Germany: Answers to questions about my surgery in Germany....

From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Fri Dec 1 16:35:58 2000


Last week I received a letter from someone, who is considering going to Germany for surgery. She included the following questions in her letter; and I have decided to share this information with all of you.

HERE ARE HER QUESTIONS:

1.) How you are feeling post-operatively? It is too soon for me to answer how I am feeling post-operatively. I am only two weeks post-op; and I know that at this time, pain could be surgery-related. Healing is done one day at a time; and I need time to heal.

My adhesiolysis was done on November 7th; and I elected to have my ovaries removed at the same time...as a preventative measure against the possibility of ever having to have my ovaries surgically removed in the United States. Then on November 14th I had a second-look laparoscopy -- which is also a surgical procedure.

2.) Do you feel your operation was successful? If you mean, " Am I pain-free? " Pain does not disappear immediately after a surgical procedure!! Until I have had enough time to heal following this surgery, I will remain " cautiously optimistic " that my operation was successful.

3.) Was there a significant reduction in your pain? Yes, there was!

4.) Was your surgical procedure done via a laparoscopy or as a laporatomy? Both procedures were done laparoscopically.

5.) How long were you in the hospital? The required stay at the Klinikum Duisburg was: 5 days for the first surgery -- I stayed in the hospital for about 3 of those days...&...3 days for the second-look laparoscopy -- I stayed in the hospital for 2 days. My husband and I had an apartment in the Nurses' Residence, which was very close to the hospital.

6.) Was your stay in the hospital uneventful? Yes, I did not experience any medical problems while I was in the hospital.

7.) What was the doctor's findings? Please read the message I entered on the Message Board today, December 1st. I have answered this question there.

Any information you can share with me, therefore would give a better idea when I schedule my trip to Germany in the near future for treatment. I sent my medical records to Dr. Korell last week. I have been through the ringer with bad doctors and surgery and I would end up with the same adhesive problems and more. In the meantime, I am waiting to hear from other IAS members like yourself. I hope you're feeling better soon.

To: Helen Dynda

From: ABRN@peoplepc.com Sent: November 27, 2000 Subject: Part 3: Dr. Korell and the Medical Center...follow-up

1.) DR. KORELL'S FEE: Dr. Korell's fee ranges from 2000 - 4000 DMs ( $1000 to $2000 U.S. currency )...depending on the severity of your surgery. This fee covers a second look laparoscopy, if Dr. Korell thinks it is necessary! If you did not bring enough for the surgery, Dr. Korell will accept payments on any balance - which you may have incurred. You will be reimbursed for any amount you have paid over and above the cost of your surgery.

* * * * * 2.) MEDICAL CENTER FEE : It is best to pay the hospital in German Duetsch Marks ( DMs ). Hospital rates are 715 DMs per day ( $350 in U.S. currency ). This includes the following: all diagnostic tests, anesthesiology, post-operative recovery room care, hospital room rates, meals, etc. The hospital requires that you pay for their services in advance...unless you have made previous arrangements with Dr. Korell!!

It is required that you be an in-patient for 5 days for the first surgery. If Dr. Korell feels you need a second-look laporoscopy, you will be required to be an in-patient for 3 additional days.

* * * * *

3.) UNDERSTANDING THE GERMAN LANGUAGE: At your request, an interpreter can accompany you while are a patient in the hospital; however, Dr. Korell speaks very good English and so does Carmen, his receptionist! ( She is a very special lady!! ) If you need a translator, just ask and they will call someone.

* * * * * 4.) MEDICAL CENTER : The medical center is known as: Stadtischen Kliniken Duisburg. Mr. Reinhard Isenberg is the Administrator of the medical center. Dr. Korell, Mary and I had a very nice meeting with Mr. Isenberg. This meeting resulted in the setting up of many features which will help to make a trip to Germany a very pleasant and memorable time for Dr. Korell's future patients!

The medical center is a very modern hospital and offers state of the art diagnostic and surgical equipment! It is great!! We were impressed with how accommodating this is for a foreign visitor...many very nice things to keep one comfortable! There are cultural differences - but nothing that will prevent patients from receiving very high quality care nor from enjoying their hospital stay!

You will be supplied with disposable wash cloths, etc. But you might want to bring a few washcloths and use towels from your apartment while you are in the hospital. This is the norm and helps to cut the cost of having to launder all of this stuff!!

* * * * *

5.) UPON YOUR ARRIVAL AT THE KLINIKEN: Payment for your hospital and surgical expenses is expected at the beginning of your stay - unless you have made other arrangements with Dr. Korell.

