My Journey into Hell
RIGHT SIDE HARDWARE ...Page 8
Coming Soon
PRODISC REVISION & CONSEQUENCES... Page 7
My husband brought me on lie-flat seat, non-stop flight from Munich to Los Angeles.
The second anterior approach to the spine is too dangerous due to great veins splitting at L4/L5 vertebra level.
I (to my best knowledge) had no veins barrier...even though my surgeon's web page states that they use the barrier.
My ProDisc revision was done by a lateral approach, through psoas muscle and geneto-femoral nerve that runs through the area:
Before we flew to L.A. for a revision of ProDisc, my surgeon(s) told us that they had done one Prodisc L4/5 revision just recently with a woman from Florida.
When we flew in to LA, they said It was not Prodisc but something totally different...
After my surgery, he published an article stating that large ProDisc keels are precluding such a revision - because of the large corpectomy need to free the keels from the vertebral bodies..
Wouldn't he already known it if he had done a Prodisc revision as he claimed?
On a bright side: even though I have so many damages and no solid fusion; even though I am pronounced disabled from work (no, I am not qualified for any SSD payments as I spent last 3.5 years in Germany, so I am not sitting on any social well fare), even though I cant have children now; I am much better off than when I had Prodisc in. At least I am functional (at basic home bound extent), I can have a normal meal sitting like a human (which I could not do with Prodisc), I can walk 1 mile 2x daily, and I can even drive - although very short distances. After the fusion surgery, I am able to bend....which I could NOT with Prodisc.
It is a HUGE improvement to compare to where I had been with the overzised prodisc jammed into my fused-facet level.
The second anterior approach to the spine is too dangerous due to great veins splitting at L4/L5 vertebra level.
I (to my best knowledge) had no veins barrier...even though my surgeon's web page states that they use the barrier.
My ProDisc revision was done by a lateral approach, through psoas muscle and geneto-femoral nerve that runs through the area:
- My left side was cut open in order to get to the spine and the plastic Prodisc core was drilled out.
- In order to free Prodisc keels, I had nearly 1/3 of my L5 vertebra dug out (major corpectomy).
- My back side was also cut open (in 2 places) and my spine was fixated together (intended fusion) with screws and rods.
- Unfortunately, my revision surgeon did not (or was not able to) reduce the space between vertebra and did not correct the segmental lordosis (abnormal pelvic tilt). He stated that he could not, because the oversized Prodisc had stretched the connective tissues, and he could not force them back together. In our understanding from the med. literature and other surgeons, an exaggerated segmental lordosis creates an exaggerated pelvic tilt, which will inevitably create problems due to the entire weight of the spine going straight into the next level (L5/S1) facets.
-
My current doctor's report states that I have pseudoarthrosis, i.e. I
have no solid fusion due to exaggerated distance between my L4 and
L5 vertebra (from oversized Prodisc) and massive L5 corpectomy.
I.e. in order for bones to grow together, one has to put them
reasonably close enough so that chemical signals can work together
(basic biology). It is reported in the literature that most fusion failures are iatrogenic, i.e. due to bad surgical techniques.
- I
was in a wheel chair for about 2 months post revision, unable to
straighten my leg (operated side). It was curled up in an excruciating
cramp 24/7. I have parathtesia of my left thigh (operated side) that didnt clear off, sympathetic nerve/geneto-femoral nerve damages that effect greatly my left leg
every day- all due to the extremely complicated psoas muscle
approach in order to take ProDisc out. The revision recovery was so
extremely painful for the first 5 months that I hardly can allow myself
to look back...
- My current doctor thinks that I have painful hardware. I had two "hardware blocks" on the right side - both were positive for pain relief. My right lower screw head is sticking out into the muscle about 1 cm more than the other 3. Unless it's some kind of nerve damage from the revision, it seems that the right side screws are causing me extreme nerve pain in my right side/leg/hip/buttock. I hoped so much to take out all the hardware! Unfortunately, with no solid fusion - I cant take it out. The progression of fusion seems to be stopped in 2008 according to 2008 and 2010 CT scans.
Before we flew to L.A. for a revision of ProDisc, my surgeon(s) told us that they had done one Prodisc L4/5 revision just recently with a woman from Florida.
When we flew in to LA, they said It was not Prodisc but something totally different...
After my surgery, he published an article stating that large ProDisc keels are precluding such a revision - because of the large corpectomy need to free the keels from the vertebral bodies..
Wouldn't he already known it if he had done a Prodisc revision as he claimed?
On a bright side: even though I have so many damages and no solid fusion; even though I am pronounced disabled from work (no, I am not qualified for any SSD payments as I spent last 3.5 years in Germany, so I am not sitting on any social well fare), even though I cant have children now; I am much better off than when I had Prodisc in. At least I am functional (at basic home bound extent), I can have a normal meal sitting like a human (which I could not do with Prodisc), I can walk 1 mile 2x daily, and I can even drive - although very short distances. After the fusion surgery, I am able to bend....which I could NOT with Prodisc.
It is a HUGE improvement to compare to where I had been with the overzised prodisc jammed into my fused-facet level.
