KCM: How are you, Mr. Sean Bowyer?
Sean: Doing well.
KCM: Yes. How did you find us? How was the process and what can you tell me about the way you found us?
Sean: Alright, well, I just, you know, I was looking for something economical and something somewhat professional. And so I just started looking on the internet through medical tourism companies. I tried a whole bunch. I originally tried one. I was gonna go to India, but I can never, ever get ahold of anyone. And that was probably the biggest deterrent to a lot of these travel agencies was that I couldn’t get ahold of anyone.
KCM: So you found KCM, yes, and called them?
Sean: Yes. So I found a number. I called it. And actually, I think I emailed someone then I emailed you. And it was like the next day he got back to me or even that same day. So it was like immediate communication which was good. So I contacted you and then I started looking into it a little bit more. And really, I’d much rather choose Poland than the India. I’m going to be in a stressful situation so where do I want to be? In the middle of some big city in the middle of India or I want to come to like a resort? It’s like going to Vail to have surgery versus going to the middle of LA.
KCM: What about Mexico?
Sean: Mexico was a definite, was a possibility but it was not one of my options that I was considering. Just, you know, with the– Being so dangerous there now, the risk was not worth the reward. The cost was about the same. Might be a little bit cheaper but do I want to jeopardize the safety…
KCM: Of course. And for what exactly treatment are you here?
Sean: I’m having the DIAM Dynamic Stabilization Device implanted into two levels, something that they’re not doing in America. I live in Denver, and right by Boulder. And in Boulder, they’re doing clinical trials. They’re just starting clinical trials for this. And they only allow one level to be in the trial. And here, they’ve been doing two levels for a long time.
KCM: So you’re saying that you’re getting a minimum invasive spine surgery with some DIAM implants that are not even public there in America?
Sean: Yeah, exactly. Yeah. So I was looking into the artificial disc and that’s what I originally wanted. And so I was looking to see, trying to find an M6 disc, but with my laminectomy it wasn’t an option. So the DIAM was what I was going with.
KCM: How was the service that you got here from team and from KCM clinic?
Sean: It was great. I mean, from the—I had them book my flight. I could have booked my own flight but I just wanted them to do it and, you guys to do it. And everything was great, communication was great. It was really easy. Once I got off the plane, I was met. They brought me right here, right to my hotel room. It was great, everyone’s friendly, everyone speaks English. So right to my hotel. I kind of feel bad because they were doing so much for me and I felt like royalty. I was like, I’m just this little teacher from Colorado but it really made me feel special.
KCM: And tell me, what was the know-how and experience from the doctor a factor that may be your decision quicker and easier?
Sean: Yeah, that was one of the things that really put me at ease was that I was able to call the doctor before because I’m a huge sceptic. I’m always looking– I teach high school. I’m always trying to figure out, okay, is this real, is this someone trying to pull something on me? So when I got to talk to the doctor, he explained to me that he’s done 3000 of these with only three, I think, complications and two were just minor infections and one was the guy who was older and had a little bit of leg nerve losses. You know, like three out of 3000, do the math. That’s great results. He just really put me at ease. So yeah, that was a big factor. Do I want to go somewhere where it might be a new cheaper, like I’m talking a little bit, and not have someone who’s experienced or come here and have the rock star of all neurosurgeons?
KCM: Is this your first back surgery?
Sean: This is actually my– This would be my third. I’ve had a two discetomies and one laminectomy. This will be my first implant. My whole goal was to avoid fusion. I’m only 33 years old. I don’t want fusion. And in America that’s everyone’s knee jerk reaction is fusion, let’s fuse you. And they’re just so afraid to do anything creative or anything out of the ordinary. We just don’t want to be sued and all this madness. So this is the best option.
KCM: Would you recommend the service so far for other future patients?
Sean: Definitely. Yes. This is, definitely, I can tell this is the right decision. I made a great decision. I would totally recommend it to anyone. I was even in the hotel and I was talking to a guy from Germany and he was telling me he had back pain. And I gave him you guys’ contact information. And I definitely recommend this to everyone because there’s no reason to be living in pain. And that’s what I was doing for about three years. I was just maintaining the pain and kind of just living every day in pain, trying to make it as minimal as possible but still not feeling 100% a coach, and I play basketball and I really want to get back in there and…
KCM: Active lifestyle.
Sean: Have my active lifestyle, yes.
KCM: Mr. Sean, thank you for the interview here at KCM Clinic in Jelenia Góra, Southwest Poland.