If anyone would like to know how to contact him, please email me personally at rmasse2333@aol.com.
I will not be on here for a while, this is just too stressful for me right now. I am having a little bit of trouble with withdrawl side effects from the meds and I am still just over 2 weeks since my 2nd surgery. I am busy with spending time with my family, making up for lost time.
I am feeling better and better with each passing day. Finding muscels that hadn't been used for a long time. I had been in bed for the last 2 years. Battling ARD since 1983. I am also a bit stress out because I don't know what to do with my life since I have it back. I don't remember what a normal life is. I just want to be a Mom and a wife again. Have a normal relationship with my husband. Be there when my first born daughter has her first born daughter. I want to go out side searching for horned toads and lizzards with my grandbabies. Take my dogs for walks. Be able to sit at the computer for more than 20 mins. Be able to work on my crafts. My youngest daughter, Leigh Ann is almost 16. I have been hurting longer than she has been alive. Mom taking meds, being in pain and in bed is the kind of memories she has. I want to be able to make up that lost time with her. My son just graduated from High School. He now works out of town 10 days & then home for a few days. I don't think I can make it up to him all that he has lost. we have a close relationship, but we developed in in my bed. During the times he had to take off work or school when dad couldn't to take me to the DR. He held my hand and hugged me when I didn't want to live another day in the pain I was in. He held me when I cried because Leigh Ann didn't understand what I was going through, and said things that hurt my feelings. I will never be able to make up to my husband for what we have lost & what we have been through. He works 40-50 hours a week, sometimes traveling 800 miles a week, then comes home to cook and clean & take care of me. He has held my hair back when I threw up & cleaned it up after I missed the toilet. He has taken care of my cats that he cant stand when I hurt too bad to clean their litter. He never expected that in "sickness & in health" would be this bad. He never expected having to take days off when I was so suicidal from the pain that he was affraid to leave me alone. I have a lot to make up for. I am 42 now. At long last, Thanks to Dr Korell, I am adhesion free. I feel that as soon as I get off my meds, I will be pain free too. I pray for everyone that is suffering. May soon there be Spray Gel and experienced surgeons close by that can rid all of ARD. love robin M
At Fri, 27 Jun 2003, Karen Steward wrote:
>
>Robin,
>
> I am so glad you trust your doctor and that you are not in
>pain any longer!!
>
> I know I don't have to tell anyone my admiration for Dr. Kruschi ski
>
>as Melissa has her life back and I am constantly sharing with others
>the hope that they can truly be free from painful adhesions.
>
> I understand, since you have not had surgery without gas, that y u
>see no reason behind my continual praise of Dr. Kruschinski's AbdoLift.
>(Surgery without CO2).
>
>>Your statement that Dr. Korell said, "We don't think that there is a bi
>influence of the CO2 on the incidence of adhesions"................
>
>The word "think" in that sentence leads a huge gap open, as this is
>merely Dr. Korell's opinion, his speculation, his reason in answer to
>your question. There are many doctors, performing many procedures,
>that are of the opinion that what they are doing will cause no harm to t e
>patient. They "think" their way is the best way or that there is nothing
>wrong with the manner in which they perform surgery. And the patient
>surely hopes that surgeon is "thinking" correctly!
>
>I am sure Nasa didn't "think" the Space Shuttle Columbia would explode
>as it returned home, however, we all know it did!
>
>This is why the reader, the suffering patient, needs to gather informati n
>and evaluate their surgeon, his procedures, his technique, etc. Just bec use
>Dr. Korell may have studied adhesions for 25 years, does not make him
>the expert in the field of adhesion surgery.............anyone can study any
>subject.
>
>We must have facts, results, & success stories coming in from previous
>patients
>..........I HOPE you will agree to that. Nothing speaks as loud or pro es
>the point
>as much as real people telling real life stories! I hope others from Dr.
>Kruschinski
>and Dr. Korell will share their experiences so future patients can weigh all
>the
>information for their own benefit.............
