Two Level Fusion

[Katie]

Gil, Dr. P was most open to discussing my options after seeing my images. I would recommend that you send them both to San Diego and his main office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. My first one went missing, and we had to wait an extra ten days till he got my second one. It is cheap insurance to ensure he gets it at one place, at least. His contact information is in the International Forum, or send me a PM for his email, etc. He has always been extremely prompt with his replies, and also gave me a lot of time on the phone after looking at my MRIs.

He apparently travels between those two hospitals quite often, but prefers to do most of his surgery in Brazil, but that would be between the two of you to discuss.

I feel wonderful and really recommend him. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Gilbert P]

HI Katie

I think I just emailed Dr. Pimenta, I will see what happens?

Thank You So Much

Gil

[Toolturnr]

Gil, sorry to hear your hearing so many different opinions from the different surgeons. From what I have read so far it seems that we have alot in common. My Surgeon wants to do a 3 level fusion L3-S1 as conservative therapy,injections,pt,tens unit and medications have not helped. I have gotten a little worse every year since 2001 now its horrible.I have had 2 failed surgeries in 2009 & 2010. I am not working and my injury is a work comp case also and im wondering how to get this approved if i do have a concensus of surgeons say that a hybrid would be an option for me. My current surgeon is like your first that said no to ADR and I just think they havnt had any experience doing it so they default to what they have always done as it is their comfort zone not necessarily the best option for us. I am sending my mri's out to texas and others in the US as im in your situation and couldnt afford to go on my expense overseas. Then again im not sure w/c will let me go to another state either but i will fight that fight when it comes. Please let me know what option you decide to go with and where you have it done and how w/c handles it for you as I dont feel we should be limited in our medical care to just what the dr's in your own state are capable of. It seems the states of Texas,California and NY have alot better ADR experience than my homestate of MN just from the little that I have been able to research so far. Good luck in whatever decision you feel is going to be your best option as believing its going to work is half the battle in getting through this. Bob

[sportsnut3007]

Hey here is a method for 2 level Products : AxiaLIF 2L : Minimally invasive access the lumbar spine, idk if this is best method for u but just a thought.

[Katie]

Gil, I'm happy that you've decided to contact Dr. P. I don't know if he can help, but you're on the right road at least. You don't know what's available out there till you try I had so many irons in the fire in the year before and up to my surgery, I have a hard time remembering them all now. But without casting my nets near and far, I never would have come up with a solution.

This is one thing I've learned from this experience...no one will help us as much as ourselves (except for many members on this forum, of course ) Every surgeon is only as good as his experience and training, and many like to stay in a narrow comfort zone...fewer bad grades on their professional 'report card'. Most of the surgeons in our country have only had a hundred or less ADR surgeries under their belts, many have done half of that. They wouldn't even offer me a fusion, let alone ADR.

When I searched outside my country, I found surgeons with many hundreds, if not thousands of patients under their belts. Of course they didn't have 100% success with their patients, but they certainly have learned a lot more than those who have one tenth of the experience. (These all thought they were right, of course) Those are the specialists I want working on me. Ones with both confidence and experience, with a touch of empathy thrown in ...they don't always go hand in hand, and you have to weed out the chaff.

Keep up the fight, friend. We're behind you all the way. If there's anything I can do to help, just ask.

[Cindylou]

I second what Katie is saying Gil. You are definitely making progress towards a long term solution for your spine. And you're looking at some great ones too. Katie had a phenomenal experience with Dr. Pimenta. I think you said you sent your stuff off to Dr. Bertagnoli too. These two alone are incredible surgeons. I can't wait to read back on your thread after you have all of this behind you, in the not too distant future, my friend. Who knows? Maybe we'll even get to enjoy some gentle, green runs together! Now, that would be my dream again. Hang tough. We're here for you.....all the way. CL

[KBear]

Awesome advice Katie and oh so true!

[Gilbert P]

Hi All

Thank You All so much for your advice and kind words, The waiting game is part of the process

To day is bad pain is not my friend

Thanks

Gil

[Justin]

Hey Gil,

I wish you the very best with everything. Please let me know how I can help.

[Gilbert P]

Hi Justin

Send Lots Of Money I will be fine .Just seeking all their is to offer in spine technology and its not their YET

Life Is Short So Live Large " Big Walley"

Thanks Gil