GOT A DATE w/ DR. B in BOGEN!

[Kim_Dean\'sWife]

Hi everyone,
We finally got a date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's far away, but a date is a date! March 9, 2007 in Bogen, Germany with Dr. Bertagnoli. (My thanks to Anita, for your help!) Dean is at his regular pain management appointment as we speak, so we'll see if they adjust his medication to make him more comfy until surgery. Boy does it help to know a date... less stress! I have one question to throw out there- does anyone know which hotels in the Bogen area have kitchenettes and/or larger suites? Thanks!!
-Kim

[David]

About damn time!

I was hoping more for something in January, but I guess *any* date is better than no date!

Let me know if you want an 'experienced pro' along for the trip!

David

[Kim_Dean\'sWife]

Well, this morning Dean gave his pain man. Dr. the printed email from Prospine that states NOT to come down off meds prior to surgery, but the doctor still wanted to decrease his dosages today "in preparation for surgery." But Dean was able to convince him to at least leave his meds alone this visit. Dean's position was, "What more do you need besides written documentation that states not to decrease it?" If the pain doctor doesn't cooperate, we'll inform Dr. Fenk-Mayer of the issue. It's quite surprising, since this pain doctor was referred to us by Dr. Yue.

[Alastair]

Look at the weather if you are going to Germany soon -- - its starting to freeze in Munich, so do take warm clothing.

Congratulations on getting a date for David
Best
Alastair

[chasswen]

i'll fight you for the seat david
yippee you are on track for a new back.
chuck

[Kim_Dean\'sWife]

Just a quick THANK YOU to my true friends, David and Chuck. You've not only helped me obtain a lot of needed information, but we've had a few laughs along the way. Much needed and appreciated. If either of you need a little vacation, our bus leaves for Bogen on March 6th and we're accepting hitchhikers.
Kim

[KL Aguilar]

Just out of curiousity--does it take three months to get a surgery date with Dr. B? I am probably going this route too.

[Justin]

Congrats!

Don't hesitate if you need anything or any have questions.

Justin

[Kim_Dean\'sWife]

KL Aguliar,
Hello! It does not always take three months. In fact, some people have gotten a date that is around three weeks out. We had some delay, in part, because our package of x-rays, MRI and CT Scan was held in German customs. Customs required Prospine to appear in person to confirm that the package was of "no particular economic value." It seems as though this occurance is very very rare, however. Emailing records to Dr. Bertagnoli is also recommended. You can inform prospine of a ballpark time that you would like, if you need time to get things in order. This is helpful if you need to apply for a loan, passports, etc. We were actually one couple who would've picked up and gone in two weeks, but we will take any date at this point. We've waited this long for the FDA to (not) approve two levels, and for Prospine to review his records, so three more months will be worth it to know that we're in Dr. Bertagnoli's skilled hands. If you have any questions about the process (or anything), please feel free to PM me and I'll be happy to talk with you.
-Kim

[KL Aguilar]

Hi Kim,

Thank you for responding so quickly. Luckily, I already have a passport and I started a home equity line of credit about a month ago, so I am almost ready. I need at least a two-level cervical ADR so waiting for the FDA to approve does not seem feasible. Good luck!