OfflineHas anyone had laser spine surgery - either cervical or lumbar? I am new to this site - have had 2 lumbar surgeries in 2 years (DDD) - now having severe cervical problems. All levels but C7 - I can't imagine conventional surgery/multiple fusions on this many levels. Someone suggested ***EDITED*** - I have actually talked to 3 people recommended by a friend of mine (not the institute) that had this non-invasive surgery in Tampa.All 3 had prior conventional surgery elsewhere. They all couldn't believe the difference - amazingly reduced pain level, healing time, etc. They each raved about this place and recommended it highly. I trust these people I talked to. Just wanted to hear from anyone out there that might have been to this place or have found an "endoscopic laser surgery" done anywhere else.
The main problem is the $$$. Not on any "in network" insurance. $30K up front - but some insurance copanies reimburse "out of network." One woman's insurance wouldn't reimburse any of her $30K but she said it was the best $30K she had spend in her life (she is not wealthy)
Thanks,. I am suffering greatly and am anxious to make a decision. I know these surgeries can be life-changing - both good and bad.
Doctors name and contact details removed by forum Moderator (paulgla). We do not permit publishing specific doctor's or institution names and contact details.
texasteacher
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Hi and welcome to Spine-Health. Below is a link to some pointers our moderator Ron put together to help new members with the forum.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact (PM) any one of the Moderators here Priestess , Bruce , Paulgla , DiLauro
Again welcome.......Paul
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Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
It is an interesting question. I have heard the same thing and thought about money, I have spent alot over the last four years with no relief. If it is good as people say it would be nice to try it before a fusion. But I have heard bad stuff about another dr. who uses laser , but many football players still go to him.
Double laminectomy L4-L5, bulging discs, DDD, Bone spurs, nerve damage in left leg and hip, DJD, and that to familiar visitor,arthritis
it has been trying to open clinics all throughout the west coast. It ran a big add in our paper offering free evals of your mri's. please be careful and do your research as suggested.
Am considering laser surgery as well. Have looked into a lot of options. Hear bad and good experiences about all facilities in Florida. The $ issue is a real problem for many.(including me, I work in the school system in Fl)
Laser procedures seem to be a good option as an alternative to open back surgery. I have tried MANY non-surgical options..decompression, nerve blocks, injections, acupuncture, neuromuscular massage and numerous meds...
Would love to hear from anyone who has had this surgery and can report post op.
(l4,5,S1 severe facet disease and some narrowing)
Maggie
I have spoken to the ***EDITED***.
It was as you said 30,000 dollars and I don't want to finance that much money! So after more research I found
***EDITED*** and the ***EDITED***! He's in ***EDITED***. That's not far from me. I have sent him
my MRI and waiting to hear back from him as to whether he can help me. My insurance will pay for that type of minimally invasive surgery if it's in a hospital and I'm so glad! Check into it! See if your insurance will cover the surgery there too.
Doctors name and contact details removed by forum Moderator (paulgla). We do not permit publishing specific doctor's or institution names and contact details.
Surgery and paid nowhere near the ridiculous amounts that they charge in Fla. My doc was #7 in this country to be doing laser and I trust him with my life. My insurance BC/BS covered all but my copay. Those people are ripping people off for something that may or may not work.
I am in no way associated with the medical field. Anything that I post comes from personal experience only.
DDD, Facet Arthropathy, DJD, Sleep Apnea
PT, Epidurals, Facet Blocks,Medial Branch Block, Rhizotomy,Discogram,Annular Tare L3/L4 Endoscopic Microdiscectomy,Laser Surgery
Methadone, Percocet, Soma, Welbutrin
What exactly is laser surgery? What does it do and help?