Upcoming surgery Maybe not need help

AnonymousUser

what is the difference between a spacer and an ADR??

gwennie17

There are many people who have had at least a two level fusion that are young. It has only been recently that we even had the artificial disc approved by the FDA. Scoliosis patients have routinely had multi-level fusions and many get along well.

You might want to get an opinion from another spinal specialist if you cannot find a way to get the surgery covered. It's not like the one surgery is your only option. Many people do very well with a two level fusion.

Hope you can get this problem resolved to your satisfaction.

Ming

BCBS still considers ADR's to be investigational/experimental therefore, they will not cover it. They will however cover a fusion. This doesn't make sense to me cuz even though a fusion can fix your problem, it's only temporary as it can cause other discs above or below to degenerate or bulge due to the added stress it takes over from the fused disc.

I've had medicaid since October cuz I lost my job and insurance cuz I've been out on disability for too long. COBRA is way to expensive to pay so I had to give up my insurance for Medicaid. Since I've been on medicaid, 2 of my docs who have already discussed other options and treatments now all of sudden can no longer do anything for me. It makes me wonder if it's because they don't get reiumbursed as much from medicaid as they do BCBS. My doc wrote me a script for oxycontin and medicaid wouldn't approve so I'm now on mscontin which doesn't seem to be working that good. I wonder if the oxycontin would've worked better. I'm not sure if this is something I have to appeal or not.

Jakotsu

I am 25 and had a 3 level fusion, with a spacer placed at L4-L5, lamenetectomy, etc.

Doing great 1 month today post op if that helps.

If you want any more info PM me.

AnonymousUser

That is excellent information thank you very much.. I just know that having a fusion puts alot of pressure on other disc and then I will have to have surgery pretty much the rest of my life I will keep everyone posted crossing my fingers for sure