Stenum Hospital

[marilyn]

God bless you Terry,
I pray that you get your recovery. I feel responsible for anyone who goes to Stenum by virtue of "advertising". I feel that anyone going through that serious of an operation should meet the surgeon,(we never meet Ritter-Lange) and get the real story of the hospital. Our group had one death, and one man is hanging near death. Now, I would feel irresponsible if I didn't tell others to be wary. Germany is a beautiful country, and the people are lovely. Yes. But have your spine operated on by reputable professionals.
Blessings,
Marilyn

Originally posted by marilyn:
The testimonies on the GetADR website have been "cleaned up". I blog with Dennis, and I tell you that he had six months on drugs, and still is in quite a bit of pain sometimes. He is happy to be walking.Marilyn

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Terry:
The people who give the glowing tributes on the website are to blame for that. If they had the decent no pain recoveries they imply that is great.

It has definitely not been a picnic for you nor for me or Kevin who posts here.

When I get better I am going to write a brief to put on their website about the roller coaster ride it has been for me and to expect that this may or may not happen in recovery. It's hard not to compare ourselves to others. Everyone heals at a different rate.

I can honestly say though that this pain is different than pre-surgery and I am walking upright today. I used a cane to ambulate at 49 year old and was heading for a wheelchair.

I am still on Lyrica 400 mg per day for the nerve pain. I am ready to wean myself off of that. I also take 4 Advil per day for the anti-inflammatory effects. I weaned myself off of the small dose Methadone I was on pre surgery while I was in Germany. I have taken this on occasion after I got home but with no regularity or frequency. I have not taken any for over a week now.

I hope that you continue to move forward in your recovery.

I have focused on the good that they did rather than the negatives. I was pretty broken in body, mind, and spirit when I arrived in Germany. I loved it over there, walked often, took the trains around, saw 1,000 year old cathedrals, fell in love with my wife all over again. It was magical to connect with others that I still talk to this day and to heal as a group. We have become a little support group on the side to learn what is normal and what is not.

I am going to a neuro-surgeon for a consult next Monday to get his opinion about my spine. I am still left with some scoliosis and need to assess what my chances are for a normal return to life self. I am grateful for what I have though.

Go with God.

Terry Newton

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[annapurna]

Originally posted by marilyn:
The Maverick sits more naturally in the spine and therefore prevents problems with the facet joints. It is made of Titanium, therefore there are no plastic parts to wear out. The Charite has a lot of plastic. The prodisc less. Both sit more forward, thus stressing out the facet, a separate joint in the spine. The Maverick also has a very large "fin" to anchor it to the vertebra. Slippage is not likely.

The comparisons made between the different ADR versions are hotly debated and, at this point, unproven. There are valid arguments for and against each disk type. In my humble opinion (there's an arrogant lead-in), the only really valid argument for or against a disk is what the surgeon you need to use will be willing to put in your back when you need it. The skill and availability of the surgeon would far outweigh the benefits of a specific disk type.