Broke my back and need HELP.....

Tony, your rep is a better choice, that is a big part of their job, constituency services, it's worth a shot.

I looked up disk replacement and found this writeup..... http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverag...d=313&ncdver=2&IsPopup=y&bc=AAAAAAAAAgAAAA==&

This is what government controlled healthcare looks like. To those of you who love Obamacare, you should take heed of Tony's story and the effects of bureaucrats taking control of your life.

Tony, keep fighting, a few phone calls could make a big difference, you won't know if you don't try.
 
Again thanks for all the posts. I take them all to heart. I have done all I can do. I have no more fight in me any longer. I saw this coming and why I posted 6 months ago. My fight is over.
The last time a surgeon put me under I told him, anything goes wrong you let me die. I am ready anytime. But here I am everyday. This just is not humane. We treat animals better.
My fight is over.

Tony
 
You stated you are not going to kill yourself so your choices are do nothing and complain to a forum or make those calls and complain to them.

If you are alive, your only choice is to fight. How do you choose to fight Tony?
 
Tony, I can understand how you feel you have no more fight in you.
But perhaps you can get someone else to fight for you.
Paul has recommended a couple of numbers and people to call.

You should also call the suicide prevention hot line 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

They may be able to help you plead your case to the insurance Co, or to your representative. (You should be calling your Representative, not your State Senator).

What more do you have to lose?

John
1600vw said:
Again thanks for all the posts. I take them all to heart. I have done all I can do. I have no more fight in me any longer. I saw this coming and why I posted 6 months ago. My fight is over.
The last time a surgeon put me under I told him, anything goes wrong you let me die. I am ready anytime. But here I am everyday. This just is not humane. We treat animals better.
My fight is over.

Tony
Click to expand...
 
PaulS said:
I looked up disk replacement and found this writeup..... http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverag...d=313&ncdver=2&IsPopup=y&bc=AAAAAAAAAgAAAA==&

This is what government controlled healthcare looks like. To those of you who love Obamacare, you should take heed of Tony's story and the effects of bureaucrats taking control of your life.
Click to expand...

I'll try to keep my comments of a general nature.

If you go looking, you will find the same determination about the merits of the procedure by the national blue cross blue shield association, united healthcare and other commercial insurers. If you read the medicare NCD, they actually reference the BCBS technical assessment as part of their rationale to not cover the procedure. The idea behind disc replacement rather than fusion is compelling, but there has simply not been strong data to support the claims of the device makers. There are some commercial plans that pay for it and some employer group-plans pay for it on a case by case basis although their network may have a different policy. It is similar to weight loss surgery and fertility treatment in that regard.

The promise of disc replacement as compared to fusion has been that it maintains a higher degree of motion in the treated segment and the hope that this would cut down on the strain to adjacent levels and reduce the likelihood of further surgery on those levels. The procedure has been around for 10-15 years now and the data to support that claim have been scant. There have also been issues with conflicts of interest in the providers who promote disc replacement surgery. DuPuy, one of the makers of one of the earlier devices got reprimanded for setting up a kickback scheme that rewarded surgeons in a indirect way (through a 'research foundation') for using the device. So for anyone contemplating this surgery, it is a good idea to research the surgeon for conflicts of interest.

There is a group of patients that do well with lumbar disc replacement:
- young
- disease limited to one disc with the rest of the spine in good shape
- no pinched nerves, all symptoms limited to pain from the degenerated disc
- good muscle strength in the trunk musculature
- good bone density (no osteoporosis)

For such a patient, wrestling the insurance company into paying for part of the disc replacement (a charge comparable to what a fusion would cost) and paying the implant cost out of pocket can be a reasonable option.
 
weilke said:
I'll try to keep my comments of a general nature.

If you go looking, you will find the same determination about the merits of the procedure by the national blue cross blue shield association, united healthcare and other commercial insurers. If you read the medicare NCD, they actually reference the BCBS technical assessment as part of their rationale to not cover the procedure. The idea behind disc replacement rather than fusion is compelling, but there has simply not been strong data to support the claims of the device makers. There are some commercial plans that pay for it and some employer group-plans pay for it on a case by case basis although their network may have a different policy. It is similar to weight loss surgery and fertility treatment in that regard.

