Posted on Oct 16, 2016
Anyone have experience w/ multi-level ACDF (Disk) Fusion?
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Hi Comrades-in-arms! Just had a ACDF (Anterior Cervical Disk Fusion) C3-C7. I am 45, (Grey Area) Retired Reserve & Med Retired USDH LEO (6C) w/ moderate disk disease. DDD and injury to neck in OEF VII are all service connected. I'm getting STELLAR CARE w/ VA! Anyone else living w/ this? Doc say I am all better now (within reason). Guessing this DQs me for a future retiree recall tour.
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Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Injury Prevention Through Leadership
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Disability
DAV Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Injury Prevention Through Leadership Health Disability
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 6
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Why fusion and not replacement? I don't have a disc between L5-S1 and this was recommended. however, other SM have had replacement. They say the VA is performing older and less expensive procedures while the civilian market is performing better, newer, more expensive procedures.
Since I will have this procedure in the future I would like to hear your thoughts.
Since I will have this procedure in the future I would like to hear your thoughts.
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MAJ Keira Brennan
Hi SFC Settle. What I can tell you is this, first, I was FORTUNATE to be placed in the VA Choice Program. I know that Congress mandated VA create the Choice Plan and send vets waiting 30+ days out to find their own providers (I am a reserve retiree and not on Tricare). Happily, I found a top-rated neurosurgeon here in Denver. (I think Tricare for retirees refers a lot of patients out to contract facilities????). As for a replacement....Grrrrrrr.... Back in 2011 while I still on active duty in EUCOM and I was referred to a German physician who recommended 2 artificial disks. SHOULD have taken it then and not suffered / aggravated myself all this time. I SHOULD have because my VA doc told me VA won't perform in-house replacements or pay for artificial disks with Vets Choice. They use the FDA claim that artificial disks are an "experimental" treatment (that policy is available online). It sucks.... All I've read is that replacement is the way to go. Some private insurance will cover it but not in my own case (my civil service plan BCBS Fed, wouldn't). Hope that offers some info for you. I am on the mend already. Take care of that back!!!!
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SFC (Join to see)
MAJ Keira Brennan Thanks for the info.
I am currently receiving Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) but that is only because I haven't had the opportunity to actually have the recovery time after a surgery. I have lived in third world countries since 2012 when it was recommended I have surgery.
I have done the research and would prefer to have it done on the civilian side. Military doctors are great but when it comes to "newer" technology the military may have the doctors with training but the civilian side usually has the doctors with the experience.
Again, thanks for the info. Take care.
I am currently receiving Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) but that is only because I haven't had the opportunity to actually have the recovery time after a surgery. I have lived in third world countries since 2012 when it was recommended I have surgery.
I have done the research and would prefer to have it done on the civilian side. Military doctors are great but when it comes to "newer" technology the military may have the doctors with training but the civilian side usually has the doctors with the experience.
Again, thanks for the info. Take care.
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SFC (Join to see) I hope you get the disk arthroplasty. I'm seeing a surgeon on the 31st for what may lead to two arthros, a laminectomy and a foramenotomy. I've already had four neck operations and was certain I would have no more... but then things got worse...
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C-5/6/7 done with two surgeries over the last 4 years. Service connected but had it done through civilian insurance with Tricare as a secondary. Didn't even attempt to use the VA. Left arm strength at about 60% and chronic nerve damage to the brachial plexus. But overall vast improvement from before the surgeries. Would recommend the surgeries for anyone who are on the fence.
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Wow a multi level fusion is heavy... I hope you still have some mobility. I just had a C6/7 fusion and lost a lot... I'm really happy for you that you're feeling better...
If you need help with your disability benefits on these issues, pm me...
If you need help with your disability benefits on these issues, pm me...
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I was (am) eligible for VA treatment for my service connected back issue, however I could never get an appointment with a required neurosurgeon. After the local VA ignored my repeated requests just to get on a "list" for an appointment, I went to a private physician (using my retiree Tricare Standard insurance) and had the procedure. Surprisingly, I got authorization for an initial surgery consult with a neurosurgeon, via the Choice program, six months after I had the surgery with my non-VA surgeon (at my expense).
I did go on the Choice approved appointment, where I found out that since I had the surgery, no other doctor will treat me for a future issues with that area of my back; they defer to the original surgeon. So, on the bright side, I will get excellent care in a very reasonable time frame. However, I will be paying for treatment (VA will not). I'm lucky since I can afford it. I feel for those who cannot pay for private treatment when the VA does not fulfill its obligations in a timely manner (or at all).
I did go on the Choice approved appointment, where I found out that since I had the surgery, no other doctor will treat me for a future issues with that area of my back; they defer to the original surgeon. So, on the bright side, I will get excellent care in a very reasonable time frame. However, I will be paying for treatment (VA will not). I'm lucky since I can afford it. I feel for those who cannot pay for private treatment when the VA does not fulfill its obligations in a timely manner (or at all).
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So happy to hear you are getting not only good treatment from the VA but the treatment appears to be working. Hopefully, you will be able to function on a fairly normal level from now on out as you are a very young person for such an affliction as a bad back like that. My brother had similar surgery on the outside and has been doing quite well over the years. I believe he has lost flexibility in that portion of the back, but it does not impede his mobility or normal daily activities. Plus no more pain...
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