Hey Lonestar,
I am improving. I'm 6 days out and feeling pretty good. I still have a little stiffness in my low back but it's nothing like what it was. It just feels like I need to stretch but have been told to avoid any kind of bending over/forward right now. I'm definitely getting out of bed easier.

And you asked about walking. Seriously, I walked for an hour the day after my surgery and have done between 45 and 60 minutes every day since. Though I must admit, I was doing 60 minutes a day (5 or 6 days a week) before the surgery. I'm sure that has helped in my recovery. Sitting was my biggest problem and has gotten better. With the L4/L5 surgery coming up that should help the pain in my legs.

Best wishes to you and God bless!
Carrianne

GatorD,

I know BCBS benefits vary from state to state, but I have BCBS of IL and so far so good on the payments to Bonati Institute. I have 11 claims that have been submitted (various tests and consultations over the last couple weeks) and they've paid something on each one. The surgery claim hasn't gone through yet, but I'm praying real hard on that one. I was told that as long as the insurance company doesn't deny the claim completely, Bonati will write off the balance and not back bill the patient. Got it in writing of course!

Anyway, The Bonati Institute insurance specialists track the success on payments for each insurance company. Though payment can't be guaranteed, they can definitely tell you the success or lack thereof they've had for BCBS of SC if they've worked with them before. Certainly wouldn't hurt to ask.

Best wishes and God bless.
Carrianne

That is good news all around, Carrianne. Keep up the good work and the walking to get those legs back in shape. That also sounds like good news for the insurance too.

You are just a little more tha a week away from the second surgery so good luck and may God watch over you.

LSG

Hi Carrianne,
Thanks for taking the time to write. I contacted Bonatti and they told me what I needed to ask BC/BS in regard to out of network coverage. Even though I have a PPO, I was told my policy would cover 0%. They couldn't tell me if there is even anyone IN their network who performs similar procedures. Not without a name. I'm running out of ideas and fusion surgery looms. Thanks again, and good luck to all of you.

Good Morning Donald,

Donald, you have done your reesearch and investigating very well. You haven't left a stone unturned. I commend you for that.

It reallky sucks when ones insurance company won't cover going to a medical facility of your choice.

HOWEVER, as you stated earlier, you have the BEST neurosurgeon in your area. Even more than that you have a surgeon who CARES about you. When he stated he wasn't pleased that he would have to do a double fusion, that to me says he will do everything he can to do things right, AND he won't do what isn't needed. You will be in good hands if you decide to have him as your surgeon.

May I suggest that when you do speak with him again that you get the details on what he plans to do and why. And of course to ask the questions you have in your mind.

Take care fellow.

RichT

I wrote something to you last night but my computer went nuts and I lost it. So, I'll send you just a quick note to clue you in about the fusion.

To make a long story shory, a year ago after a discogram, my surgeon wouldn't operate on me because my bad discs were not together. He said if he attempted to span the fusion over a good disc, the fusion wouldn't hold very long. He told me that I would have to come back every few years to repeat the procedure.

So, I guess what I am trying to say is to be sure you ask about the stability of the fusion. Make sure it will hold and allow you to flex at the waist.

Good luck, LSG

Hello Everyone,

I had my appointment with my PM doc today. He seemed pleased that the nerves and muscles were functioning okay. We talked about the fact that I can't stand in one spot because then the pain begins. He said that was because of my stenosis and that DDD was also probably a contributing factor. And on not being able to sit in a wooden/uncomfortable chair, he said that was my DDD.

The bottom line of the vist - "See you in six months". That rather amazed me and in a way I'm pleased, HOWEVER, I want to just turn the clock back 10 years, thats all. Seems that won't happen.

Oh yes, I know, I have much to be thankful for. I can still garden, dig holes, and swing an ax now and then. A toast or two to what I can do.

This Thursday I have an appointment with my spinal surgeon. Will be interesting to hear what his thoughts are.

RichT

Hello all
I just wanted everyone to know how awesome my surgery was.
I have my life back. I feel bonati is the best place to go as they
pioneered this surgery and have perfected it. At 7 weeks I can do
almost anything I want. You need to look into this before ever having
fusion surgery. Fusion should be the last resort. One of the Dr,s at
bonati Dr Moffett was my surgeon and he used to be a nero and was
tired of the poor results from fusion,so he joined Bonati.He is very conservative and will not operate unless it is needed.

