Patient Stories

“I am ready to get back to living life instead of watching it go by” – Vince’s ADR Surgery with Dr. Bierstedt

24 February, 2022 –

Last week we were pleasantly surprised with an email from Vince, sharing photos and videos of his time in Germany and recovery at home. Vince was more than 17 months post-op and wanted to share his story on our website.

Vince is an early 40’s Texas gentleman from the USA, who contacted us in mid-2020. He knew what he was looking for and asked to be evaluated for L4/5 and L5/S1 Disc Replacement. His enquiry finished with, “I am ready to get back to living life instead of watching it go by.”

Vince first injured his back in a high school football game in his late teen years, and although he kept fit with CrossFit, Krav Maga, Tae Kwon Do, hiking and rock climbing, his symptoms were taking over and he was slowly giving up the lifestyle he enjoyed. His physical capabilities had worn away to the point where his days consisted of walking and light stretching only.

He had tried many types of conservative therapies such as pain management, intradiscal stem cell injections, even decompression spine surgeries at home in the USA, and he knew something more was required.

We worked with Vince to put together his spine MRI, X-Rays and other important information for evaluation by our top spine surgeons in Germany, who have more than 20 years experience in disc replacement surgery.

Dr. Bierstedt and Dr. Illerhaus evaluated his data, and he was approved as a good candidate for the L4/5 and L5/S1 disc replacement surgery. It was now time for Spine Connection to help him prepare for the journey ahead, support him while overseas and also after his return home.

Vince pictured in Germany with his surgeon Dr. Bierstedt, his Sister Linda, and his ONZ patient coordinator Susanne

We keep in touch with Vince and will share more photos and videos of his recovery into the future. Please contact us if you are seeking a second opinion regarding your spine.

*Please read: Every patient is unique and responds to medical treatment differently. Factors influencing outcome from spine treatment and surgery can include overall patient health, underlying medical conditions, degree and duration of existing spine/nerve damage, surgeon experience, technology and surgical techniques used, post-op rehabilitation protocol, and patient diligence in continuing rehab once returning home. We encourage patients to return to a healthy and active lifestyle, and the introduction of new physical activities should be discussed with medical professionals during the recovery phase.
Spine Connection [PR]
Written by Spine Connection [PR]

This content is copyright and property of Spine Connection, the first medical travel organisation for patients with spine damage. Our mission is to provide faster, more affordable and superior spine treatment for patients living anywhere in the world.

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