Life after Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

[@TheDoctors]

For more on this, visit bit.ly/2fJOB5Q.

[@jasmineandrew5688]

What kind of disc ?

[@arjunalaxmi7261]

Amerikanspinandpaincentermdsivaprasadbanjarahills

[@lisamoore6804]

I need this!!! I have two herniated discs in my back and one in my neck, I'd love love love to be fixed instead of dealing with drugs and pain all the time. I bet my age of 48 would prevent me from getting this done somehow.

[@gwsandcrz]

I am leaving for Germany in one week to have 3 discs replaced in my neck and I have a friend who had 4 replaced this year and everyone I know who has gone there to have it done has success. The US is WAY behind in this technology...

[@gwsandcrz]

Update! The surgery was a roaring success!! I am so incredibly thankful that we made the decision to go! I feel 10 years younger! No exaggerations!! Look up ONZ hospital in Hattigen Germany.

[@lisacote248]

How did it go? I need 4 level. Who did you use? Thank goodness you, like me, look outside what these docs in US say.

[@lisacote248]

all for adr surgery Oops! I see your message here now!

[@sayyedumar4531]

how much does it cost? if anybody knows please do reply

[@johnnyrotten4287]

Dark Fang They won’t do more than 2 levels here at the moment

[@famousmidnight]

I met Doctor Lanman back in 2011 for two disk replacemtns. Best doctor I've ever met. A truly great man

[@ShimonFukasaku]

Tyler Padgett how’d your surgery go?

[@qayyumkhan7824]

How is your back now. Has Disc replacement cured your back problem or you still have pain? How's your life after disc replacement? Can you live your normal life? Kindly need your guidance. My Doctor told me that you need to replace your L5 S1 disc. But I'm worried that this Artificial Disc Replacement won't make my back problem worse.

[@famousmidnight]

@@qayyumkhan7824 I recovered very well after the surgery was back to normal life. Was able to work, exercise, ride my bicycle you name it within 6 months. Unfortunately I injured my neck again in a different area which has made things difficult for me... but unrelated to the artificial disc's... If you need the surgery it's the best option

[@makeupbykhani8178]

@@famousmidnight so what are you planning for your other disc?

[@RobinColemanChannel]

I’m an ADR success story & very grateful!

[@_Trakman]

Robin Coleman which one did u get

[@RobinColemanChannel]

Trakman Axiomed Freedom 1 level Lumbar, Prestige LP 2 level cervical. Rasouli MD - which is as important as the device if not more so. 😊

[@treelore5100]

I just looked at his site and he says he does lumbar disc replacement and you leave the same day! (outpatient) weird... what was your experience? I need L5-S1. Did your insurance cover the disc replacement I have been reading insurance companies don't like to.

[@juliasandel9555]

Robin Coleman with what type of disk?

[@Marco-nx5tj]

My dad needs this because he has degenerative disk its been hurting him since he was a young boy

[@Seekingtruth-mx3ur]

Did he ever get it?

[@jrchicago9216]

I went to Barcelona Spine Center Dr Clavel twice. Lumbar artificial disc using the Spinal Kinetecs M6-L disc in 2016 outstanding results) and then (see my comments to continue)...

[@jrchicago9216]

Went back to Barcelona 2018 for a double level Cervical with the ESP disc from Europe. Also really great results. My research was I preferred neurosurgeons over orthopedic and the discs I had implanted are not available in the US. FDA is slow and hyper-expensive. If I were to have an artificial disc in the US, I would go to a large City with a surgeon who has an expertise in this and preferably has done many. Many is probably 750 or more. Dr Harel Deutch at RUSH has done thousands. If you have a complex case like mine with years of grueling pain and possible wear, or need two levels in the Lumbar, Barcelona Spine could be wise. It’s not about the distance and some inconveniences for a few days, it’s about a life long Spinal decision for health for the long term.

[@fallback8314]

@@jrchicago9216 how much american dollars would i need to bring for a one level cervical? and what about insurance? how does THAT work? do they accept american insurance companies in germany or spain??