SHSH...DON'T TELL ...Page 6 >
My husband and I worked for Texas Instruments , and were transferred to Germany in 2005. I was 30 then, and perfectly healthy. I had a minor disc rupture. I was denied medical care for nearly 3 months in Germany- even though we paid their astronomical taxes (42%) and health insurance (14.5%). The health insurance company delays giving you your card, to save money apparently- even though the relocation people of employer who transfers you abroad tell your insurance coverage is immediate and covers everything.
As it turned for us, wasnt true (SHSH - DONT TELL Americans).
Essentially, I was forced to work in pain, because of our 18months contract. TI's lawyer said I had to fly back to the USA for my visa after 6 months - so I did - in pain. The flight farther aggravated my situation,and I had an emergency surgery in Phoenix. TI did not help. We paid$11K out of pocket. I spent 6 weeks in a hotel in bed, before going back to Germany (we were still on a contract). In Germany, I remained bed-ridden in pain - then when I could walk, pieces of my disc broke off into the nerve canal. I had another emergency surgery at the AlphaKlinik in Munich, paid out of pocket (we had a Public health insurance TKK, and AlphaKlinik was private - which is not covered by Public insurance) and was again bed-ridden. My knee had pain after this. I was ignorant that being 6months in bed makes one's knees unstable and weak. My husband took me to this amazing AlphaKlinik to see if there was a problem. They said I needed an emergency surgery to check for a torn medial meniscus. The surgeon performed an un-discussed, un-agreed upon surgical procedure on my healthy (per German investigation report) knee - shaving my patella cartilage. The procedure considers to be experimental in the literature. Now, I can barely use my knee, and my left leg is atrophied. I guess the surgeon knew, Americans can not sue German surgeons? Only 8% of German malpractice cases go to court, and only 6% of those prevail (according to "Law Library of Congress" web pages). And ... you need to have 'legal insurance', which mostly, only Germans even know about (SHSH - DONT TELL the Americans).
My disc, after these two surgeries, finally collapsed - which also caused my facet joints to fuse. But, I didnt know that. I was told I need an artificial disc replacement (ADR) - and hoorah, the world's best ADR surgeon was only an hour's drive. So, one year after my last spine surgery, I was told by this ADR surgeon that I was a perfect candidate.After that surgery, I could'nt even stand or sit without severe pain.The surgeon said there was no problem - its all in my head. After months, we found several international surgeons who reviewed my images,and said I was totally contraindicated to the ADR. Also, independent investigation by TKK presented to us a similar report stating that my spine surgery was a Grave Error in treatment. My surgeon in Germany said it was perfect (he claims 98% success). It turns out, the ADR surgeon shares patents on the device, and is a consultant for the company that makes the device. Are some American companies use some German surgeons to test out devices? (SHSH - DONT TELL the Germans)
I begged this ADR surgeon for help, but he ignored me. We searched for other surgeons in Germany who could take it out (as it was suggested to me by world's top ADR surgeons). A few that we found with experience, refused, saying they dont treat U.S. Citizens! I pleaded. They ignored me. We pleaded with T.I. for a transfer back to USA. They ignored us. I spent whole year bed-ridden in debilitating pain. Finally, we had to fly to Los Angeles to have the device removed (life-threatening traumatic surgery). We lost nearly all our savings.Then, TI terminated me while I was still, legally on disability. I did not complain-I was afraid to jeopardize my husband's job who worked for the same company. My husband complained to the US Embassy, US Chamber of Commerce in Germany, and EU Commission on Human Rights about discrimination. They said: Sorry, Although the Treaty of Amsterdam (Article 13) protects against all forms of discrimination in the E.U., this only applies for E.U.citizens - not for U.S. Citizens living and working in the E.U. (SHSH - DONT TELL the Americans).
Finally,when my husband was ready to leave the company (he had an offer from another company in California), TI 'allowed' us to pay our own way back to the USA (july 2008) - even though our contract says TI would 'repatriate' us if either of us losses our job due to circumstances beyond our control. But we were still grateful, my husband turned down the other job which paid $34,000/year more, and stayed with TI out of loyalty and camaraderie. After we arrived back to USA, from July 2008, he worked like mad to please his managers. Everyone was happy - until my husbands boss asked about my medical condition. My husband explained, that my fusion hardware caused pain, and I might need my screws removed. My husband's boss got mad and told him to go to LA again and make my surgeon to fix it. TI is self-funded with health-insurance, so any medical problems "cut" into profit-sharing, I suppose. (SHSH - DONT TELL the TI staff)
My husband was laid-off in January 2009. Although he had 14.5 years seniority, an Master in EE, multiple promotions, and superb performance reviews - he was laid-off while all the junior H-1B's in his group were kept. TI laid-off or 'retired' 3600 people, while at the same time applying for young H-1B foreigners. But TI is lobbying to congress about how they need emergency relief with even more H-1B visas. However, TI says it uses very few of them ... and its wages for H-1B's have fallen over 2% as compared to 2001, inflation adjusted (according to myvisajobs). (SHSH - DONT TELL the H-1B staff).
I keep reading about companies' ethics, the well-being of their employees, companies' awards and praises. BUT rarely journalists write about companies' mis-doings or unethical deeds. Is Corporate America that powerful? Is there nofreedom of speech left in this country? (SHSH - DONT TELL ANYONE...I might have said too much)
As it turned for us, wasnt true (SHSH - DONT TELL Americans).
