Preparing for surgery

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Badback95

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I have a horrible herniated disc at c6-c7 that is pushing on my spinal cord. My symptoms are leg weakness, trouble urinating, and some other problems. Oddly enough, there is no weakness in my left arm. I had previously had a laminectomy about 10 years ago on my lower back but had some trouble recovering. I know I need this surgery but I am scared that something could go wrong, the doctor might accidentally knick the spinal cord, or I could get an infection which could cause me to lose the use of my legs. I have a family that I have to take care of and I am terrified that something could happen to me and my family will be left with nothing. I don't have any life insurance and I just tried to apply and was denied coverage because of this injury. Does anyone know of an insurance product that could protect my family should the worst happen?? I will do some research on my own but any feedback on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
 
I did some research and there aren't a lot of insurance products out there for people having surgery. I found one product, Complication Insurance, which is affordable and provides a great benefit but it is not yet available in Florida. Bummer.
 
Any life insurance that you buy, outside of when you start employment at a new employer (or when an employer offers occasional guaranteed increases in coverage), will require full underwriting. That means full disclosure of all current and prior medical problems, surgeries, doctors, medications, etc.

I hate to say it, but think of it this way. Would a home insurer agree to insure a house that was already on fire? Nope. Same with life insurance, you can't get coverage if you have current medical issues or prior issues seen as risks to the coverage. Life insurance has to be bought when one is young and healthy. And when starting a new job with a new employer often you get what is called an amount of "guarantee issue" in which you can enroll for that amount with no medical questions asked. At my husband's last job the GI was $120,000 so we had him enroll for that even though he has medical problems.
 
I did more research and Complication Insurance is specifically designed for people having surgery. I called and spoke to them and they cover people with pre-existing conditions, however, they couldn't cover me because they aren't yet licensed in Florida. This idea of insuring people for surgery makes perfect sense, I'm just upset I can't buy a policy (only cost $100). I just googled Complication Insurance and it was the first thing that came up.

My surgery is tomorrow, so I am getting more nervous by the minute. I am very weak right now but I can tell you that stopping any further damage to my cord is the main goal. Wish me luck tomorrow. I'll probably be on here all day as I can't really move around and I like to hear stories about people going through what I'm going through. Thanks again for all your support.
 
They accept pre-ex conditions because Complication Insurance only covers post-surgery complication and it's expected that one iis buying it due to anticipated treatment or surgery. Thus its like travel insurance purchased after you've booked the trip.

Be careful with Complication Ins as it's likely to cover very specific complications and not normal expected outcomes.

If you are a bit weak and need a walker upon discharge that is a reasonable expected issue and not a complication.

For example; You have neck surgery and while in the hospital wake up with the flu 2 days after surgery, which develops into pneumonia and thus extending your hospital stay. This is not a complication of the surgery. The flu virus was likely in your body on the day of surgery and not caused by the surgery or in patient care.

But, if you have neck fusion surgery and 3 days later the hardware used in the fusion suddenly fails, then Complication Ins may be applicable but only for losses not covered elsewhere (so if your health ins covers the complication, then Complication Insurance may not).

In theory it's not bad concept in terms of a relatively inexpensive coverage but read any information carefully before buying.

I often buy travel insurance even just for our upcoming flights for Thanksgiving, but I know that the coverage in some ways is limited. But $80 on a $400 fare is reasonable given my spine problems. Should I suddenly be able to fly due to health reasons and need care my hubby and I could get our tickets refunded.
 
Go to the website and see for yourself. They cover catastrophic outcomes, like death, paralysis, etc. due to the surgery. Apparently, it is non fault based, so there is no need for litigation.

With my surgery, I am worried about being paralyzed, since they are operating close to the spinal cord. My doctor even told me that there is a 1 out of 100 chance I'll be hoarse for the rest of my life because they are going through the front and have to move stuff out of the way. I'm terrified.
 
ACDF surgery (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) is very common and in each case the approach involves moving the esophagus/windpipe and other things in the neck aside to access the spine. Thus many patients who undergo ACDF have bit of a sore throat or hoarseness for a few days or even a week or two.

I had an ACDF and it was one of the easiest surgery I ever underwent. By going through the front of the neck there are no muscles that are cut through so less post-op surgical pain as compared to a posterior approach.

The surgeon has to provide "full disclosure" of all potential risks due to surgery. Outcomes such as death, paralysis, etc are rare BUT if it happened anywhere to any patient having an ACDF it has to be listed as a possible side effect/outcome.


Even in what are considered routine surgeries, such as an appendectomy, they are advised of all possible complications including death. Why? Full disclosure is required. Somewhere at some time death during an appendectomy did occur.


Nerves take a LONG time to heal so recover can be slow so don't be discouraged as recovery goes along.
 
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