The allergy results are in and inquiries have been made...

[laid up doc]

Despite a negative patch test for nickel, my LTT testing was indeed reactive for nickel. The dermatologist insisted that the patch test wasn't ever wrong.... but I know from my own history that I have a nickel sensitivity.

The only other thing that reacted was a bone cement - am making absolutely sure this isn't used in M6 surgery.

I have yet to arrange a date to talk to Mr Boeree, but I have pretty much made up my mind to go with Dr Clavel in Barcelona. I emailed him a bunch more questions today, including when I can get over there and start my recovery!!!

I found out also that fusion out of pocket would be upwards of $100k. Yeah, not possible.

Fingers crossed that I have my plan and will begin the logistics ASAP. Anyone w/ Barcelona logistics advise... fire away!

[KBear]

So glad that you found out about the allergies before surgery and not after! Best of luck!

Despite a negative patch test for nickel, my LTT testing was indeed reactive for nickel. The dermatologist insisted that the patch test wasn't ever wrong.... but I know from my own history that I have a nickel sensitivity.The only other thing that reacted was a bone cement - am making absolutely sure this isn't used in M6 surgery.I have yet to arrange a date to talk to Mr Boeree, but I have pretty much made up my mind to go with Dr Clavel in Barcelona. I emailed him a bunch more questions today, including when I can get over there and start my recovery!!!I found out also that fusion out of pocket would be upwards of $100k. Yeah, not possible.Fingers crossed that I have my plan and will begin the logistics ASAP. Anyone w/ Barcelona logistics advise... fire away!

[Justin]

laid up doc,

I'm glad that your results came back. Good luck with Dr. Clavel--look up SPS Member "jss" (Jeff), as he had surgery with Dr. Clavel.

Let me know if you need any help.

[laid up doc]

very anxiously awaiting Boeree to return from vacay and a reply from Drs Clavel and Gilete.... at least there's football to distract me!

[Katie]

So glad that you got the results back before proceeding. I never thought to check about bone cement until after the fact, so went on faith that it wouldn't bother me. I'm not even sure it was used...bone growth matrix was for sure, but so far so good. I hope others will follow your example and get tested if they show the least bit of sensitivity, especially after your other test came back negative.

I found out also that fusion out of pocket would be upwards of $100k.

May I ask where that quote was from? And for how many levels? It is far from what I paid in Brazil. I'm thrilled that you are now able to go forward with enough information to make an informed decision.

[laid up doc]

bone cement was part of the orthopedic panel... i know i had it for some oral surg in the past, but i don't seem to have any symptoms related. and it was in the mild category.

the quote was for surgeon + hospital/OR/whatever fees (vast majority) at a major teaching hospital in the SE. 1 level lumbar minimally invasive TLIF - the surgeon's office gave me 8 cpt codes to give to the hospital for the various components. didn't even bother to ask about anesthesia fees. still in 6 figures after surgeon self pay discount of 30%.

i need to get it all in writing, but unless the hospital gives a ginormous self-pay discount... it's still way way more than an M6 overseas.

have spoken to Clavel, waiting on earliest date and quote. couldn't figure out how to transfer $$ to Boeree through my bank, so gave up and did credit card today. hoping to talk w/ him this week.

[Katie]

Ah, thanks for the clarification. I thought it was a quote from an overseas surgeon and was shocked. The US price makes sense....I got an even bigger quote from Dr. Bitan for five levels, before I found out about my allergies, and while I was trying to get our provincial insurance to cover my surgery.

Good luck with everything..I wish you well.

[laid up doc]

thanks Katie... I will likely end up using my nickel allergy results as part of my appeal to Aetna, or at least a rationale when I try to settle my PI suit. At any rate, thanks for the heads up. Were it not for all of the research I did on allergies/wear particles/etc... I might have just waltzed in and gotten a Prodisc.

i also know i'm allergic to neomycin, glutaraldehyde (cold sterilization solution, very very common in healthcare workers), and one other very long named preservative. so no neosporin for me, and i hope i don't get any fungal infections and need topical nystatin (b/c it contains it).

i will also in the future insist on sub-q sutures rather than staples... and minimize my metal exposure in general. seems nickel is a "gateway allergy" as you might say. FWIW, Clavel doesn't do staples - he says the scar looks better... i knew that going in, but glad that he feels the same way!!!

[tyler]

Just checking in and saw your posts. Wishing you luck as you move through this - it will get better.

In the meantime, let me know if I can help in any way. Patients on this site were a fantastic resource - couldn't have done it without them!

Best,
Tyler

[laid up doc]

have now consulted w/ both Clavel and Boeree... like them both, agree that Boeree is more thorough as far as explaining what he sees - which is in agreement w/ what my surgeons and pain doc here have told me - 1 level DDD with annular tear, nl disc height, no arthritis changes, nl facet joints, nl discs above.

time to crunch the #'s and dates... gotta come up with something that's gonna "make" my decision!!!