# Post Surgery with Dr. Andreas Schmitz at Bel Etage Clinic **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Tags:** stories, treatment, internal-jugular-vei\ **Created:** [August 9, 2026, 8:17pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880 "2026-08-09T20:17:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![nuovo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e19adc/32.png) [@nuovo](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/nuovo)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2026, 8:17pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/1 "2026-08-09T20:17:11Z")
Hello! I have never posted here but I have been part of the Forum for a couple months. I have been looking for a diagnosis since 2018. After lots and lots of doctors, operations, and medications, I finally found help in Germany! After meeting 4 different doctors about the IJV, I chose the Bel Etage Clinic and it has been amazing! Dr. Schmitz and Joanna met with me 3 times via zoom and then scheduled me within 2 weeks for surgery to have both jugular veins decompressed by shaving/resecting the C1. I arrived in Germany and went straight to the clinic. They went over the paperwork and I met with the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Surgery went perfectly. The prep was by far the best I have ever had done. I woke up with lots of nausea which is typical for me. But they were able to fix that problem quickly with a medication that is much more tolerable. It takes me forever to recover from any surgery but the dr and nurses were unbelievable. I stayed for about 3 weeks- they usually have you leave after 10 days. I had lots of trouble with dizziness and was in a wheelchair for the 3 weeks. The nausea was almost constant. Now for the surgery results. My tinnitus is gone!! Pressure headache, blurred vision, neck pain, and back pain are still present but not constant. I am only 7 weeks post op so the dr is still hoping for relief. I have upper stomach pressure/pain which got worse after the procedure. The dr thinks possibly that the compression in my neck was resolved but I must have a compression in my stomach (I do have EDS) which is now worse owing to the strong flow of blood. I am on a medication for that and it is helping tremendously. We shall see. I am going to wait a few more weeks and then I will meet with the dr to decide on a plan. Dr. Schmitz is currently researching EDS and especially the compressions that are present with it. If possible, I would love for Dr. Andreas Schmitz to be added to the list of Doctors!! I know everyone has different experiences but after all the doctors I met with he was the best by far! ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2026, 3:52am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/2 "2026-08-10T03:52:02Z")
@nuovo - Thank you so much for sharing your story & Dr. Schmitz name. We’ve had German members who’ve had to travel to the US or Turkey for vES surgery so it’s great to know there’s a surgeon in Germany who deals w/ those things. It’s also great to learn about your experience there & how well you were taken care of & about the positives in your recovery so far. We have a lot of info on our forum that’s been provided by members w/ EDS, especially @Snapple2020. She recently posted a chart that shows the various compressions that can occur in the body, especially among those who have EDS. ![VascularConnections.PNG](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/ben_eagle/original/2X/f/f02e82ef16298148c2307518139d37c57a99ccf8.jpeg) I’ve added Dr. Schmitz to our Doctors List. ---
**Author:** ![Snapple2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Snapple2020](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Snapple2020)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2026, 4:49am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/3 "2026-08-10T04:49:30Z")
Wow what a great success story. I want my tinnitus gone! Boo Hoo, I am jealous. I pretty much have most all the vascular compressions myself and they say, if possible to take the top down approach. I just had my revision ES surgery and neck adhesions removed about 14 weeks ago. Doctor thinks based on my post op US velocities, I have compression at the SCM of IJV on one side. Im attaching an article about that for you. This pain started right after surgery so it makes sense to think once you fix one clog, the downstream clog takes on the pressure. I had a vascular surgeon explain it like a plumbing issue. You can’t just fix one clog when you have multiple and expect it to function properly. You need to take care of all the clogs (or compressions). Im having issues with pressure on the left side in chest below the neck. I was already DX with nTOS on the other side so I am having scans to look further into that. As to stomach pressure and pain, there are a few things to look at that are common in EDS. Hiatal hernia? MALS, SMAS and Nutcrackers vascular compressions. Have you checked into MCAS? [Dr Haa Neck.pdf](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/uploads/short-url/6LFLUURsV1tL0Pqw3UCPv84aJEH.pdf) (2.0 MB) ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2026, 12:11pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/5 "2026-08-10T12:11:50Z")
I’m so glad that you had a good experience with your surgery and Dr Schmitz! I think you’re the first of our members who has had surgery with him, we have had his name mentioned in a discussion but don’t like to add a doctor’s name to the list unless a member has seen him… Great that your tinnitus is gone, and good that you’re realistic about the timeframe for healing, it is still early days! With having bilateral surgery there can be more swelling than with just one side so that could be a factor too. I hope that you keep improving 🙏 ---
**Author:** ![kboi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kboi](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/kboi)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 5:43pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/6 "2026-08-11T17:43:46Z")
@nuovo I have to ask what was his reasoning behind leaving both styloids? Where are the incisions? How much of C1 did he shave? Did he mention of other tissues he removes, nerves, fascia, etc? ---
