Well.....(Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery Scheduled)

[bigdogchief76]

Aetna approved my ADR surgery.

18 March 2011: will begin a new chapter in my life

[KanRunMo]

Wunerful! Wunerful! (Some actor used to say that - don't remember who). It is wonderful that you will get ADR surgery and it is covered by your insurance.
Go Chiefs, Go Royals, Go KU, Go K-State.

[ajj1001]

Good news, the 18th is pretty soon !!!

[trkdoc714]

Congratulations!!!

You think they were just playing hard to get?

Good luck on the 18th (and every day afterward).

Bob

[bigdogchief76]

You think they were just playing hard to get?

IDK Bob. I think its a travesty that I (and any other patient) has to go through any of this. It's a bittersweet feeling. I don't an ounce of gratitude for insurance company; what the doctor recommended should have been the final word, whether it was the fusion surgery or the ADR surgery. But it was a HUGE burden lifted off of me today (this is what I felt like when the clinic called: http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&client=mv-google&hl=en&v=7YaGwI7GjlA ).

Now the realization that I'm about to be cut open is sinking in. The reality of recovery is real today, unlike yesterday.

Many emotions; I'm sure after I have digested this, I'll post some thoughts.

Thanks for the kind words (to all of you)

MB

[bigdogchief76]

...post some thoughts

So, I've been thinking about all of this since the news came out this morning.

I've seen different forums where folks have been dealing with the insurance battle. It's interesting to read the different reactions to the news. Some people act like it's the best thing that's EVER happened, while others just give out a collective sigh of relief, which brings me to this thought:

Regardless of the emotional state, the bottom line is I'm about to entrust my life to 2 surgeons.

One that is going to slice me open in the front, retract organs that are an essential part of life, ensure the main blood route is safe and out of the way, then let another doctor hack away at my flat tire removing all that is left, jack up my vertebrae, cut into said vertebrae, and place two foreign metal objects into the now lifted area. Then insert yet another foreign object that is supposed to give me at least a 75% chance of minimizing my pain (all this while hoping no damage is done to certain nerve functions) Then let the vascular surgeon get everything back the way it was, sew me back up like I had a rip in my pants or something, stay in the hospital for a few days hoping I can poop normal and not get sick from pain meds, then spend the next 4 - 6 weeks off of work, trying to restart a somewhat normal way of life.

Forgive me for not jumping for joy or dancing a little jig....

That's not to say I'm not grateful for having the ability to let these trained doctors do their job. Far from that train of thought.

It's simply the fact that it would be far better to never have had to ever join this group. However, that is not what Providence had in store for me. Like everyone else here, I have back problems that will continue to be with me until I am called Home.

I am ready to have relief, do not misread what I am expressing. But the reality of the situation is my body is about to be invaded and that's no bueno!

IDK....that's the harsh seriousness of this momentary lapse of relief.

[Cindylou]

Yes, that is the reality Matt. And it comes as no surprise to me (that's an old song I like, you old enough to remember?) that you would begin to have a swirling dervish of emotions as your approval time until your surgery time is really not that far apart. Which is a good thing, I think. It won't be prolonged. And as some of us before you have already had this invasive surgery with all the inherent risks that you describe so well, now it is your turn, your body, your surgeons, all the same risks, and it's just damn scary.....no two ways around it. But if you trust in your surgeon, which I believe you do, and you have a relationship with the Almighty, which I also happen to know you do, then there is nothing left you can do but have hope and faith that this surgery will deliver you from the bowels of all the pain you have been in. And I pray it will too. I am so happy for you Matt, that it is finally coming to your turn. A chance to get back to living your life, with your family. Hang in there. Not much waiting left buddy. Cindylou

[Justin]

Congratulations, Matt!

Your description of the surgery is pretty accurate. You can sleep well knowing that the vascular surgeon has many many anterior approaches under his/her belt. Also, the spine surgeon is well versed and will do everything in his/her power to give you the best possible placement of the device.

We are here to support you in the interim.

[KBear]

Matt- I'm cringing reading the description and I'm done with that part. It didn't hit me that I was really having surgery until evening before/ after surgery. I just kept thinking something would happen and I wouldn't get surgery. Probably was a blessing, because I was so not prepared for just how major surgery was. I knew it was a big deal, just didn't realize how big of a deal until I woke up in a world of hurt. That said, so glad I had it and now have my life back. I'll be praying for you and your medical team.

[rhatzy]

Matt,

What levle are you having donem where are you having it done and what disc will you be getting?

Mark