Patient Stories

Clay’s Story: Life as a Cattle Rancher after ADR Spine Surgery in Germany

-27 February, 2025

Clay lives an active physical lifestyle with his family on his ranch. He consulted with local spine specialists and was advised to have a Lumbar spine fusion and change his lifestyle.

He contacted Spine Connection in early 2022 and we guided him through the online assessment process. We coordinated the large and small aspects of his journey to Germany for surgery, so he could focus on healing and recovery.

Diagnosis: Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) L4-L5 & L5-S1, L5-S1 re-herniation following a discectomy in 2016
Treatment Plan: Total Discectomy by anterior surgical approach and Lumbar disc replacement of L4-L5 & L5-S1
Surgeon: Dr. Bernd Illerhaus (Senior Neurosurgeon)
Surgery Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours (estimate)

Are you looking for a second opinion?

Our International Team will answer your questions and guide you through the assessment process. All spine surgeons have different training, experience, technologies, philosophies and rehab protocols. Patients should receive and investigate multiple specialist opinions before proceeding with any invasive surgery. Please contact us today, we are here to help.

*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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