Support Jonny’s ADR surgery in Germany

My wonderful brother, Jonathan (Jonny), has much to give the world and already gives much to his son, Sebastian, our family and others whenever he can. He’s nearing his 39th birthday and, for many of those years, has faced major physical challenges.

Since he was a child, Jonny’s experienced multiple headaches per week or even per day. A headache-free week has been a rare reprieve. Jonny has a missing bone near his neck, three degenerating discs (two neck, one lower back) and scoliosis. He’s had back pain for about 18 years. He’s also battled chronic fatigue for around 21 years and mental health issues throughout. Over the last five or so years, Jonny has seen spine surgeons, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, remedial massage therapists, pain physicians, neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, naturopaths and more. We are grateful to those who’ve stuck with and supported Jonny over many years, particularly his long-standing GP and Natala. The list of procedures Jonny has tried to ease his physical and mental pain, and the list of medications tried, are long.

ADR surgery

Jonny’s damaged discs make him a candidate for surgery. More common fusion surgery reduces spine mobility and increases pressure on the remaining discs. Due to Jonny’s age, it’s not a suitable path. Artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery offers promise and Dr Bertagnoli in Germany is among the best in the world, with a complication rate of less than 1%. He assessed Jonny’s case in 2023 and recommended two procedures to preserve the function and mobility of Jonny’s spine with longer-lasting results – a cervical (neck) procedure at C3-4 and a lumbar (back) procedure at L4-5.

ADR surgery encompasses a total discectomy, vertebral remodelling and the implantation of the ADR. Acute pain patients almost always see a large reduction in pain or become pain free. As Jonny is a chronic pain patient, pain reduction is still quite possible though isn’t guaranteed. Jonny will gain the mobility benefits of the surgery either way, though we are believing for a big win in the pain department.

We have accepted a surgery date of 21 May 2024 for the cervical procedure. He will arrive in Germany the week prior, supported by our Dad, Ray, and stay for two weeks after the surgery. He is expected to be up and about within a day or two of surgery but will take life at a slower pace for six weeks afterward.

The costs

The 1 level (one disc) cervical surgery without complications will cost approximately AUD$65,000. That covers the surgeon’s fee, the hospital fee (on-call service, care unit, medication, surgery room, room/board, meal, lab, physiotherapy), anaesthesia, implants, a cervical brace and possible tests/exams. Flights for Jonny and Dad, car hire, accommodation, travel expenses and insurance will cost another approximately AUD$25,000. Contingencies are additional.

Due to the very generous support of a family friend, and our family’s investment, we can make this first procedure happen. That said, we know many have followed Jonny’s story and want to support him and us. Contributions will share the financial burden, provide reserves for contingencies and his rehabilitation, and/or contribute to the potential second surgery in the next year or two.

We don’t want people to give thinking it will be the difference between him going or not. He’s booked in. This is happening! That said, if you feel to give, we are so deeply grateful. We are sharing this privately, recognising the support we’ve already received.

With love and gratitude

Elizabeth on behalf of the whole Graetz family