| |
|
May 10, 2014 | | | | | | |
Saturday May 10. After much research, we came to the conclusion that the Pro
Disc ADR unit was the best. We then located the surgeon that created the
artificial disc replacement. He has performed over 5000 placements with no
infections.
Our trip this time is a
surgical appointment with Prof Rudolph Bertagnoli in Bogen Germany!
We arrived at Munich airport about 9:30 A.M on Sunday May 11. It is a
lovely airport and easy to find our luggage - the airport's designer was at our home in 2011. We find our luggage and quickly
go through customs and pass through the doors. Dirk and Gretel were there!
It is oh so wonderful to be together again! What a blessing they've been in
our lives.
We were then in their motor home and off to Bogen,
Germany. Along the way we stopped to eat - Gasthof Scheuenpflug
DreifaltigKeitsberg. Many "Mothers Day" celebrants were there. | |
 | | | | |
KlinickBogen | | |
We
then made it to Bogen and checked in at Pension Schreiber. We then slept
for six hours. Dirk and Gretel walked to the hospital, found out lots of
information and met the hospital caretaker. They also walked down to the
"Donau." Gretel gave me her handy so we can keep in touch or so the kids
can call us.
On Monday we had breakfast at Pension Schreiber and
then went to "KlinikBogen." First Anthony had a bone density test. Later
came an EKG, Blood work and explanation of surgery. Several hours later,
Anthony had to drink two bottles of prep, (colon blow). When the young
nurse brought the second bottle, she giggled at Anthony's reaction.
Dirk was
with us when Dr. Bertagnoli and his assistant came in. He was very
approachable and friendly. He had a fake spine and disk to illustrate
the procedure. He asked Anthony if he had any questions and Anthony said
no. I think he thought it was odd. Then Dirk exchanged quite a
conversation with the doctor in German. Several things he asked. One was
how far Anthony could travel and about restrictions - to attend the
"Rollin Oldies" at the end of May.
Dirk also was convinced for
this was the right place for Anthony to come!
Then, his assistant took a photo of Anthony and I with the doctor and
then with Dirk and Gretel. The hospital wing is set up for medical
tourism to accommodate patients from around the globe. Some rooms have
one bed, others up to four to accommodate different cultures which
allowed multiple wives. Dirk said the reason the took Anthony and my
picture together was to make sure Anthony was matched back with the same
wife or wives. (Dirk didn't like Anthony's goatee). | |
| | | | | |
Surgery | | | | | | |
Not long after, we went to the coffee shop - all of us. You will never see a
hospital in America that also serves beer and wine! Shortly, we met the
anesthesiologist - very nice man. We watched James Bond "From Russia with
Love" and he fell asleep. "Thank You Lord for your goodness and your
faithfulness and we give you all praise and glory - I have no doubt you will
work wonders through this man.
At 6:30 A.M, the nurse came to prep
Anthony. I then lay beside him in his bed. At 8:00 A.M three nurses came in
and started to wheel him off. I said wait and I gave him a big kiss and said
I love you. Off they went down the hallway. Dirk and Gretel arrived later
and we all went to the Catholic church called Pilgrimage Church of Maria
Ascension. The three of us lit a candle for Anthony and wrote our prayers in
a book. Dirk's prayer moved me to tears.
We then walked down the
hill and had a lovely view of the Donau and the land below, woodpeckers,
hawks and birds. We then went to the hospital at 11 A.M. They said there
would be no word until 1:00 P.M. We left and then came back after 1:00 -
they said he was still in surgery. At 2 P.M we got word that he was stable
and in ICU. I told Dirk I would be alright and to go to Rosenheim, that I
would call. | |
 | | | | | |
Star Trek | | | | | | |
I went to ICU at 2:45 P.M. Anthony had been through allot. He was wild eyed
and confused. I readjusted his blankets because he didn't keep his privates
private. His nurse is "Gret" - short for Margaret. She's great. Doctor
Bertagnolli appeared at 3:30 P.M. He said "Ah, he has his wife to watch over
him" Good! He noted that the MRI was not of the man he operated on and
explained that he encountered more nerve damage that expected and it was a
difficult angle. He was confidant and assured Anthony would greatly benefit
from the procedure.
Wednesday, May 14. Up to ICU by 8:15 A.M - moved
back to regular room at 8:30 A.M. The doctor came by to check on him. All is
ok. He is also taken to have X-Rays done.
By Thursday he is watching
Star Trek Enterprise with Scott Bakula in German. By 9:30 P.M. he wants me
to shut off lights and computer and go to bed! Kinda bossy little guy
tonight! :)
Besides, Anthony, other patients this week were from
Dubai, Saudia Arabia and Russia. Though staff said it was difficult as no
one spoke Russian. | |
| | | | | |
AACA | | | | | | |
Friday May 16. We got a visit from doctor B about 2 PM and his assistant. He
sat at a table and explained everything. He was relaxed and friendly and not
in a hurry. He provided us a portfolio of the entire procedure, along with
X-ray photos and a small tri-fold card to put in our passports.