Essentially, I was forced to work in pain, because of our 18months contract. TI's lawyer said I had to fly back to the USA for my visa after 6 months - so I did - in pain. The flight farther aggravated my situation,and I had an emergency surgery in Phoenix. TI did not help. We paid$11K out of pocket. I spent 6 weeks in a hotel in bed, before going back to Germany (we were still on a contract). In Germany, I remained bed-ridden in pain - then when I could walk, pieces of my disc broke off into the nerve canal. I had another emergency surgery at the AlphaKlinik in Munich, paid out of pocket (we had a Public health insurance TKK, and AlphaKlinik was private - which is not covered by Public insurance) and was again bed-ridden. My knee had pain after this. I was ignorant that being 6months in bed makes one's knees unstable and weak. My husband took me to this amazing AlphaKlinik to see if there was a problem. They said I needed an emergency surgery to check for a torn medial meniscus. The surgeon performed an un-discussed, un-agreed upon surgical procedure on my healthy (per German investigation report) knee - shaving my patella cartilage. The procedure considers to be experimental in the literature. Now, I can barely use my knee, and my left leg is atrophied. I guess the surgeon knew, Americans can not sue German surgeons? Only 8% of German malpractice cases go to court, and only 6% of those prevail (according to "Law Library of Congress" web pages). And ... you need to have 'legal insurance', which mostly, only Germans even know about (SHSH - DONT TELL the Americans).
My disc, after these two surgeries, finally collapsed - which also caused my facet joints to fuse. But, I didnt know that. I was told I need an artificial disc replacement (ADR) - and hoorah, the world's best ADR surgeon was only an hour's drive. So, one year after my last spine surgery, I was told by this ADR surgeon that I was a perfect candidate.After that surgery, I could'nt even stand or sit without severe pain.The surgeon said there was no problem - its all in my head. After months, we found several international surgeons who reviewed my images,and said I was totally contraindicated to the ADR. Also, independent investigation by TKK presented to us a similar report stating that my spine surgery was a Grave Error in treatment. My surgeon in Germany said it was perfect (he claims 98% success). It turns out, the ADR surgeon shares patents on the device, and is a consultant for the company that makes the device. Are some American companies use some German surgeons to test out devices? (SHSH - DONT TELL the Germans)
I begged this ADR surgeon for help, but he ignored me. We searched for other surgeons in Germany who could take it out (as it was suggested to me by world's top ADR surgeons). A few that we found with experience, refused, saying they dont treat U.S. Citizens! I pleaded. They ignored me. We pleaded with T.I. for a transfer back to USA. They ignored us. I spent whole year bed-ridden in debilitating pain. Finally, we had to fly to Los Angeles to have the device removed (life-threatening traumatic surgery). We lost nearly all our savings.Then, TI terminated me while I was still, legally on disability. I did not complain-I was afraid to jeopardize my husband's job who worked for the same company. My husband complained to the US Embassy, US Chamber of Commerce in Germany, and EU Commission on Human Rights about discrimination. They said: Sorry, Although the Treaty of Amsterdam (Article 13) protects against all forms of discrimination in the E.U., this only applies for E.U.citizens - not for U.S. Citizens living and working in the E.U. (SHSH - DONT TELL the Americans).
Finally,when my husband was ready to leave the company (he had an offer from another company in California), TI 'allowed' us to pay our own way back to the USA (july 2008) - even though our contract says TI would 'repatriate' us if either of us losses our job due to circumstances beyond our control. But we were still grateful, my husband turned down the other job which paid $34,000/year more, and stayed with TI out of loyalty and camaraderie. After we arrived back to USA, from July 2008, he worked like mad to please his managers. Everyone was happy - until my husbands boss asked about my medical condition. My husband explained, that my fusion hardware caused pain, and I might need my screws removed. My husband's boss got mad and told him to go to LA again and make my surgeon to fix it. TI is self-funded with health-insurance, so any medical problems "cut" into profit-sharing, I suppose. (SHSH - DONT TELL the TI staff)
My husband was laid-off in January 2009. Although he had 14.5 years seniority, an Master in EE, multiple promotions, and superb performance reviews - he was laid-off while all the junior H-1B's in his group were kept. TI laid-off or 'retired' 3600 people, while at the same time applying for young H-1B foreigners. But TI is lobbying to congress about how they need emergency relief with even more H-1B visas. However, TI says it uses very few of them ... and its wages for H-1B's have fallen over 2% as compared to 2001, inflation adjusted (according to myvisajobs). (SHSH - DONT TELL the H-1B staff).
I keep reading about companies' ethics, the well-being of their employees, companies' awards and praises. BUT rarely journalists write about companies' mis-doings or unethical deeds. Is Corporate America that powerful? Is there no
"SORRY, WE DON'T TREAT AMERICAN CITIZENS" Page 5
After we learned from world's top ADR surgeons (emails) that I was not a candidate for the artificial disc surgery and the ProDisc that I received on Oct 2006, we have been begging ProSpine (my operating surgeon) for help (emails). They denied any problem (emails).
Short story, some research, studies, media data are here: PRODISC_Dr.Bertagnoli
I was told by other Prodisc surgeons that I needed a revision (emails) but the problems was: it was nearly impossible to find anyone who could do a revision of ProDisc. The removal of ProDisc device is considered to be life threatening in every case according to many expert opinion studies (see references in the link above)
After nearly hundred of emails to doctors, when my husband finally found two surgeons in Germany who had an experience in Prodisc revision, I was refused a medical treatment based on my USA citizenship...not even a treatment but a simple consultation.