You will meet to consult with Dr. Korell prior to your admission. This meeting will be set up via email! At this meeting be sure to let Dr. Korell know about any and all adverse reactions which you might have...including: soaps, metals, anything topical ( used on the skin ). Also be sure that Dr. Korell is aware of all the medications you are taking...and especially about any medication intolerances, which you might have.

Dr. Korell's office is located in the medical center - which makes him easily accessible to his patients! Dr. Korell takes photos during his procedures rather than videos. Dr. Korell feels that photos are just as indicative of a patient's adhesion involvement as a video is. You can discuss this with him prior to your surgery!

You are expected to be admitted into the hospital the day before your surgery; because all of your pre-op diagnostics will be completed on that day ( and are already included in your cost!! ).

The rooms are semi-private and do not have privacy curtains; but the patient is treated with respect and dignity during all personal care! All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower. Each room also has a phone and TV ( of course, it is all in German and there is no BBC channel ). There are nice big windows in each room which allow the sunshine to come in and the fresh air to flow into your room while you are recovering.

Bridgette Wheller ( the head nurse in the ER ) is fantastic and will be available to you for anything! Her husband Reinie ( police commissioner ) is also a very great help! They befriended Mary and me while we were in Germany; and they watched out for us during our stay there! They offer this friendship to all who may follow in our footsteps!!

* * * * *

6.) BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY: The patient is prepped for surgery ( shaved )...and even though we may view this as antiquated, it is the norm for them. You are taken to the operating room in your own bed and then transferred to the surgical table.

Following surgery, you will wake up in the " Wake up " room in your own bed, with a warmer on you!! It is so nice to be transferred to your room in your own bed! No tugging, pushing or pulling right after surgery!!

All other areas are pretty routine with the exception of the post-operative patient checks. You are left to rest, undisturbed, unless you need something! The nurses will check on you in due time; but unless you are in need, you will rest! You are encouraged to get up very soon following your surgery in an attempt to keep your internal organs moving as they should! This may cause a room mate, you might have, to have a heart attack...but do it anyway!! If it means that your traveling partner assists you to the potty room...so be it!

You will be served carbonated water or juice. If you prefer ice cubes, ask the person - who is with you - to go down to the cafeteria...and there will be no problem getting ice cubes for you. Tap water is fine to drink in Germany...but is not served, unless requested!

It is very important to remain in the hospital a couple of days for post-operative care. You are paying for it...so use it! Then when you are feeling stronger and want to go to your apartment, please discuss this with Dr. Korell first. You are expected to remain in the hospital for up to five days post-op following your first surgery.

* * * * *

7.) SECOND-LOOK LAPAROSCOPY: You will have a post-operative check-up scheduled with Dr. Korell; and he will determine if you will need to undergo a second look laparoscopy. Discuss any and all issues with Dr. Korell. He is open- minded, compassionate, understanding, and very willing to listen and answer your comments and concerns.

If you really would like to have a second-look procedure - for your emotional and psychological well-being - discuss this with Dr. Korell as well. If you have a second-look surgery, you will be in the hospital for three additional days. On the third day you will have a post-op check-up by Dr. Korell.

In the event you feel good enough to leave, please discuss this with Dr. Korell. A decision to leave the hospital early will not make any difference as far as your hospital charges are concerned.

VERY IMPORTANT!! Before you leave Dr. Korell's care, secure a verification note from Dr. Korell stating that you are newly post-op...that you may require special needs after the flight starts on your return trip home. Make sure you keep this verification note accessible in the event that you may need it. Don't pack it away!

Follow-up:

Dear Helen,

It was helpful you sending me this information about Dr. Korell, the clinic and other incidental facts. However,

I would like to know how you are feeling post-operatively.

Do you feel your operation was successful?

Was there a significant reduction in your pain?

Was your surgical procedure done via a laparoscopy or as a laporatomy?

How long were you in the hospital? The required stay was:

1.) 5 days for the first surgery -- I stayed in the hospital for about 3 of those days...but I still had to pay for 5 days of inpatient care.

2.) 3 days for the second-look laparoscopy -- I stayed in the hospital for 2 days.

Was your stay in the hospital uneventful? Yes!

What was the doctor's findings? Please read the message I entered on the Message Board today, December 1st. I have answered this question there.

Any information you can share with me, therefore would give a better idea when I schedule my trip to Germany in the near future for treatment. I sent my medical records to Dr. Korell last week. I have been through the ringer with bad doctors and surgery and I would end up with the same adhesive problems and more. In the meantime, I am waiting to hear from other IAS member like yourself. I hope your feeling better soon.

Yours truly,

Ava


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