|
Please read the FAQ page for our Terms of Service and answers to common technical questions.
|
|
Please visit the Useful Websites page for websites relevant to this specific forum. You can add your own, too!
|
|
By accessing this website, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
|
|
Special Announcement: A BrainTalk Communities Survey! Please click here to learn more.
|
|
 Specific Neurological Conditions (M - Z) [all categories]
 Spinal Disorders 3
 Goodbye Munich... Hello LIFE!!! (Page 1)
|
 UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: Goodbye Munich... Hello LIFE!!! |
|
mmglobal Member Posts: 3097 |
posted 10-04-2002 04:31 PM
  
It's around 10:30pm here. Diane and I just got back to our room and are ready to start packing. We have a 7:30 flight, so we'll be getting up rather early. When I posted yesterday, we were about to head out for dinner. We found a wonderful sidewalk cafe, in the square below the Glockenspiel. It is surreal, looking up at that magnificent building, painted onto the fall sky. There is no way I can describe how beautiful it is. After a wonderful dinner we strolled around downtown Munich a while. We spent some time looking at St. Peter's Church (built in 1050!!!) Back to the same outdoor cafe for warm apple strudel and cream, and a pancake (crepe') with berries and cream. What a way to end such a wonderful day. Today we made a mistake. We thought we'd take in a palace that is on one of the train routes, but outside of the downtown area. It turned out to be way too much walking and uninterrupted up time. I couldn't lay down because it was raining. I didn't enjoy it much and retreated to the hotel with my leg hurting again. Amazingly, getting off my feet for just a few minutes relieved the leg pain entirely!!! I was ready to go, but Diane was still shopping downtown, so I just read in the room for a few hours and got a much needed rest. At 7pm we headed back to our favorite area for our final dinner in Munich. Since it was still raining, we tried the indoor Glockenspiel Cafe. What a nice surprise.... great food, reasonable prices, and a great view of the Munich skyline. Still tired from too much walking, we skipped dessert and headed home early. The last three days, we walked at least 6 miles a day. Today, I am two weeks post-op. I know it's premature to declare a success, but I am so happy. Each day is still better than the last. I can sit through meals now without squirming. I'm still taking more than my pre-op level of Oxy. Still taking the Bextra and Wellbutrin. I stopped the Neurontin cold-turkey around the surgery. I can't believe how clear my head is. I can read books now. It was too frustrating for me to read on the Neurontin... I reread each page many times and still didn't know where I was. What remains to be seen is what my pain levels will be like when the surgery pain is gone and I stop the meds. I guess we'll know in a few weeks, but I am very hopeful... I have no reason to suspect that this procedure was not a success. The trip to Munich was fantastic. The area around the AlphaKlinik is so pleasant. The walk to and from the hotel was always enjoyable. It's so easy to get to the sights of Munich using public transportation (the U-bahn). As bizarre as it seems, we feel like we had a vacation, while having major surgery. Diane wants to know where I'll be having my next surgery? LOL Goodbye from Munich... I'll be posting from So. Cal in a day or two. Love to all.... Mark ------------------ 2/25/00 Microdiscectomy/laminotomy L4-5, 10x15x7 mm left paracentral protrusion 9/23/00 CANCELED L4-S1 360 fusion CANCELED 9/15/01 emergency microdiscectomy L5-S1, 14x13x10 mm left paracentral protrusion Both discectomies resolved hip/leg/foot symptoms, but left the underlying back pain. Residual left foot pain and numbness. Lost axial reflex (left ankle). Researching artificial disc options. ProDisc vs. SB Charite III looks like a toss-up, but you can see which one one. *** The AlphaKlinik is absolutely the best medical facility I've ever seen! My expectations were high, but the AlphaKlinik, it's staff, and Dr. Zeegers far exceeded them!!! *** L4-5 and L5-S1 Disc Replacement (SB Charite III) 9/20/02 by Dr. Zeegers, AlphaKlinik, Munich, Germany *** IP: Logged |
|
BlueTopaz Member Posts: 2607 |
posted 10-04-2002 04:41 PM
I am so jealous...I want a vacation at the Alphaklinik too...and while there a surgery too. Prayers are still coming your way that this will be successful and I KNOW it will... Love, IP: Logged |
