Steve,
My surgeon in Florida, the co-inventor of the Active L disc, does revisions. I made sure of this before I had surgery, so I would be able to get it out if need be. Maybe you could fly out and consult with him. He was a very nice humble man and highly reccommended by fellow spineys (Justin and Mark both had good things to say about him). I would also make for absolutely certain that the top disc is fine. I completely agree that it is the prudent thing to do to get more than one opinion, regardless of who you have surgery with (I got 3 opinions before my first surgery, which is way easier than a revision). I also think that you should push for a more discounted rate. Also, I know on the billing I received for the surgery, it showed a seperate insurance billing for removal of the old disc and another for placing the ADR; so maybe you could get insurance to pay for the fusion part and just have to foot the bill for the removal of the old disc. Too bad Dr. B doesn't have the revision policy of Stenum, seeing as how the revision rate is low, doesn't seem like it would cost them much (unless they had tons of revisions). Seems like a great policy, too bad US dr's don't offer it (guess you need tons of confidence in your skill to offer a policy like that).
Best of luck,
Kathy
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34 years old-
1/06- In wreck with 18 wheeler
Numerous MRI's, PT, chiropractic, accupuncture, TENS therapy, massage therapy, facet injections, epidural injections, Nerve study, Discogram, confirms pain in L4/5, IDET, decompression, Bi-lateral neurotomy L3/4/5, denied by insurance twice, in Active L clinical trial, had surgery March 17, 2009 in Miami, FL- received Active L disc
Had Baby #3 after ADR!
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