The promise of disc replacement as compared to fusion has been that it maintains a higher degree of motion in the treated segment and the hope that this would cut down on the strain to adjacent levels and reduce the likelihood of further surgery on those levels. The procedure has been around for 10-15 years now and the data to support that claim have been scant. There have also been issues with conflicts of interest in the providers who promote disc replacement surgery. DuPuy, one of the makers of one of the earlier devices got reprimanded for setting up a kickback scheme that rewarded surgeons in a indirect way (through a 'research foundation') for using the device. So for anyone contemplating this surgery, it is a good idea to research the surgeon for conflicts of interest.

There is a group of patients that do well with lumbar disc replacement:
- young
- disease limited to one disc with the rest of the spine in good shape
- no pinched nerves, all symptoms limited to pain from the degenerated disc
- good muscle strength in the trunk musculature
- good bone density (no osteoporosis)

For such a patient, wrestling the insurance company into paying for part of the disc replacement (a charge comparable to what a fusion would cost) and paying the implant cost out of pocket can be a reasonable option.
Click to expand...

You seem pretty knowledgeable on this stuff, are you a physician? It seems that this procedure is very costly, any insight on why?
 
PaulS said:
You seem pretty knowledgeable on this stuff, are you a physician? It seems that this procedure is very costly, any insight on why?
Click to expand...

I am a radiologist with fellowship training in interventional radiology. I practice a fair amount of neuroradiology so I have worked with and for back surgeons for most of my career. I see what works and what doesn't work (happy back-surgery patients don't come back for persistent problems).

There are several reasons lumbar disc replacement surgery is particularly costly:

- the surgery requires access from the front, this is different from how most lower back surgeries are done. In many cases, the approach from the front is done by a team of surgeons including an abdominal or vascular surgeon to get all the stuff that is in the way out of the way. Some orthopedic or neurosurgeons do their own exposure but for most it turns a 1 surgeon procedure in a 2 surgeon procedure. Also, the recovery period for a surgery with approach from the front is longer as there can be issues with the bowel and blood vessels that have to be moved.
- the surgery requires special training and a highly skilled surgeon, expertise doesn't come cheap.
- the devices are relatively new, there is no real competition, prices for the devices are high.

That said, a regular fusion doesn't come cheap either, but as insurance covers most of it, patients dont really see the bill.
 
They should euthanize me. Its the only humane thing to do. How do I go about having this done? Anyone know? I do not consider this suicide.
We treat animals better. Its the humane thing to do.
 
weilke said:
I am a radiologist with fellowship training in interventional radiology. I practice a fair amount of neuroradiology so I have worked with and for back surgeons for most of my career. I see what works and what doesn't work (happy back-surgery patients don't come back for persistent problems).

There are several reasons lumbar disc replacement surgery is particularly costly:

- the surgery requires access from the front, this is different from how most lower back surgeries are done. In many cases, the approach from the front is done by a team of surgeons including an abdominal or vascular surgeon to get all the stuff that is in the way out of the way. Some orthopedic or neurosurgeons do their own exposure but for most it turns a 1 surgeon procedure in a 2 surgeon procedure. Also, the recovery period for a surgery with approach from the front is longer as there can be issues with the bowel and blood vessels that have to be moved.
- the surgery requires special training and a highly skilled surgeon, expertise doesn't come cheap.
- the devices are relatively new, there is no real competition, prices for the devices are high.

That said, a regular fusion doesn't come cheap either, but as insurance covers most of it, patients dont really see the bill.
Click to expand...

This is how they did my neck fusion. It was done from the front. I could not swallow for a very long time. I mean weeks. I believe it was 6 weeks before I could eat solid foods. I had to suck everything through a straw. My weight got down to 130 lbs. It was one week after I started walking again from this neck surgery I broke my back. Crushed L-4. I have spent months at a time staring at a ceiling from a bed.

I think you hit the nail on the head and I have said this a few times, but forget it in all this mess. That is, the doctors really care a lot, I have a case that not much one can do. Its hard to look someone in the eye's and say you have no hope.

