Last night in Straubing

[mmglobal]

Dear Friends,

In a few hours, Chuck and I will be winging our way back to Los Angeles... direct from Munich... 12 hours. He'll be 13 days post-op from a 3-level (L2-5) and he's ready to go.

It's been a long haul, but the last few days have been pretty good... no sight-seeing for Chuck, but he gets around well, is comfortable in spite of dealing with surgical pain and a small amount of surgery induced radiculitis, and is in good spirits. After more than 2 weeks gone, I can't wait to get home and I know Chuck is anxious too.

Laura is 6 days out from her L4-5 ProDisc. Like Chuck, she was released from the hospital yesterday. I took her on an outing today that lasted 5 1/2 hours. Much of it was visiting Mark in the Hospital or waiting for me and Mark's wife (Jill) in the car.... so she wasn't up and about the whole time, but it was still a big outing. She shopped for her kids and friends. She'll travel home to Maryland, by herself, on Tuesday... 11 days post-op.

Mark is doing VERY WELL now... He is 6 days out from the big L1-2, L3-4 split 2-level. I expect him to be released... possibly as early as Monday. He and Jill will travel home to Minnesota on Wednesday. I believe that he will be ready then because he is having a stellar recovery.

I have much�to tell you all about some very interesting surgeries... But the food is ready. I was waiting for take-out Chinese... we are going to have a party... all 4 of us in Mark's room at Saint Elisabeth.

Goodbye for now....

Mark

[Alastair]

Thanks for keeping us updated Mark and I look forward to all you have to tell us which is new
Best
Alastair

[Mariaa]

Mark,
Thanks for the update on everyone and their amazing surgeries! Glad to hear all are doing well and getting to go home soon. Guess everyone gets pretty homesick after having major surgery and being hospitalized a while!
It's really interesting to hear about the various surgeries and the progress that people are making. I'm sure everyone feels having you there is helpful to them and their individual recoveries.
Safe travels to all and thoughts and prayers for continued healing! Maria

[cervie queen]

Mark: You are a cross between a Mother Theresa, a scout leader, a cult leader, a bon vivant, maitre'd, and a mother hen with all your brood. I'm sure that you are forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Money can't possibly buy all that you are doing for these patients. You rock!!

[mmglobal]

Chuck and I arrived in Los Angeles yesterday afternoon. He tolerated the flight well... it was uncomfortable... 12 hour flight, plus the hours on either end... 18 hour day without being able to lie down. However, he was uncomfortable...not dying. I think he did great!

Arriving back in L.A. on such a beautiful day was great... 70 degrees, sunny and clear. Turning into my tract, there were children playing, wearing shorts and tank tops... barefoot. A sight for sore eyes.

More updates later,

Mark

[cervie queen]

Welcome Home Chuck! And welcome home, Mark. Both of you need to take it easy and rest. And when you are rested, you'd better post here and give us all the details. Chuck: best wishes for continued improvement.

[chuxk79]

My first chance to post since arriving. I am doing very well and I just know I will make a remarkable recovery. The post surgery pain is very tolerable infact its a piece of cake compared to the first surgical nite when they were'nt sure how far up the scale they could adjust the pca pump. I could write forever on how supportive Mark ******* was in being with me on one of the very most important surgical experiences and risks of a lifetime. As we all kmow there are no guarantees.Mark is my hero and I would reccomend him to anyone considering ADR.
As I have said before if one can afford the little added expence of having not only a family member but a personal patient advocate thats been thru the very same experience you can not put a price on this.I think a person can do the trip on your own with help, but just the little things mark was there for such as preop meetings with the doctor and explaining to the staff about my pain med preop level so I only had the first nite in Hell.I will post more about the story and how I'm doing but now I want to rest for a few days.
The Germans have two favorite words Good "GOOT"
and Super "SOOPA" and Mark is both.
POST SOON Chuck DOBOVSKY

[chuxk79]

The one thing I left out and the most important is that Dr.Bertagnoli is the greatest and most dedicated Doctor I have ever met and I am so fortunate to have been put in contact thru all the support channels and to have had my surgery performed by one of the best.

CD

[Justin]

The one thing I left out and the most important is that Dr.Bertagnoli is the greatest and most dedicated Doctor I have ever met and I am so fortunate to have been put in contact thru all the support channels and to have had my surgery performed by one of the best.

I couldn't have said it better! I am glad you are back home Chuck. I wish you well in your recovery.

Justin

[wbaker68]

I 3rd that!!

Bill