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spine doctors/neurosurgeon recommendations

Posted by cookie07 @cookie07, May 29 11:44am

I have severe scoliosis, l4-l5 herniated disks with nerve impingement, lumbar stenosis, left leg numbness and weakness and constant pain. I have had MRI's and seen a neurosurgeon and spine doctors. Doctors ordered PT and spinal injections. I did PT and this made the situation worse of which now my left leg is numb. I can not take the injections due to other health complications. The neurosurgeon basically said that I needed spinal reconstruction with rods and screws but due to my age (63) it was too risky and could cause other complications. Now all my life I have dealt with scoliosis BUT it was not until May 6th of 2024 my problems with pain started only in the l4 l5 area. I feel hopeless and in limbo and am at the end of my rope with no help and moving from one spine doctor saying that he did not see anything wrong to another doctor saying that I needed spine reconstruction. I don't know who to believe?? I live in WV and thus I am far from many doctors. I am looking for recommendations from others regarding reputable doctors that will provide answers and treatment that will help. I am willing to travel in order to get a definitive answer and help. I would love to get an appointment with Mayo Clinic but I am not sure how to go about doing that or who to make the appointment with . I am asking for help this one final time. I believe doctor's look at my age and then write me off. How cruel and lacking of empathy. Any suggestions/help would be greatly helpful and appreciated. Thank you.

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cookie07 | @cookie07 | 4 days ago
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@cookie07 You will need copies of imaging if you are mailing it, and write a nice..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@cookie07 You will need copies of imaging if you are mailing it, and write a nice letter focusing on the details about your spine condition. I do believe that for myself, having been turned down by 5 surgeons in a 2 year period helped me get an appointment at Mayo. They are known for taking more difficult cases that other doctors don't want. Be objective, but also fair. The imaging will speak for itself. You seem very positive which is good, because doctors want positive patients who are eager to heal. I probably don't need to say it, but avoid criticism. The imaging and the lack of help from your doctor speaks volumes and they will understand.

Jennifer

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This is wonderful advice. I will certainly do this. I have to get my ducks in a row as far as the MRI's and reports. It is a process. I am so appreciative of this information.
Connie

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marialyce | @marialyce | 3 days ago
In reply to @cookie07 "This is wonderful advice. I will certainly do this. I have to get my ducks in..." + (show)
@cookie07

This is wonderful advice. I will certainly do this. I have to get my ducks in a row as far as the MRI's and reports. It is a process. I am so appreciative of this information.
Connie

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I don’t know where you are in West Virginia but another outstanding practice is the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston Virginia, right outside of DC. They see folks from all over the world with complicated spine procedures and all age groups.

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cookie07 | @cookie07 | 2 days ago
In reply to @marialyce "I don’t know where you are in West Virginia but another outstanding practice is the Virginia..." + (show)
@marialyce

I don’t know where you are in West Virginia but another outstanding practice is the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston Virginia, right outside of DC. They see folks from all over the world with complicated spine procedures and all age groups.

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Thank you for the information. I have contacted them and they do not accept insurance.

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marialyce | @marialyce | 2 days ago

They do accept insurance if you have out of network benefits. That’s what I use when I go there. I don’t know if you have that type of coverage. So for example when I need an extra injection they submit to my insurance for preapproval. I end up paying a 100 copay and my insurance pays the rest.

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