The basis of denial was:"Sorry, we do not treat American citizens" (emails from those clinics are available as prove).
We thought it was a mistake. We explained that we were not on medical tourism but that:
" All discrimination on the basis of nationality is banned by the European Union (EU) Treaties"
This interpretation is according to Mr. Peter Bosch, {Head of Unit, Directorate-General Justice, Freedom andSecurity} who has kindly executed a thorough review of the regulations and directives, as noted in his letter to us (part of the letter presented below):
"If your wife has not yet acquired EC long-term resident status (5 years) and her situation is confined to one Member State, then there is unfortunately no Community rule applicable to your situation and it remains to be fully governed by German law. Acknowledging this 'rightsgap ' situation, in October last year the European Commission tabled a proposal: Proposal for a Council Directive on a single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State and on a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State) which aims to ensure equal treatment with nationals for third-country workers who are legally residing and working in a Member State, also as regards health care apply also to those persons coming to a Member State directly from a third country.
However, as this is still a proposal under discussion in the European institutions, its provisions are not yet applicable." (Year 2011: the provisions are still not applicable).
So, in other words, there is a loop hole and non EU citizens, i.e.Americans, fall through it.
Americans who go abroad on job assignments with their American companies or on business traveler ARE NOT AWARE that they might not be afforded the same legal rights as EC Member State residents, and may be legally discriminated against (i.e, denied critical medical attention like in my case).
But ... their companies may not be eager to tell them about it.
Such common knowledge by employees might hurt the international business of their employer. So, it seems, some companies, even if they do know that such a discriminatory practices might happen with their employees abroad, might withhold such critical safety information from people who are about to transfer abroad with their families and children. They might just turn a blind eye to it or they might want even to cover up.
Such companies, might even be voted the most ethical companies to work for year after year ....
Short story, some research, studies, media data are here: PRODISC_Dr.Bertagnoli
I was told by other Prodisc surgeons that I needed a revision (emails) but the problems was: it was nearly impossible to find anyone who could do a revision of ProDisc. The removal of ProDisc device is considered to be life threatening in every case according to many expert opinion studies (see references in the link above)
After nearly hundred of emails to doctors, when my husband finally found two surgeons in Germany who had an experience in Prodisc revision, I was refused a medical treatment based on my USA citizenship...not even a treatment but a simple consultation.
The basis of denial was:"Sorry, we do not treat American citizens" (emails from those clinics are available as prove).
We thought it was a mistake. We explained that we were not on medical tourism but that:
- we resided in Germany
- we worked in Germany
- we paid German taxes and pension contributions into the system
- we had German health insurance...
- We proposed to pay cash upfront and sign any papers.
- 16.04.2007 Nils Brueggemann, Denial of treatment
- 12.04.2007 Silvia Herfs, We can not treat patients from the
- 06.08.2007 Dr. Stephan Noe, “i'm not able to operate us-americans, because of my "operating- insurance". (emails available as proof)
" All discrimination on the basis of nationality is banned by the European Union (EU) Treaties"
EU Discrimination Rights
My husband contacted EU (emails/pdf's available as well) to inform the E.U. Commission on Human Rights that U.S.Citizens legally residing and working in Germany, and who pay German taxes, and who subscribe to the Public Health Insurance System, are not afforded the same legal rights as EC Member State residents, and may be legally discriminated against (i.e, denied critical medical attention even if proposed cash payment upfront for visit/treatment) solely based on their U.S.Citizenship.
My husband contacted EU (emails/pdf's available as well) to inform the E.U. Commission on Human Rights that U.S.Citizens legally residing and working in Germany, and who pay German taxes, and who subscribe to the Public Health Insurance System, are not afforded the same legal rights as EC Member State residents, and may be legally discriminated against (i.e, denied critical medical attention even if proposed cash payment upfront for visit/treatment) solely based on their U.S.Citizenship.
This interpretation is according to Mr. Peter Bosch, {Head of Unit, Directorate-General Justice, Freedom andSecurity} who has kindly executed a thorough review of the regulations and directives, as noted in his letter to us (part of the letter presented below):
"If your wife has not yet acquired EC long-term resident status (5 years) and her situation is confined to one Member State, then there is unfortunately no Community rule applicable to your situation and it remains to be fully governed by German law. Acknowledging this 'rights
However, as this is still a proposal under discussion in the European institutions, its provisions are not yet applicable." (Year 2011: the provisions are still not applicable).
So, in other words, there is a loop hole and non EU citizens, i.e.Americans, fall through it.
Americans who go abroad on job assignments with their American companies or on business traveler ARE NOT AWARE that they might not be afforded the same legal rights as EC Member State residents, and may be legally discriminated against (i.e, denied critical medical attention like in my case).
But ... their companies may not be eager to tell them about it.
Such common knowledge by employees might hurt the international business of their employer. So, it seems, some companies, even if they do know that such a discriminatory practices might happen with their employees abroad, might withhold such critical safety information from people who are about to transfer abroad with their families and children. They might just turn a blind eye to it or they might want even to cover up.
Such companies, might even be voted the most ethical companies to work for year after year ....
