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Severe spinal stenosis: Would you do surgery?
Spine Health | Last Active: Nov 16 8:37am | Replies (189)Comment receiving replies
Hello, I’m hoping you would be willing to guide me. I was a hair stylist for 30 yrs. I went on disability 10 years ago due to shoulder, neck and back pain. I was told I needed cervical spine surgery 10 years ago but I have heard so many awful stories that I’ve tried everything to put it off. I cannot stand or sit for any length of time before I need to recline (45 degree angle helps, sometimes flat on my back). The predominant pain is in my thoracic, mid back. I’ve been reading, watching utube etc and see that in severe cases (mine is severe bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis impinging on bilateral-6 nerve roots, amongst other things…) paralysis or other unwelcome things can occur if it isn’t repaired. I live outside of Jacksonville and am on Medicare with no supplemental insurance. I need help finding the right surgeon and supplemental insurance. My sister is near Rochester, MN’s Mayo so that may be a possibility too. I’d really appreciate any help you could offer. Thank you!
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@debralou My advice is call Mayo and ask what supplemental insurance is good there that they do accept before you purchase a policy. There may also be a difference in Medicare and what is accepted at different Mayo campuses. Make sure you ask about preexisting conditions when purchasing insurance in case there is some waiting period for coverage and know what your plan would cover and when it would be maxed out. Spine surgery is very expensive and you need to be in network for coverage. Medicare payment rates of reimbursement to hospitals are low which is why some doctors or facilities don't accept Medicare. Having a family member near Rochester would help a lot because you would not have lodging expense on top of travel and medical bills.
You may find billing and insurance related information at this link https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance
Ten years is a long time. You have been living in pain for quite awhile. Every patient is different. I had a great outcome and came to surgery with a great attitude that I would have a positive outcome, and of course, I picked a great surgeon. Is there anything else about the surgery that you have questions about? Are you considering surgery?