Hello all,
My name is Kim and I'm new to the board. I'm writing for my husband, Dean, who has been mostly bedridden for 9 months. No specific incident that triggered his injury, after a week of snow shoveling, he almost dropped to the floor with pain one day while reaching into the fridge. He's been out of work and on heavy painkillers since. All conservative treatment methods have failed. He's been a patient of Dr. Yue, who told us Monday about Synthes decision not to allow 2 levels. So, we told the Dr. that we're ready to go see Dr. Bertagnoli overseas at this point. We have 2 beautiful baby boys, ages 4 months and 22 months, which makes going overseas logistically overwhelming, but we are ready to do what ever we have to do to get Dean there. Dr. Yue sent Dean's records overseas Monday, and told us to expect a call from his (Dr. Y's) office very soon. They said a surgery date may be as soon as the end of this month. I've been reading on this site for a couple of months and have learned SO MUCH from you all. Thank you, I can't say how much your stories help. Now that going overseas has become our reality, we could use your support and encouragement! The first thing I'd like to ask is how long is a typical stay overseas, from arrival to departure? Then, how much of that time is the patient in the hospital, and how much at a hotel afterwards? I know it varies, but any info. helps. I'll have a lot more questions, but I'll just begin there! I know about Anita the international coordinator, and I expect she'll clear a lot up, but until she and I touch base, you all could be a great help. Thanks!

hello kim
two levels should be in the hospital 6 or 7 days.
and i believe they ask for 5 to 7 days after the hospital. i had a single level and was in the hospital 5 days and we stayed in germany for a total of 20 days.
wishing your husband the best you picked the correct doctor.
chuck

Hi Kim,
Thanks for telling us how much this site has helped you.

Dr B is a great surgeon and I wish you and you family a "Good Trip" and a successful surgery for your husband
Best
Alastair http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Welcome, Kim, and thanks for writing. Pass on our good wishes to Dean! Gute Reise!

PS: Some of the resources here may be of interest to Dean for recovery:

http://www.adrsupport.org/post_op.html

http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Hi Kim,

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for getting us up to speed on Dean's situation. I do hope your trip is safe and that the surgery is a great success.

If you have any last minute questions or just need to talk, don't hesitate to email me or send me a private message.

Oh... please let us know how Dean is doing after surgery as we do care.

Justin

Dear Chasswen, Alastair, Harrison and Justin,
Thank you for welcoming me to the group. Dean is now reading some of the articles that were recommended and we're finding them VERY useful! Today is a very bad day for Dean, pain-wise, so I am busy taking care of the house, bills, babies, research, financial choices for surgery, etc., etc. It's a LOT to do, and a lot of stress, but I will do whatever is in my power to get Dean the care he, and anyone, deserves. Today is actually our wedding anniversary. Three years ago today we were preparing for a two-week honeymoon in Italy. Now, 3 yrs and 2 babies later, we're gearing up for a two-week+ trip to go have some surgery! Who would've ever imagined such a thing? http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif This whole 9 months of pain and misery has actually brought the two of us closer, so we know that we can now make it through ANYTHING. I will be glued to forum, I'm sure, for the next few weeks and I'm excited to get to know you all better.

Do look in the FAQ`s for preparations for your trip, and return home -- - all good stuff compiled by members here over the years
Best
Alastair http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Don't stop reading after the surgery. We all like to hear success or not so good surgery stories and there's been quite a few discussion about what recovery should or shouldn't be like at various points in time.

I will keep posting throughout (and after) Dean's surgery, as I know the value of information shared here! http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif To anyone who has been overseas for surgery, did you bring your laptop? Do the hotels generally have internet access? And pardon me for not being technologically savy, but I have wireless DSL at home, would I use the old phone cord & dial up there? (I've never taken the laptop with me for travel.) Thanks!

kim
you can take the laptop but will need power converter and a wifi card in some hotels but is pricey. t-com partners with tmobile 18 cents per minute roaming fee. if his surgery is in bogen you can get hard wired internet in hios room for 5 euro aday. all conectors are diffent.
straubing hospital has internet stations i believe.
chuck