Disc replacement with Dr Clavel in Barcelona.

[Neil B]

Hi. I'm new to Spine Patient Society and I'm looking for some advice.
I guess I on't need to go in to too much detail in terms of my history or treatment as it should all be below.
I am seriously considering, after many years of conservative treatments, going to have replacement discs.
Having read other peoples problems, mine perhaps do not seem so severe. I can mostly manage the pain with physio and pilates and, when that doesn't work, I use Ibruprofen and heat patches. However, I cannot play sport, run or lift things without suffering the consequences afterwards. I feel that at 33 years old I need to be able to do more.
Although I am English, I live in Spain and I have read a lot of good things about Dr Pablo Clavel in Barcelona. I was wondering if people could give me their opinions and perhaps answer the questions below. Many thanks in advance.
Neil

1. How much doesn it cost to have a disc replaced with Dr Clavel?
2. In your opinions, do you think I would be a good candidate for this type of treatment?
3. If not, is there any other treatment I could look into (I am not interested in the slightest in fusion, injections in the spine etc.)?
4. What sort of risks are there to this sort of treatment?
5. Are replacement discs likely to last me the rest of my life (assuming that I live to a good age of course ) - I'm 33?
6. Is it easy to get an appointment with Dr Clavel?

Treatment
Roughly 2005 Lumbar back pain starts
2006 - 2007 Chiropractic manipulation weekly
2007 - 2008 Physio + Accupuncture
2008 - 2012 Individual Pilates sessions with a physio

Problem
Intermittent pain in lumbar region (varies in severity)
Pain radiates down legs (mostly left) occassionally
2 MRI scans
March 2010 - Degenerative discs with 'bulging' L4-L5 & L3-L4
June 2007 - Degenerative discs L4-L5 & L3-L4 (small annular tear at L3-L4)

[trkdoc714]

Neil,

Here is the link Dr. Clavel that can answer your questions. Good luck. I hope this helps you find your solution.

Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Bob

[KanRunMo]

Neil,

Here is the link Dr. Clavel that can answer your questions. Good luck. I hope this helps you find your solution.

Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Bob

I hadn't noticed before that Dr. Clavel and Dr. Ritter-Lang were associates. Did this recently happen? The cost quotes look like the ones from Ritter-lang. Dr. Clavel, used to be a little cheaper in Barcelona. I think the link is to a Health/Travel provider. Maybe there's no other way to get an appointment with them.

[trkdoc714]

I hadn't either. I exchanged emails with Sue Hart several weeks ago. I don't recall which term she used but I'll use "collaboration" as I don't recall if it's a partnership. Due to my responsibilities at SPS, I try not to voice my loyalties toward Stenum. Dr. Ritter-Lang did a wonderful job on my ADRs and (if BCBS allows) he's my first choice for a cervical surgery regardless of whether it's fusion or ADR that will benefit me.

Whatever the case, it's pretty impressive and convenient to have two world class surgeons performing ADR surgeries from one point of contact.

I hope all is well Kan,

Bob

[laid up doc]

Clavel is the man. My favorite surgeon ever... and I deal w/ a lot of 'em at work.

My one level lumbar M6 was a bit under $30k for all of the surgery costs.

if you're living in Spain, there may be other ways to get in w/ him and have an in-person consult - i just don't know what that process would be.

i contact him through his regular site, Medical tourism in Spain and spine surgery - Barcelona Spine Center -- this was pre-"collaboration", but the site is still there and there's still a contact page.

[KanRunMo]

Thank you Bob and Laid up Doc for your reply and info. It's very good to hear about successful surgeries and good doctors who do them.

[trkdoc714]

No problem.......

(Of course MY surgeon and artificial discs are the best)

Kinda reminds me of the teenage Ford vs. Chevy debates........

[KanRunMo]

No problem.......

(Of course MY surgeon and artificial discs are the best)

Kinda reminds me of the teenage Ford vs. Chevy debates........

Since they work for you, they are the best.