Patient Testimonials

As a professional sailor competing in many major oceanic racing events such as the “Vendee Globe” non stop single-handed around the world races, I need a high level of physical and mental fitness to be effective.

When I became virtually crippled with 24/7 back pain, I must admit I began to think about a much easier career. I just survived competing in the 2002 single-handed “Route du Rhumb” Transatlantic Race with the help of lots of pain killers, physiotherapy and strength training, but I could see no prospect of being able to continue my sporting career without some serious help.

So, in early 2003, just 18 months before the 2004 Vendee Globe, I nervously underwent a surgical procedure under the leadership of Nick Boeree. Thankfully, within weeks I was beginning to regain my fitness and later in the same year I competed in a double handed Transatlantic Race without difficulty and won the return solo race (the Defi Atlantic). The following year I also won the prestigious Single-handed Transat and in Nov 2004 just 18 months after the surgery I competed in the Vendee Globe finishing 3rd in one of the toughest oceanic races to date - this would not have been possible prior to the surgery.

Needless to say my back remains strong and I have no pain. It would be wrong to say that it is a good as when I was 20 - but to all intent and purpose this procedure has been a total success for me.

Thank you Nick

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I am a neurosurgeon in the state of Ohio in the Unites States. I would like to write a brief testimonial about the recent back surgery I had by Mr. Boeree.

I have had back problems since I initially injured my back when I was 18 years old. I had one back surgery in 1992 which helped with my leg pain but my back pain has gradually increased. I was unable to jog or golf which I truly enjoyed. Recently I had been unable to operate! That meant it was time to do something.

I had considered several options for treating my degenerated disc disease including artificial disc replacement, a fusion or the Wallis device. I chose the Wallis devise since it was the least invasive and I would not be burning any bridges as far as any future surgery.

I flew from the USA to England for my surgery. I had my surgery on Wednesday evening and was discharged from the hospital on Thursday afternoon. I took a bus tour of London on Friday, flew back to the USA on Saturday and returned to work for a full operating list on Monday. I began jogging again after 4 weeks.

The surgery did not resolve my back discomfort completely but it was much improved. Most importantly I was able to get back to my jogging and golf. I would definitely recommend this surgery without any reservations.

Scott West

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I was diagnosed with a prolapsed disc (L5/S1) in February 2006 and had severe sciatic pains down my left leg. I tried to continue playing Tennis in extreme pain but had to stop in May since the sciatic pain had got so bad I could barely walk.

I had keyhole surgery by Mr Boeree that year in June and it was completely successful. I was no longer in any pain what so ever!!

The staff at Nuffield Hospital Hampshire looked after me really well and I could tell was in very good hands!! The physiotherapy was excellent. I started my re-hab 2 weeks after surgery and hit my 1st Tennis ball 4 weeks after surgery.

I took a total of 9 months out of competition and my WTA World Ranking dropped from 130 to 960! But I regained my fitness and quickly got back into competing. Its now been just under a year since my 1st tournament back and my ranking has moved back up to 165. My back is doing extremely well and have only had a few niggles now and again. Overall the back has been really good and I have had no further sciatica.

I'm really delighted that I went ahead with the surgery and want to thank Nick Boeree and his staff for everything that they have done for me!!

I've just started a new training programme and feel that this could be a very exciting year ahead for me!!!

Many Thanks again

Regards
Elena Baltacha

(Elena has continued to do well and, as many will know, she made it through to the second round of Wimbledon this year)

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My name is Glen Donaldson and this is my Case History.

March 2006 - Lumbar injection to relieve lower back and right thigh pain.

May 2006 - Pain returned with a vengeance.

Typical onset - Tightening of muscle right buttock after walking 150 yards. Followed by 'sciatica' type pain right thigh after a further 100 yards. And then tingling 'electric' type pulses from knee to ankle after a few yards more.

Sitting for one minute gave relief but on resuming walking the same pattern invariably developed.

January 2007 - Mr Boeree carried out the fusion operation using screws and rods on the 4th/5th vertebrae. There has been no referred pain in my legs since then. I do get some stiffness in the lower back on getting out of bed (duration 2 to 3 minutes) and then no pain for the rest of the day.

