sure that I do have options in lieu of 3 level fusion. I still need to get a 2nd opinion from whomever WC decides to send me to and depending on that diagnosis/treatment plan, my attorney thinks I may even need to get a 3rd opinion from someone else of our choosing. Unfortunately, since this WC is actually the State of Georgia, it is doubtful that I would be allowed another opinion outside the state. I have no idea how long all of this will take as WC seems to be moving very slow, while it seems I am continuing to get worse....not able to work anymore, more pain, more meds, less sleep, ect...Just hope it doesn't drag on for too much longer. I never thought I would be looking forward to major surgery! Still scary stuff, but considering the current quality of my life, don't think I have any other option... Thanks again for all the feedback. FS |
#13
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Understand/agree US FDA is 1-level. There are "compassionate use" exceptions. Quote:
Take the attorney's advice, within reason. I took my attorney's advice to a point, but he said get 2-level fusion (?to increase the insurace settlement, his fees?) which I deferred.
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---------------------------------------------------------- slackwater_sf 2004 MVA, 2-level lumbar surgical candidate |
#14
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FS,
You have hard decisions ahead of you. But you are doing your homework. If you do, indeed, need 3 levels, I would weigh heavily who you let do the job. Hands down, Zeegers and Bertagnoli, have done thousands of these. 3 levels is major, major surgery. Bertagnoli did my 3 levels, and I am in your age bracket as well. I have had a slow recovery...I am 10 months post op, but I couldn't be happier with my results. Please feel free to PM me with any questions. Best of luck to you!
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CindyLou bicycle accident 6/19/01 2 compression fractures, T12, L1; vertibroplasty @ above levels, 9/15/01 4/06 hip labral tear repair 4/07 Lumbar ProDisc replacement by Dr. B., 3 levels; L3-6 7/2/08 ALIF of L6-S1 7/30/08 Removed bone cement. 8/7/08 Diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, double pneumonia, collapsed left lung, pleurisy, pleural effusion. 3/10/09 right SI Joint Fusion; seeing light at end of tunnel, for first time in 8 years!! |
#15
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FS:
Like CindyLou said, you have tough decisions to make. There are several of us who have had multiple disc replacements and are doing well. I had 4 levels done 1 year 3 months ago. I went back to work in 8 weeks though this varies widely for everyone. Your body will guide you in what you can do and not do. It will definitely be a one-day-at-a-time experience. Hang in there and welcome to the group. Many good people here. Terry Newton
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1980 ruptured L4-L5 1988 ruptured SI-L5 1990 ruptured C5-C6 1994 ruptured C6-C7 1995 Hemi-Laminectomy C5-C6, C6-C7 Mayo Clinic Bicycle Accident 2004 MRI, EMG, Facet Injections, Epidural Blocks, Lumbar Discogram. Stenum Hospital Surgery November 4, 2006 Prestige Disc C5-C6, C6-C7 Maverick Disc S1-L5, L4-L5 |
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