Heading to UK for M6C with Nick Boeree

[Researcher]

Dear SPS Friends,

I will start by apologizing for being absent for so long. Those of you that have battled a spine condition for a long time will understand that you can get get tired of talking about it. I was so deep in my appeal preparation that it literally consumed me. In many ways, the insurance conflict was worse that the effects of the DDD. I'm not going to go into details now, but I learned a lot about the surgeon selection process, the insurance industry, costs, CPT and ICD-9 codes, preparation for travel, and much more that I will share in the months to come.

I did not win (yet, 1st appeal rejected), but can not wait any longer, or I will have permanent neurological damage. God had a plan (He always does), and a close relative volunteered to pay for my surgery. I am scheduled for artificial disc replacement surgery with Nick Boeree this coming Wednesday. I will be receiving two or three Spinal Kinetics M6C discs. C6/7 and C5/6 are certain. C4/5 is in question, but Nick will perform a test while am under to determine if its level of degeneration justifies replacement.

I would have never been able to identify the best treatment for my condition without the help of my SPS friends. Thank you so much for your guidance and encouragement. I will try to take time while in the UK to post updates.

I'm going to get rid of my x-ray picture soon! Maybe a smiling face is appropriate!

Blessings,

Phil

[trkdoc714]

Good luck on your upcoming surgery! As detailed as your research has been, I'm confident you've made the right decision for yourself.

Travel safely and please keep us updated.

As a side note, I was just informed that Aetna was being instructed by my HR group to reimburse the denied portion of my surgical bill. I hope once you have all bills in hand your insurance company will reimburse you as well.

Bob

[Hooch]

Gday Phil,

I doubt anyone did more research than you. I'm glad you've got the opportunity to get what needs to be done, done.

I had the op done under Boeree in Dec and I'm doing pretty good.

Good luck mate.

Chris.

Btw I want to thank you for passing on some of the lit u had, I found it very helpful.

[ajj1001]

had a plan (He always does), and a close relative volunteered to pay for my surgery.

such good news that you are able to have the surgery you need. look forward to welcoming you to the uk, sorry I am up north so can't do it in person.

[KBear]

Phil,
That is great news! So happy that you are almost on the other side and going to have your life back! You definitely did your homework and I'm sure made the best decision for your body that you could make. Can't wait to hear how surgery and recovery go, as you know Nick Boeree has a great reputation.
Kathy

[Justin]

Hi Phil,

I'm sorry to hear about the insurance denial. However, it's great to read that you are scheduled to have surgery with Mr. Boeree.

We will thinking about you on Wednesday! Good luck and I wish you the very best.

[bigdogchief76]

Hi Phil -

If you get a chance (either now or after your surgery) can you please PM me and give me a short synopsis of the insurance battle you had to deal with?

Once I am healed I plan on tackling this insurance monster head-on with some contacts I have in the KS Congressional office and also with US congressional folks.

Too hard to deal with now, but, this has to stop. I have a plan, just need as much info as possible from patients that are willing to share.

I pray this surgery will go well with you.

MB

[Orion]

I just got approved for a two level ADR at c56, C67. My c45 is marginal. The operation is to take place at UCSF using the Prodisc C.
I am trying to find out if that is a good route or if I should go out of the country for the M6
If you have any info on the two please forward it to me.

Thanks Jim

[Researcher]

It's now two days following the implant of three M6C's by Nick Boeree. All is well. The surgery took about three hours. I wish I could post pictures, but my photo editing capabilities are limited on my laptop here in the hospital. My spine looks amazing now; normal spacing and lordosis. I was up and down in my progress yesterday, but I should back on my feet today. The majority of my radiculopathy is gone, but there is some residual tingling that may be from the trauma of the surgery itself.

Nick and Dr. Herbertson, the anesthesiologist, indicated that everything went perfectly. Nick replaced C5/6 first. Then he performed a discography on C4/5 to see if it was bad. It had noticeable fissures showing that it was already falling apart, although this was not visible via MRI. Nick replaced C4/5, and then moved on to C 6/7. He did a lot of "cleaning up" in the process. He saved C6/7 for last, since he said it easier surgically to move downward, and since it was the most degenerated disc, requiring a lot of meticulous digging to extract all the pieces.

It's amazing to be sitting here two days after such major surgery with very little pain at all. I have some discomfort on the right side when swallowing, but it does not keep me from eating. The food at the Nuffield Hospital is amazing. I'm not kidding. It is like a five star restaurant; appetizers, duck, lamb, steak, all sorts of desserts, whatever you want.

The staff at Nuffield are amazing too. Everyone is so friendly and diligent in their work. After all my research and trials, I have no second thoughts; Nick, the M6C and Nuffield were the right choices for me. I am convinced that no better medical outcome would be possible in my case.

Thanks again for all the help that my SPS friends provided. I will post pictures and more updates as I feel up to it. I'm not going to address all of the insurance questions people may have right now. I know that I will be able to help, but I don't have the stamina to deal with it until I recover physically - maybe in a few weeks.

Blessings,

Phil

[ajj1001]

great news, glad that you are doing so well.