December 2024
I apologize for the delay in writing. First, I am happy to report that my 3-level cervical ProDiscs and my 4-level ProDisc-Ls are doing just fine. As you may recall, my lumbar ADR surgery was 2 weeks after my cervical ADR surgery – both in February 2023. When, about a month after my return to the U.S. from Germany, I saw my personal physician. He was amazed at how well I was moving. Of course, I was very diligent regarding my physical therapy exercises prescribed by ProSpine.

I have continued to make much progress such that that I nearly forget that I had spinal surgery. more than a year ago. I will be 68 years old next month and my spine handles all that I throw at it. I do outdoor work, lift heavy weights, walk regularly, move furniture, strip wall-paper, etc. Of course, I am careful about HOW I move, emphasizing proper form when picking things up off the floor, for example.
My physician asked me just yesterday: “Would you do it again?” I immediately responded “Yes!” He noted that he is aware of more mult-level cervical ADR procedures being done in the United State. I replied that that is great, but I am glad I was able to be operated on by Dr. Bertagnoli. My research prior to making the decision to come to Bogen, including phone conversations and email correspondence with Dr. Bertagnoli’s patients in the United States, convinced me that he is the most dedicated, creative and experienced ADR surgeon in the world.
I am so thankful to Dr. Bertagnoli and his team. I am at a loss to add to the superlatives Dr. Bertagnoli’s many patients have used to describe him, both a surgeon and as a man. But my wife and I are extremely grateful also to Dr. Nickl (her wonderful sense of humor and infectious confidence kept me going), Renatte Baumann, Manuela. Kiefl, Nadia Lange (so thoughtful to ensure my wife could visit me while I was in intensive care), and Petr Hoch. The hospital staff, many whose names I never learned or, regrettably, have forgotten. But I cannot forget nurse Angelika, intern Stephan (our skilled translator), nurse Helmut (who was so kind in intensive care) and all the wonderful third floor hospital nurses and allied personnel. Please also pass along my heart-felt thanks to the very friendly and accommodating hosts at Pension Schreiber, as well as the staff at Hotel Theresientor in Straubing. The attention to our needs and the care that I received was second-to-none.

A big thanks also to Tim Vicknair, ProSpine’s USA representative, who was invaluable (as well as very patient) in answering my many questions in preparation for my trip to Germany.

I would encourage any person suffering from a spinal disorder that may require surgery to research ProSpine, provide them with information and radiologic images, and learn if you are a candidate for ADR surgery. I am glad that I did, and I am extremely grateful to ProSpine and Professor Dr. Bertagnoli.

Best wishes to you all!
John Walters
Saint Paul, MN USA.