Diagnosed with Multi-level DDD and herniated discs at C4-5, C5-6

[nolanana]

I have been referred to a neurosurgeon as I wouldn't even think of an Ortho for this surgery. I am so worried about the results of having the typical fusion surgery on adjoining C spine levels. My insurance (BCBS) won't pay for disc replacement such as Prestige. I am worried about having limited range of motion after fusion, especially on adjoining levels. Since I also have Multi-level Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease, I am very concerned about other levels herniating as I have read about on many forums. I am scared. I am an artist and I have lost the ability to create anything. I don't want to have fusion if it will permanently prevent me from creating my art.

Any one out there with similar condition? Has anyone had fusion on 2 adjoining levels? What was your outcome?

[lpndj6]

Heck be glad you can get your insurance to cover anything. ive been fighting for months now with BCBS of NC,. I have a Grade IV tear of the disc at L4-L5 which means its not only herniated but ruptured as well I have severe DDD and my Neurosurgeon made it quite clear nothing short of fusion would work due to sig risk for disc space collapse if they just did a decompression and what not. Meanwhile the appeal was denied internally by BCBS (the review done by a family practice MD, not an ortho let alone a spinal/neurosurgeon which blows me away) meanwhile my pain took a turn for the worse taking me to my primary care MDs office (changed my pain meds up to Oxycodone 15mg 6-8hrs, Flexaril instead of Soma, Steroid shot (with stairsteepingn down which isnt good since Im diabetic). Only to end up in more pain the next day and my wife missing work again this time having tro call 911 because I was so locked up and in pain I couldnt move and even raising my leg up was severely evocative for pain. But BCBS says I dont need fusion surgery (did I mention they endedu p giving me Fentanyl 100mcg in the ambulance over 2 doses with little help plus Zofran due to paininduced nausea, then Dilaudid 1mg X2 which finally helped a little and another shot of torodal and more zofran and finally valium to break the spasms down to get my pain from a 9.5-10 outta 10 down to around 5.  Im so sick of these idiots and I happen to work in he healthcare field (or should say I did till i got hurt falling down the stairs at home). I just want my back fixed so Ic an go back to work but apparenlty BCBS seems to think i should spend my life on narcotics miserable and I guess hopeing Ill eventually kill myself (which the thought has admittedly crossed my mind if for no other reason to stop the pain Im in that is dragging me down emotionally speaking as well. 5+months of pain and really no major relief starts to finally catch up to ya after awhile. I hope and pray things change soon before I do end up doing something that will unintentionally hurt alot others to stop the pain Im in once and for all

[paul8176]

I don't think the FDA will ever approve multi level disc replacements. Because of cost, insurance companies will never pay for it anyway.  The kinetics m6 artificial disc is made in California, but is only allowed to be used over sea's because of the FDA here. They have been using artificial disc in Europe for almost twenty years. The average cost of a single level fusion in USA is around $55,000. If I had the money I would go to Germany for  mult level disc replacement for about that same price. But, I don't have the money. I do think we should avoid surgery at all if you can. I have been fighting fusing my spine for a year now and my time is coming. My injury is workers comp and I have seen just how much America doesn't care about American's. They want to do everything cheap as they can. I will get a some kind of permanent disability pay out. But I will have to save the money so I can go to Europe for disc replacement when my other disc start to go after my fusion.  

[sharadale]

Hi,
I have 4 herniated disks in my cervical spine. c3/4,c4/5, c5/6, c6/7. I tried chiropractic, massage therapy and epidurals. After trying everything else, I finally went to a highly recommended neurosurgeon Since I had so many areas, he felt it would be most advisable to remove 2 diks and fuse the vertebrae with .bone graft. Replacement disks were not an option when there is multilevels. I don't know if that was something from FDA or BCBS, but my doctor said it was not an option.
I had the surgery on Jan 19th and was released on Jan 20. After 4 weeks of little activity, I was very concerned because I still had pain. I was assured that this was normal as my nerves were regenerating after being virtually dead before the surgery. I was told that I was facing paralysis if I did not have the surgery. I had been treating with alternate means for 6 months. The muscle loss and nerve damage were too severe.
It has been almost 2 months now and I have been able to remove the brace, drive and am having really good results. I no longer have the pain in my arms, hands and sholuders and have been getting range of motion back so I am able to drive and resume normal activities.
It took me much longer than I expected to recover and was somewhat depressed during the recovery but am looking forward to returning to work this week.
The nurse did tell me that it will take about 18 months to completely fuse the spine and have full range of motion back.
I hope this helps.If you decide to go with the surgery make sure you have a well experienced neurosurgeon. Good luck

[nolanana]

Haven't heard of it before, but I'll look into the laminplasty, thanks Paul.

Hi Barbara, I've contacted BCBS insurance and they absolutely say no to Prestige as they say it is "experimental". I've read all over the net about people appealing several times and some winning the appeal and having it approved, but it takes a lot of time. I don't want to have something done that will leave me with limited range of motion.

I have been to a chiropractor recently. I went every day for a week when I had severe lower back pain and could hardly walk. The treatment worked amazingly well. I am afraid to have a chiro touch my neck seeing as there are 2 herniations pressing on my spinal cord. My neuro doc said that would not be a good idea.

I'm waiting for the neursurgeon to call with my appointment date. I have such anxiety having read about so many differing outcomes with 2-level fusions.

Thanks for the replies!

[squirtatious]

Have u tried alternative treatment from a chiropractor which is less invasive and more effective in my opinion?

[menu52]

hello Im Barbara I have what you have degenerative disc disease and had 2 disc removed from my neckIm also on prestige.my out come was great I have a great doctor that took prestige and had it done. do it it will help you

[paul8176]

I'm in the same situation except a 3 levels. I'm scared too. Mine is workers comp and I am unable to make any decisions about my treatment. I just learned about a treatment called laminaplasty that maybe an option. It's was invented in japan 30 years ago and it's just now being done here. There are not very many doctors that do it here but it maybe worth a shot. Read up on it and if you think it's an option call around to see if any doctors do it. Don't forget to read your doctor reviews. If I can't help myself maybe I can help someone else. I feel your pain.