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Neck update.

Karl_K

Karl_K

Super_Ideal_Rock
Staff member
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Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
15,590
This is why I have not been around much the last few weeks.

A little history I have a pinched nerve in my neck that leads to my right arm from c5-c7 disk issues.

In dec 2022 I saw Dr Hanna at UW hospital system who is a professor at the University of Wisconsin med school and a lot of people said was one of the best.

I saw him, he was great in person, and we discussed surgery but decided on trying injections first.

I may not be able to have surgery due to health issues.

That’s where it went off the rails for well over a year.

In that entire time no one from his office ever returned my calls.

I would call every 2-3 weeks and got cold transferred to someone who had no clue multiple times.

After over a year they said we will call you don’t call is. Never did.

A few months ago it was getting a little worse so I got a referral to someone local and they side tracked me to pain management to try injections which I wanted. Awesome NP who I am seeing now.

The insurance company refused unless I did PT first, PT really messed up my neck/arm worse.

Redid the mri and egm and my NP says I need to do a surgical consult soon.

He recommends I go back to Dr. Hanna for it.

I told him I have to think about it.

I do not trust Hanna at all anymore and would not recommend him to anyone.

What if I do have surgery and they go unresponsive?

There is a local surgeon that did a friend’s neck and they really trust him and he has good credentials and reviews.

A big bonus is it would be the same hospital as my pulmonologist who has saved my life before and I like and trust him.

I’m not confident my pulmonologist will even approve surgery.

I ask for a consult request be sent to the local surgeon.
Prayers are appreciated.
 
I am sorry for your troubles @Karl_K. I don't know why his office staff gave you the run around, however, when it comes to this type of surgery, I would want the best to do it and it sounds like that may be him. I would call his office and schedule an appointment with him to discuss all of these things - including his non-responsive staff! I wish only the very best for you!!
 
Hanna's practice sounds like the same sh*tshow I work in. Costs are up, reimbursments are down and they won't hire enough staff to take care of people. Get a consult with the local guy, see how they treat you.
Definitely prayers outgoing.
 
I’m so sorry you are having to go through this. Medical problems are scary enough without the stress of what you are dealing with in terms of communication. Thinking of you! Also PS needs the care emoji!!!
 
I, personally, would not return to an unresponsive medical practice. Before you progress to a surgeon who has been given a green light by a friend, please do the homework. You know that pesky stuff like where the surgeon was educated, class rank, online reviews, hospital reputation... all that sort of thing.

I wouldn't rule out locating a great cervical spine neurosurgeon at Froedtert or Aurora Hospital systems. UW would not be my first choice. Wherever your search leads you, please keep us updated and I'm sending prayers your way for a safe, successful surgery to relieve your misery.:pray:
 
Ibrakeforpossums said:
Hanna's practice sounds like the same sh*tshow I work in. Costs are up, reimbursments are down and they won't hire enough staff to take care of people. Get a consult with the local guy, see how they treat you.
Definitely prayers outgoing.
Click to expand...

That's sad and maddening that there are more like that out there :{
Thank you and everyone for the comments and prayers.
 
I’m sorry you are dealing with this karl.

I can’t speak to why Dr. Hanna’s office staff didn’t return your calls and I understand why that would put you off.
However, in my experience it’s wise to choose the most qualified, experienced and skilled surgeon possible for complex surgical procedures. I strongly suggest you base your decision on the qualifications of the surgeon rather than the reception staff. And go to a teaching hospital. Is NWM a possibility for you?
If you consult with Dr Hanna again, by all means tell him about your hesitation and concerns regarding your care going forward.
Good luck Karl, big hugs
 
Bonfire said:
I’m sorry you are dealing with this karl.

I can’t speak to why Dr. Hanna’s office staff didn’t return your calls and I understand why that would put you off.
However, in my experience it’s wise to choose the most qualified, experienced and skilled surgeon possible for complex surgical procedures. I strongly suggest you base your decision on the qualifications of the surgeon rather than the reception staff. And go to a teaching hospital. Is NWM a possibility for you?
If you consult with Dr Hanna again, by all means tell him about your hesitation and concerns regarding your care going forward.
Good luck Karl, big hugs
Click to expand...

For clarification:

Froedtert Hospital also operates the region's only adult Level I Trauma Center. The primary adult teaching affiliate of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital is a major training facility for more than 1,000 medical, nursing and health technical students annually.

UWM holds no special magic over Froedtert, IMHO. My brother had a situation much like Karl's but with fewer side issues. Surgery was successful and his recovery, excellent.
 
Sunrises Sunsets, this is excellent information, Froedtert has been the gold standard here for years. However, they partnered with ThedaCare not too long ago, a local ACO that not many people like, and one of their spine surgeons came to us because they annoyed him so much. (We're an independent practice.) I'm trying to sort this out.
 
Thoughts and prayers going out to you, Karl!
 
Sending healing vibes and hugs, Karl.
 
I’m so sorry you are going through all this. Sending lots of prayers and love your way.
 
