I need an Anterior Lumbar Interbody (ALIF) Fusion.
Been through epidurals, physical therapy and everything else. The neurosurgeon says that this surgery can give me back the ability to ski more than one run, do more than 3 loads of laundry a day, and go back to where my body was a year ago.
Yours truly has degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. It’s actually not that uncommon. The problem is the continual pain and inability to do a damned thing that’s physical without painful repercussions. It’s maddening.
Got two opinions and this procedure has great results. A general surgeon cuts a hole in your side, then the neurosurgeon goes in and inserts a cool little box with screws, that is then grafted to the spine.
It replaces the area where the disc has blown out all of it’s fluid. No more nerves being squeezed and back/leg pain.
When I finally decided to go ahead and schedule the surgery for March 31st –which took several months on my part weighing the pros and cons- there was a barrier. Medicare.
There is no way, even with Medicare, that I can afford to have this procedure done. Out of pocket costs –just to set foot in the hospital- begin at $1100.00
Am awaiting the total estimate from the neurosurgeon. Being a professional whack-job doesn’t pay well.
Good thing I spent all that money on a college education.
This is obsessing me and there doesn’t seem to be any help available. Have looked online, tried to call the Social Security office (ha!) and the Medicare offices (double ha!).
If anyone out there has a suggestion please let me know. This blog is usually light-hearted but not today.
The past week has been filled with visions of the rest of life in pain, giving away my skis, and getting fatter due to being able to do less and less.
So this is an appeal for information. If you know of any services available, people to contact or want to send me a quarter (to call someone who gives a shit) then please let me know.
I like to live in the clouds. The beautiful whispy constantly moving and inspirational clouds. Not this dark ominous cloud of helplessness, fear and pain.
Weeeeeeeee