>
>Again, I am so very glad for your success. I disagree with using CO2 whe it
>is a known co-factor in adhesion formation, when there is an available a d
>known technique being used to stop that risk!
>
>We should have every opportunity that is possibly available to stop any
>chance
>of adhesion formation while undergoing an adhesiolysis.
>
>Dr. Kruschinski does have valuable information on gasless laparascopy on
>his website @ http://www.EndoGyn.com.
>
>Have a good day,
>
>Karen
>
>-------Original Message-------
>
>From: adhesions@adhesions.org
>Date: Friday, June 27, 2003 08:01:46 AM
>To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS
>Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Robin/Korell--Kruschinski
>
>Karen,
>I did talk with Dr Korell about the gas. He said "we donīt think that
>there is a big influence of the CO2 on the incidence of adhesions." This
>Dr has been studying adhesions for 25 years. I truely trust him. I
>have been through so many surgeries. These were the easiest I have ever
>had. I am adhesion free, and have the pictures to prove it. I think my
>recovery time was fast. I had surgery on Tuesday and site seeing on
>Sat, Sun, & Monday before my 2nd look the next Tuesday. I was up
>walking soon after surgery & havent quit yet. Besides my 8 adhesion
>surgeries (2 of them open abdominal)and 2 2nd looks, I have had 3
>c-sections, open abdominal hysterectomy and open abdominal hernia
>repair. Dr Korell's skill and knowledge is comparable by none I have
>ever encountered. A flight to Germany is hard and long, but doing it
>alone is harder. Since we could not afford anyone to go with me, I took
>care of myself after I left the hospital the next day after my 1st
>surgery. I prepared 2 meals a day in my room & ate out the other. So,
>I think my recovery time was fast. As everyone knows, there is no
>guarentees in this type of surgery, but DR Korell saved my life and gave
>me life. I am out of bed now, getting off pain meds, spending time with
>my family, going shopping & just walking around. I am adhesion free
>because of him. I can never thank him enough.
>robin
>
>--
>
>At Thu, 26 Jun 2003, Karen Steward wrote:
>>
>>Robin,
>>
>>Please forgive me if I misunderstood your statement;
>>
>>> I paid almost 3,000 Euros less & I stayed for 3 weeks
>>>instead of only 2..............
>>
>>I thought you were saying you paid less and stayed longer
>>due to surgery, as I was assuming your statement was
>>reflecting surgery costs/recovery time.
>>
>>Also, money is usually always an issue in instances like these,
>>however, I still say we cannot equate money between surgeons,
>>techniques, success, etc.
>>
>>It isn't my desire to argue, but rather shed light on the recent
>>post that did cause some confusion between the two surgeons.
>>
>>Your statement;
>>>The gas certainly did not give me more adhesions.
>>
>>How can you be sure? Again, I am not arguing, but is there some-
>>thing that I am missing? Has Dr. Korell stated that CO2 is not a
>>problem in adhesion formation? I have found on many sites (other
>>than Dr. Kruschinski's), that it is a known fact that CO2 is a co-
>>factor in adhesion formation.
>>
>>I am not sure any patient is aware of the repercussions surrounding
>>the use of CO2, as that is the "common" product being used
>>by most surgeons. I know I was certainly not aware of the effects
>>CO2 has on the body or that it is a co-factor in adhesion formation
>>until we found Dr. Kruschinski. In the US surgeries, the ONLY thing
>>brought to our attention by the performing surgeons concerning CO2
>>was "shoulder pain".
>>Had I known then what I know now, I would have never subjected
>>my daughter to the risk of more adhesion formation......the very
>>thing she was going in to have removed.
