So... My wifes 6th back surgery was a fusion.

[loveable liberal]

First a bit of history on my terrible summer thus far.

After school let out in June my son had his tonsils out and foot surgery at the same time. My wife then had lower back surgery four days later. I figure, I'm fine, take a bit of FMLA and three weeks later we'll be able to begin our summer. Not so. The wife gets a huge blood clot in her leg.

My younger son develops pneumonia. In three weeks time after his initial surgery my older son develops pneumonia and so do I. After burning my sick and vacation time on FMLA I have to burn the balance of my sick and vacation time trying to get better. I'm not completely healthy, but I have to go back to work tonight (I'm a 911 dispatcher).

So the wife sneaks up on me and tells me that her "bone stimulator" costs $5800.00 of which we are responsible for $990.00. She asked the rep who was pushing the thing how much it costs when he gave it to us and 'he didnt know, his wife handles that'. The doctor recommends the device because it 'promotes bone growth'.

In the last 30 days we have been to the hospital or clinic at least 20 times, each time a $15.00 copay with additional costs for both prescriptions that work and those that don't, a trip to the ER and three CT scans.

The bone stimulator is a little bit bigger than a cell phone. $5800.00???????? For that thing?????
When the rep comes over he brings a device that 'measures' bone growth. We dont know what it is or how to read it but he says it works.

WTF?? I know there are people in much worse condition than we are, however; we are not rich. To pay for the bone stimulator I'm going to have to use part of our home equity loan. Anybody out there have experience with these things? Are they BS? Does anyone have a money tree in their backyard I can pick from?

[petersjo02]

1. I had fusion in lumbar spine last August.

I no longer need my bone stimulator, which still works just fine, and would be happy to send it on to your wife to use. PM me with your address and I'll send it off early next week.

[givemebackmycountry]

2. That's such a kind offer - and it's why I love DU warts and all.

PJ02 - You are one cool kat baby.
And to the OP?
I sure do hope that everything works out for you and yours.

[petersjo02]

4. Thanks much! I like to think I'm pretty cool.

I would be so happy to help someone else out, especially since this family has had a rough time here lately. My insurance paid the whole cost of stimulator, so no skin of my nose.

[auntAgonist]

3. wow.

:applause:

I just have to say, you are a very generous and caring person.

:hug:

I hope he takes you up on your kind offer.

The world needs more like you.



aA

[beam me up scottie]

5. I have no words.

That was one of the nicest things I have ever seen anyone do.

[loveable liberal]

11. I may take you up on that my friend.

I first want a pound of flesh from this device rep and his wife. I really appreciate your offer and will have a decision by early next week. I love the DU also.

[Kahuna]

14. Wow! That is so great of you.

:yourock:

[zanne]

6. How is your wife's blood clot?

You were lucky not to lose her.

[loveable liberal]

10. she was on lovenox for a week.

This is after her surgeons PA said she should just rest and take another pill. Finally the pain was so bad we had to bring her in to the ER. The swelling in her leg has gone down immensely and she is back to just regular surgical pain.

We are lucky. Her cumanin levels need adjustment though.

Thank you for responding.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[beam me up scottie]

8. How about my cancer?

Should I have stopped "believing" in my doctor and sought help from someone who would have aligned my chakras or sold me tap water they claimed was a homeopathic cure?

You should stop dispensing medical advice before you kill someone.

[petersjo02]

9. My back surgery was entirely successful.

And I had my tonsils out when I was 27 because I was sick 24/7/365. Don't paint all medical professionals with that "greedy" paint brush of yours. People need to get all the info they can and then make wise decisions.

[midnight]

12. I don't know how family's that work for a living are suppose to

navigate through this alone. Hugs to you and your family.

[loveable liberal]

16. thank you ...

:)

[Celebration]

13. the bone stimulators are great!!

They are overpriced, because of all the bs about getting devices like this approved. Is it the old Exogen one? I think it was sold to another company. The thing worked so well that it not only helped her foot heal more quickly, but her whole bone density in both feet increased enough to note on a regular xray. Of course people don't generally need one of these things to heal, but it definitely helps things along.

So sorry about all your difficulties...............

[loveable liberal]

15. says its made by "Biomet"...

comes with a big, backpack carrying case when the thing is about the size of an old walkman cassette player/or older model cell phone.

I'm pissed because at the very least the guy who gave it to us lied about not having the price and that the surgeon made it sound like it was required. If required then its the insurance company's responsibility.