Stenum Experiences?

**melduforx** · 11-15-2009, 12:58 AM

I have decided to go for it and have the surgery done at Stenum. I have my surgery scheduled for January 8th, which is both exciting and scary.

My symptoms have gotten progressively worse over the past month and at times the pain is so bad in my right arm it has literally brought me to tears (which is definitely not a proud moment in my life). I have gotten to the point where I am worried to pick up glasses in my right hand because I feel like I am going to drop them. All in all, it isn't any fun at all.

The worst part is the though of paying for the surgery and then hoping that insurance will pay me back. I have BCBS Federal and all sings point to them paying, but it is a LOT of money to gamble with. It really comes down to how much I am willing to pay to get rid of the pain.

Now comes the choice between the M6 and the Prodisc LP...

Thanks to every one who responded to this thread, and I wish Fuzzy all the best with his surgery.

**Justin** · 11-15-2009, 12:59 PM

I completely understand about the exciting and scary feelings you are experiencing. On one hand, there is the excitement of a future with reduced pain and "living" your life again an then there is the scary part where the reality of having surgery hits you. These feelings are completely normal.

I talk with many Spine Patients each week and I stress the importance of quality of life. It really comes down to quality of life and the careful balancing act that is waiting too long (risking permanent nerve damage is some cases) and pulling the gun too quick thinking that spine surgery is a fix-all (and will take all of one's pain away).

It definitely sounds like you have given your future steps much thought and the time to move forward has come.

I wish you the very best on 1/8 and I will be following your story closely.

Regarding reimbursement--your plan is one of the "better" ones that have covered patients over the years.

Good luck!

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**rhatzy** · 11-15-2009, 05:03 PM

melduforx,

M6, M6 M6!! That's my opinion. They've beeen doing them for at least 2 1/2 years with great results. I had my discs in January of 08 and I was scared sh..less, but it was my only option. Wish all the best.

mark

**Katie** · 11-15-2009, 05:45 PM

Why? What about the polymer...no worries about it breaking down over twenty years or so?

**KBear** · 11-15-2009, 09:51 PM

Good for you! I am glad you have made the choice to take the next step and get your life back. I have never been overseas; but had I been able to afford it, I would definitely have went to Stenum. From what I have read and heard, they sound like a great hospital, with awesome doctors and staff who are caing, compassionate and great at what they do. Can't wait to hear your success story! God Bless

**melduforx** · 11-15-2009, 10:06 PM

Katie, that is my worry too about the M6. I think the design is a great idea, but I worry about the longevity of the parts. I am still on the fence. I have dug up a few studies that I need to read this week.

Thanks to everybody for their support. I have been feeling so crappy lately between the pain itself and the medicine I'm taking. This weekend is especially bad. The medicine dulls the pain, but leaves me in such a fog that I'm tired all the time. I am ready to start feeling better.

I'm sure this is how many of you feel.

**Terry Newton** · 11-16-2009, 07:32 PM

I would go with the Spinal Kinetics disc because of the design and cushioning aspects of the disc. They now have a lumbar disc that seems to mimic the motion of the bodies actual discs. I love the idea of the range of motion with the disc and the cushioning aspect that mimic the spine's natural movement.

**JK2234** · 12-06-2009, 07:53 PM

If my mom can get the money from her 401k im going to stenum for the M6 a.s.a.p...

Im trying to get my nero over here to write a letter of medical necessity so she can get the 401k money....life is hard...

**Marti in Benicia** · 01-25-2010, 07:17 PM

I had my 2-level cervical ADR done with an AWESOME and extremely experienced surgeon in Eastliegh, Hampton, England. After much research, I opted for Spinal Kinetics M6-C and he concurred. Check out www.thespineclinic.co.uk I couldn't have asked for better results, better treatment, or a better proce (price was not my main incentive).

**Ben** · 01-26-2010, 08:36 PM

My stenum experience was the best. The staff....janitors to surgeons were great. Hans, Dr. Z....all incredible. I am 7 months post 2 level maverick adr and am doing great. I am going skiing in Utah next month. Can you believe it!?

My BC/BS reimbursed me 100%. All I was out was my travel costs and deductible.

Stenum is an excellent choice. This forum...thanks Justin...is a great place to find answers and get advice about care. I looked, prayed, asked and asked some more, and finally decided on Stenum. It was a great decision. The "human" part of Stenum made a big difference for me. They care and it is obvious!