Sunshine – ADR @ L4-5; Fusion @ L5-S1 - 1/4/07

[Sunshine]

After years of waiting and fighting, On January 4, 2007 I finally had my surgery. I had an artificial disc (Charite) @ L4-5 and a fusion at L5-S1. My neurosurgeon was Dr. Carl Lauryssen and my surgery was at Olympia Medical Center.

In my opinion I had the most fantastic and skilled neurosurgeon. Dr. Lauryssen is the most kind, compassionate and caring physician whom I have ever encountered and I feel very fortunate that he and his office staff fought so hard with me to make this surgery happen. I would highly recommend him to anyone. The care I received at Olympia Medical Center overall was excellent and far exceeded my expectations.

Unfortunately I had to remain in the hospital for a few more days than anticipated (in total 6 days post-op). I am now at home recovering and taking it slow and steady.

I am so grateful to my surgeon, his entire office staff, my family and friends for all the care, love and support that I have received thus far. I want to give a special thank you to my mother (who has taken off work this month in order to take care of me and help with my recovery).

[Maria]

Sunshine,
Congrats on your surgery and hopefully even keel recovery! I have also been advised to have a hybrid surgery done and will be scheduling this after some consideration (vs. going abroad).

Best wishes for continued wonderful recovery and glad to hear your enthusiasum for your surgeon and hospital as well~ I've heard much about Dr.L from at least one other person who thinks he's top notch!

take good care, and please keep us posted on your recovery

[dshobbies]

Sunshine,

Congratulations and my best wishes for a speedy and uncomplicated recovery. I just want to add that I agree with you about Dr. Lauryssen and think he and his staff are wonderful people and not 'affected'. He has treated me with nothing but respect and I so appreciate it.

Taking it slow is the name of the game so you're off to a great start. Please keep us posted.

Dale

[mmglobal]

Maria... she can't have an 'even keel' recovery, because she had a Charite'!

Sunshine, thanks for posting. I still get several calls / week from people who's doctors have told them that they can't get ADR with a fusion. Posts like yours will help spread the word. It's great to hear that you are doing so well. I enjoyed our chat last night and hope to meet you soon.

Wishing you an 'even spike' recovery!

Mark

[Maria]

I stand corrected~ an *even spike* recovery