|
Becs Member Posts: 1507 |
posted 10-04-2002 10:17 PM
 
IP: Logged |
|
Wattle Member Posts: 601 |
posted 10-05-2002 03:58 AM
Mark - this is good news, all this walking you are doing and so good that you recovery quite quickly from minor set backs. This has to be a good sign. Bet you are looking forward to showing the ne you when you get home. Do you have to pinch yourself that this is happening to you after all this time. I've had my Trike for a week now and get stronger on each outing but how much have my quads and hamstrings atrophied in the past years! Pedal pedal pedal IP: Logged |
|
Pearl4949 Member Posts: 2709 |
posted 10-05-2002 04:55 AM
Hi Mark, Did you get a video of the operation as well? Six MILES! Wow! That is great. Have a wonderful flight home both of you! Love and hugs, Pearl IP: Logged |
|
Beth406 Member Posts: 1014 |
posted 10-05-2002 10:48 AM
Six miles a day?!? Whoa! I gotta get one of these gadgets! I do soooooo miss long walks. Mark, it does sound like so far, so great! Quite happy for you - and inspired to wait out the system. Have a safe trip home. I guess the big questions is - how are we going to get you back on the farm once you've had strudel in Munich Beth [This message has been edited by Beth406 (edited 10-05-2002).] IP: Logged |
|
4KittyCats Member Posts: 3154 |
posted 10-05-2002 12:47 PM
Fantastic news Mark, I'm so happy for you. I would love to have a holiday like that .Jo ------------------
 Spineys Clubhouse New Links Added (Sept. 24/02) IP: Logged |
|
TerriRN Member Posts: 1412 |
posted 10-05-2002 02:11 PM
It will be good to have you back! I am glad everything is going well, we are looking forward to more info regarding your surgery! I am watching closely the developments in the cervical articfical disks myself. Welcome home......... TerriRN IP: Logged |
|
StillSmiling Member Posts: 5683 |
posted 10-05-2002 02:56 PM
((Mark)) I am so thrilled for you!! I pray this works out for good for you. What a hero to take this leap. I really admire you! Keep us all posted - I'm looking for new treatment options myself. BIG hugs to you, Lynnie IP: Logged |
|
Mrs. Bojangles Member Posts: 1244 |
posted 10-05-2002 03:12 PM
What more could a person ask for! A new life from a new Country. When I look back on my surgery I can only compare it to that of a drive-thru. Am I jealous? What an experience of a lifetime! Sending continued prayers for a sucessful surgery and speedy healing for a dream you made come true! A very big envious fan ------------------ IP: Logged |
|
caseygirl Member Posts: 2776 |
posted 10-05-2002 03:40 PM
So happy to hear the good news!!!! I want to travel so bad.....and reading about your travels doesn't help much! Take care and keep me posted! IP: Logged |
|
MLWhitworth, MD Member Posts: 6387 |
posted 10-05-2002 07:44 PM
I am astonished at your rapid progress! Keep us posted. IP: Logged |
|
Jim S Member Posts: 7646 |
posted 10-05-2002 09:13 PM
You are amazing Mark, and I'm among those that are just a bit jealous... But, I'm so happy for you and you are an inspiration for all of us! Have a happy and safe trip home. Jim ------------------ IP: Logged |
|
Wojt Member Posts: 2948 |
posted 10-05-2002 09:21 PM
All best luck and heal well Mark! Wojt IP: Logged |
|
KL Aguilar Member Posts: 1584 |
posted 10-05-2002 11:12 PM
I am so pleased for you!!! Two weeks post-op and walking six miles a day! I know how long it has taken you to find the right doctor and the right treatment. You put in a lot of time doing your research and look how it has paid off. I will be in Munich at Christmas time, but just for a vacation. ------------------ IP: Logged |
|
OCD Member Posts: 1289 |
posted 06-06-2003 10:20 PM
Glockenspiel. I played that in junior high.... I can't believe I remember that name. Judy IP: Logged |
|
Myselfme Member Posts: 1597 |
posted 06-07-2003 02:36 AM
It's great to see you feeling good. Am pleased to read of your progress. I've travelled all around the world regardless of having a "not successful" 2 level fusion. I can't see myself boarding an international flight right now, but do intend doing it again. The adrenaline gets a spurt along and am sure that can't be such a bad thing. Munich sounds a beautiful place and I've not yet been there. I hope there is no need for a "next surgery". Is it back to work for you now? Keep up the good news.