Long walks were enjoyed two weeks after the operation. Driving resumed after nine weeks and golf after three months. I am delighted with the outcome.

PS: My wife and I (combined ages -154 years) won the Christmas Mixed Foursome Golf Event in December 2007 at the Royal Jersey Golf Club - all with absolutely no ill effects (apart from the celebratory ones!)

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Dear Nick,

This is just a quick message to say how pleased I am with my back operation in June 2006. My tennis has improved and I have only suffered 2 small lapses since the operation. I am now ranked 13 in the UK for over 35's and 270 in the world for over 35's.

Keep up the good work!

Kind regards
Patrick Collins

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Dear Mr Boeree

I felt I had to write to say a huge thank you. After forty years of coping with back pain I now have a 'normal back' which is appreciated everyday.

At present I am on holiday and am able to enjoy all normal activities and have even cycled fifty miles over the last few days.

With many thanks.

Janet Ford
August 2008 (2 years post surgery)

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I am a lady in my 60's who until 15th June 2007 was unable to walk 300 yards without pain. Six months after major back surgery I am now able to walk at least four miles free of pain.

I have for many years experienced back pain but seven years ago it got progressively worse, with terrible pain running down my legs. My consultant (a rheumatologist) tried various options such as prescription pain killers, acupuncture, spinal injections and physiotherapy. Sadly none were successful and so he suggested the only option was surgery. Obviously I would rather have not gone down this route, but felt I was left with little choice. My rheumatologist suggested Mr Boeree would be the right man to see.

As soon as I met Mr Boeree for my initial consultation he had a very positive attitude to my problems and was very confident he could rectify my situation which put my mind at rest. He discussed everything with me and I realised I was making the correct decision.

On the 15th June I had my first operation, the spinal decompression at L4/5 and instrumented fusion. Mr Boeree found that my spine was much more unstable than we had thought and recommended an additional small procedure to support the front of the spine using a STALIF cage.

Post operation recovery was first class due to Mr Boeree and his excellent team. I experienced very little pain or discomfort. With help from my family and very good friends during my recuperation at home I am back to 90% with no pain in my legs at all.

At last I can go for long walks with my husband and soon will be returning to work. Also, due to the increased amount of exercise I have been able to do I have lost over one stone in weight.

Finally I believe the success of the operation has been due to Mr Boeree's and my own positive attitude.

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Dear Mr Boeree

It is now just over a year since your surgery using the Wallis implant was carried out on my lower back.

May I express my sincere thanks to you for the freedom from pain and the flexibility I have enjoyed since the operation. I am now able to enjoy my leisure activities, including golf although I continue to follow your advice and take care not to over extend myself.

I would also thank you for you recommendation to Mr Bowyer who treated my ankle with much success.

Here's looking forward to the next year onwards.

Many Thanks
Leonard Miles
July 2008 (1 year post surgery)

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Dear Mr Boeree

I feel I must express my extreme gratitude for the massive changes to my life and lifestyle following the two successful spinal operations you performed. This can only be as a result of your skill as a surgeon.

From the very first meeting with you I felt I was in very safe hands and because of your assured and human approach at no time did I feel at all apprehensive about the major operations ahead. You showed such calmness and professionalism throughout giving me complete confidence and what could have been a traumatic experience became easier to endure.

As you are aware I have had many dealings with hospital consultants, many of whom I have found lacking in basic patient communication, to the extent in some cases that I have been unable to grasp an understanding their intentions for treatment. This has included a complete lack of after care. With you in control at no stage was I left in any doubt as to what I should and should not do and have thus experienced a trouble free recuperation and gradual easing back into normal life.

I don't know whether I will be able to return to my career as a professional guitarist because I have lost so much time due to the gradual degradation of my discs. Also in these early days I am unsure as to whether I would be able to sit with my instrument for the duration of a concert and necessary rehearsal. However, at least I know that the huge improvements you have made will open new windows of opportunity and rekindle a zest for life that has for a long time been lacking.

