Decision on Surgeon

Maria · #1 (**permalink**) 01-16-2007, 07:34 PM

Thanks to Work Comp I've arrived at a decision on surgeon and therefore surgery ~

My decision was influenced by movement for compromise and release which would be a monetary settlement and no future medical. I was told once again that surgery abroad would not be approved since I'd had numerous recommendations here and surgeons willing to do surgery and it was determined my medical/surgical needs could be met here by WCAB. However, should I choose to go abroad, the Compromise and Release would allow me to have a settlement which would be at least for amount of surgery costs here and the rest would have to be worked out altho it would likely not be over a certain amount.

If I choose to have surgery here in the U.S., once I reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) then I would settle and retain Future Medical. I hope this much is true considering L3 is still a disc that concerns me not to mention surgical outcome perhaps requiring future PM treatment (most likely I would imagine).

So I am choosing to go forward with Dr.Delamarter in Santa Monica, and to have a fusion at L5S1 which I was advised would be anteriorly and without hardware, and Prodisc at L4.

I am going to hope that my BMD isn't going to be an issue. I still think that Dr.Regan has the right idea about possibly getting on Forteo to build up BMD however, I don't know that I qualify in terms of parameters for use~ will have to see a specialist for this. I do have -2.8 t score for femoral neck.

Truly I would probably prolong another surgery to the end of time as I am afraid of more pain. I also have been much more mobile lately, walk more, sit for dinners and such at least for a while. My life isn't as ruled by pain as it's been in the past and I don't know what exactly is contributing to that EXCEPT that I've made some other decisions in my life that have reduced daily stress levels quite a bit.

Mind body connection must be jamming a bit

dshobbies · #2 (**permalink**) 01-16-2007, 08:41 PM

Maria,

The decision to go forward is indeed both stress reduing and increasing but a huge step forward. I'm sure that Dr. D will do a great job. Keep us informed as to scheduling etc. and I want to wish you the best of luck and good fortune.

Dale

mmglobal · #3 (**permalink**) 01-16-2007, 10:41 PM

Dear Maria,

I was surpised that your post got me choked up... it's been a long road that we've been down together. What a huge step. I look forward to watching your recovery and I hope it's every bit as dramatic as mine. You are a lively and upbeat person and I know that the real Maria is a thousand times more lively and upbeat than the Maria that I'm used to seeing.

Keep us posted...

Mark

PS... call me... let's go get some Margaritas

Maria · #4 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 12:38 AM

Dale,
thank you so much for your reply and for following my travels down this long long road.. it seems never ending~ I will surely keep you and others updated!

Mark,
Without you none of what I've wanted to do could have probably been achieved. You helped me in so many ways, thru so many mazes and especially with WC and all the major wringers I've been thru with them~

I thank you, your lovely wife Diane, and your family for sharing you with us all~ and for all you have done for me, and continue to do for us all~

Cadillac Margaritas here we come ~ let's go down some

ans · #5 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 01:25 AM

Hey Maria:

Congratulations on making a firm decision and I hope that you are permanently "cured". A year from now, we'll be seeing pictures of you mountain climbing or surfing.

Best ~ ans

Maria · #6 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 04:38 PM

Allan,
I will very happy to just be able to sit comfortably and walk w/o stopping everyone else to say that I have to sit or lie down and those kind of things~ if I get to the top of a mountain it will be because there is a lift nearby (and I'm afraid of heights) or I was magically transported somehow (flying carpet?)!!

Firm decision.. first one I've arrived at in ages

dshobbies · #7 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 05:52 PM

Maria,

Have you scheduled your surgery yet? If not, what is the delay?
Dale

Maria · #8 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 06:27 PM

edited as necessary

dshobbies · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2007, 05:04 AM

Maria,

I'm so glad you're feeling better. It's a mixed blessing. Both you fear, which is well founded, and your depression are completely understandable. I'd be surprised if you weren't experiencing these emotions. It's funny how when things get close, we seem to feel better and begin second guessing our decisions. All of this is normal. I would even expect all of this to worsen as we get closer to March.

No one can tell you which direction to take. You are well informed, have fought a hard fight, and the decision to move forward is yours to make. I've heard of miracles and the opposite and everything inbetween, so nervousness plays a huge role is your decision. Just know that everything you're feeling has been felt by everyone who went before you. Even now, writing this, I remember my fear and apprehension, but I had no doubts that I had to do this. It was this that saw me through, of course with the help of Mark.

Just breathe slowly and take advantage of your feeling good. Please take care,

Dale