Spine Surgery Question

Eugenia

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Ok expats I am back again with my questions. Any of you that have had surgery here in BA, specifically spine surgery. I could not get insurance in time so I need to pay myself. The hospital will not have estimate ready until next week which leave me little time to find then get the money here to Argentina. I am trying to get a ballpark on how much it might cost. I am getting a 4 level spinal fusion with hardware, two rods and 8 screws. Of course I am freaking just a little because I know what it would cost in the US... of course I am freaking a little more about the actual procedure lol but that is a whole different story!
 
It is understandable to be freaking out about the surgery. Been there. I once contemplated heart surgery in Buenos Aires, but thanks to the Affordable Care Act I was able to get a second opinion in the U.S. from an experienced surgeon who didn't understand why they were pushing surgery with a risk of stroke on me when the lowest dosage of a side effect-free medication works just fine. My surgeons in the U.S. and Buenos Aires were both excellent and I held both in high regard, but in the end I opted for no surgery. But I'm assuming you're either over 26 or didn't have coverage from your parents to begin with. I'm also assuming surgery in your case is absolutely necessary, because it sure sounds like it is! I'm sorry, that really sucks.

When contemplating surgery, it's always a good idea to get a second (and perhaps third) opinion, if possible. If you are 100 percent positive you can't get private insurance in BA, shopping around is also a good idea due to cost issues. I don't know if it would perhaps be cheaper to go directly to a specialist rather than to a hospital. I can give you my spine specialist's info (see below). He is a surgeon with a private practice in Belgrano and he definitely knows his stuff. His walls are covered in degrees, certifications and conference stuff, and considering the amount of traveling he's done I am almost positive he speaks English. He does surgeries at a hospital in the morning and sees patients in the afternoon and evening. I was able to get in to see him very quickly a few months ago when I injured my back.

Luis Rubén Cariola (traumatólogo especialista en columna)
Ciudad de la Paz 1948 PB B
4782-1627

Good luck!
 
Wow, that's major league surgery. You definitely want to have this done in the country in which you reside. There will be lots of follow up exams and there is always the chance of complications which the operating surgeon would address.

Are you familiar with the spine health forum? Volumes of info/advice.
http://www.spine-health.com/forum
Luck going forward.
 
Wow, that's major league surgery. You definitely want to have this done in the country in which you reside. There will be lots of follow up exams and there is always the chance of complications which the operating surgeon would address.

Are you familiar with the spine health forum? Volumes of info/advice.
http://www.spine-health.com/forum
Luck going forward.

yes unfortunately I do know it is major league :( but the alternative is not a pleasant one. It is not something I am able to wait on. I will check out the forum thanks.
 
It is understandable to be freaking out about the surgery. Been there. I once contemplated heart surgery in Buenos Aires, but thanks to the Affordable Care Act I was able to get a second opinion in the U.S. from an experienced surgeon who didn't understand why they were pushing surgery with a risk of stroke on me when the lowest dosage of a side effect-free medication works just fine. My surgeons in the U.S. and Buenos Aires were both excellent and I held both in high regard, but in the end I opted for no surgery. But I'm assuming you're either over 26 or didn't have coverage from your parents to begin with. I'm also assuming surgery in your case is absolutely necessary, because it sure sounds like it is! I'm sorry, that really sucks.

When contemplating surgery, it's always a good idea to get a second (and perhaps third) opinion, if possible. If you are 100 percent positive you can't get private insurance in BA, shopping around is also a good idea due to cost issues. I don't know if it would perhaps be cheaper to go directly to a specialist rather than to a hospital. I can give you my spine specialist's info (see below). He is a surgeon with a private practice in Belgrano and he definitely knows his stuff. His walls are covered in degrees, certifications and conference stuff, and considering the amount of traveling he's done I am almost positive he speaks English. He does surgeries at a hospital in the morning and sees patients in the afternoon and evening. I was able to get in to see him very quickly a few months ago when I injured my back.

Luis Rubén Cariola (traumatólogo especialista en columna)
Ciudad de la Paz 1948 PB B
4782-1627

Good luck!

Thank you for the name of your doctor. I am working on opinions and need to do that quickly.
 
I ve heard tons of cases of people destined for surgery until some good doctor tells them dont do it its not necessary. Keep in mind that the surgery procedure is a big bussiness (to the hospital, to the doctor, etc) they will all need you going to surgery even if you wont need it. Four or five opinions at least its what I should get before doing anything. Just my two cents.
 
Trust me Matisba, I so wish that was my situation jajaja...I am no fan of surgery but thank you kindly for your two cents, much appreciated and you are very right.
 
Sending faith and prayers your way. Def get the second or third opinion. My mother went threw a back surgery about a year ago and she is doing much better now. We were all scared but in the end well worth it.
 
thanks! worried about the cost now then I will focus on facing what is ahead. I had surgery years ago and it lasted me this long so I am grateful for that. Soon this will be a part of my past :)
 
My mother went threw a back surgery about a year ago and she is doing much better now. We were all scared but in the end well worth it.

Surgery to old parents is scary for their grown up children. ( Been there, done that). Wish her the best.
 
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