It is a huge reassurance to me that should I experience further spinal symptoms there is someone who I trust implicitly that I can contact, someone who really does care not only about the surgery but also the whole person!!

Yours fondly
Alison Parratt
September 2008

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Dear Mr Boeree

It was nice to see you at the Hampshire Tennis Club and to be able to show you how well I am doing. It is hard to believe it is six years since I had my spinal fusion operation and what a difference to my quality of life it has made.

I don't know if you will remember but the day before I was due to come into hospital a friend had told me that she had read an article in the newspaper about a new method of back operation using a catheter and cement injected into the bone. She pointed out how awful it was and all the terrible side effects it could have. I phoned you to say I wasn't going to have the operation and told you about the article. You very patiently (it was quite late in the evening) explained the difference between the procedure I was about to have and the one in the article, putting my mind at rest. Hence I went through with the operation. I would like to take this opportunity of putting any future patient's minds at rest by explaining that, while this operation is not carried for fun, the benefits are worthwhile in the end.

After my operation I was quickly up and having twice a day hydro pool sessions, which gave me a great deal of confidence in my ability to move. I was also encouraged to walk about every now and then... which I did every hour on the hour. When I left the hospital I came back several times a week for further hydro pool sessions, gradually gaining more confidence and moving more freely (although only in the water to start with). Then I was moved onto the gym with a physiotherapist. Here I walked on the treadmill and learnt to use a ball to sit on and do a verity of exercises. Again I would come each week for these sessions and gradually gained more and more confidence in my mobility. When after some months I was told I no longer needed to come to the hospital, I decided to join a gym and carry on the good work. I booked weekly sessions with a personal trainer, which I would highly recommend, but I made sure they understood the operation I had had, as I wanted to be certain they wouldn't do anything to damage my back. I would go to the gym a minimum of twice a week.

Having a trainer not only made sure I was doing the right exercises in the correct way but it gave me the motivation to keep going regularly. Yes it was very hard work but it has helped to make an enormous difference. I haven't had any pain in my back since.

I still go twice a week to the gym but only have a personal trainer every six to eight weeks to keep me motivated. I thought I'd never be able to go skiing again but I do, every year. I have recently taken up tennis and golf again after years of finding it too painful to play. I am leading a very active and pain free life thanks to you and... my hard work.

You mentioned you were doing a bulletin on your spinal web page. Please feel free to add any part of this letter and if I can be of any help to you or any of your future spinal fusion patients please do not hesitate to contact me.

With many thanks
Sally Kelly
October 2008 (6 years post surgery)

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Dear Mr Boeree

There's no reason why you should remember me but I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. I wanted to write my thanks and say how much I appreciate what you did for me a few years ago.

The operations you did have quickly given me all the benefits you said they would. I now feel thrilled to bits! You see I have just 'bounced' across Kenya in a mini bus with all the 'unique' travel conditions that can bring. Without your skills it would have been impossible. In terms of modern travel it's not the best but I loved it all and more to the point - was able to!!

Thank you very much

All best wishes
Jan Parker
Oct 2008

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Dear Mr Boeree

Following my recent appointment with you regarding the progress of my spinal surgery and the conclusion of your care, I am writing to express my thanks and gratitude.

I could not have wished for a better surgeon or a more dedicated team than yours. I have been so well looked after during the last thirteen or fourteen months, the first two of which were, to say the least, quite traumatic for me.

I would like to say a very large 'thank you' to everyone involved in your team; yourself and your theatre assistants, nursing staff, physiotherapy, x-ray, all the clerical and admin staff and all the staff on the periphery of hospital care. You certainly work as a very good team. I am so grateful to each and everyone of you - the care was superb.

Whilst I hope not to need your services again I would not hesitate to place myself under your care for any further surgery.

Yours sincerely and gratefully

Astrid Pountney
10th April 2008

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My Diary!

I had suffered from back pain for two and half years, always assuming it was due to bad posture or gardening. The problem steadily became very severe and stared to impact on my job. X-rays and scans had revealed a degenerative disc, collapsed in part to the point where the L5 vertebra and the sacrum were almost touching. Of various options put to me I had no hesitation choosing the total disc replacement.

