"Allow myself to,...introduce myself"

[Buckeyeback]

At least I have a little sense of humor left. This whole back thing is slowly squeezing the life out of me. I'm sure most of yo understand what I mean. My name is Kevin and I have been dealing with back/leg pain since early 2008. I've been through the conservative regimine over and over between having a Micro (nothing micro about it) discectomy at L3-L4 and L4-L5 (the former being less of an issue (bulge) and the latter being a protrusion that was/is creating my leg pains that are now bilaterally) and an "accurascope" procedure at L4-L5 to address reherniation/scar tissue tethering the L5 nerve root. Now I'm back doing the conservative treatments (3 epidural steroid injections, meds etc.) that are of no help anymore. I am requesting a new MRI, last being in May, to see what is going on since I am having increased symptoms. I believe, at this point, my L4-L5 disc is "wasted" and will not regain it's rigidity again. I live in Ohio and am having trouble finding a good, open-minded surgeon/doctor to see. It seems that fusion surgery is all they do in this state. Very few surgeons have any ADR experience. Ugh. If anyone has had experience with a great surgeon/doc in Ohio, please let me know.

Thanks.

[KBear]

Welcome to the forum, sorry you have to be here. For finding a doctor in your area, check out the travel section of the forum, there are doctors listed for international or domestic. I would definitely get at least 3 surgical opinions. You can also send out your films and records to doctors in other states/ countries for a small fee. Even if you don't plan on leaving your state for surgery, it never hurts to have some of the top doctors giving you their opinions on your case.
Best of luck,
Kathy

[Cindylou]

Welcome to the forum, Buckeyeback.....love the name, but sorry for all the obvious reasons for why you are here. I can't help you out with any docs in Ohio, but Kathy gave good advice, as always, about checking out the Travel section for potential docs. Keep in mind, as I am sure you are already well aware, if you are having a hard time finding a surgeon who does ADR in Ohio, then chances are it is slim pickings and you should brace yourself for going either out of state or out of the country, when/if you get the recommendations that it's time for surgery. You only have 1 back and you want it treated by the best. I also agree with Kathy about getting a minimum of 3 surgical opinions. This will serve you well and bring you closer to the best possible treatment plan for your back. Good luck! And welcome again, Cindylou

[Buckeyeback]

Welcome to the forum, sorry you have to be here. For finding a doctor in your area, check out the travel section of the forum, there are doctors listed for international or domestic. I would definitely get at least 3 surgical opinions. You can also send out your films and records to doctors in other states/ countries for a small fee. Even if you don't plan on leaving your state for surgery, it never hurts to have some of the top doctors giving you their opinions on your case.
Best of luck,
Kathy

Thanks Kathy! I will check that out. Glad to see that artificial disc replacement has helped you. I truely believe in the technology as opposed to fusion if there is a choice in the matter. I am considering a phone consult with Dr. Boree, an in person consult with Dr. Delamartar in LA and maybe Dr. Balderston in Philly (he's so close it's worth it). I feel like I'm at that point where the disc isn't completely degenerated, but past the point of healing so I'm in "no-mans land" so to speak. I can get around a little, but my symptoms surely get worse as the day goes on and that is with pain medication, ice 2-3 times a day and laying down every now and then. I think I am a candidate since I have never had a radiologist report or otherwise state anything about spondy or major facet issues. When you live in "fusionland" that's all they wanna do... Thanks for replying.

~Buckeyeback

[Buckeyeback]

Welcome to the forum, Buckeyeback.....love the name, but sorry for all the obvious reasons for why you are here. I can't help you out with any docs in Ohio, but Kathy gave good advice, as always, about checking out the Travel section for potential docs. Keep in mind, as I am sure you are already well aware, if you are having a hard time finding a surgeon who does ADR in Ohio, then chances are it is slim pickings and you should brace yourself for going either out of state or out of the country, when/if you get the recommendations that it's time for surgery. You only have 1 back and you want it treated by the best. I also agree with Kathy about getting a minimum of 3 surgical opinions. This will serve you well and bring you closer to the best possible treatment plan for your back. Good luck! And welcome again, Cindylou

Thanks Cindylou! I agree and intend on doing my due diligence. I am following "Mike" who had an M6 ADR by Dr. Boree and he is doing real well so far. His blog is great! I was hoping to find a doc here in Ohio who is open-minded about ADR so I could add him/her to the list of consults. I sent a message to "Rhatzy" since he is a pilot out of Columbus. Maybe he knows of someone. He may have his followups in Ohio. We'll see. Are you still having issues with your back? From your signature, you are still getting treatments. Are you at least much better now?

~Buckeyeback