Pre-surgery: Constant low back pain, especially when extending, and "painful numbness" in outside of left foot. Slightly exacerbated with prolonged sitting and exercise. MRI revealed severe degenerative disc disease at L5-S1. Experience in Germany: Very comfortable. Everyone spoke fluent English and facility was clean and appropriate. All staff, including physicians, were friendly and accomodating. All questions answered and I did not feel rushed. M6 artificial disc replacement(manufactured by Spinal Kinetics) implanted at L5-S1 by Dr. Ritter-Lang. Epidural anesthesia was pleasant and effective. No pain or memory of procedure. Surgery was timely and staff explained process throughout. Recovery was the same as procedures in US except no headache or other negative side effects sometimes experienced with general anesthesia. The nursing care after transfer to the floor was excellent. Again, comparable if not better than floor care in US hospitals. Today (7 weeks out) I am pain free in my low back. My painful numbness in foot is still present, but not as bad. Probably caused by scar tissue at S1 nerve root which was pre-existing from discectomy 3 years earlier. This Friday I am released from all restrictions and look forward to resuming my active lifestyle. Overall, I am a success story and would recommend Dr. Ritter-Lang without hesitation.
Contact Les at leshatch@gmail.com.
Stenum Hospital
Asklepios Hospital