Anyone have experience w/ multi-level ACDF (Disk) Fusion?

2016-10-16T02:40:00-04:00

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2016 3:07 AM

2016-10-16T03:07:32-04:00

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.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 16 at 2016 4:19 AM

2016-10-16T04:19:02-04:00

C-5, 6 &, 7 done in 1998 done in Lester Naval Hospital, Okinawa, Japan

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Oct 16 at 2016 8:45 AM

2016-10-16T08:45:30-04:00

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...

Response by COL David Turk made Oct 16 at 2016 10:45 AM

2016-10-16T10:45:39-04:00

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).

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Oct 16 at 2016 11:57 AM

2016-10-16T11:57:15-04:00

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...

Response by SFC William Adamek made Oct 18 at 2016 1:39 PM

2016-10-18T13:39:08-04:00

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.