My point the doctors have hearts and its tough to tell someone something like this. Today I understand when Dr.Gill the Dr. who told me I was ill, he had tears running down his face. I told him it would be ok, he knew different. I never really understood why he was so upset. I told him, at least you are tell me whats wrong and not that its in my head.

Tony
 
As we all see surgery really will not help me. because of this I will close that fund. I know who sent me money and I will return that money.

I would like to thank everyone for all the comments and remarks, thoughts and prayers.

I believe this thread has ran its course. Unless anyone objects it should be closed. I think we all learned something from this thread, good bad and otherwise.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

Tony

P.S. If anyone knows how to help me with the question I asked a few posts above. Please private message me. Again bless you one and all.
 
1600vw said:
As we all see surgery really will not help me.
Click to expand...

How did you get to that conclusion ?

You need a lot of things, one of them probably surgery. Find a good back surgeon who takes medicare + AARP, bring all your imaging, schedule the surgery.

Oh, and you need help with your depression, seriously.
 
weilke said:
How did you get to that conclusion ?

You need a lot of things, one of them probably surgery. Find a good back surgeon who takes medicare + AARP, bring all your imaging, schedule the surgery.

Oh, and you need help with your depression, seriously.
Click to expand...

Tony,
I hope you don't get offended at the "depression" comment. I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't be depressed in your situation. I suspect I would have killed myself by now but you have had the strength to hang in there. But you still need help. In many areas, as weilke said.
 
JOhnH said:
Tony,
I hope you don't get offended at the "depression" comment. I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't be depressed in your situation. I suspect I would have killed myself by now but you have had the strength to hang in there. But you still need help. In many areas, as weilke said.
Click to expand...


I think maybe you could be right. I will ask the doctor the next time I see her what she thinks about this.

Thanks

Tony
 
I called the hospital that did the discogram. I told them if no one can do anything for me I want to be euthanized. I was told once the doctor comes in they will call me back. Lets see what happens. I don't expect them to euthanize me, but maybe someone will help me. I explained to Scott that I have a Connective tissue disease and not much anyone can do. He said that explains the problems I am having. All I know I want out.



Tony
 
1600vw said:
I called the hospital that did the discogram. I told them if no one can do anything for me I want to be euthanized. I was told once the doctor comes in they will call me back. Lets see what happens. I don't expect them to euthanize me, but maybe someone will help me. I explained to Scott that I have a Connective tissue disease and not much anyone can do. He said that explains the problems I am having. All I know I want out.
Click to expand...

I'm not without empathy here, but enough already.

You have said time and again you want out. So get out. Stop trying to make the hard decisions somebody else's responsibility. It is YOUR life, and YOUR pain. If you want it to end, be a man and end it. Stop waiting for somebody else to break the law on your behalf.

In other words, stop being a selfish prick and take charge already, if that is *really* what you want. I'm not entirely convinced you are not getting what you want by your ongoing complaints, however. We understood your position the first several times you said it. There is no need to post anything further here; do something or stop the complaining.
 
Well I am back at square one. I was told to call my doctor. I did just that. I told her on her answering machine that I need something done. I can not wait for a doctor that is never going to call me.
Scott told me my only recourse was pain management. I told him I will not live my life on pain meds. That is not an option.
I posted this for others to see in this country we need the right to euthanize those in need of it. I wanted others to see my story. Others live in the same place I do daily. We should have a way out without it being by our own hands. Its tough to hear and read stories like this. I understand it gets old. I live it. But I refuse to kill myself and just go away. No way not happening. Its against everything I believe in.

Sorry if you are tired of hearing this. I am tired of living this.
 
Pain management is a big part of medicine. Sometimes chemicals are the best option. Is there a particular reason you want to stay away from that?
 
Matthew said:
Pain management is a big part of medicine. Sometimes chemicals are the best option. Is there a particular reason you want to stay away from that?
Click to expand...

I'm not gonna lie, I could spend the rest of my life on a morphine drip and probably be pretty okay with that.
 
SixPapaCharlie said:
I'm not gonna lie, I could spend the rest of my life on a morphine drip and probably be pretty okay with that.
Click to expand...
When my appendix blew, I was hooked up to a morphine pump after surgery. The nurse was explaining how it worked, "Press this button when you need..."<press><press><press><press>"...some morphine..."<press><press><press>"...but it will only work once per minute (or whatever it was)."<press><press><press>
 
bullwinkle said:
I'm not without empathy here, but enough already.