ProDisc SURGERY (Straubing): NOT A CANDIDATE...Page 4
Germany. Straubing. Rudolf Bertagnoli @ ProSpine
Artificial Disc ProDisc implantation October 2006
I received Prodisc artificial disc for my lumbar spine on October 2006.
Before the surgery, after over 1.5 year of suffering, I started feeling better. I didnt know why. I did not take pain medications for 6 months (recorded in med. records) and asked my surgeon to postpone (witnesses). When we arrived at the hospital the day before the surgery, he wasnt available even though we were promised to have a meeting with him that day. We were promised a meeting before the surgery to discuss changes in my conditions (emails). We decided that we will go home if we cant see him. I already had a very similar situation with my knee surgeon, who didnt have time to see me before the surgery and I ended up with undisclosed procedure done that ruined my knee for life. Dr. Bertagnoli called me and on a few minute phone conversation said it was a perfect time and if I postpone, it will be too late. "The pain will come back. It comes and goes" he said. I caved in. He supposed to be the expert. Who was I to know?
But... the thing is that since Dr. B. was out of town, when he called me saying that we should go ahead with ADR or it will be too late, he didnt see my new MRI images that were done the same day in Straubing. Neither we saw those images...It was already too late for ADR.
I had MRi done that day but didnt see it. If we had seen it, we would have known why I feel better. My prolapse that persisted for 1.5 years was completely self absorbed. I was self fusing with no any neurological problems/side effects. The disc was self stabilizing.
After my ProDisc surgery, I was bedridden, in severe pain and disabled (23/24 hours in bed) without any help from my surgeon. SHORT STORY IS HERE: PRODISC_Dr.Bertagnoli
(Full details, dozens of written expert opinion reports, studies, and official German MDK expert report is available for authorities).
After my surgeon left me with no help for a year and denied any kind of problem with the surgery (emails), my husband started contacting ADR surgeons in Germany and world wide:France,Netherlands , USA, UK, Germany... Around 100 of them... After a long research, sleepless nights and endless communications with doctors and hundreds of emails,
we understood what was wrong: I was not a candidate for the surgery in the first place. I was told I needed a revision but in 2006, hardly anyone knew anything about it, except it was life threatening in every case. We had multiple reports stating so. On the top of our own investigation, because I still couldnt work, my health insurance initiated an official investigation, handing all my medical data to the independent medical experts.
A GRAVE ERROR IN TREATMENT
In 2008, an independent medical doctor MDK from TKK presented to us a report stating that the surgery happened in Straubing with Dr. Bertagnoli was a Grave Error on multiple factors and ( translation) "for completely incomprehensible, medically not understandable reasons, it has been contravened grossly against the indication criteria for implantation of spinal disk protheses".
Artificial Disc ProDisc implantation October 2006
I received Prodisc artificial disc for my lumbar spine on October 2006.
Before the surgery, after over 1.5 year of suffering, I started feeling better. I didnt know why. I did not take pain medications for 6 months (recorded in med. records) and asked my surgeon to postpone (witnesses). When we arrived at the hospital the day before the surgery, he wasnt available even though we were promised to have a meeting with him that day. We were promised a meeting before the surgery to discuss changes in my conditions (emails). We decided that we will go home if we cant see him. I already had a very similar situation with my knee surgeon, who didnt have time to see me before the surgery and I ended up with undisclosed procedure done that ruined my knee for life. Dr. Bertagnoli called me and on a few minute phone conversation said it was a perfect time and if I postpone, it will be too late. "The pain will come back. It comes and goes" he said. I caved in. He supposed to be the expert. Who was I to know?
But... the thing is that since Dr. B. was out of town, when he called me saying that we should go ahead with ADR or it will be too late, he didnt see my new MRI images that were done the same day in Straubing. Neither we saw those images...It was already too late for ADR.
I had MRi done that day but didnt see it. If we had seen it, we would have known why I feel better. My prolapse that persisted for 1.5 years was completely self absorbed. I was self fusing with no any neurological problems/side effects. The disc was self stabilizing.
After my ProDisc surgery, I was bedridden, in severe pain and disabled (23/24 hours in bed) without any help from my surgeon. SHORT STORY IS HERE: PRODISC_Dr.Bertagnoli
(Full details, dozens of written expert opinion reports, studies, and official German MDK expert report is available for authorities).
After my surgeon left me with no help for a year and denied any kind of problem with the surgery (emails), my husband started contacting ADR surgeons in Germany and world wide:France,
we understood what was wrong: I was not a candidate for the surgery in the first place. I was told I needed a revision but in 2006, hardly anyone knew anything about it, except it was life threatening in every case. We had multiple reports stating so. On the top of our own investigation, because I still couldnt work, my health insurance initiated an official investigation, handing all my medical data to the independent medical experts.
A GRAVE ERROR IN TREATMENT
In 2008, an independent medical doctor MDK from TKK presented to us a report stating that the surgery happened in Straubing with Dr. Bertagnoli was a Grave Error on multiple factors and ( translation) "for completely incomprehensible, medically not understandable reasons, it has been contravened grossly against the indication criteria for implantation of spinal disk protheses".
UNDISCLOSED KNEE SURGERY (Munich) + WRONG Diagnosis ...Page 3
LATEST NEWS: Toft disappears from Germany, AFTER court order insolvency!