In the weeks prior to the operation I continued to work but with my usual difficulties and limitations. I took pain killers and had regular physiotherapy at the Nuffield.

The operation on the 9th June 2008 was preceded by a detailed run through of procedure and what were realistic expectations. These included the fact that this operation is not a total cure for back pain. Mr Boeree also pointed out that despite x-rays and MRI scans indicating a fairly straight forward procedure was likely, once inside he could find the disc replacement inadvisable for one reason or another and alternative surgery would then be done.

Day 1 - The Nuffield Hospital Hampshire
08.00 - The operation took about two and half hours
13.00 - Woke up very comfortably with little or no pain thanks to a morphine drip which I was allowed to administer as required using a push button. Once conscious I expected to feel pain in my spine but felt none. The only pain was from the small stomach wound and controlled more than adequately with the morphine. I was allowed soup for tea, not allowed out of bed, used the chamber pot and slept well.

Day 2
Light breakfast
Am - Helped out of bed and stood up straight for the first time after two years of walking around like a monkey. This felt nothing short of miraculous. Still no back pain only the stomach wound was sore.

Pm - I was concerned at the loss of morphine but Codeine and Ibuprofen proved adequate. By this stage I was mobile (but my bowels weren't!). Even so I enjoyed the wonderful menu. Slept quite well. Some tummy pain (wind), slight delay for painkillers to take effect.

Day 3
5 Star breakfast
Am - Walked through the ward and used the stairs
Pm - Physiotherapy in the pool, felt wonderful. Still no back pain whatsoever and the novelty of standing up straight was exhilarating.

Laxative given to encourage the bowel to get going. Apparently the bowel stops working sometimes in protest at the intrusion during the operation and the pain killers slow things down too. The laxative had the desired effect, and a happy ending ensued in my en- suite bathroom. The food here is first rate, almost worth being ill for. Slept well.

Day 4
Walked around normally being careful not to pull the wound. Showering, toilet, physio, all done with ease. Doctors advise I can go home tomorrow.

Day 5
Medication for home was Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Dihydrocodeine, of which I only used half the amount given to me as the pain of the stomach wound reduced significantly each day, providing I took adequate rest.

Day 6 - Home Routine
Tiredness is a significant feature during the first weeks of recovery especially if you want to remain active. I was advised to limit my activity initially to allow the bonding process of the disc replacement end plates to the bone (approx six weeks).

Physiotherapy continued at the Nuffield along with exercise each day at home, also walking and latterly bike riding. The physiotherapists suggest no driving for the first six weeks.

Subsequent weeks
I did feel a little numbness in my left buttock and calf, possibly caused by bruising. This all disappeared after two months. The stomach muscles would hurt if fully stretched but again this went after about two months after the operation. I must mention for the men that I was forewarned that due to possible nerve damage ejaculation may be slight impaired. This was indeed the case but after two months back firing on all cylinders. Some discomfort was felt urinating for approximately the same period. Bowel movement was also a little painful for the first few weeks.

Two months
I returned to work fully fit and functioning normally with one proviso; always keep within sensible limits when lifting weights.

Although I cannot say for sure why my disc degenerated so badly, thanks to Mr Boeree and his team I made a full recovery, with not a hint of pain in my spine from day one to the present, six months so far.

As I was told at the beginning there is no cure for back pain. I suppose this is true enough. If I am gardening or up a tree cutting branches down, I may get a little back ache. This feels like normal muscle strain or tiredness and is usually gone by the next day.

I have since met two people who underwent the same operation but over two years before mine. Both have made a full recovery and report to be leading a perfectly normal life with no a hint of pain in the spine.

I would be happy to talk to any of Mr Boeree's patients who may be thinking about this operation but I hope these notes prove useful.

Regards

Paul Field
November 2008

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Dear Mr Boeree

I want to sincerely thank you on behalf of my wife, Madeline Cameron, for your swift action and diagnosis of her back injury and hospital care.

I must say that the hospital experience, although traumatic for my wife, was as pleasant and encouraging as could be hoped for.

Kindest Regards

Yours sincerely
Mr G Cameron (husband)

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