>>
>>Robin, I am only wanting people considering surgery to get all
>>the information they can get and weigh all the facts before they choose
>>a surgeon. Helen posted some great information today about choosing
>>a surgeon. I wholeheartedly agree with you that it is each person's cho e;
>>at the same time, those of us that have been through the "surgery arena
>>with our loved one should open our mouth and SPEAK what we have
>>learned through our experiences. I know something caused Melissa
>>to become worse after the two US surgeries she had.............as she h
>>gone 13 years living a life of pain with NO surgery. Once she had her
>>first surgery the problems really began...........within 6 months she h d
>>the
>>second surgery in the US. Within one month she complained of NEW
>>pain in areas she hadn't previously had pain! Within 3 months she was s
>>bloated she could barely walk and her bowels were functioning less!
>>
>>I was in a panic to find out what in the world was going on..........th ,
>>she
>>had a bowel obstruction............it was a nightmare...........severe in
>
>>vomiting, etc........she was rolling in the floor in pain.............. is
>>incident
>>led us to book our flight to Germany!
>>
>>Looking back I am convinced that SURGERY with the use of CO2 exacerbate
>>her condition.
>>
>>Dr. Kruschinski is offering something we only WISH others were offering
>>surgery without CO2. Dr. Kruschinski is adamant that every possible ben fit
>>for the patient be available to have a successful surgery and to stop a
>>the risk factors of adhesions re-forming during surgery. He is accomplis
>ing
>>
>>this by using the AbdoLift that he created. He is also active to share is
>>exciting
>>technique with other surgeons...........and as with anything new and
>>unfamiliar,
>>other doctors will continue their "learned" methods until the public/pat
>ent
>>
>>becomes aware that there is a more beneficial way (for the PATIENT) to ve
>>a successful outcome! In the meantime, patients of Dr. Kruschinski will e
>>sharing gasless surgery with others, as this can greatly increase their
>>chances
>>of coming home truly free from adhesion pain.
>>
>>Karen
>>
>>-------Original Message-------
>>
>>From: adhesions@adhesions.org
>>Date: Thursday, June 26, 2003 04:43:18 PM
>>To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS
>>Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Robin/Korell--Kruschinski
>>
>>I too went to Germany in severe pain. I had been on Duragesic 75
>>patches, MS Contin 60 mg 2 x a day, 15-20 mg of vicodin every 3 hours
>>sometimes every 2 hours. Just over a month ago, I did not life outside
>>of my bed. I would try to shower every 3 days, because just getting out
>>of bed & taking my clothes off put me in more pain. Then I would double
>>up on my meds & back to bed for days because of the extra pain I was in
>>My husband and kids were taking care of me. My adhesions started with a
>>c section in 1983. My first surgery was Aug, 1985.
>>If money was not an issue, then this site would not be used because
>>everyone here would have already had surgery in Germany. Also, my
>>husband & I would not have had to file bankruptcy last year because of
>>all the DRs I went to & the tests & procedures and the pain medications
>>I sold most of my beloved cat and frog collection to make this trip. I
>>would have sold all of them to make it there. I am not sure if my
>>family could have come up with almost $3,500 more. I think that DR
>>Korell is offering a less expensive way to go. The gas certainly did
>>not give me more adhesions. Dr Korell does tons of adhesion surgeries,
>>he is an expert! He is producessing adhesion free patients. Most of
>>those patients are in Germany and some even have traveled from Frankfur
>>especially for him to do their surgeries.
>>
>>--
>>
>>I personally thought this was not needed!!!!! I chose how long to be
>>there, he never told me I needed to be there for 3 weeks. My first
>>surgery, I left the hospital the next day, pain free even though I was
>>on some meds, it was because the meds I was on had to be decreased
>>slowly. My 2nd look surgery I left that day. I am now only on 15 mg of
>>MS Contin for another 9 days, then I get to lower it to one pill a day
>>and then none. Getting off such strong pain meds have to be done
>>slowly. In fact as I talked to my husband every day, he kept telling me
>>to take more meds to help with the withdrawl symptoms, but I have alway
>>been too determined to get off meds too soon for my own good.
>>..We had less time in Germany, (quicker recovery?)
>>>and I see that as a blessing as we were able to return to our family
>>>sooner!!!!!!!!!!!!