"Allegedly Toft is in London or Moscow. Whether his attractive Indian wife Sveta accompanies him, is unknown. A neighbour of Tofts Penthouse dwelling „We did not see both since July. Their garage is empty. “ 06 Sep 2010
"Bei uns meldet er sich gelegentlich, aber wo er genau steckt, wissen wir auch nicht."
"To us he announces himself occasionally, but where he is exactly, we do not know also." - Toft's lawyer.tz-online.de article (see the link)
Story, studies, media reports, proofs are here (more information is available for authorities): ShavingChondroplasty
- BEFORE THE SURGERY, I LIVED ON THE 3rd FLOOR WITH NO ELEVATOR AND COULD WALK 3 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS.
- AFTER BEING BED-RIDDEN 6 MONTHS, I STARTED HAVING AND ODD PAIN IN BOTH KNEES. OUR LOCAL DOCTORS 'SUSPECTED' A POSSIBLE MENISCUS TEAR.
- I WENT TO THE FAMOUS ALPHAKLINIK, FOR A SECOND OPINION. THEY WERE THE 'EXPERTS'.
- I WAS TOLD: AN ARTHROSCOPIC CHECK OF THE MENISCUS IS URGENT! I WAS TOLD, IT WAS TINY, QUICK OPERATION.
- I WAS TOLD: I WOULD BE ON MY FEET WITHOUT CRUTCHES IN TWO WEEKS ONLY.
- Dr.TOFT SHAVED MY PATELLA CARTILAGE WITHOUT MY CONSENT OR KNOWLEDGE.
- Dr. TOFT WRITES THAT THIS PROCEDURE IS REJECTED BY MAINSTREAM ORTHOPEDICS - BUT THAT HE HAS IRREFUTABLE PROOF THAT GRADE III CHONDRAL LESIONS CAN BE REPAIRED!
- 5 YEARS AFTER THE SURGERY, I CANT PUT ANY PRESSURE ON MY KNEE.
- NOW I WALK WITH A LIMP. I CANT STEP UP OR DOWN EVEN ONE STAIR. I CANT KNEEL OR CROUCH.
- NOW ... MRI' IMAGES SHOW I HAVE A LARGE LESION (HOLE) IN MY PATELLA CARTILAGE - WHERE IT WAS SHAVED.
- Dr. TOFT (66 y/o), TORE HIS MENISCUS IN 2007. DID HE SHAVE HIS PATELLA? Of course NOT!
EVERY ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR WE SEE or EMAIL, LOOKING ON MY SURGERY VIDEO SAYS THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY PATELLA (emails available as proof).
IN 2010, a GERMAN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION BY BLÄK (BAVARIAN NATIONAL PHYSICIAN CHANMBER) PRESENTED A 30 PAGE REPORT DETERMINING THAT THE KNEE SURGERY WHICH OCCURRED AT THE ALPHA KLINIK IN MUNICH WITH DR. TOFT:
- WAS NOT INDICATED
- WAS INCORRECTLY DIAGNOSED
- ALL 5 PROCEDURES PERFORMED DURING THE SURGERY WERE DONE ON A HEALTHY KNEE
SLIDING TO HELL...Page 2
As you recall from my previous post "The Beginning", we had no choice but return to Germany because of our 18 months contract with T.I.
How I made that trip from Dallas to Germany, my memory fails me...or rather, I block my memories. The agony of excruciating pain was so torturous, that I do not allow myself to remember. I was on heavy narcotic pain medications. I couldn't sit. I could barely make it to the bathroom from my seat...
But I was lucky: there were three seats open in the back of the airplane and the stewardess let me lie down on them.
I could not sit even after overdosing on oxicontin...
THIS is how I made it back to Duetschland. I prefer to trick my mind into "thinking" that it was not me but someone else...
We were back in Germany. The trip left me so bad off that I couldn't even get out of bed for 3 months. I honestly thought that I would die - the pain was intolerable. After being in bed for 3 months, I had a severe case of disc rupture again. I was bent over unable to stand up straight. My husband had to order an ambulance, to take me to Munich. I ended up having a SECOND minimally invasive surgery with abrasion in September, in Munich at the 'AlphaKlinik'. It helped remove the electro-shock pain, but left me in bed for another 3 months. The surgeon ( a very nice German by the name of Michael Schubert ), explained everything he was going to do, and why, and what the risks were. We were very impressed with the upscale AlphaKlinik and its English speaking staff.
It will be hard to comprehend the events that happened after my 2nd spine surgery.
I thought that I was on the bottom of bottoms already but I didn't know that it was still...ONLY THE BEGINNING.
"For TI, protecting human rights is the responsible – and ethical – thing to do. This protection affords the dignity, freedom, respect and acceptance that each of us deserve.We work diligently to treat our employees fairly and ethically..."
TI's Awards 2004-2009:"World’s Most Ethical Companies", "100 Best Corporate Citizens","100Companies with a Conscience", "Best Places to Work in IT”, "Most Admired Employers, 2009" etc...
How I made that trip from Dallas to Germany, my memory fails me...or rather, I block my memories. The agony of excruciating pain was so torturous, that I do not allow myself to remember. I was on heavy narcotic pain medications. I couldn't sit. I could barely make it to the bathroom from my seat...
