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 The light at the end of the tunnel |
Dutchman W. Dammer is back on track after a two level ADR
Life in slow motion
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The painfully degenerated spine of W. Dammer prior to surgery |
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The children of 51-year old Dutchman Wiepko Dammer for years knew a father, who should better not be bothered, due to his crippling back pain. Today the teenagers have to be careful; dad just might wrestle them on the floor for recreation.
The chauffeur for years suffered from strong, incriminating back pain, only mildly and temporarily mended with spine surgery in 1993. He has spent the following years in countless therapies, hospitals, pain-consultation, at times wearing a back-brace for relief and support. Nothing really helped; the pain remained the prominent force in Mr. Dammer’s life.
He was permanently on sick leave starting 2002; two years later he had to retire – at 49!
In early 2005 the patient overheard information about a spine-clinic in Munich, the Alpha Klinik. He downloaded information online, completed pain-questionnaires and shortly after was on the telephone with Drs. Willem Zeegers, a pioneer in ADR (artificial disc replacement) for degenerated disc disease. An appointment for consultation was quickly settled and Dammer and his wife travelled to Germany.
Following a number careful of examinations and evaluations Mr. Dammer had an indication and a good prognosis: Drs. Zeegers informed him that he could be improved and back at work within a half year after a two level disc replacement surgery. After years of pain, this outlook seemed too good to be true.
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A way out
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Two level artificial disc, patient Wiepko Dammer |
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The patient returned to his home in the Netherlands to reassess his options and figure out a payment plan for surgery. The family returned to Munich in October of 2005, full of confidence in the planned surgery. Drs. Zeegers removed two severely degenerated and painful intervertebral discs and implanted two polyethylene cores. When the patient returned home one week later, he could finally walk upright again.
Six months have passed since, today Mr. Dammer feels newly born. He is a happy – pain free - man, gardening in the back yard and spending quality time with his family. The two prostheses allow a normal range of movement. Having seen the other side of the medal, Wiepko Dammer today enjoys his life and has one modest wish left: He wants get back to working as a chauffeur. Retirement can wait!
AR/
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Wiepko Dammer and his wife at the Alpha Klinik, shortly after the surgery |
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Wiepko Dammer in his beloved garden after two level ADR |
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