My Situation

[Kraze Kat]

So here is a little background information.
I am a 27 yo female that has suffered back injuries from my job. I am military, stationed in Germany. A few years ago, I injured my back beyond repairs by lifting something that was way too heavy (because no one wanted to help and it had to get moved). Since then, it has been a downward spiral. Over the years, I have had all types of injections, physical therapy, and pain meds that never seemed to help. Due to the nature of my job (driver), I have been limited as to the meds I can take (as I cannot just have time off whenever I need it). My life has been hampered up to this point as I am even afraid to travel on my own (which I love doing). I am only a 5 hr drive from Paris and still have not been due to the situation. But back to the point. In November of last year (2008), Once again the debilitating pain set back in to where I was picking someone up at the airport and suddenly was unable to walk (again). I managed to get her home and had to go directly to the hospital. I was there for two weeks while they tried to figure out the best course of action. They wanted to do a fusion, but due to my age wanted to try a discoplasty first. They said if that did not work that they would then do a fusion. So I had a L4-5/ L5-S1 nucleoplasty. The hospital stay was terrible. Though I speak German, for some reason their regional dialect was so that they couldn't understand my "High German" and I could not understand anything they said. (Not to mention English is a requirement in German schools). So in a few weeks I went in for my checkup (still on crutches unable to walk) and let my Dr know that the pain was still terrible and there was not much improvement. He said everything would be ok. So when I returned to work and began physical therapy, the physical therapist said there was nothing they could do for me as I was in too much pain and sent me to the pain clinic (over a 2 hour drive away). So I continued to go every couple weeks for a series of treatments. It was after they ordered the MRI's that they realized that the nucleoplasty caused more damage to my L5-S1. The other level was ok, so I was referred to the neurosurgeon. They were way too booked, so I was sent to an civilian hospital in Heidelberg (they agreed it was NOT good to return the hospital I went to previously). Here I was told that the only relief I would get would be from the disc replacement. So, less than a month later, here I am freaking out with a surgery scheduled on the 24th of June. (But lucky for me I found you guys and am not freaking out as much as I would have been. I also have the support of my little crazy kitty who senses something is wrong and has been being real nice to me lately. He's even been bringing gifts to me when I lay in bed, of drinking straws (his favorite toy) and little toy mice)

P. S.
I am also very long-winded and sidetracked easily (in case you didn't notice!)

[jchebert1979]

Someone with more experience will be along shortly to answer your questions. Since you will be having it in Germany, who will be your doctor? Also, if you read through the posts on the board I think you will find some reassurance when you see just how many people have benfited from ADR's.

[Katie]

KK, I'm not quite understanding why the military doctors are speaking German. Are you not American? The military hospitals are normally staffed with people from your country...what am I missing?

Since you are in Germany, you are already in the land of some of the best spine surgeons on earth. Check out Stenum hospital in Bremen, up on the north coast, as well as Dr. Bertagnoli, Dr. Fenk-Mayer and a few others. Do a Google search for them. While there are some on this board who don't have good things to say about Stenum, I can give you names of a dozen past patients, all with wonderful results. Send me a PM.

You may or may not be a candidate for ADR, but by sending your MRIs to several specialists, you will get their very good opinions on it...no more guessing. Stenum will not charge for this, but the other ones will. In some ways, you are much farther ahead than most of us...we are stuck on the wrong side of the Atlantic

All the best, and give your kitty a scritch for me

[dshobbies]

KK,

I too wonder about German staffing in an American military hospital??? But this no longer appears to be an issue. One piece of advice, the skill of your surgeon may have a direct affect on your outcome. This is not to say a less experienced doctor can't perform a successful surgery but you have one chance to get this right. Revision surgery is difficult. Choose carefully.

I realize you already have a surgical date. If you're not sure this is what you want, ask a lot of questions. Get all the facts you can. Though we had our doubts, you should understand what you're about to do and what to expect.

Who is doing your surgery? Where is he? Let's see if anyone knows him or his reputation. How long are you expected to stay in the hospital? Where is your recoup? Will anyone be with you? Does the military have an expectation of your return to duty? Is that flexible? You should also know that sitting for long periods of time, like driving, may be difficult for quite a while post surgery. (I'm 3 1/2 years out and it's still difficult) Is the military willing to change your duties is necessary? If it comes down to it, will they give you a medical discharge (if that's what you want)?

These are just a few questions that come to mind. You should have 100 more. Write them down as you think of anything that needs an answer. Have a consultation with your doctor about your concerns prior to your surgery. It wasn't until after my first spinal surgery that my doctor informed me that 100% had a different meaning. I'd been thinking - in 6 weeks I'd be good to go.

The 'crazies' are a normal piece of the spinal puzzle. Concentrate on your new education so no doubt (there's always a little) remains that you're making the right decision.

I wish you good luck... but you have to move fast.

Dale

[Kraze Kat]

Sorry for the delay as I had to go out of town.
JC,
I will be having Dr. Feil at the Atos Clinic in Heidelberg.

Katie,
I am American and most of the doctors at the American hospitals are American. However, the hospital is like 2 hrs from me and I was originally sent to a German hospital. And lucky for me, since I am in the military, I have no choice in the selection of a doctor. One of the doctors in the clinic referred me to a German hospital as Landstuhl was unable to see me. And I am now covered in fur as I gave my shedding kitty a nice scratch over (and brush) He loved it!

DSH,
Wow, your questions have my head spinning (but it is all good). Dr. Feil in Heidelberg will be doing the surgery. I have no idea how long I will be in the hospital. Hopefully no more than a week. I will be recuperating at home alone. Once I'm discharged, I have to see an American doctor so that he can give me the 45 days at home. After that, I ease back into work. It is possible to be medically reclassed (I would if I had to) or even separated from the military (which I will fight tooth and nail). At this point I really do not know what to expect or what will happen afterwards. I am only going to do as much as I can without overdoing it.

On Tuesday, I will be meeting with the doctor, anesthesiologist, and do all of the final lab work. Wish me luck.

[Katie]

Hi KK, I'll be thinking of you over the next few days...especially Tuesday I can't sit for long, so could you tell me what they are doing for you? Are you having a disc or fusion or ???? I'm sorry I can't backtrack today to see your old posts.

You have someone to take care of your kitty and give him the scritches he deserves???

Take care, and hugs on your big day.

[dridobits]

How are you doing? Any news?