Anthony had his black AACA shirt on. He asked if we liked antique cars and I
pulled up photos of our cars and the he showed us a website of his friend in
America who has a 180. I kissed Dr. Bertagnoli - both sides of as is
custom and thank him for giving Anthony a life. He seemed very touched. I
told him that maybe one day we will be back to ballroom dancing! I also told
him that I also Cowboy Dance but Anthony never liked that. He got tickled at
that!
That night we had supper of Pizza and Coca Cola. Anthony talked
to Dirk on the handy. I told him Dirk wouldn't be satisfied until speaking
to his friend. We then watched two episodes of 24 - Jack Baur and then
schlafen! | |
 | | | | | |
Wild & Wonderful | | | | | | |
Saturday May 17. Our last full day a Klinik Bogen. We put a pin in the map
to show our home location. He is the first from West
Virginia! The special driver is going to pick us up tomorrow at 11:00 A.M
and transport us to Hotel Theresientor (Theresa's Gate) in Straubing. Dirk
called. He will pick us up there on Tuesday May 20th to transport us back
to the Klinic for a follow up and then we will travel to his home in
Rosenheim. We watched an episode of 24 and Grimm on my laptop, then bed.
| |
 | | | | | |
Hotel Theresiantor | | | | | | |
Sunday, May 18. At 8:15 A.M, heard "Country Roads" for the first time since
our arrival last Sunday. Sunshine, blue skies, puffy white clouds. Our
transport driver, who works closely with the hospital was very efficient and
got us to the hotel Theresiantor in Straubing in record time. Once we
checked in we walked a little around the Theresianplatza. Many stores were
closed. We ate at a restaurant next to the hotel. An excited waitress asked
Anthony if he was a patient of Doctor B's. We said yes - and she told us
that Moscow Channel One had been there last week doing a story on our
doctor. They did interviews in Bogen and at the Klinik and in Straubing and
at our hotel, performing some interviews in the very chair he had sat in for
dinner. We went back to our room and watched the three stooges on Youtube
and then bed.
Monday, May 19. Had a very nice breakfast buffet
on the first floor restaurant. Then walked to a bank ATM and did a little
shopping. Got a few cute things for Eva & Rae and Dirk and Gretel. It was a
very warm day.
| |
 | | | | | |
Crossing the Donau | | | | | | |
Tuesday, May 20. I had everything ready by our door. I told Anthony Dirk
would be here early at 9:05 A.M, there he was. (The hotel was confused as we
had booked our stay there for twenty one days and we had only stayed one
full day). On our way to Bavaria we took a small ferry across the Danube (Donau)
to save time and stopped at Burghausen for ice cream, (where we stopped our
our way in 2006 on our way to Father Manfred's Land Rally). Oh I forgot, we
got to Bogen Klinick at 9:45 A.M for Anthony's follow-up which went very
well.
Wednesday, May 21. We all visited Dirks mechanic. Another stop
was close to home. A farmer and his wife having BEAUTIFUL gardens with roses
ready to bloom, arbors, trellises, little sayings through the walkways and
such. We then went home to rest for the 6 P.M meeting of the "Car Club" - I
asked its name - Dirk said "The Longhorn Car Club." A lively time by all.
One of Dirk's sons had just returned back from USA Harley Davidson
adventure. | |
| |
| | | |
Roses & The Flea Market | | | | | | |
Tuesday, May 22. I volunteered Anthony to update the Longhorn's website. I
will take more photos and will work with Antonio over the next days. Anthony
was tired and went to lay down. He got Star Trek Into Darkness to play on my
laptop and fell asleep.
Monday May 26. After breakfast, it was
decided to go to downtown Rosenheim. Gretel took us through the beautiful
town park with a gigantic rose garden - a plaque with Dirks name and others
who helped finance it. Many mothers with strollers and some people
exercising - being sporty. Dirk took us to the Catholic church. I lit a
candle for Terry's family, as we found out her only sister Shirley died from
cancer. She was 53, like us. We both love this place - the history the
miracles, stories and just overall beauty.
Later we drove to the
"Flea Market" where we bought the ten Beer steins on another visit. Anthony
bought a Russian officer's hat for the Euros. It needs cleaned, but really
cool. Anthony had to go lay down at 6 P.M. - he was experience allot of
pain. Today only marks two weeks since his surgery. | |
 | | | | | |
Dirndl & Leiderhosen | | | | | | |
Friday May 30. At 1:00 P.M we drove to an auto museum. The museum was well
laid out, very clean, very informative. It had many chance for Anthony to
rest also. It had a lovely cafe, were we had coffee and fruitcake. We saw a
large room full of miniature trains with cities, farms, bridges, etc. "J"
would be in heaven and "B" would be too. There were also set ups of what a
living room, kitchen, storefronts were like circa 1950's. I
really loved everything. On the way
home, I took more pictures of churches and landscapes in Rosenheim.
