Changing Lives in Botswana: A Patient Story

It’s the individual patient experiences that tell the story of why World Spine Care’s work in the field is so important.  Here is a short story from past Clinical Coordinator in Botswana, Dr. Stefan Eberspaecher.

Past Clinical Coordinator, Dr. Stefan Eberspaecher (left) with surgeon, Dr. José Valdez (right). Their patient (middle) presented to the World Spine Care clinic in a wheelchair. He is now able to walk after receiving care from both doctors.

This patient (pictured middle) came into the clinic in a wheelchair, he was paraplegic at the time and could not support himself in the seated position.  He had progressively worsening pain over a period of two years.

He had progressively worsening pain over a period of two years.  Dr. Eberspaecher diagnosed him with upper thoracic myelopathy, at the time the etiology was unknown. He was sent straight to Dr. Jose Valdez, the neurosurgeon (pictured far right).  Dr. Valdez found an upper thoracic schwannoma, and he removed it surgically. 

This picture was taken two months after the surgery.  The patient was walking with the assistance of crutches. In about a year, he will most likely make a complete recovery and be walking without any assistance.  

The patient was so grateful to both Dr. Valdez and Dr. Eberspaecher that he brought hand-written cards for both of them.

This is why the work we do is so important. This is how we are changing lives in Botswana – and everywhere that the World Spine Care program is operating.