[@jrchicago9216]

Hi fall back, In the US you would use your insurance either in network or out of network depending on your coverage. If you travel to another State it’s likely out of network. Outside the US is cash or credit card. Typically an insurer in the US won’t cover out of the US unless it’s a true emergency. There are some rare exceptions if the employer has an private employer incentive system. For example, let’s say an employer chooses to “self insure”, that means pay for all claims instead of a locked in higher cost from the insurer. The employer hires an insurer to “administer” the claims (as required by HIPPA Privacy Laws) and the employer may also have the insurer cover claims that exceed let’s say, a half million dollars and pays them for that more rare exposure. The employer has the option to allow its insured to travel to have the procedure in another country if it’s less costs. If you are so lucky to work for such and employer, then you may have a shot at this. So go and ask, you may never know till you do. Whatever you do make sure it’s pre-approved if the insurance is to pay. Keep in mind you will still likely need to pay out of pocket or credit card to have a surgery in another country and submit the claim when you return. Because an itemized bill must be presented, that may take some two months post surgery, so you may need to expect float that money for four or six months. Alternately, assuming that you are paying in part or fully all out of pocket, check with your accountant and ask if there are tax benefits to pay for the operation out of the US. In the US you can check out Dr. Michael Hansen in Denver or Dr. Harel Deutch at Rush Chicago. Seattle Spine is another resource Dr John Hsiang is another. There is also Dr Bluementhal at Texas Back Institute near Dallas. All have extensive capabilities and over ten years experience with artificial discs. I believe that you go to the expert if you can go that route. Experience and expertise has value and lowered risks.

[@shahramzare1731]

Hi JR I read your explanation about insurance and costs but could you please tell me how much would it cost to do one level disc replacement in lower back? Thanks

[@DanielDiaz-ru5db]

Just had this done 1 week ago with 2 Nuvasive simplify disc at Kerman Jobe . Same symptoms remain and only need pain pills for night.Fairly quick recovery so far. Hoping in 4 weeks symptoms will start disappearing.

[@kingloz36]

How are you now and what levels

[@chrisstiff4734]

had my c6/c7 replaced 3 days ago. Even though the surgical pain is intense at times, i haven't felt the pinched nerve pain. Hopefully this implant does the trick

[@businessyfocusowitz4867]

how is it now, 4 months later? Going well?

[@TheLastHotSauce]

Yeah, those r my areas I need to replace. Any info on your recovery would be much appreciated

[@bogetutzu]

Hi! How do you feel now?

[@wtfscene6993]

How are you nowdays?

[@chrisstiff4734]

Sorry everyone for not responding. It's been a journey that's for sure. I've gotten better and fixed the problem but now it's the fast movements that drop me to my knees. And kind of pressure that I'm NOT EXPECTING pinches the never that runs down your shoulder to the elbow! No more numb fingers or the shooting pains down the arm.... stopped my migraines also!

[@marcelbirgelen7558]

I.m was one off the first in 1993. 2 I have L4 S1. Because off this operation I had and have a nomale live no pain and I can do everything.

[@bpryan422]

I have failed Laminectomy syndrome. L4/5 S1. I’m seeing neuro surgeon next week. I’m only 36 and have been dealing with extreme pain since 2009. I really wonder if I can get this done. I can’t even stand up straight, nor walk. Two young boys and I’m a cripple basically

[@cmfesspbernie]

Someone please tell me how to get an insurance company to approve this!

[@gregnettles3677]

I was back at working cutting grass after four week.

[@charlesk.kongor1043]

What is the cost of two level disc replacement?

[@Seekingtruth-mx3ur]

Is it possible to do boxing or mma after this surgery?

[@yvettehiguera]

I want to know this too, I trained bjj and boxing and can't because of herniated disk 😥

[@Finestizpro]

i swear to god people are retarded why would you do the very thing again after it left you crippled?

[@user-el4pf7xm8o]

Are there any doctors in the florida area that do this procedure pleas let me no ty

[@Gaveshii]

Hello I am Kunal I am suffering from lower back surgery l4l5 microdissectomy I had done it to remove decompression after a year I have pain in lower back muscle it gives shooting pain on movement I need help

[@mubarakshaik8204]

Same for me.. How are you doing

[@makeupbykhani8178]

You may have reherniation

[@jimmy32109]

What are contraindications to 2 level disc replacement vs one level vs fusion, if any, when 3 adjacent levels are herniated, 2 of those adjacent eing the source of radial n. pain?

