Chirurg Welvaart, W.N.

During a bypass surgery in 1999 in the USA, the left side of my diaphragm became paralyzed and I suffered severe shortness of breath. I was told then it was a phrenic nerve issue and told It could recover in two years. My husband and I moved to NL in 2001. My breathing never improved and I came down with pneumonia. I went to an Amsterdam hospital. They treated the pneumonia and then treated me for asthma and COPD. For years I was sure it was my diaphragm causing the problem, but all Dr's disagreed with me at that time. In 2013 I got very sick with pneumonia and this time was taken to VUMC. They treated the pneumonia and agreed something had to be done to get me out of this vicious circle. My breathing would get worse and worse each year. Finally the Dr's at VU referred me to Rivierenland and W. Welvaart.  I had surgery on my diaphragm in Feb 2013 with much success. However in Oct 2014 I was in a bicycle accident which caused the problem to return. I was no able to walk at all and breathe. I was forced into a wheelchair. On 29 January, Dr. Welvaart and his team performed the surgery on me once again! This time the surgery is completely a success and I am finally breathing better than I have in 15+ years!  I am walking everywhere now and at a normal pace!  Dr. Welvaart listened to me and also discussed the risks of the surgery in detail with me. He visited me daily or a couple of times while I was in the hospital and always listened and advised. I was amazed! I hope more people with my problem are able to receive a referral to Dr. Welvaart! I consider it a miracle!