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Another happy back surgery patient |
My name is Nadine, I had been suffering from Extreme Sciatic pain in my right leg, for over a year due to a herniated disc in the L5/S1 section of my spine. As a generally young, healthy and athletic female, I knew there was more to life than being hunched over and sitting/sleeping/walking in debilitating pain. Being a Canadian citizen, living and working in Egypt I did not have complete faith in the medical system of a developing Country, therefore I began researching the cost of surgeries in many parts of the world, including at home in Canada.
I sent enquiries to many different companies, but in the end I knew that ESE was the best fit for my needs. Their prices were very reasonable and it was affordable to travel from Cairo to Belgium. From the first point of contact Paul was very professional and answered all questions I had. I ended up booking my surgery for the end of September 2008.
My husband and I flew to Belgium, and as soon as we landed Paul and his wife were there waiting for us. They drove us to Ghent we went straight to the hospital where Paul introduced us to the nurses on the neurosurgery ward, and he walked us through the steps required to admit ourselves into the hospital. The hospital was clean well maintained and well equipped, I felt confident that I would be in good hands at AZ St. Lucas. Paul then drove us to our B&B. The next morning I admitted myself into the hospital and by 11:00am I was being wheeled to the operating room. Dr. Luc, his team, the nurses and the anesthesiologist were all friendly and all spoke English.
When I woke up from the surgery the first question they asked me was if I felt any pain in my leg...the answer was a very groggy, but ecstatic NO! The pain was completely gone, it was the first time in almost 2 years that I didn't have extreme pain shooting through my body. Dr. Luc came to visit me a few hours after the surgery to tell me how everything went. Paul visited me in the hospital the next day, and somebody from the neurosurgeon team would come and check on my process every morning. After the second day I was allowed to stand and on the third day I was released from the hospital (a day early!). I spent an extra week recovering in a hotel in Ghent. I was able to go on short walks from my hotel, Ghent really is a beautiful city that helps inspire healing.
My husband and I then spent another week in Brussels, as always Paul was there to shuttle me from Ghent to the door of our B&B in Brussels. Dr. Luc recommended that I should not fly until 2 weeks after the surgery, and that I should not return to work until 2 months after the surgery. I am now 5 months post op. and I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have had such a positive and smooth experience, it has been light at the end of a dark tunnel. Thank you Paul and Dr. Luc De Waele, for helping me with my "new back"!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions
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Hi Paul,
I trust all is well with you in the New Year. I have had a number of people contact me following treatment in Belgium and about treatment in Belgium. A lot of question about recovery time and my experiences of surgery abroad. I am in good shape, 'back' in training and aside from the few niggles here and there I feel pretty good.
Rather than just a plain 'mugshot' I attach a photo of myself surfing in the Maldives with my Dad a year after surgery which is testimony to the success of my operation.
Keep Well
Regards
Guy van Zyl |
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