Hi Laura B and Jerry 5. How fantastic and generous of you all to share your experience and real information. I was so motivated by what I read on the forum I submitted all my scans and files to Dr. Bierstedt's team immediately. Actually I sent a broad enquiry on their site and in a day Kelli was back to me with the links for the uploads of my images etc. I still have to have fresh x-rays done, and will upload these next week. Kelli got straight back to me to tell me that they will begin the assessment with the MRI's and Bone Density tests with Aust Neurosurgeon reports, etc. and let me know if they need the x-rays to clarify. Will do them anyway. I have gleaned mountains of preparation info from your entries and journey's which will save me allot of mucking about. I keep making notes of the tests I should get done - such as the metal alloy test.
Some days I think - Oh, I can manage, maybe I can go on for a while longer... then I do some small thing (heaven forbid), such as clean a floor or pick up a paint brush and do an hours painting, and bang...all the pain is back. Also Laura, when I filled out my patient report, I didn't put down 'leg pain', and a few other 'pain's', that come and go... but later, when I go to pick up a coffee in my left hand, and drop it, I remember. The leg pain is so subtle, but its there all right. I think I read here (was it you or another person) about the issues with vertigo. I don't have headaches (but used to big time when the problem started in 2000), but when I push myself, I feel like I am going to just pass out. The other issue is a sort of feeling as if my head is in a glass jar. Hearing is sort of weird. This creates a sense of imbalance. I reckon its related as after I rest it goes away. And I know its not the 'hormone thing'. I know the difference. Its quite distinct and its coming from the spine. So, here I am, and I am really glad I have found this site.
Hearing about your recoveries is really important to me, so I am going to stay inspired by reading the post op section too often
I was a bit confused when I first found the site - like a kid in a lolly shop - where I didn't know where to look first as there was so much pertinent information. The lollies are all relevant in this case!
I can see that you will all be able to help me with the various questions I have on the actual process, and decision on who to get to do the operation, as well as all these really important little details leading up to the op, during it, and afterwards - re travel, accommodation and other things.
I noted on the video for spine patients video preview that only 4 Aussies were listed there out of the 100% having travelled o/s to Europe to do this in a certain year. Most were from the US, UK and then Germany of course.
I guess this is just a further intro. I will post again with some questions and details. Thanks again to you all.