Review Detail

Coming up for bar removal in July 2017, I thought it apt to finally rate the work of my surgeon, Professor Klaus Schaarschmidt.

Age 22 was the first time in my life that I was able to afford the surgery to correct my PC. Once I was assured of funds, I had the tricky task of choosing a surgeon. My main options were Dr Ivan Schewitz in my home country South Africa, Dr Dawn Jaroszewski in Arizona, USA, and Professor Schaar in Berlin, Germany.

Ultimately I wanted to have the best surgeon. However in my mind there was nothing between Schaar and Dr J, they were both the best and so it became a question of travel time in case of complications or emergency. Berlin is much closer to South Africa and so I was happy to book a surgery date with the much acclaimed and pioneering Professor Schaar. I must say that in terms of setting and scenery, Berlin was also a far more attractive option. The hospital and the grounds of Helios are quite something! And the cafeteria is loaded with healthy and very well prepared food. I can't wait to go back just to have 5/6 days of solid eating in the cafeteria.

Anyways, my surgery went as planned and my recovery from the get go was pretty strong. I had the physiotherapists quite impressed, especially Sven.

9 days after surgery I was released from Helios and continued to tour Germany and the rest of Europe for a further 3 weeks before heading home. I was off all painkillers by the time I left hospital and so I managed to have a really nice vacation with sightseeing after my surgery.

Recovery continued very well up until the 4 month mark, when I managed to have a car accident with 2 other cars and a wall at 80km/h. Front and side airbags popped. The bar and stabilizers didn't move one bit, and I felt 100%. After about 48 hours I could feel irritation and inflammation around the stabilizers which lasted for a good 2 months. I was very impressed with how secure the bar felt!

Now I await bar removal in July 2017. I thought about leaving it in for another year as I don't even realize the bar is there, but I think 2 years is sufficient for PC repair.

Overall I had an excellent experience with Professor Schaar and his staff at Helios. I hope everything goes smoothly at bar removal so that I can end my pectus journey on a high note, as we all deserve!