Life in slow motion

The painfully degenerated spine of W. Dammer prior to surgery

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.

A way out

Two level artificial disc, patient Wiepko Dammer