Geoff's Blog - Alpha Kilinik L4/L5/S1

[Firerescuefin]

Ispine Gang,

Thanks for the encouraging words. I did do the shuffle from the operating room and spooky is a pretty good description. Thankfully, due to resources like Ispine, I was prepared for this surgery as well as for the recovery (as much as possible). I understood that this was a substantial surgery, and that my recovery would most likely be painful and slow. Anything more than that will be great, but I am not expecting miracles. I will continue to update over the following days. I am free to answer any questions to people that may be on the fence or just interested in the process.

Geoff

[Cheryl]

Wow you are doing awesome!! Glad the pain you knew is gone - that must feel amazing!!

[Firerescuefin]

Mark and Cheryl...thanks for warm thoughts!

For those who have been through this experience, you're probably laughing...for those that have not. It is Sunday morning. I have had nearly nothing to eat
since thursday evening. The doctors want your digestive track to be fully functional (from start to finish) before they let you eat normally. Hopefully, the gates will open today, because I am angry hungry. I thought that perhaps I would not have an appetite. Not true. This morning I was given tea and three small pieces of plain dried toast bread. IT WAS AMAZING, as much as dried toast bread can be. I met with the Dr. this morning. He told me I should live to 200 and gave me a clean bill of health. Grace and Logan should be arriving from the hotel shortly. We are going to get out and enjoy some of this amazing weather.

[Alastair]

Hi Geoff,
I think it's great to know that you have benefited from the board here and from my experience and that of Marks.

My surgery was 26 of July 2002, and I investigated ADR many years before that. I know that feeling when you walk from the recovery room and down the corridors and the pain is gone -- -- -- magnificent!

Send my best to Zeegers if you see him before you leave
best,
Alastair

[mmglobal]

I just spoke to Geoff... I'm so happy that he and his family are experiencing one of those wonderful recoveries that we all hope for.

I look forward to reading of his continued success and hopefully some fun escapades around Munich before they leave.

It was great to hear that everything I've come to know and love about the AlphaKlinik is still there... Geoff is spending time with Zeegers, Blome, Baumbach and my favorite nurses and therapists are still there.

Great news all around!

Mark

[Firerescuefin]

Yesterday (Sunday) I had the drain removed from my stomach (that could not come soon enough). There's nothing like carrying a 32oz bottle full of blood/fluids from a surgical wound everywhere you go.

This morning, I was able to have a normal "movement", which qualifies me to be a human again in the world of food....and I took a 30 minute shower this morning. That's a lot of funk to wash off.

Anyhow, I just got back from the "control" Xray (make sure nothing has moved) and I should be called back upstairs in a few minutes to go over it.

Today is our 7th wedding anniversary, so we are definitely going to have some special family time today. Ironically, my birthday is 10/16 and my wifes is 10/19..so Munich is where all the parties are happening. We are thinking of moving the celebrations to July next year

It was great talking to Mark yesterday. He has been beyond instrumental in this process. We have not experienced any "surprises" here. That is a blessing when you are taking something like this on. I cannot say enough good things about the clinic or its staff...all top notch.

Geoff

[Cheryl]

I am laughing out loud about the food thing. I remember STARVING and Chuck actually called me in the hospital and I was complaining about that fact they wouldn't let me eat yet. He just said "Honey, something has to come out before it goes in". I had never actually spoken with him and that was our first converstion.

And yes that dried toast was great!!

Party like a ROCK STAR - you are doing awesome. Happy Birthdays.