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New Member Introductions If you just joined, please introduce yourself here. Please add a signature describing your spinal history (use the "User CP) and ask us how we can help you get started. |
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#1
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Intro
My sig probably says tells most of my story at this point. I am here to learn and to get knowledge to help me make a decision on a surgeon. I will have to go to Europe because I need 4 levels (cervical) and I am avoiding fusion. I am a very active (and I am told young-looking for my age) 65 year old. I am a former bicycle racer and ski instructor. I still swim (with a swim snorkel since I can't turn my head) Bike (mountain bike since I can't crane my neck on a road bike anymore) and ski - both alpine and nordic. I want to stay active. Despite my ugly MRI (which I will post if I can figure out how to upload), I am not in much pain (and I know pain - had severe lumbar stenosis - surgery 15 years ago - all good with lower back since then) It is hard for me to decide to go forth with surgery when I am managing the pain. But I know it won't get better and can only get worse and I don't want to miss my chance and end up only with the option of fusion. Now I need to get busy and read a bunch on this board. Thanks for including me
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Cyn (the other one!) 2016 MRI for headaches - meningioma discovered Watch and wait on M - subsequent MRI showed cord compression in Cervical spine 2018 - cervical MRI - 4 level cord compression and massive foraminal stenosis present - researching options for a non-fusion solution |
#2
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Cyn, thanks for creating a signature and introducing yourself. Yes, that is a big surgery indeed. I almost never suggest surgeons by name, but I would definitely seek a consult with Dr. Bertagnoli in Germany. I believe he has performed the highest number of multilevel ADR surgeries.
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"Harrison" - info (at) adrsupport.org Fell on my ***winter 2003, Canceled fusion April 6 2004 Reborn June 25th, 2004, L5-S1 ADR Charite in Boston Founder & moderator of ADRSupport - 2004 Founder Arthroplasty Patient Foundation a 501(c)(3) - 2006 Creator & producer, Why Am I Still Sick? - 2012 Donate www.arthropatient.org/about/donate |
#3
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I have consulted with 3 US surgeons (fusion only) and 5 European surgeons (who all concur I need a 4 level ADR). I have narrowed my choices down to Bertagnoli and Clavel. Thanks for letting me know Dr B is potentially a good choice.
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Cyn (the other one!) 2016 MRI for headaches - meningioma discovered Watch and wait on M - subsequent MRI showed cord compression in Cervical spine 2018 - cervical MRI - 4 level cord compression and massive foraminal stenosis present - researching options for a non-fusion solution |
#4
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bertagnoli
i can vouch for him im 18 minths out n feeling perfect. call me if u have any specific questions abiut him.
3153356121. gabe ps my ohine screen has been acting up chances r ill hang up on u n call back
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12/22/04 blew L4-5 and L5-S1 out lifting wrong 4/1/05 back to work thanks to Oxy 11/11/13 hurt back lifting again 6/6/15 last of many MRI L4-5 medium paracentral bulge with juice leaking and mid to left bulge on L5-S1 No invasive procedures except steroid shots that did nothing n hurt wicked bad 9/24/2016 Adr surgery Bertagnoli>1 year doing great |
#5
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Hi Gabe
I worry about the prods for cervical - huge keels and more constrained. I know Dr B has a stake in the company that makes them and while I see no problem with that, I feel more comfortable with surgeons who use different devices dependent on the circumstance. Still you can't argue the track record of the disc. I am certain he is a great surgeon and I hear a very kind man. Still it's a very tough decision.
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Cyn (the other one!) 2016 MRI for headaches - meningioma discovered Watch and wait on M - subsequent MRI showed cord compression in Cervical spine 2018 - cervical MRI - 4 level cord compression and massive foraminal stenosis present - researching options for a non-fusion solution |
#6
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he has no stake in the company at all he invented the pro disc n sold the licenses to synthes. he has made more momey than one could want. whole there he showed me many bad surgeries frombarcelona. beware my friend
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12/22/04 blew L4-5 and L5-S1 out lifting wrong 4/1/05 back to work thanks to Oxy 11/11/13 hurt back lifting again 6/6/15 last of many MRI L4-5 medium paracentral bulge with juice leaking and mid to left bulge on L5-S1 No invasive procedures except steroid shots that did nothing n hurt wicked bad 9/24/2016 Adr surgery Bertagnoli>1 year doing great |
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