Aug 28, 2026
UPDATE AT A GLANCE
- Status: Bed and Commode, 8-10 Weekly Seizures, Implant Twisted
- Next Steps: Hessing Spine Clinic Sep 21st
- Best Way to Support: Prayer and Positive Thoughts
Thank You
Christine and I are eternally grateful for your support. Every wish, thought, prayer, and message is felt and appreciated. Please forgive my not communicating very well. I want to be positive, appreciate the blessings we do have, and recognize the fact everyone struggles. He takes us through – not around – the fire 🔥
When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. ~ Isaiah 43:2
Medical Update
The SCS implant that reduced Christine’s pain twists inside her when it shouldn’t. It takes days for her to reposition and charge it.
Her surgeon referred us to Hessing Spine Clinic (bit.ly/FixMomBack). On Sep 21st we ask surgeons to fix her implant and her lower back, where bones are crushing her spinal cord. From her 2014 vehicle collision, Christine has legal approval to fund a lower back surgery to repair her degenerated artificial disc between L5 and S1 vertebrae. Average spinal surgery costs are $25k in Germany and $100k in USA, and we see a far better healthcare system here.
Lower vertebrae crushing artificial disc and spinal cord nerves
On Sep 3rd a local doctor will review Christine’s lab results. We hope he eases her symptoms of GI distress, dizziness, pain, and likely allergic conjunctivitis.
How Christine is Doing
Poor, dear Christine. She is bedridden, uses a commode instead of the bathroom, and her seizures have increased to 8 to 10 a week. I do my best to keep her from bruises and scratches. Her GI challenges persist, but they don’t require hospitalization since FMT.
We tried a hotel with a bathtub for our anniversary and her birthday. When she was able to use the tub, it was exhilarating. For each day we went out for a drive and a meal, she needed a full recovery day. Still, it was a much needed escape from our little room above the garage. I love her so, so much.
Next Steps
Here is what our upcoming calendar looks like:
- Sep 3 Doctor visit and lab results
- Sep 21 Spinal Clinic consult