>>
>>I also had a friend there that I wanted to be able to spend time with.
>>also wanted to be as comfortable as possible for my over 12 hour flight
>>alone. I also was then facing a 6 hour car ride all the way to my home.
>>While I was there, after my surgeries on Tuesdays, I went site seeing,
>>walking so much that my feet hurt. I can't remember the last time I
>>walked so much, or shopped so much or even felt like shopping. I spent
>>1 1/2 hours yesterday at Wal Mart with my daughter. I wanted to hop,
>>skip, run & jump!! I cant remember the last time I spent 5 mins there,
>>but I know I was in a motorized cart, and this time, I was walking!!!!
>>Money was an issue for me, yes, that is a shame, but It is the truth
>>when I say if we had to come up with more money, I would not be adhesio
>>free today!!!
>>robin
>>
>>At Thu, 26 Jun 2003, Karen Steward wrote:
>>>
>>>Robin,
>>> Thanks so much for taking the time to fill out the study form!
>>>I hope others from both Dr. Korell and Dr. Kruschinski will
>>>take the time to fill it out.
>>> Melissa will be filling out the form also..........however, I have
>>>to get her to slow down long enough to do it....but will post it for
>>>others to see.......Melissa arrived in Germany in pain as most of
>>>you know........she was advised to take pain meds with her as we
>>>were told the pain medication in Germany was different.
>>>
>>>Melissa, even though she was always ill, did not take much pain
>>>medication. She tried to always get by on OTC's.............
>>>
>>>For the trip to Germany, she took RX's of Oxycontin and Percocet
>>>with her that she had left from the California surgery (which left her
>>>wracked with pain for 8-12 weeks)...........
>>>
>>>Melissa was surprised and relieved to find that she needed very
>>>little pain medication after surgery with Dr. Kruschinski using the
>>>AbdoLift. She said, "I am sore, but not in pain----this is tolerable."
>>>She only used the suppositories that Dr. Kruschinski provided,
>>>(and he had to insist she use those).............as she told me, "if
>>>it doesn't go in by mouth, it doesn't go in"...............
>>>
>>>It wasn't until surgery with Dr. Kruschinski that we learned so much
>>>about CO2 and the harm it does to the body............we mistakenly
>>>thought the "pain" after surgery in Texas and California was from the
>>>surgery itself. In Germany Melissa did not experience the same type
>>>of pain she had in the previous surgeries in the States. Now, we know
>>>that much of the pain she had in the States was due to CO2!! Her
>>>recovery time was much faster and when we left Germany on the
>>>22nd, Melissa was on no pain meds at all.
>>>
>>>I would also like to confirm the years of experience of Dr. Korell,
>>>as you have stated 25 years experience in each post. I do not know
>>>the years of experience Dr. Kruschinski has, as I never asked.
>>>I only knew he was turning out well patients with quick recovery time.
>>>That was all I needed to know. If that is important to some people
>>>maybe we should add that information to our study.....................
>>>
>>>For myself, years upon years do not carry any merit......I only want
>>>to hear results!
>>>
>>>Melissa's first surgeon stated he had 37 years of surgery experience.
>>>She was no better after her surgery with him........he was a wonderful
>>>person,
>>>and though he had many years of experience, it was of no benefit
>>>to Melissa. So, all in all, I learned that years of experience is not t
>>>counts when it comes to getting well.............
>>>
>>>I have nothing against Dr. Korell, just as you say you have nothing
>>>against Dr. Kruschinski................I only want people reading the
>>>board that are in pain to consider each posting. In the states, we
>>>have all been like cattle led to water, but there is nothing to drink!
>>>
>>>It would be a disservice to anyone considering surgery to make the
>>>wrong choice in surgeons, especially when making a decision to
>>>travel to Germany............thus, the reason for my post.
>>>
>>>And once again, you bring up money...............however, we cannot
>>>base what one doctor charges against another, as they are operating
>>>out of different hospitals, providing different surgery techniques, an
>>>providing different accommodations for the patients. Therefore they ha
>>>different expenses.