But I was lucky: there were three seats open in the back of the airplane and the stewardess let me lie down on them.
I could not sit even after overdosing on oxicontin...
THIS is how I made it back to Duetschland. I prefer to trick my mind into "thinking" that it was not me but someone else...
We were back in Germany. The trip left me so bad off that I couldn't even get out of bed for 3 months. I honestly thought that I would die - the pain was intolerable. After being in bed for 3 months, I had a severe case of disc rupture again. I was bent over unable to stand up straight. My husband had to order an ambulance, to take me to Munich. I ended up having a SECOND minimally invasive surgery with abrasion in September, in Munich at the 'AlphaKlinik'. It helped remove the electro-shock pain, but left me in bed for another 3 months. The surgeon ( a very nice German by the name of Michael Schubert ), explained everything he was going to do, and why, and what the risks were. We were very impressed with the upscale AlphaKlinik and its English speaking staff.
It will be hard to comprehend the events that happened after my 2nd spine surgery.
I thought that I was on the bottom of bottoms already but I didn't know that it was still...ONLY THE BEGINNING.
- In January 2006, I would end up with a surgery done on my healthy knee in Munich. It was undisclosed/undiscussed procedure called shaving chondroplasty - a very controversial procedure according to the medical community reports (see below link with numerous published studies). The arthroscopic surgery was supposed to be a diagnostic test to check my medial meniscus. The surgeon shaved my healthy cartilage (per every doctor we showed the operating video to, numerous emails from surgeons, and per official German investigation by BLÄK - Bavarian National Physician Chamber - report) using an RF thermal shaving probe. The procedure caused cartilage necrosis. 5 years later -I cant use my knee. It is ruined for life...The same clinic in Munich was shut down soon after, when a dozen of German citizens sued it for inappropriate surgeries done in a spine department. German news were also saying that co-owners of the clinic, including my knee surgeon,were investigated for embezzlement of clinic funds. LATEST NEWS: Toft disappears from Germany, AFTER court order insolvency.
"Allegedly Toft is in London or Moscow. Whether his attractive Indian wife Sveta accompanies him, is unknown. A neighbour of Tofts Penthouse dwelling „We did not see both since July. Their garage is empty. “ 06 Sep 2010
"Bei uns meldet er sich gelegentlich, aber wo er genau steckt, wissen wir auch nicht." "To us he announces himself occasionally, but where he is exactly, we do not know also." - Toft's lawyer.(tz-online.de article) See for proofs, details, reports and media: ShavingChondroplasty - In October 2006, I would end up with an oversized artificial disc ProDisc in my spine, done in Straubing: the surgery that I was not even qualified for according to the multiple written reports and emails from TOP ADR spine surgeons in France, USA,
Netherlands , UK, Germany and official German MDK investigation report (available for authorities). PRODISC_Dr.Bertagnoli - I would be left lying in bed in severe pain for the whole year. My surgeon from Straubing would deny any problem and leave me with no help (emails as proof). I would be told by top surgeons that I needed a revision but it would be impossible to find anyone who could do it back in 2006 on ProDisc as the removal of Prodisc device is considered to be life threatening in every case... Glimps Of Suffering
- After at least a hundred emails to doctors, when my husband finally found two surgeons in Germany who were familiar with the ProDisc revision, I was refused medical treatment in Germany based on my USA citizenship...not even a treatment but a simple consultation. The basis of denial was:"Sorry, we do not treat American citizens" (emails from those clinics are available as a prove). We thought it was a mistake. We explained that we are not on medical tourism: we resided in Germany, we worked in Germany, we paid German taxes and pension contributions into the system, we had German health insurance...We proposed to pay cash upfront and sign any papers. We were told that they do not treat American Citizens. PAGE 5
- We contacted EU - Mr. Peter Bosch, {Head of Unit, Directorate-General Justice, Freedom andSecurity} (emails available) and we were told that there is a Law prohibiting a discrimination based on race, nationality or gender. But we were also told that there is a loop hole and non EU citizens, i.e. Americans, fall through it. There was nothing we could do about it. My husband let T.I. managers and HR know about it. He was ignored. PAGE 5
- Eventually, I was brought by my heartbroken husband to USA, on a lie-flat seat, non-stop flight, spending nearly all our life savings ($130K) in hopes to correct what was done with my spine...Our lives were already ruined. PAGE 7
- While I was still recovering after a massive surgery trauma, while I was still in a wheel chair in LA rented apartment, I was terminated from my job (while I was on disability). I was not aware about it when it happened as the letter of termination was awaiting me in Germany (conveniently for my company, I suppose, as they knew I was in LA recovering), in my mail box. I chose not to complain then.
- My husband was begging in multiple emails T.I. to allow him to transfer back to USA. He was ignored. My husband let T.I. know about a discrimination of its employees in Germany due their USA citizenship. It was ignored. My husband interviewed with another company in CA and got a superb offer. We returned to Germany to pack and leave but... All the sudden, after my husband talked with the visiting upper HR manager from Dallas and told him that we were being interviewed by journalists, TI "let" him to transfer back to USA, saying that they have a job for him...But, that we had to pay our own way back. We were happy to do so - even though our contract says TI would 'repatriate' us if either of us losses our job due to circumstances beyond our control (contract is available as proof). We didnt realize that paying our own way back meant a "trap". My husband dropped another company's offer, $34K more than TI proposed, plus all relocation costs and stock options, and we moved to USA, paying $27K out of pocket for our transfer. He was glad to continue working for TI. Its called loyalty.
