A chance for a pain free life

Story: Larry Trigg and wife Beth, fostered 17 kids in their 32 years of faith together

THE DIFFICULT PAST:  Twenty years ago, Larry was injured in a severe multi-car accident. This led to the downward spiral of degenerative disc disease in his cervical and lumbar area. Fifteen years ago, he began requiring treatment for lumbar pain. That treatment included physical therapy, Medrol dose packs, epidural injections, and nerve ablation. In 2011 Larry completed the Lemons Center for Behavioral Pain Management program, which has helped him manage living with chronic pain. He still has to rely on medication to deal with the pain, under the supervision of a local pain clinic. In 2013 Larry suddenly lost almost all the use of his right hand and, after exhausting noninvasive options, had a three-level cervical fusion. That surgery was a success, and Larry returned to his job.  By 2015 Larry had developed a 22 degree lumbar scoliosis, had two vertebrae touching and could not continue to work through the pain. The recommended treatment was a three-level lumbar fusion that did not turn out as planned. Larry was diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome, which left him with continued back pain, burning nerve pain along both legs and into his feet, coupled with numbness and tingling in the left upper hip, upper right glute, both legs and feet. This serious chronic pain prevented Larry from returning to work.  

THE HEALTHY PAST:  Prior to the chronic pain complications, Larry led an active and fulfilling life. Larry’s career involved sales and he received several recognitions and awards.  He and his wife were foster parents to 17 children during a 12-year period. Larry was able to participate in Kempo Karate classes with one of their foster sons.  He lifted weights and ran on a treadmill.  Larry was an avid golfer, bowled on a league, rode his bike, attended school activities at his wife’s school, enjoyed photography, and played recreational volleyball.  

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE:  After being told by more than one surgeon that they do not know how to surgically help him, Larry has received a long-awaited answer to prayers. Larry recently received a letter from Dr. Karsten Ritter-Lang that he has been accepted as a surgery patient at the renowned Stenum Hospital near Bremen, Germany!  Dr. Ritter-Lang has specialized in endoprosthetic intervertebral disc solution and complex spinal surgeries for over 15 years. During that time, Dr. Ritter-Lang has done over 10,000 spinal column reconstruction surgeries and over 4,000 disc replacement surgeries with a 95% patient satisfaction rating. The aforementioned surgery is not available in the United States, although many patients are from America. German surgeons have had approval to implant artificial discs in combination with spinal fusions for over a decade. Unfortunately, this type of surgery has not yet received FDA approval in the United States. Dr. Ritter-Lang has also been using a next generation artificial disc for over a decade that is designed and produced in the United States, but is not yet approved by the FDA for use in America. The website, www.enande.com, provides additional information about this renowned surgeon and the incredible work that is being performed in Stenum Hospital.   

Larry’s surgery plan is very extensive. An artificial disc will be implanted between L5 and S1. The hardware from his L2 though L5 fusion will be removed and the spinal canal and nerve pathways will be opened up. Then the fusion will be extended up to T12, resulting in a five-level fusion. Dr. Ritter-Lang stated that the anticipated length of stay in Germany for Larry and his wife will be 23 days. Afterwards, Larry has an anticipated recovery time of 6 to 12 months. 

THE PRESENT:  Although Larry and his wife have been thanking God on a daily basis for answering their prayers, they are now working toward being able to financially cover the expenses of the surgery, which should be in January 2020. Larry’s insurance will not pay for any of the costs for any medical treatment outside the country. The quoted price is approximately $60,000 US dollars, excluding airfare. Larry should fly business class to help alleviate any increased pain that flying coach would cause on the way to Bremen.  Flying business class on the way home will be a necessity, as sitting up for long periods can set back the recovery and be very painful.  

DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE:  Larry hopes and prays that this surgery will be life changing.  Larry wants to return to work.  He has dreamed about running and playing golf again. His wife looks forward to him being able to accompany her on various activities (i.e., going hiking, riding bikes). They both look forward to Larry no longer having to take narcotics to manage the extreme pain.  

GENEROSITY AND GRATITUDE:  A large part of Larry's life has always been about his faith and being of service to others; now is the opportune time for him to receive.  Please consider being a part of Larry’s back-up plan.  Any amount of financial support will be a blessing, and prayers on his behalf are very much appreciated.  If anyone has a surplus of airline miles that could be transferred to Larry, please consider that as an option. God definitely had His hand in assisting Larry to make the positive connection with Dr. Ritter-Lang, and Larry and his wife continue to praise God on a daily basis. Thank you in advance for your consideration about donating to help Larry on his journey to become pain free.  We all know you can not put a price on good health.