[@jrchicago9216]

I have 3 artificial discs, one lumbar (low back) and two cervical (neck). Don’t care for the Metal on Metal type in this video, the idea of metal wearing in my Spine is not desirable. Unlike the metal on metal... I went to Barcelona Spine Center and have *Spinal Kinetics M6L and *Low Profile ESP cervical. Both articulate “in tension” like a real disc (left -right) which is potentially less wear on facet joints to help reduce friction wear caused arthritis. Both have compression cushion, which avoids jerky energy transfer to typically the disc above - helps avoid ASD Adjacent Segment Degeneration years later requiring another surgery. **The US is behind. But if you are going to consider this surgery, find a surgeon who has performed thousands of successful artificial disc implants. A bit of travel is a small price to pay for the experience and in the critical issue of getting your life back! Run from Surgeons pushing fusion or claim its experimental (ya, experimental to them). Many are fusion only surgeons or occasional disc replacement surgeons because they were only schooled in old fashion 40 year old fusion surgery. The artificial disc implant is a very different operation than a fusion, so skills are imperative and that requires experience. Some people won’t qualify for an artificial disc due to spinal disorders, bone density problems or health issues. Lumbar patients might not qualify is belly is too big for safe surgery instrumentation placement. Only a specialist can say for sure. In Chicago Dr. Harel Deutch at RUSH has performed thousands. In Seattle Dr. John Hsiang at Swedish Spine is another highly recognized specialist. In Denver Dr Michael Janneson has been involved heavily in trial implants. And probably Dr Scott Blumenthal at Texas Back Institute if he still sees patients (big place). These are “sources” you could start looking at. I prefer a neurosurgeon myself over an orthopedic Surgeons which is my biased opinion. There are some outstanding orthopedic surgeons, I am not sure how to qualify them though. If you want to pay cash to the most experienced and deal with your CPA for tax deductible purposes - I went to Dr Pablo Clavel in Barcelona on two separate surgeries 2016 and 2018 and I am very pleased. *I should have pointed out the discs I had implanted are not available yet in US as of March 2019. **The FDA is S-L-O-W and outrageously expensive (favoring massive manufacturers) to get implants accepted in US regardless of a near perfect 8 to 10 year track record in Europe where the artificial disc was invented putting them well ahead in teaching, choices of implants and experience. In the US for the neck, I looked seriously into the Mobi-C - see my note above about RUSH. BTW few insurance plans will pay for out of US surgeries “period”... Some private employer pay plans may pay if you have a progressive employer with a large enough work force to self insure. After experiencing Barcelona Spine, it was the most important decision I made in my life. So I have to work for a couple extra years... I feel great, so what. I got my life back! I paid $26k Lumbar single level and $35k two neck levels. I could have saved money if I did both at the same time. It just was all new to me at the time. This was my story and my opinions.

[@lisacote248]

Thanks for sharing your experience and research, very good info. I need a 4 level. Narrowed down to Dr. Clavel or a guy in Germany. Wondering how and where the doc in the video, Dr. Lanman, got his 4 level done since only 2 levels FDA approved here.

[@jrchicago9216]

Lisa Cote The answer is the artificial disc was invented in Germany in mid 70’s - so it’s the epicenter of training and experience. The US is slow in this regard - training is limited and the FDA is slow to approve discs (very expensive). So the US fails to have the best disc offerings. When you get into these three levels on up, there is a zig -zag or see saw effect that can happen. The Low Profile “LP” ESP brand Disc is supposedly the most preferred choice as it offers more contact surface area for the discs to rest near flat. There are surgeons that prefer to fuse some and implant the artificial disc in at every other level, or some other combination. In perspective, the correction of crushed disc height adds physical height, regardless if fused or with an artificial disc. Four levels will require good practices on your part to obtain good physical therapy. I added acupuncture. I chose Dr Clavel because I spoke to others who had the same surgery, I liked that Barcelona was a good walking City and you need to stay ten days after surgery minimum. We flew in and arrived Saturday their time (you leave Friday), had fun overt Saturday and Sunday and met with Dr. Clavel late morning and had the surgery that afternoon. Stayed a total two weeks and had fun after the hospital stay all about. The other reasons I chose Dr Clavel was he only will perform surgery on no more than two patients in the day, no more than 4 in a week. I opted for the SKYPE call with him and recommend that. He does his own surgeries (not all of these do, and many have another person do the sewing up). Clavel does his own and if you care about scars, he put it in the fold line of a neck line for a two level. Even the lumbar implant scar next to my bellybutton faded away. My take on it is he cares and is a precision surgeon. Some of the scars Insee in these videos are horrible- in contrast. Anyway, he is a nice man, nice staff, he does all of the surgery in an accredited hospital (I see that as a plus). I have seen others in smaller surgery centers. The hospital is very clean and the rooms are all jumbo. He also has an interpreter there overnight just in case anything were a problem. Nurses all spoke English if I recall correctly as well as the physical therapist that is included in the price.