**Author:** ![nuovo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e19adc/32.png) [@nuovo](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/nuovo)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 7:58pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/7 "2026-08-11T19:58:35Z")
> [@Isaiah\_40\_31](#): > > Thank you so much for sharing your story & Dr. Schmitz name. We’ve had German members who’ve had to travel to the US or Turkey for vES surgery so it’s great to know there’s a surgeon in Germany who deals w/ those things. It’s also great to learn about your experience there & how well you were taken care of & about the positives in your recovery so far. > > We have a lot of info on our forum that’s been provided by members w/ EDS, especially @Snapple2020. She recently posted a chart that shows the various compressions that can occur in the body, especially among those who have EDS. Thank you so much! I am very glad my experience could be helpful, and I am especially glad to hear that Dr. Schmitz has been added to your doctors list. I hope it makes it a little easier for others in Europe who are looking for treatment options closer to home. Thank you also for mentioning the information on EDS and the chart from @Snapple2020. I will definitely take a look at it. I am currently researching IVC compression. I really appreciate all the information and experiences that everyone shares on the forum. ---
**Author:** ![nuovo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e19adc/32.png) [@nuovo](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/nuovo)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 8:04pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/8 "2026-08-11T20:04:42Z")
Thank you so much for all of this information and for sharing the article! I have actually read and reread it—thank you!! That explanation makes a lot of sense. In my case, I also have compression from my digastric muscle, but that has not been addressed yet. I honestly have not had much imaging done for the stomach pressure, so I am still trying to figure out where to look next. I do have MCAS. A very close friend of mine has already had SMA and MALS surgery and is now preparing for Nutcracker surgery. 🙏 Unfortunately, she has developed pretty severe gastroparesis, which has been very difficult. 😢 I have been looking into IVC compression because my pressure and pain are so high up, more in the upper abdomen/chest area. I am definitely interested in learning more about the different vascular compressions and how they can interact with one another. ---
**Author:** ![nuovo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e19adc/32.png) [@nuovo](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/nuovo)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/9 "2026-08-11T20:06:09Z")
Yes, of course! I will share my imaging here. I will work on figuring out the whole download/upload process. ---
**Author:** ![anon30378544](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/779978/32.png) [@anon30378544](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/anon30378544)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2026, 7:44am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/11 "2026-08-12T07:44:39Z")
You can write a link to download DICOM files, for example, from Google Drive. ---
**Author:** ![janton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/35a633/32.png) [@janton](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/janton)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2026, 9:51am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/12 "2026-08-12T09:51:23Z")
I am very glad that you were so well taken care. If possible and you feel comfortable, could you tell us the rough cost of the surgery. All the best ---
**Author:** ![BuckeyePrincess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5daacb/32.png) [@BuckeyePrincess](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/BuckeyePrincess)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2026, 3:34pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/13 "2026-08-12T15:34:57Z")
Thank you for sharing your success story! We personally met Dr. Schmitz recently. He had a conference about most of the surgeries the doctors do there at Clinic Bel Etage. He told us the reason he does not remove the styloids is to try to keep the neck from becoming too unstable with those who especially have hEDS. Also he believes doing the C1 shave on both sides helps build scar tissue for keeping the neck stable. But he was quick to say he has only been doing surgeries for IJV in the last couple years. He knew about our daughter’s recent surgery with Dr. Hepworth and was interested in hearing how he did the surgery and scar tissue removal around the jugular and carotid artery. He is still learning about all these other cormorbidities associated with IJV compression and then he is also digging deep into IVC presently with another patient. After hearing about our daughter’s other symptoms that is keeping her dysfunctional Dr. Schmitz highly suspects IVC. We found on the US report from a year ago that read like this… The IVC has an eye catching compression at the diaghram and between the liver and renal artery area… two compressions. The mesenteric artery lower in the abdomen is not compressing the IVC. So maybe the IVC compression could explain her symptoms of high heart rate and severe blood pooling that has become major since her IJV surgery? She has already had surgery at Clinic Bel Etage for the MALS, Nutcracker and May-Thurner a year ago. Keep us posted, @nuovo , if you are able! ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2026, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/14 "2026-08-12T18:31:22Z")
I’m sorry that she’s having so many compressions to get dealt with! The way @Snapple2020 described the ‘clogs’ certainly makes sense… ---