>>>Bringing dollars into the equation is not in the best interest of the
>>>patient
>>>or the surgeon. There is no way to "price comparison"
>>>quick recovery, no cell death, OR extraordinary success results!
>>>We had less time in Germany, (quicker recovery?)
>>>and I see that as a blessing as we were able to return to our family
>>>sooner!!!!!!!!!!!!
>>>So Dr. Kruschinski may have more expenses to cover, but the patient is
>>>at MUCH lower risk in all areas.
>>>
>>>And this is my opinion and our experience!!
>>>
>>>Thanks Robin,
>>>
>>>Karen
>>>
>>>-------Original Message-------
>>>
>>>From: adhesions@adhesions.org
>>>Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 07:03:08 PM
>>>To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS
>>>Subject: Re: Robin/Korell--Kruschinski
>>>
>>>Dear Karen,
>>>I filled out the study form. I am taking pain meds so that I can slowl
>>>decrease them. I was on > Duragesic 75 patch, 60 mg 2 x day Morphing
>>>(MS Contin), 15-20 mg of codine every 3 hours, Ibuprofin 800, equgesic
>>>Paxil & Buspar (anti depressants that should help with pain) Temazapam
>>>for sleep. (That doesn't count the meds I tried that did not work for
>>>me)
>>>NOW I am on 15 mg Morphine for 2 weeks, then 1 pill a day for 2 weeks,
>>>then off them totally. Using 5 mg codine to help with any withdrawl
>>>symptoms. Before surgery, even with a sleep pill, I was waking several
>>>times a night, now it is so much better.
>>>I do need to say that DR Korell has 25 years experience with removing
>>>adhesions. I paid almost 3,000 Euros less & I stayed for 3 weeks
>>>instead of only 2. I have nothing against Dr Kruschinski, I do not kno
>>>any thing really about him. It is a decission that each person needs t
>>>make based on their situation. I do not know many of the names of
>>>people that have been to DR Korell. But I do know he has had success
>>>with more than with me, using the spray gel.
>>>I wish you luck with your study,
>>>love & prayers to all,
>>>robin M
>>>
>>>--
>>>
>>>>My name:_Robin Massengill___My Surgeon:__DR Korell___
>>>>
>>>>Pain before surgery (scale 0 -10): 10
>>>>Pain after surgery (scale (0-10):2
>>>>How much pain meds were you on prior to surgery:
>>>
>>>C>What were the pain medications prior to surgery:
>>>> Duragesic 75 patch, 60 mg 2 x day Morphing (MS Contin), 15-20 mg of o
>>ine
>>>every 3 hours, Ibuprofin 800, equgesic, Paxil & Buspar (anti depressan
>>>that should help with pain) Temazapam for sleep
>>>
>>>>How much pain med were you on after your surgery:
>>>
>>>>What were the pain medications after your surgery:
>>>>30 mg 2x day of Morphine & 5to 10 mg Vicodin
>>>
>>>>Activity level prior to surgery (scale 0-10):0
>>>>Activity level after surgery (scale 0-10):7
>>>>
>>>>How many adhesion surgeries have you had in the US? 6
>>>>How many adhesion surgeries have you had in Germany? 2 (and 2, 2nd lo )
>>>>
>>>>Have you had more than one surgery (excl. second look) with Dr. Korel ?
>>yes
>>>
>>>>If so, why? In Nov 2000, he was using Intergel. It did not keep the
>>>adhesions from returning.
>>>>
>>>>Have you had more than one surgery (excl. second look) with Dr.
>>>>Kruschinski?
>>>>If so, why?
