New to Board / Journey

[GiRn56]

Just wanted to drop a quick intro. I am starting my journey and have found this board and the incredible wealth of information invaluable. I am 60. Suffered a blown disc at L5-S1 many years ago working in an ICU doing patient care. Now I i have severe DDD at L5-S1. Along with chronic pain, depression and all that other good stuff that goes along with it. After retiring from the Army and nursing I decided to get my issues fixed. While I still have some partial erections none like I had over my pre injury years. I tried meds but no injections etc. I discussed with a local urologist and he was comfortable taking me to the OR vs the other alternatives.
Upon further research I wasn't comfortable with the availability and experience of the local docs. I contacted both Dr. Kramer and Dr Eid. The good Dr Eid was the only that returned my call. I fell very comfortable with Dr Eid from a nurse stand point. He said since I have great hands from being a nurse that my post op course should be easy and wouldn't need to see in follow up which I liked. So I'm just waiting for my Op date to be scheduled and up and on wards. After breaking up recently with my Ex GF who I truly loved this has so sparked me to get myself restored both mentally and physically. ED has come to virtually destroying my life. I look forward to sharing my journey as well and appreciate the wonderful wisdom and knowledge here. everyone have a great day. Mark

[Lost Sheep]

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for posting.

I note that your experience with Drs Eid and Kramer parallel my own, except that Dr K eventually did contact me after a time and one message from me to Dr Kramer's web site trouble desk. So don't lose hope of hearing from him.

I wonder, are you perchance covered as a disabled Veteran?

I live in Alaska and the VA here is pretty good and has authorized an implant for me but the surgeons here are nowhere close to Dr Eid and Dr Kramer in specialization or experience. So, I have been in contact with both Dr E and Dr K. with an eye towards travelling from Alaska to Maryland or to New York.

Insofar as our journeys may parallel one another, I an interested in any details you can share either by this forum on a thread or private message or dorect email.

Welcome and thanks again

Lost Sheep

[GiRn56]

Thanks Lost Sheep,

You are correct I am 100 % P&T. I haven't addressed my ED as an issue with the VA. I have many other issues and this is not one that I would feel comfortable with the VA correcting. I understand being in the system and wanting to get it paid for are real. But as you noted Drs. Eid / Kramer are essentially a league of their own. I will be traveling to NY from Ia for mine. I am covered by Medicare and tricare, essentially no cost to me other than travel expenses. From a nursing standpoint I want the best clinician when it comes to these types of surgeries. I did the same when it came to my knees which have both been replaced, a civilian did both. If you can get the VA to pay for either that would be awesome. The VA has great medical staffs but its just personal preference. Shoot me a pm if you need more, I am happy to help, Mark