**Author:** ![kboi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kboi](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/kboi)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2026, 7:30pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/15 "2026-08-12T19:30:12Z")
I had the pleasuring speaking with Dr. Schmitz a second time regarding a potential surgery I may get done this month. - Approach: Dr. Schmitz emphasizes that C1 is the primary source of compression. He will resect C1 first and use CT/X-ray during the surgery to determine whether the styloid is still contributing to compression. If so, he will resect the styloid as well. - Surgery: Both sides can be addressed during the same surgery. You would be positioned face-down with my neck rotated, then repositioned to the opposite side to complete the second side. If a complication occurs on one side, they may wait a few days before operating on the other. - Facial nerve: They emphasize that full or partial facial paralysis is not considered a concern with their approach. - Experience/outcomes: Dr. Schmitz has performed approximately 75 of these surgeries, with about 90% of patients reporting improvement in symptoms. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/16 "2026-08-12T19:46:39Z")
I’m glad that he feels he could help you; it sounds like he’s done quite a few now with good results! Are you going to get any other opinions, or do you feel confident with him? ---
**Author:** ![kboi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kboi](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/kboi)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2026, 9:01pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/17 "2026-08-12T21:01:36Z")
Unsure but I’m leaning towards him. Less time waiting less time recovering. ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2026, 1:35am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/18 "2026-08-13T01:35:02Z")
@BuckeyePrincess - Your poor daughter 🥺. I’m sorry she is still looking at future major surgeries, but if they all help a bit, then added together, I hope her recovery becomes complete. 🙏 ---
**Author:** ![anon30378544](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/779978/32.png) [@anon30378544](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/anon30378544)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2026, 7:21am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/19 "2026-08-13T07:21:31Z")
How much does the operation on one side cost? Do you have any contact details? ---
**Author:** ![nuovo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e19adc/32.png) [@nuovo](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/nuovo)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2026, 4:19pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/20 "2026-08-13T16:19:17Z")
Yes. So this is what was shared with me. SSS-Syndrom of Jugularis left and right side. 16,000.00 € All the other fees including hospital stay, nurses, food, 1 companion…..was about 41.667,85 €. Kindly note that our cost estimates are provided in two separate documents: one for the clinic and one for Dr. Schmitz as the operating surgeon. The cost estimate includes all expenses related to the treatment, including: • transfer from the airport or main train station to the clinic and back again, • the surgical procedure of the jugular vein, • a 10-day inpatient hospital stay, • medication, • laboratory tests, • a postoperative CT scan for control, • physiotherapy, • as well as accommodation and catering for one accompanying person. If you decide to come without an accompanying person, the corresponding costs will, of course, be reduced accordingly. Please also note that Dr. Schmitz genuinely wants to help the patient. If the price exceeds your expectations or is too high, please let us know. Dr. Schmitz and I will review the situation together and see what we can do. ---
**Author:** ![nuovo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e19adc/32.png) [@nuovo](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/nuovo)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2026, 4:20pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/21 "2026-08-13T16:20:44Z")
Hello Filya, Yes I just shared the pricing. My contact at the clinic is Ioanna Jonetat Hatziioakimidou Executive assistant to the CEO & International Patient Manager **A.N.S.C. Clinic GmbH | Clinic Bel Etage | Reichsstraße 59 | D-40217 Düsseldorf** Phone +49 211 781 795 - 90 |Mobil +49 1773503409 | Fax +49 211 781 795 - 99 [Ioanna.chatziioakimidou@clinicbeletage.de|](mailto:Ioanna.chatziioakimidou@clinicbeletage.de%7C "mailto:Ioanna.chatziioakimidou@clinicbeletage.de|") [www.clinicbeletage.de](http://www.clinicbeletage.de/ "http://www.clinicbeletage.de/") ---
**Author:** ![nuovo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e19adc/32.png) [@nuovo](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/nuovo)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2026, 5:14pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880/22 "2026-08-13T17:14:25Z")
I just had a followup with Dr. Schmitz. They are hoping to have special imaging equipment setup in office by September so he doesnt have to send his patients to Dr. Scholbach in Leipzig. It it wonderful news! Honestly, I feel Dr. Schmitz is so busy with his research that he is not able to meet all his patients needs. It took 2 appointments until I finally was able to speak to him. Ioanna is also very busy assisting the dr and even taking care of patients. When I called she was taking a patient to hotel. Of course, the appt went incredibly well and I would not choose another doctor but just something to keep in mind. I think he is super busy! I didnt have any of these issues before my surgery though. It could possibly be just these summer months. He mentioned he is traveling at the end of August. But hes at the hospital at 4am and works until midnight. He would come up to my room to check on me sometimes at 10pm! [Next page](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/post-surgery-with-dr-andreas-schmitz-at-bel-etage-clinic/23880.md?page=2)