IP: Logged |
|
Crittermac Member Posts: 458 |
posted 06-07-2003 04:45 AM
Mark, Sounds like you are having a great time in Munich and that you have so much releif this soon after surgery. Wow 6 miles a day, only in my dreams! Glad yo hear things are going good. Hope the rst of your recovery is just as great. -Joel IP: Logged |
|
mmglobal Member Posts: 3097 |
posted 06-07-2003 09:12 AM
Thanks for the new, nice wishes. Joel, your wish for a continued great recovery came true! You can jump forward and see how it turned out by looking at my website... www.home.earthlink.net/~mmglobal1 This thread was started last October. I'm now 8 1/2 months post-op and doing great! Mark IP: Logged |
|
lisatampa Member Posts: 1085 |
posted 06-07-2003 12:10 PM
Yea Mark! It is great to see you doing so well... Love,Lisa ------------------ IP: Logged |
|
Myselfme Member Posts: 1597 |
posted 06-08-2003 03:40 AM
8 1/2 months post op. Yes, thought my mind was playing tricks. But thought I may have missed something suring a med haze. IP: Logged |
|
fulie57 New Member Posts: 10 |
posted 02-06-2004 09:13 PM
Incredible. I plan on following in your footsteps for a 3 level ADR sometime in the next few months. With your help in an email I have sent you, you might help me get this sucker kicked off... I've lived with my problem since 1999 and have held out long enough for any human! IP: Logged |
|
Rockhound Member Posts: 7939 |
posted 02-07-2004 02:39 AM
Fulie, I'm headed for Vienna for a 3-level in late April-early May (if all goes according to Hoyle and the insurance OKs it - good chance with our insurance). When do you think you will be there? I gather they are sending most of their American patients to Vienna now, though with a 3-level I will be with Dr. Bertagnoli instead of Dr. Zeegers like Mark was. Which clinic are you going to and with which doctor? I hope all goes well for you. Mark, I hope all that leg pain is now completely gone and you are truly back to LIFE!!! ------------------ IP: Logged |
|
mmglobal Member Posts: 3097 |
posted 02-07-2004 12:36 PM
Just so folks reading this know, the original post in this thread is almost 17 months old. Yes, I'm almost 1.5 years post-op and although I'm not completely pain-free, my life is wonderful and my lumbar spine offers few restrictions. I still have some low-grade leg pain and low-grade back pain, but I take no opiates for it, no Neurontin, no antidepressants.... I'm damned near med free... I still take anti-inflammatories. This pain is not constant and seems to be somewhat activity related.. mostly related to how much time I spend sitting at a computer. I haven't read this in a long time. Reading this again brought it all flooding back. My trip to Munich for surgery was incredible and the next few months, as I could feel my life flowing back into my veins, were absolutely unbelievable. Mark [This message has been edited by mmglobal (edited 02-07-2004).] IP: Logged |
|
Rockhound Member Posts: 7939 |
posted 02-07-2004 02:22 PM
That's what I wanted to hear! I'm beginning to really anticipate it more than fear it. However, I have found a treatment that has dropped my pain levels quite a lot. It's a new osteopathic treatment called Fascial Dislocation Method. It really hurts while they do it, but it has dropped my major leg and foot pain and increased my range of motion a bunch. It can't do a thing for that disc that is in little pieces and completely flat, though, so I will be headed over as soon as everything can be arranged with the insurance and all. I hadn't talked with you in awhile and I was hoping things were going along well. ~Rockhound~ IP: Logged |
This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47b
|
Please take a moment to fill out the Pew Internet & American Life Project's E-Patients Survey.
Results will be posted here in the near future, and it will greatly help the medical community understand and work with patients who use the Internet! If anyone has any questions or comments about it, please post here. Here are some of the results from a BrainTalk survey we did back in October. |
|
Required Reading - "Netiquette": The Etiquette of Cyberspace
|
|
By accessing this website, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of
Massachusetts General Hospital's Official Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. |
|
Interested in financially helping this community? |
|
List All Sites - View Statistics - Join! [ Previous | Skip Next | Next 5 Sites | Random Site | Next ] |