[@lisacote248]

JR Chicago This is so helpful and I am so appreciative. Like you said, the most important decision in your life... mine, too. Did you talk to Ritter-Lang? I feel I’m being more drawn to Clavel. I’m quite sure mine will be $40 -$50 K for 4 levels and I am stumped at this time on how to pull it off, but I have 0 quality of life as is. Did Dr. Clavel speak English? You were very thorough in your research, quite impressive. I suppose I need to contact the Clavel Clinic for next step.

[@jrchicago9216]

Lisa Cote Yes, I did research Ritter-Lang but they use a team. Clavel does his own surgery. They are good friends. I liked “da man” doing the surgery. I would have gone either way. The Skype call sealed the deal and the allure of Barcelona and I speak some Spanish (was not needed). I thinks it’s a few hundred Euros for a half hour Skype, Yet they credit that if you do the operation. I think we spent 40 minutes- did not feel rushed. You need to email (using something like a DROPBOX link) your MRI, they have a detailed patient information document you send with it. It’s best to send one email with everything. Either Yolanda or Omara will respond. They take credit cards (even for the surgery). It will be Euros any converted to USD automatically. Btw if you do Barcelona - we stayed at Hotel Jazz and had a corner suite right across the street from the University. Nice youthful bustle and the Starbucks was just on the other side if the square (tried local shops and coffee was too small). Pastry shops steps from the hotel rocked. Neck surgery will cause in swallowing in smaller bites for a month or two. Plenty of restaurants about. Fun city and easy to get about. We used a vip taxi service the first trip, something Clavel offers. It was interesting but not really necessary. All the taxis take credit card swipe that I recall. It’s just like any larger US City. Oh’ btw, if you go, there are some restaurants down by the dock on the Mediterranean Sea perfect for lunch.

[@lisacote248]

JR Chicago I speak some Spanish, too. Barcelona and Clavel have appealed to me slightly more and now you’ve spelled it out for me. It sounds as though you were able to enjoy your trip a bit despite the Medical nature. I am so miserable with this intense, non-stop pain. It keeps me zapped, like can’t tend to all my stuff, like even the basics. Did you have brain fog and extreme fatigue from all the pain? I’d so, did all of this improve, too? I’m very happy and hopeful to discover this option. Gotta figure out the $$$.

[@honibzerko]

That's wonderful

[@barbaramatscheg4854]

Is this avail., in Canada?

[@stevenlee7992]

cost?

[@juliasandel9555]

What is the name of this artificial disk?

[@klikkerTV]

Mobi c?

[@georgeharleydavidsonrider156]

Can artificial disk be used for lower lumbar with previous spinal fusion surgery?

[@gustavomatias4288]

I’m about to do a 2 level disc replacement and what I learned from my doctor is if you do disc replacement and something goes wrong you still can remove the discs and do fusion. But when you do fusion is forever

[@NiccBlacc-NCBC]

How did it work out for you ?​@@gustavomatias4288

[@juliasandel9555]

Whats the band name? I see its not moby 6

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Getting one in 3 weeks.

[@Freedoml]

I had a surgery 3 years ago! But still It hurts in lumbar back. I would like to go for disc replacement but I hesitated... I've lost a lot of time so far

[@mrskatd22]

S I I regret disc replacement and I never wanted it, my doctor made that choice after I stated no. I feel like I am dying the pain is unbareable

[@jbwf4947]

@@mrskatd22 Are you still feeling bad?

[@Seekingtruth-mx3ur]

@@mrskatd22 where did you have it done?

