One year Hell ADR in Germany (L4/5).Revision to fusion.

[fuzzy]

Thank you for sharing the continuation of your story. I am glad to hear you are on the road to recovery and I am 100% sure you will make steady improvement. Those stationary bikes are good exercise.

It seems you indicate Dr. Regan did your revision. If so this is very good news for those of us who think we need to go to the more experienced surgeons of Europe to have these treatments but it sounds like you got on an airplane to come to US to have this revision, a much more complicated procedure then a single level ADR? That flight must have been a torture trip! Are you now back in Europe or still in the US?

[KL Aguilar]

Dear Anastasia,

I am so very happy to read that you continue to improve. I have not revealed before that we met as I was afraid that doing so would reveal to others where your revision surgeon was located and thus possibly his identity. However, now that you are sharing more details, let me say that it was a great honor to meet you in person. Your story led me to ask all the right questions about my facets and helped me decide my surgical path. You are often in my thoughts and I wish you the very best.

[mmglobal]

Dear Anastasia and Matt,

I'm so glad to hear the Anastasia is improving and life is getting somewhat better. I understand the frustration that it will never be what it was, but for so many in such dire situations, any improvement is a godsend. I hope to hear the A's recovery continues and that the years to come bring something close to a normal life with normal activities.

I smiled when I read Dale's "Regan's a jerk... Bertagnoli was great" post. (my words, not hers.) It shows something that I discovered a long time ago... ALL of these guys have many patients who think they walk on water... and many patients who think they are evil incarnate. I've seen it many times... after failed surgery, there is often a falling out with the doctor.

Regarding your treatment on the other board.... you'll find that moderating an internet forum can be very touchy at times. There is a fine line that must be walked. We all hope that we can come to places like these and get useful information that will help us to make an informed decision about our treatment. I encourage failed patients to come and tell their story, so people can more certainly understand that spine surgery is still not an exact science. Even in the best of circumstances, we'll see a few disasters like yours. That is the risk we take when we consent to do surgery.

So please... continue to share your story here. I hope that the improving trend continues. While we've met in person a few times, I've only seen the 'in pain' Anastasia... I would love to get to know the relaxed, happy, vivacious Anastasia that Matt knows from years ago.

All the best,

Mark

[Maria]

Hi Anastasia,
I'm so happy to read that you continue to improve even if it's a slow path to recovery.

I saw Dr.Regan as a consult and found him to be very nice. He wasn't getting an insurance reimbursement to see me and was much nicer than many a consultation I had that WC paid pretty decently for.

Anyway, just glad what he did worked for you. I've been down the road of great surgeon, horrific failed result and all the stuff that came afterwards even being told I was "doctor hopping" because I was looking for answers/help back then...

Glad to know that you found the surgeon that worked out best to do a revision for you and thank you for sharing an update here with us. Keeping it real. Thanks~ and continued wishes re healing

[KL Aguilar]

I too saw Dr. Regan for a consultation, to determine if I was a candidate for a study he was doing. It turned out that I wasn't and yet he spent quite a lot of time with me, and even saw me for a long follow-up visit (and didn't charge me) to help me determine possible next steps.

[sahuaro]

Anastasia:
It is wonderful to learn that you are progressing and regaining some life. You have all of my wishes for continued progress. Thank you for posting in such detail.
I entrusted Dr. Regan with my surgery as well and have a great deal of respect for him.
I too would be interested to know if you are back in the US or Europe.

Barbara

[ans]

Dear A,

I'm glad that you are on the mend (wow, riding a bike twice/day) and might have a life (not sports-optimal) after being confined to bed for too long. You have a heartfelt, unfortunate, and compelling story that must be told.

Heal well, Allan