You have said time and again you want out. So get out. Stop trying to make the hard decisions somebody else's responsibility. It is YOUR life, and YOUR pain. If you want it to end, be a man and end it. Stop waiting for somebody else to break the law on your behalf.

In other words, stop being a selfish prick and take charge already, if that is *really* what you want. I'm not entirely convinced you are not getting what you want by your ongoing complaints, however. We understood your position the first several times you said it. There is no need to post anything further here; do something or stop the complaining.
Click to expand...

That is about the dumbest post I have read on the internet.

If you are tired of Tony sharing his problems here, I suggest you click on the 'ignore thread' box so your wellbeing doesnt get further impaired by information you have to read.
 
1600vw said:
Well I am back at square one. I was told to call my doctor. I did just that. I told her on her answering machine that I need something done. I can not wait for a doctor that is never going to call me.
Scott told me my only recourse was pain management. I told him I will not live my life on pain meds. That is not an option.
I posted this for others to see in this country we need the right to euthanize those in need of it. I wanted others to see my story. Others live in the same place I do daily. We should have a way out without it being by our own hands. Its tough to hear and read stories like this. I understand it gets old. I live it. But I refuse to kill myself and just go away. No way not happening. Its against everything I believe in.

Sorry if you are tired of hearing this. I am tired of living this.
Click to expand...

Then do something meaningful about it.

From what you write here, you may be suicidal. I strongly urge you to seek both the help of a pain management specialist and the help of a mental health professional.
 
I agree with the last post. Take care of the pain right now and the depression/mental issues while you're working on a medical solution.
 
narchee said:
I agree with the last post. Take care of the pain right now and the depression/mental issues while you're working on a medical solution.
Click to expand...
I completely agree with both of Weilke's last two posts.
 
weilke said:
That is about the dumbest post I have read on the internet.

If you are tired of Tony sharing his problems here, I suggest you click on the 'ignore thread' box so your wellbeing doesnt get further impaired by information you have to read.
Click to expand...

Or you could take your own advice and put me on your ignore list. :D

If I'd wanted to ignore him I would have.
 
The problem is that this has been going on for a long time, and none of us (even those that are health professionals) have actually seen or examined him. We have offered him money as well as sound advice. The advice has been rejected.

He apparently as seen multiple health providers, but the reports he has given have been inconsistent.

He hears what he wants to hear and rejects the rest, but does get attention by the ongoing posts. However, this does not truly help him, and just continues the cycle.

A person that discusses or considers suicide needs immediate help through various crisis interventions, an immediate trip to the closest ED, or even 911, nothing less. This should be the next and only step.
 
People who are suicidal do not call and ask for help. I have been fighting this fight for many years. I have done all I can, it takes a physician to do the rest. I have one say something then another say something else.

Not once did I say I wanted to kill my self. I said I want help. If there is no help then they should do what is just and humane.

I hope none of you ever have to go through what I am.

Tony
 
A physician will not euthanize someone. Asking someone to facilitate your own demise is asking them to help in your own suicide. It is still suicide.

There are simply too many inconsistencies in everything you've written.
 
1600vw said:
People who are suicidal do not call and ask for help.
Click to expand...

That is incorrect. Some do call for help. There are help lines staffed around the clock to talk to people who call for help.

1-800-273-TALK (8255)
24 Hour Suicide Hotline in the U.S.
 
People who kill themselves call no one. Ask Robin Williams. Those that reach out and touch someone on a suicide hotline want help and some just want attention.

Jim N I hope some day you deal with what I am. I never wish this on anyone, there are exceptions to the rule.

Tony
 
I ask for help and tell the doctors if you are not going to help me euthanize me. So because of this all I want is to die?

What about the very first few words. " I call for help" But everyone says all I want is to die by suicide.

I keep asking for help. I am told what the problem is then no one wants to do anything. Make me go home and wait. I am told to call the insurance company and argue my case. I can not even get people on this board to understand what I need how in the yeck am I going to get the insurance company to change anything.

