Help me find a GOOD doctor!

[allpainnogain]

I live in Anchorage, AK so, the availability of Dr.'s is limited. I started seeing a nuerosurgeon 1 1/2 years ago to inquire about disc replacement. I have a diffuse annular bulge w/severe encroachment on exiting nerve roots disc at S1 - L5, degenerative disc changes w/diffuse annular bulging narrowing the spinal canal at L5 - L4. The other discs inbetween are better than L5 - L4 & get a little better ending at L1 & L2 being a mild annular bulge. I have pain almost all day everyday. I usually have 2 - 3 hours after waking where the pain factor is very low and then it progressively gets worse as the day wears on. The Dr. I started seeing is one of the very few who perform this surgery and the one with the most experience in the state. When I 1st started seeing him he had me do extensive testing; MRI, x-rays, CAT scan. He told me after seeing the MRI that he would be able to give me the A.D.R. and I could get it done that year (2009). Then his staff told me they couldn't get me on the schedule that year. I started the process again early this year and he had me do a disc injection test and was going to do the surgery this past summer. My insurance denied the surgery because of the written MRI report saying I needed a fusion instead, his staff said that they would get him to write a report to my insurance explaining what he saw on the film vs the written report. This was 5 wks. ago and he still hasn't even looked at the films. His staff won't even speak to me now and said that they would only give me an appnt. if I would get the fusion. I have to add that I've never been treated like this in my life & they know how much pain I'm in & something in the back of my mind is saying that what he's doing has to be illegal. My condition has deteriorated in the 1 1/2 years I've been waiting. I've decided I can't trust him to touch my spine. I'd like some recommendations for another nuerosurgeon preferrably in Seattle, WA who is qualified with a good record. Please help me find another Dr. or give me some advice, I would appreciate it immensely.

 

[guy484]

Imagine trying to get medical care from Guam if you think Alaska is bad....

If you can take narcotics and function then you don't need the surgery.


My microdiscectomy left metal fragments in my spine thanks to the practicing doctors in training at Rapid City. My Spine fusion (XLIF L4-L5) made me worse and I can't even function now. My hips are hot, my back muscles are always in spasm, my body temperature is hot as heck causing all the other joints to hurt like heck....

If you can function or have a sex life, you don't need that surgery. It could make you worse. Go for Oxycontin and take it easy.

You have no idea how bad it is over here trying to get medical care. I would never recommend getting cut open to anyone. Very few are successful.

 

[maltluver]

When you have severe encroachment of the spinal canal, your situation is only going to get worse. The reason the ins. won't pay for ADR is because you have other discs that are bad and that rules you out as a good candidate for success with you. In all honesty, I think you would find a fusion helpful....at least if there is no permanent damage.

The longer those nerves are pinched, the more chance of the damage being done and then surgery can only help it from getting worse. I don't usually advocate surgery, but I make an exception when it is due to impingement of nerves. That's because I have permanent nerve damage at L5-S1 and now have to take Lyrica to help with the burning feeling. Had I not waited so long, I could have saved myself a lot of suffering and expense.

As for finding a particular doctor, you may just have to make 2-3 appointments and choose. I personally recommend an Orthopedic Spine Specialist. I have found them to be more patient and understanding and great at answering questions. The Neurosurgeons I have seen (3) have all acted like they didn't have time for me, and that I should not ask questions and only do what I was told. That doesn't set well with me. I'm pretty picky when it comes to doctors, lol.

Lots of good luck to you. I hope you will stay in touch.

Carol