All the best
Joe

Yes Dr Bonati did indeed take all the arrows.The other Drs went out
on there own for financial gain. If you investigate all the law suites
( I have ) Dr wolf and Dr mork were both named when they workrd at
Bonati. Funny that every law suite was also a workers comp case.
Anyway form you own opinion.
Carrianne and I have seen it first hand. Bonati is the real deal.
take care everyone

Joe

Hello Abra, Rich and everyone,

I would like to thank you all for the words of encouragement and advice. As you said.. no stone unturned. Reading back on this forum, I found the name Dr. Tolli. Lo and behold he is on the BC/BS network! A call to them assured me that I would be covered 100%. I have an appt. this Thursday to take my records and films. It's a three hour plus drive through Orlando rush hour traffic, but seems trivial in light of the big picture. You all have provided hope and inspired me to not give up. I'll be thinking of you guys and I'll keep you posted. Donald.

Hello Donald,

I've very glad you looked through past posts and found the mention of Dr. Tolli. WOW, and BC/BS would cover you 100%.

I hope Dr. Tolli can give you the options you are looking for.

I'm looking forward to your "report".

Have a safe drive and a "good feel" appointment with Dr. Tolli.

RichT

GatorD....we wish you nothing but the best and I thinks everyone on here should take a bow!! *bows from waist and hurts his back*

Oh well, if we can't all bow, then let's just give a big thumbsup to to RichT for encouraging all us shy folks to participate. There is a ton of great information just on this thread alone and it is really helping people improve their lives.

Guy, we all are very glad you found Dr. Tolli and even more glad that the surgery is covered. There's nothing like taking on surgery without having to worry about paying for it. And the best thing is the surgery is less invasive that a fusion.

Rich....Glad to hear about your appt. Sounds like you are either okay or under the radar. It will be interesting to hear what your surgeon has to say. Good luck with that appt.

Hello LSG,

A very nice post indeed, and thanks for your kind words. It is you and everyone that makes this thread a success. Thanks to all!!

Okay all you "viewers", become ACTIVE!!! Quit hiding.

RichT

GatorD,
Sounds like you've done your homework, very important in making the decision that's best for you. Best of luck to you at your appt. with Dr. Tolli and please keep us informed!

Just a question, did you actually mention "laser" to BCBS when asking if it's something they'd cover? It just seems odd that they said they'd cover 0%. It's so very unfair.

Best wishes and God bless you!
Carrianne

RE: Dr. Tolli
I had a checkup with my new family doc today. He had the highest praise for Dr. Tolli, saying he was the best in the area. My doc used Tolli for his own surgery. The major league baseball teams use him and my family doc says he operated on the famous player Jose Consueco (spell?)
Hope all goes well for you. After all this praise for Dr. Tolli, it makes me think twice about going to LSI.
Guy

I saw my spine Doctor this morning to further discuss the morphine pump and stimulation system implants. I feel this like meds treat the pain and not the problem and certainly isn't the answer for me. We actually had a nice conversation as I explained I'm exploring every option and he agreed I should. He also stated that in his experience patients that went to LSI have had very good results plus he spoke highly of Dr. Tolli.

Carrianne, When I spoke to BC/BS of South Carolina I mentioned LSI or any Laser spine/back surgeon and she made it very clear none are listed within the network. My plan doesn't cover any out of network coverage. I thought I had a great PPO plan. Even though that door is closed we have opened another to see Dr. Tolli on Thursday and pretty excited about it.

Guy, From the research and my limited knowledge I wouldn't second guess LSI, they were my first choice.

One more thing..........I have you all to thank reading here to learn about Dr Tolli.

Take Care, Donald

To GatorD:
When you meet with Dr. Tolli, I thought of two questions which should be of interest to you also. I asked him about incision size. His response to me was 1' to 1.25". I asked if he cut any muscle or ligaments and he said no, he moved it out of the way. What I did not find out was how he actually accessed the area to operated on. At LSI and Bonati, they insert a tube around or thru the muscle. How does Tolli do it and how invasive is it? LSI's web site explains in some detail how they do the procedure, but I never got the information about how Dr. Tolli does it. Second question is does he use local or general anesthesia?
I think I may be facing some more surgeries and I still liked Dr. Tolli. Keep us informed...
Guy

I am so glad to see everyone keeping an open mind and finding
what is best for them.Bonati was great for me and carrianne but may
not be for everyone. Its just nice to know we have options.
I hope you all are having a great day

Joe

Hello Joe,

Just to let you know I sent an E-mail to Stephanie as you wished. By the way, yoiur message to me was deleted or changed as i can't find it now.

RichT