>>>>
>>>>Have you had any surgeries CONNECTED to adhesions after
>>>>adhesion surgery with Dr. Korell, in Germany or the US:
>>>>If so, please state reason (give doctors' name if you like)
>>>>
>>>>Have you had any surgeries CONNECTED to adhesions after
>>>>adhesion surgery with Dr. Kruschinski, in Germany or the US:
>>>>If so, please state reason (give doctors' name if you like)
>>>
>>>At Wed, 25 Jun 2003, Karen Steward wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Robin,
>>>>
>>>>Thanks for the response to my questions concerning Dr. Korell. I do t
>>>>there needs to be clarification between the two German doctor's and t
>>>>techniques being used.
>>>>
>>>>Many postings have been made concerning Dr. Kruschinski and the
>>>>success that patients are achieving through his surgery techniques.
>>>>Your recent post about Dr. Korell has confused some patients. I have
>>>>received personal letters regarding the two surgeons.
>>>>
>>>>I believe it is only in the best interest of ARD sufferers to know al e
>>>>facts
>>>>before making a decision concerning such an important surgery! We mus
>>>>make a unified effort to bring complete clarification between the two
>>>>surgeons! I firmly believe we would both be doing a disservice to the
>>>>suffering patient if we do not state facts, techniques, & results
>>>>between Dr. Kruschinski and Dr. Korell.
>>>>
>>>>I am thrilled for your successful surgery with Dr. Korell............ is
>>>>the
>>>>same story we are wanting others to hear! You did mention pain
>>>>medications, waiting to see if you are free of adhesion pain and cost ou
>>>>stated that Dr. Korell is not as expensive as Dr. Kruschinski. We mus t
>>>>allow a dollar bill to come between success stories being posted on t
>>>>site.................Although the cost may be more or less from one d r
>>>>to
>>>>another, we would not want money to sway a patient considering going
>>>>Germany because of cost differences, as these are two very different,
>>>>unique individuals, using two very different techniques, different
>>>>hospitals, different facilities, etc..........the two doctor's would
>>>>obviously
>>>>have different expenses!
>>>>
>>>>We would all agree if we are making such a drastic step to fly to Ger ,
>>>>we want the BEST possible outcome of that endeavor!
>>>>
>>>>Patients must KNOW!!
>>>>
>>>> Dr. Kruschinski uses SprayGel, but no CO2 (gas).
>>>>
>>>>Dr. Korell uses Spraygel and gas (CO2).
>>>>
>>>>I would love everyone that has been to Germany to begin postings
>>>>answers to the following questions and let's do a comparison:
>>>>
>>>>My name:____________My Surgeon:_____________
>>>>
>>>>Pain before surgery (scale 0 -10):
>>>>Pain after surgery (scale (0-10):
>>>>How much pain meds were you on prior to surgery:
>>>>What were the pain medications prior to surgery:
>>>>
>>>>How much pain med were you on after your surgery:
>>>>What were the pain medications after your surgery:
>>>>
>>>>Activity level prior to surgery (scale 0-10):
>>>>Activity level after surgery (scale 0-10):
>>>>
>>>>How many adhesion surgeries have you had in the US?
>>>>How many adhesion surgeries have you had in Germany?
>>>>
>>>>Have you had more than one surgery (excl. second look) with Dr. Korel
>>>>If so, why?
>>>>
>>>>Have you had more than one surgery (excl. second look) with Dr.
>>>>Kruschinski?
>>>>If so, why?
>>>>
>>>>Have you had any surgeries CONNECTED to adhesions after
>>>>adhesion surgery with Dr. Korell, in Germany or the US:
>>>>If so, please state reason (give doctors' name if you like)
>>>>
>>>>Have you had any surgeries CONNECTED to adhesions after
>>>>adhesion surgery with Dr. Kruschinski, in Germany or the US:
>>>>If so, please state reason (give doctors' name if you like)
>>>>
>>>>I would love to collect the data between surgeons. Robin, since you a he
>>>>only one I currently know that has been to Dr. Korell, it would be ha or
>>>>me to collect the data......do you know of others we could get data f
>>>>Would you help gather data for this important study?
>>>>
>>>>Thanks a lot,
>>>>
>>>>Karen
>>>>
>>>>.
>>>
>>>.
>>>
>>.
>>
>.
>