Sunday, June1. After breakfast, we set out in Baby Blue for a local vintage
car / motorcycle / tractor show. It was a very nice time - traditional music
was playing over the loudspeakers. I also put Longhorn Steakhouse cards
under windshield wipers. We drove to another village in traditional Bavarian
dirndl and leiderhosen.
Monday June 2. Today, back home, I believe
Jesse is going to Marin Training camp. I know how my sister must be feeling.
After breakfast, I helped Dirk's grandson with his English presentation.
Anthony watched intently as Dirk's old time, parade, beer truck had its
engine taken apart. | |
 | | | | | |
WeiBwurst | | | | | | |
Tuesday, June 3. Today makes 21 years since Grandma Bea went home to the
Lord. Dirk rides off on Gretel's Vespa to pick up something - which turned
out to be "white sausages" and fresh Bavarian pretzels. They were all in on
the joke on Anthony! I filmed too. During our first day in Straubing,
Anthony had ordered the white sausage at the restaurant where the waitress
told us of Moscow channel one. He wouldn't eat it at all, which he had also
told our friends. (WeiBwurst, pronounced Wiese wurst, with a large pretzel,
sweet mustard and beer. Must be eaten before 12 noon by tradition).
| |
 | | | | | | | | | |
X-ray & Cubra-libre | | | | | | |
Tuesday June 5. We went to visit Dierter. I gave him gifts from America. Of
course, since I could not drink beer, he thought I should have a Cuba-libre
(Rum & Coke). Before I knew it, he had brought me a third one. I did good
holding it together throughout. When his daughter came by - I gave her
a little gift and called her by her name. She got very overklempt, hugging
and kissing me.
Friday June 6. We left to go to Bogen for Anthony's
doctor's appointment in Bogen. We arrived and ran into our transport driver,
who took us to Staubing. Our friend found us - arranged for Anthony's X-ray.
We met another American, a lady from Tacoma Washington, who was waiting for
her X-ray too. She had three new discs put in her mid-back by Doctor B on
May 27th. She was doing great!
I then ran into Anthony's nurse. I
grabbed her - hugging her - thanking her for taking such good care of
Anthony. We saw doctor B's associate doctor. She went over everything,
checked his reflexes and said he'd had "good nursing care" while he was
recovering. When finished, we said our goodbyes - I hugged & thanked her -
she seemed appreciative of that. We then went to the special church where
we'd prayed & lit candles the day of Anthony's surgery.
His physical
therapist talked to us also at the hospital & told us of the special weekend
in Bogen of Pentecost. (About the special pilgrimage made for 100 miles to
this church. | |
| | | | | |
Glas | | | | |
On our way back we went to the "Go-Go Museum". The car company named "Glas"
which was sold to BMW. The whole town practically works there - over 18,000
employees. Dirk had me drive home - 2 hours - so he could map the route for
an upcoming car event.
When we got home, we went to next door to the
Longhorn. As we sat there, Gretel got two phone calls from Meggenhofen
letting her know that Father Manfred Brandl had passed away last night from
Altzheimers. That news hit me like a brick. Our dear friend from our 1st two
trips to Europe - 2005 Mille Miglia and 2006 Megganhoffen became so special
to both of us.
What a gentle and so very intelligent man. He was small like
Uncle Buddy but oh how he loved people! (and vintage cars), his nickname was
the Maserati Priest. In 2006, we were given a special place of honor during
the car rally - the only Americans and only people who got to stay in his
own home - not associated with the Parish. We're both moved by the loss. | |
 | |
| |
| |
Deutche AlpenstrBee |
| | |
| |
| Sunday
June 8. We left in Baby Blue - all four of us. It was a car event in Bad
Folz called 3 US Car Treffen. Quite a few American cars were there -
lots of fun for the kiddies. We ate at "The Jailhouse" Restaurant,
similar to the Hard Rock Cafe. Dirk said allot of Americans lived her
through the 1950's - after WWII.
We later held our breadth and
prayed on a very small narrow road. We were also on the "Deutche
AlpenstrBee" (The German Alpine Road), where I was able to snap a
picture of a tank speed limit. Amazing.
We also stopped at an
immaculately kept graveyard. It was an "Allies" graveyard. It is all
maintained by private German citizens. I signed the book. I found a U.S
Serviceman killed on November 25, my birthday. These places - were
battlefields or places that changed our world forever. I thanked him for
sharing these places with us. |
|
 | |
| |
| |
You Are My Sunshine |
| | |
| |
| We got
home about 6:00 P.M. We went to bed about 9:30 PM, but we finished
Longmire season 2. I then got an email concerning Jeremiah and a high
fever. I wrote back and said it sounded like strep and to get him to the
ER. By 3 AM I found out that it was. I kept picturing our little man
singing to me "You Are My Sunshine" with his little angel voice. God
will take care of him - of this I am sure.
Monday June 9.
Everything is hung outdoors to dry in the sun... the way Mom always did.
Been getting packed up and thinking how bittersweet it will be to go
home. Dirk and Gretel's hospitality is beyond going the second mile!
They are 2 in a million that have looked out for us so completely. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
