My Results From Two U-Plate Implanted Devices

To: Joel Gillard, Tom Ellis MD, John Mayberry MD
RE: My results from two U-Plate implanted devices November 14 2006.

Hello, First I would like to introduce myself. My name is Michael Kammer (47). On February 6 2005 I was involved in a high speed T-Bone MVA. I was driving a Buick LeSabre and was struck on the drivers side by a full size Ram Pickup truck traveling at a high rate of speed. (Photo attached)

My resulting injuries were 10 broken ribs (1-10), a hemothorax and a pneumothorax. Over the 11 days that I spent in Harborview hospital (6 days in ICU), I was given 10 units of plasma. Needless to say the initial healing process was lengthy. One and a half years later, I still had 4 non-union rib fractures that were still causing excruciating pain.

One year after the auto accident it was necessary for me to undergo open heart surgery to repair a mitrial valve. The cardiac surgeon was kind enough during the heart surgery to do a nerve block on the rib area that was still causing extreme pain. The nerve blockprovided some temporary relief, however it was clear within 6 months after the heart surgery that the nerve block was not going to be all that was required for me to achieve a pain free life.

My local GP stated that I would have to “live with it”. I was referred to a Pain Clinic who actually recommended MORE pain medications than what I was currently taking. I was referred to a specialist in chest trauma in Seattle and I was told that due to my chronic atrial fibrulation, there was no chance of an implantable “pain pump”. I had to live with the pain.

After doing some research I found the website that described the U-Plate system. It appeared that I would be a very good candidate for this procedure. I immediately contacted Dr. Mayberry’s office and arranged to have my medical records forwarded down to him. An appointment was set up for the O.H.S.U. Pain Clinic and a 3d CAT scan. A surgery date was set for November 14 2006 to implant two of the U-Plates.

It is now May 11 2007 and I am 90% pain free. My mobility is completely restored. I still have some minor residual aching near the incision. Based on my my history of healing from previous surgeries, I fully expect that within one year or less, I will no longer be aware that I had undergone such an invasive procedure as the U-Plate

I wish to pass on my highest thanks to Dr. Mayberry who truly cares about his patients. His participation in the U-Plate system truly points to his desire to help people. Without the two U-Plates that I received, I can honestly say that right now I would be on permanent disability and I would be completely unable to work. How does one adequately thank someone for truly “giving them their life back”? I hope that this email will help in some small way to express my deepest thanks.

Sincerely,

Michael Kammer
michael@mkammer.com

Update as of 7/18/2010

Hello, I am just posting a status report on my 2 RibLoc Rib Fracture Plating System implants. I have no pain whatsoever! I am enjoying life without the agony of my previously broken ribs. I just wanted to pass on a very large "THANK YOU" for your product and you dedication to restoring people's lives. -Michael Kammer