Sorry you have to deal with this, Karl.
I'd be furious if my medical team ignored me. :angryfire::angryfire::angryfire:
Serious medical problems are bad enough even when you get good care.
 
Sorry you're having this problem Karl. I hope they (the docs) can successfully get it resolved so you are no longer in pain.
 
Ibrakeforpossums said:
Sunrises Sunsets, this is excellent information, Froedtert has been the gold standard here for years. However, they partnered with ThedaCare not too long ago, a local ACO that not many people like, and one of their spine surgeons came to us because they annoyed him so much. (We're an independent practice.) I'm trying to sort this out.
Click to expand...

Good luck to your spine surgeon because I think this Medicare ACO business is going to permeate all Medicare healthcare. I don't like it one bit and IMHO, it's trying to turn regular Medicare into Advantage type plans with controlled care. I sure hope it doesn't hit all medical associations. You have pointed out a looming problem, thank you.

I apologize for the aside in this forum thread.
 
@Karl_K, Is there anyway you can see a doctor at one of the teaching hospitals downtown? Could your pulmonologist help find a specialist for your neck. With your other complications that may be the way to go. Things are more difficult when there are other factors involved like your lungs. Sending you prayers and support Karl to you and your wife.
 
re: Aurora and Froedtert. We just acquired Brandon Rebollz from Froedtert. I've heard he's a big dog for years, takes difficult cases. I emailed his NP yesterday, got this back. Obviously I gave only a thumbnaill sketch of your condition. Trying to straddle the line between helping and MYOB.

Nice to “meet” you :).

Dr. Rebholz would be happy to see him to discuss his cervical spine. If he doesn’t feel he’s a candidate due to medical comorbidities or body habitus, he’ll discuss that with him. We’ve treated a lot of very complex patients and are always willing to see someone for an opinion!

If he’d like to see us, please have him contact the clinic to schedule!

Jami
 
Ibrakeforpossums said:
re: Aurora and Froedtert. We just acquired Brandon Rebollz from Froedtert. I've heard he's a big dog for years, takes difficult cases. I emailed his NP yesterday, got this back. Obviously I gave only a thumbnaill sketch of your condition. Trying to straddle the line between helping and MYOB.

Nice to “meet” you :).

Dr. Rebholz would be happy to see him to discuss his cervical spine. If he doesn’t feel he’s a candidate due to medical comorbidities or body habitus, he’ll discuss that with him. We’ve treated a lot of very complex patients and are always willing to see someone for an opinion!

If he’d like to see us, please have him contact the clinic to schedule!

Jami
Click to expand...
Wow thanks.
Who my insurance will cover is limited and I'm between gigs right now.
I think I'm going to meet with the local guy and see how it goes.
I wasn't going to share his name until I met him but I think will now.
Its Dr. Doppenberg
www.uwhealth.org

Egon Doppenberg, MD

Egon Doppenberg, MD, is a UW Health neurosurgeon who provides surgical treatment for neck and back disorders.
www.uwhealth.org www.uwhealth.org
 
I googled him - he has excellent patient reviews. I hope you get to meet with him and discuss your issues @Karl_K!
 
I think starting locally is a good idea. But if you would like to see Rebholz and don't have coverage up here, let me know. There's enough in the possum pouch for a consult.
Also, I think looking into the teaching hospitals in Chicago is a very good idea. I know a woman who's a DPT at Shirley Ryan, OMG there's talent around you.
 
Ibrakeforpossums said:
I think starting locally is a good idea. But if you would like to see Rebholz and don't have coverage up here, let me know. There's enough in the possum pouch for a consult.
Also, I think looking into the teaching hospitals in Chicago is a very good idea. I know a woman who's a DPT at Shirley Ryan, OMG there's talent around you.
Click to expand...

Just one more reason why I love this place! @Ibrakeforpossums: your kindness is not unnoticed.
 
Karl_K said:
Wow thanks.
Who my insurance will cover is limited and I'm between gigs right now.
I think I'm going to meet with the local guy and see how it goes.
I wasn't going to share his name until I met him but I think will now.
Its Dr. Doppenberg
www.uwhealth.org

Egon Doppenberg, MD

Egon Doppenberg, MD, is a UW Health neurosurgeon who provides surgical treatment for neck and back disorders.
www.uwhealth.org www.uwhealth.org
Click to expand...

good luck Karl
you are definatly in my thoughts and prayers
 
Playing the we didn't get the referral, we faxed it and refaxed it game.
This happens so much I was expecting it.
 
Karl_K said:
Playing the we didn't get the referral, we faxed it and refaxed it game.
This happens so much I was expecting it.
Click to expand...

Call them every four hours or better yet, take it in person!
 
Karl_K said:
:cry2: Your making me tear up.

I loves ya alls!!
Click to expand...

Hi Karl,
I ‘m just jumping in here to say ( for what it’s worth) that I hope Dr. Doppenberg will be the doctor who can help you with your C spine problems.
You have given generously of your time and knowledge when so many members have asked for an expert opinion on this RB or that EC or Asscher diamond, etc. and I truly believe that what you put out into the universe comes back to you
 
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