- My husband was terminated by
Texas Instruments soon after our arrival to USA with a refusal to give him a performance review. He begged to do any job, any wage...
"For TI, protecting human rights is the responsible – and ethical – thing to do. This protection affords the dignity, freedom, respect and acceptance that each of us deserve.We work diligently to treat our employees fairly and ethically..."
TI's Awards 2004-2009:"World’s Most Ethical Companies", "100 Best Corporate Citizens","100Companies with a Conscience", "Best Places to Work in IT”, "Most Admired Employers, 2009" etc...
THE BEGINNING... Page 1
Five years ago, we were on the top of the world! Five years....it seems like million years now.
I had the CAD Engineering job at
In August of 2004, we went on our first Italy vacation. Lago di Como stole our hearts forever...and that was the major reason of accepting the offer from T.I. to move with both our jobs to Germany Munich in Jan.1 2005.
I hurt my back (disc rupture) while packing to go to Germany in the late November 2004. Actually, to be technically correct, it wasnt from packing. I had a friend with her 3 y.o. over. The girl never seen a cat and when I bent over to pick something up, she saw our fluffy Persian approaching. Terrified, she jumped on my neck. The unexpected load of 3 y.o. jerked my lower back I suppose. I had an uncomfortable feeling in the lower back but it was all I felt. The same night, I stared having a bothersome pain, but I ignored it. It subsided in the next two days. At the end of the second day, in the evening, I was siting on the floor, packing some trinkets into the box. It was a Thanksgiving day. I got up to check turkey in the oven and....couldnt straighten up. Neither my husband nor me knew anything about backs back then. I spent two weeks in bed, then worked a few days before going on Christmas break. We wanted to cancel the transfer, but were assured by the
When we got to Germany after a 2-day flight, I was in serious pain. But, every clinic we went to refused to see me because our German public health insurance (TKK) was holding my insurance card (so much of our employer's promise 'all 'pre-existing' conditions covered immediately'...). We both were paying 14% of our salaries into the health insurance (employer pays 1/2 of it), and I was dying from pain ... We paid out of pocket to visit a doctor but I couldnt legally take a leave of absence with no insurance card on my hands. So, I had worked through pain, getting much worse, in the time that I could have taken leave, and recovered! I probably could have saved my disc if I had stopped working then. I could'nt quit, because I had to work for 18 months according to the
Finally, after about 3 months, I got my 'TKK' card.The neurologist ordered an MRI, which showed I had 'Degenerative Disc Disease' at my L4/L5 disc. We discovered that I was working on a ruptured disc. We have never heard of DDD back then, nor did we know how serious it was. This DDD, we were told, is irreparable, but many people have DDD and do not have symptoms.
In May 2005, I could hardly walk and sit from pain after an epidural injection. I didnt have a choice but to go on short-term ... and then long-term disability.
The next three years were a blur of pain, painkillers, getting cut open, stabbed, burned and yelled at...and an infinity.
Before we left Tucson, I was told by Texas Instrument's immigration attorney that I would have to return to the USA at 6 months, due to some strange I131 and N470 Visa requirements. So, even though I was barely able to walk due to pain, we didnt have a choice but to fly to Tucson in June 2005. This time was best, because my husband needed to attend a
So, my first endoscopic disc surgery was done by a surgeon in Phoenix who, unbeknown to us, was an investment partner of the Prodisc surgeon in Germany. He said I would need an artificial disc replacement (ADR) sooner or later and recommended that I have it done in Germany with Dr. Bertagnoli...(his partner, as we would learn years later). I should have stayed in bed and let the disc seal-up. Instead, we risked my surgery to fly to Dallas, out of loyalty to our company. I ended up in bed, in a hotel in Dallas, for 6 weeks before I could even walk 5 minutes. We had to fulfill our 18 months contracts with
Welcome from Anastasia
My name is Anastasia (aka on some forums as "Job13").
Welcome to my blog.
This web page was created in order to record and share my story, so that others can read, learn and hopefully avoid making the same disastrous mistakes that we did.
This web page was also created in order to summarize our research about certain surgeons who perhaps think that, because they are wealthy, well known in certain circles and well connected, they are immune to justice and can do anything they want.
They usetechnology to promote themselves but ... the same technology can be also used to expose them.
Of course - some will disagree with my comments. So, everywhere possible, I have added links to the proof, pictures, or quotes.
I also have, to the best of my knowledge, spoken the truth, and thus have not defamed any person, company or product.
However, if you find something that appears defamatory, please emails me.
Welcome to my blog.
This web page was created in order to record and share my story, so that others can read, learn and hopefully avoid making the same disastrous mistakes that we did.
This web page was also created in order to summarize our research about certain surgeons who perhaps think that, because they are wealthy, well known in certain circles and well connected, they are immune to justice and can do anything they want.
They use
Of course - some will disagree with my comments. So, everywhere possible, I have added links to the proof, pictures, or quotes.
I also have, to the best of my knowledge, spoken the truth, and thus have not defamed any person, company or product.
However, if you find something that appears defamatory, please emails me.
