IDET or Fusion

mkf

I had the IDET about 7 years ago and after roughly six months - felt 100% better. That lasted for me, with a mild bout here or there, until I fell at work last fall (no pun intended! lol). I've recently undergone hemilaminectomy and facetectomy. The only problem with IDET that I saw was that insurance wouldn't cover it back then. I understand it's still an issue for some. Becky

jpecot

Although I have had a fusion on the same levels as you, I would always recommend a less evasive treatment first. Until your surgeon recommends a fusion, I would stay away from it. I didn't have IDET and wasn't offered it, but I have heard insurance doesn't like to cover it.

Now I have nothing but good things to say about fusion, trust me Also you might consider getting another opinion or even a third. Most everyone here that has had surgery, has gotton more then one

Welcome to the board and good luck in whatever decision you make

~Jim

misery

Read,Welcome to the boards,there is wealth of info,here.
As for your questions.Iwould definatly seek other opinon.You may find that they all say the same thing.If you can always have the less invasive procedures first.
I have had both surgery's,in my case the idet did heal one of my disks.I had 3 torn plus DDD.The idet didn't work for the others and I ended having the fusion anyway.
If Rampage see's this post,she had a succesful Idet and is very happy with it.
Please do as much research as you can.Only you and your doc can make your decisions.The better you are informed the better you will be taken care of b/c you know what your options are.The best of luck to you.Heather

Read66

Thanks Guys. I also have DDD and small bulges in my L3-4 S5-1 that the dr. doesn't feel are causing pain. I will be having a cervical fusion when I heal enough from my back as I have a herniation.

It seems I have read and read trying to find info on IDET. I have read rampage success, but was wondering how she is doing now. I am really pulled both ways on IDET. I don't want fusion because it is invasive. But I am afraid of the IDET not working and being in pain another year before they do anything. I have read some stories that do not paint a very good picture of IDET. So just trying to get all I can because I think you can read a ton of statistics and it can't replace people's experiences with the procedure.

Thanks a ton

myspine

hi there
I guess it also depends on your life style, I can not remeber exactly what the IDET rules and regs were, but after going over it I was not a candidate, Because of my job and I thought it was no lifting for much longer than the fusion that I had, I am not sure, I am sure I will be corrected. But at that time the success rate was 50/50. But you also have to use YOUR best judgement and what the dx is that it is being used for. I would think it would work better for someone with a tear verses someone like me who had already had 1/2 of the disc removed Also insurance DID NOT cover it for me, so that would not have been an option either................Make a list pros. and cons. What does your doctor say that is very important too, does he feel the IDET would be good, if so you may want to give it a shot. Good luck to you.
shelley

mpullee

I've tried to post several times, but for some reason, my posts never make it to the boards. I'll try again and hope this time it works. I had an IDET last November, L-4,5 and L-6/S-1. I had a 180 degree anular tear L-4,5 and 40% disc height reduction L-5/S-1. My doctor insisted on doing a post IDET discogram to insure that he sealed all the leaks. He used the same cath that was used for the IDET, so this additional procedure wasn't a big dea. My insurance company wouldn't pay for the post IDET disco (they feel that it is unnecessary) so I paid the additional $2,550.00.

The procedure took the doctor over two hours, he claimed that it was the most difficult IDET that he has ever done. The first few days were tough, keep up on the meds and use the polar care unit 24/7. After three weeks, I started the PT. I must admit, there have been times where I felt that the IDET was a failure, but I continue to get better as time goes on. It's been four months and I think I see light at the end of the tunnel. I use the treadmill twice a day, each time for 45 minutes at a 10% grade, 3 mph. After my treadmill work, I stretch and do 200 crunches, and end my workout with light weight lifting.

Bottom line. HAVE THE IDET DONE! I fyou should have any questions, please feel free to ask....I hope this posts....

Rampage

Hey Misery & Read66 -

Thanks for thinking of me!!!! (You knew I'd be looking at this one!!!)

I have been 8 months post, and have YET to feel the pain from the disc. I still have the SI joint problem (hits when gets to freezing levels) and the Sciatica, but I went from 85 to around 35-45 on a regular basis. That's a BIG difference. When my other 2 problems hit, though, I feel old, but I'm SO glad not to feel that way daily anymore.

