My Story

In 2023, I began experiencing lower back pain that radiated into my left buttock. Several doctors diagnosed irritation in the sacroiliac joint and recommended doing exercises from the internet. But the pain persisted — and at times even worsened.

Months later, I sought out an orthopedic specialist again. His advice: more exercise — even though I was already active. An MRI could have provided clarity at that point, but it was never suggested.

Shortly afterward, the pain subsided. I resumed my physical activities and felt hopeful again. After a bike ride, I carried my bicycle down to the basement with some effort — everything seemed fine that day. But the next morning, I woke up with severe pain radiating through my hip, buttock, leg, and now all the way into my left foot. In the hospital, I was given strong painkillers until an MRI finally revealed the diagnosis: a herniated disc with a stretched annulus fibrosus.

In June 2024, I underwent micro-surgical treatment. Unfortunately, far too late. The procedure itself went well from a technical standpoint, and I did receive physiotherapy afterwards. However, after such a prolonged period of physical destabilization, a rehabilitation program would have been essential. Although I was legally entitled to one, it was never arranged. Instead, I was simply told not to bend or twist – and that after four weeks, I should be able to enjoy the summer again.

 Shortly after the surgery, I experienced renewed pain and tingling in my leg, this time also affecting my foot. My body, worn out by the long strain and the surgery, was overwhelmed — nerves and muscles were under too much pressure. This overload went unnoticed until my condition became chronic.

Today, both nerves and muscles in my leg and foot are permanently affected. Constant tingling, burning, and pulling sensations accompany me day and night. Walking even short distances of more than 500 meters leads to significant discomfort. I need a wheelchair for longer distances than just a few steps outside.

Looking back, I know I made many mistakes — and I take full responsibility for them. I often acted out of fear, not from a place of calm or clarity. The ongoing pain has deeply changed my life. I could no longer work as a kindergarten teacher and became indebted over time as I visited numerous specialists without experiencing any real improvement. The burden and the pain became so heavy that I often stayed in bed and saw no way out — I wanted to end my life.

But in the winter of 2025, something began to shift. I decided to take action for my healing — both internally and externally. I also came to realize that, in the period just before my illness, I hadn’t been living a balanced life—instead, I was governed by trauma-rooted beliefs that shaped many parts of my life and also had an impact on my health.

Another shift came when I met a woman I got to know in a Peruvian-German healing center I had visited before my illness. Even then, I remember there had already been successes in the treatment of nerve damage.

I then began an initial four-week therapy in Germany, working with an experienced practitioner trained at the center. The treatment included herbal remedies and massage therapy, complemented by targeted muscle-building, fasting periods, and a tailored nutritional adjustment. Even in this short time, I could feel my system shifting back toward healing — instead of remaining stuck in resignation.

But four weeks are not enough to enable deep regeneration of nerves and muscles. That’s why I am planning a longer stay at the healing center in Peru — depending on the course of healing, anywhere between two and five years. The therapy is based on the traditional wisdom of Shipibo healing, in combination with special massages and natural medicine.

This journey is my next step — back to a pain-free, self-determined life.

With your support, I can take this path.
Every contribution helps — thank you from the bottom of my heart.