[@mrskatd22]

JustPassinBy wake forest baptist hospital in North Carolina Still in pain.. it’s severe and no healing after 7 years.. needing another surgery soon just trying to find the right doctor

[@makeupbykhani8178]

@@mrskatd22 hi Krissy. It seems your disc has dislocated

[@MdRokibulHossainMukul]

Dear, I didn't move my neck beacuse of stiff neck for ankylosis spondilytis . Can I get relief with this surgery?

[@Bajrangiprasadkumar]

Md. Rokibul Hossain Mukul I am your father

[@gSWG3R]

No, this is a disc replacement surgery, AS is an autoimmune disease that auto fuses your spine, artificial discs can only treat disc issues.

[@makeupbykhani8178]

Yes you may. It's available in india as well.

[@caseylarkin5901]

Had 2 level Mobi-c replacement c5-c7 5/16/19 to relieve right sided pain and numbness ; looks like fluid retention at the surgical site on left is that normal? Seroma possibly??? And having excruciating nerve pain in upper left neck/trap area. Dr office says normal , I am not sure this is ? Anyone else experience this ??

[@a75826]

How are you doing now ?

[@jimherring7315]

I have had Mobi C C-5 to C7 and my pains are worse than before the surgery. I wish I didn't let this lady doctor deter me from getting the M6 artificial Discs which I originally was going to get. She called me up on a Saturday and told me that there was an article that just came out saying M6 artificial discs have had a 32 percent device failure rate. O don't know if she was telling me the truth all I know is I wish I would of stayed with the M6 artificial discs because it would have been a different doctor and not her mobi C discs that cause me more pain!

[@bhupenderbhardwaj3361]

What's the overall cost for disc replacement?

[@yvettehiguera]

I think like 40k usd

[@supermushroom3175]

The ADR may last a lifetime but not your facets

[@brucekendall52]

Had my lumber double disc replacement in 2004 already in JHB-SA.

[@gSWG3R]

Did you work for you?

[@kpg10]

Had you any issues ever since with these disc or maybe pain?

[@floridaarmyvet3613]

I have a neck fusion, hopefully someday I can replace it with this!

[@leelunk8235]

YOU CANT GO FROM FUSION TO DISC REPLACEMENT, YOU'RE SCREWED

[@famousmidnight]

This is true. I have 3 level fusion in my neck with 2 artifical discs above. Dr lanman did the surgery. Best doctor I've ever met

[@leelunk8235]

JULIA+ I GATHER WHEN YOU SAY IMPLANTS YOU MEAN THE ARTIFICIAL DISC...WHY WOULD HE WANT TO REPLACE THEM WITH FUSION...THE ARTIFICIAL DISC ARE BETTER THAN FUSION..EVEN THOUGH HE HAS A FUSION ALREADY, WHY GET MORE, JUST KEEP WHAT HE HAS

[@leelunk8235]

ADR..NOT ARD...AND ARTIFICIAL DISC DONT WEAR OFF....THEY ARE MADE FOR OVER 40,000 ROTATIONS, IN A LIFETIME YOU GO THRU ABOUT ONLY 10,000 ROTATIONS, BUT IF MY MIRACLE, THE BALL INSIDE WEARS OFF, ONLY THE BALL GETS REPLACED, NOT THE WHOLE DISC, SIMPLE IN AND OUT PROCEDURE AND YOU KEEP THE SAME ARTIFICIAL DISC

[@leelunk8235]

THAT YOUNG DOCTOR YOU SEE THERE HAD NECK SURGERY TOO, HE'S LIKE AROUND 40 YRS OLD

[@kavik2825]

Europe has been doing this for over 10 years.....,The US is far behind. And Europe does it for a lot less $$$$

[@hockeyplayer8372]

Glad he was in a lab coat. More convincing lol.

[@devinramdihal8149]

I seen that doc Alana these guys refused to work on patient who has a fused lumbar . They Fully well know the tremendous negativity effect of Spine fusion . Cuz ur makes your body lack of mobility in all the other joints the body . . One lumbar fused affects the whole body spine and other joints in the body . The fda have not approved revision on spine fusion their goal is clear out ppl on meds . In turkey They do revision on spine fusion . I Thank God for that 🫡💥❤️