All I want is to commit suicide. I laugh at all who say this. If I wanted to die I would be dead. I want help. Not help in dieing help with my disease.

I feel really sorry for those on this board who attack me. For they know not what they are doing and karma is a Bitc#
 
Are you the only one in the world or on this board who faces personal challenges? You have been offered many well intentioned suggestions, but you reject them.

You can start with your family doctor, a pain management clinic, a psychiatrist, or perhaps another spine surgeon- all of them collectively would do a lot more to help you than anyone on this board.

But of course not, and the circular logic begins again.
 
1600vw said:
People who kill themselves call no one.
Click to expand...

As a blanket generalization, that is not true. There are some who do not call, but many do. Many also speak to their physician or a trusted friend about their feelings and are successfully helped through their crisis without taking their own life. I hope that you find the help you need, though you may need to consider that the help might not be in the form you currently seek.
 
1600vw said:
I ask for help and tell the doctors if you are not going to help me euthanize me. So because of this all I want is to die?

What about the very first few words. " I call for help" But everyone says all I want is to die by suicide.

I keep asking for help. I am told what the problem is then no one wants to do anything. Make me go home and wait. I am told to call the insurance company and argue my case. I can not even get people on this board to understand what I need how in the yeck am I going to get the insurance company to change anything.

All I want is to commit suicide. I laugh at all who say this. If I wanted to die I would be dead. I want help. Not help in dieing help with my disease.

I feel really sorry for those on this board who attack me. For they know not what they are doing and karma is a Bitc#
Click to expand...

Tony,

Please do not take offense to this but I am confused....What exactly are you looking for us to do for you? If it is money then please just say so, if its for just sympathy then that's fine...just say so. It appears that Physicians here have given you great advice as well as ordinary people have offered money and suggestions but you seem to refute each person who writes you. I am confused at this point what your desired effect is?
 
Flymeariver said:
Tony,

Please do not take offense to this but I am confused....What exactly are you looking for us to do for you? If it is money then please just say so, if its for just sympathy then that's fine...just say so. It appears that Physicians here have given you great advice as well as ordinary people have offered money and suggestions but you seem to refute each person who writes you. I am confused at this point what your desired effect is?
Click to expand...

That sounded like my questions in post #266
Tony,
What are you hoping to get from us?
If it's just money, then say so.
If it is comforting pity, let us know.
If it is advice and understanding, then don't unload your anger on people that give you advice or ask questions.
Click to expand...
 
JOhnH said:
That sounded like my questions in post #266
Click to expand...

And one of mine. I think the guy wants surgery, but the doctors he sees probably have determined it too much of a risk. So he's just vetting his frustrations here.
 
1600vw said:
...
I have a supplement to my medicare through AARP. From what my doctor Dr. Tsang, the sweetest little lady I have met, she said the doctor she wants me to see will not take this supplement. That I should have spent a few hundred dollars a month for the insurance I need. Now I pay around $150 out of pocket for my medicare. The program she is speaking of my Mother told me about a few days ago. My mother has this. But she pays 400 a month for it. I can not afford that and not burdening my family with this expense.

...
Click to expand...

So if you spend another $250 per month are there additional options available to you? Earlier you mentioned selling your planes for something like $11,000. That would go a long way and would not burden your family.
Just an idea.
 
JOhnH said:
That sounded like my questions in post #266
Click to expand...

yes, sorry John :p. I thought if it was asked again it would be answered...seems it hasn't been answered from him....I just am at a loss what is the end goal:dunno:
 
Flymeariver said:
yes, sorry John :p. I thought if it was asked again it would be answered...seems it hasn't been answered from him....I just am at a loss what is the end goal:dunno:
Click to expand...
I wasn't criticizing you for asking it again. I was pointing out that it is a valid, and oft repeated question that so far has received no answer.
 
JOhnH said:
I wasn't criticizing you for asking it again. I was pointing out that it is a valid, and oft repeated question that so far has received no answer.
Click to expand...

I know....was hoping that Tony would see that a few of us have the same questions in mind that he has not answered. :) I know people say that we should just ignore the thread but when someone is hurting it is a natural tendency to want to help....but at this point I have no clue what help is really desired. BTW send that nice Florida weather up my way please :lol:
 
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