Insurance rarely if ever covers this procedure ("too experimental"). I made my doctor request approval to get the rejection in writing. It's relatively expensive (~$10k), but surgery's so much higher. Why don't they pay for the cheaper procedure? I didn't appeal, but that might be an avenue to pursue if they reject it.

I think every patient should utilize ALL their diagnostic options and select the appropriate treatment/procedure, but if IDET is an option and you can figure out a way to finance, then I think it's worth a shot. I'm only willing to let them take out my disc if there's no other choice, but that's me.

I was seriously looking at BMP if I had to go with the fusion...that might be something to look into (it's pretty progressive). Plus, ADR seems to be at the forefront of the technological advances.

IDET has been relatively controversial on these boards (failure rate, etc.), so I certainly think it's something to think carefully about (I researched it & BMP for about 2 years, just tracking updates, etc. to make sure I was comfortable with my decision). So, hopefully this gives you information without undue influence!

I'm happy so far...just wish there was something for my other 2 problems! (argh)

Misery, new joke for ya!!! "I used to just be a pain in the ---; now I've got a pain in the ---!" LOL!!!!!

__________________
Rampage
Accident '00
Sciatica, L3-4 Tear, Spinal Stenosis, DDD L3-S1
IDET '04
Laminectomy '06
Fusion (BMP) L4-5 '11
Anterior Fusion (BMP) L3-S1 '13

Read66

Wow Thanks so much for the input. It helps alot. Rampage it is good to hear that after 8 months you are doing well, gives me some hope.

Radical O Pathy- Are you talking about Dr. Yeung in Phoenix. My pain management PA used to work with a Dr. Yeung in Phoenix and told me about the SED and that he didn't recommend IDET. I have considered calling for a second opinion.

I am really glad I found this board. IT is very informative.
Barb

Rampage

Barb -

I think your best bet with these non-op procedures is to find the right specialists. I go to the Virginia Spine Institute, who work on the Redskins. So, they focus on the spine, trauma, and professional sports-related injuries. I'm really comfortable with them, and have been really happy with their willingness to be as aggressive as I want.

If you can find a specialist, regardless of specialty and the procedure you want, who is top of the line, that's your best bet. VSI is apparently on the cutting edge of some of the newest and most progressive procedures, which means their familiarity and experience ensures I get the best possible care in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Best to you, and I'll be happy to help with any Internet research ideas if you'd like. Take care!

__________________
Rampage
Accident '00
Sciatica, L3-4 Tear, Spinal Stenosis, DDD L3-S1
IDET '04
Laminectomy '06
Fusion (BMP) L4-5 '11
Anterior Fusion (BMP) L3-S1 '13

bshire

i had an idet this april and am at 9 weeks post surgery. so far i am very frustrated, but i also have more time to consider before i feel it is a failure. i am also new to this site and am interested if anyone else can shed some light on their personal experiences with idet.

mkf

If I recall accurately - it took months to feel the full effect of my IDET. I believe that's probably the case with most procedures. Hang in there. After that period of time, I felt great for several years after my IDET. Becky

mpullee

If you had the IDET last April, you can expect another five months of recovery. It's a slow process! I believe the recovery for the IDET is about the same as a fusion. I'm now 7 1/2 months post IDET and doing very well. I still have bad days but nothing like pre-IDET. My doctor prescribed andro-gel to speed my recovery and I can't thank him enough. Andro-gel (for men) is a great "tool" during recovery.

taape

Did anyone get reduced leg or foot pain after the IDET? My back pain decreased but it didn't help my leg and foot pain at all. I'm 4 1/2 years after the IDET and had 2 levels done.

bshire

hello again,
thanx you all out there who resp,,,sorry it took so long to get back. i had problems figuring out this site . seems that you all seem to think that idet (when successful)takes some time. im now post 11weeks..and down to 1-2 vicodin a day.havent seen much in function improvement yet, but pain is very very slowly diminishing. still there all day long. my doc here in Honolulu hawaii has done this 100s of x's..but didnt seem to be too knowledgable with patients that dont have quick success. havent started pt as yet.any thoughts on that? didnt want to start back too soon.am not working at this time and basically home bound and looking to the Lord for his strength and healing mercy.sad as i am a 32 yo male. have read much suffering on this site and heart and mind goes out too all. very humbling,but by his stripes we are healed.just takes time to see the light