My Testimony - Atlantic Spine Center & TLIF Saved my life!
About 7 years ago, I flipped off a bike while riding down a steep hill, but I did not experience any major complications, just soreness all over and some cuts and bruises.
About 4 years ago, I started working-out at the gym on a regular basis. Trying to get my former military body, right and tight, I began working-out sometimes 5 to 7 days a week. After the first 7 or 8 months, it began to feel like the more I worked-out, the more my body hurt. But I was looking good so I kept at it! Finally, in November 2015, my body broke down on me and I could barely walk - I was experiencing severe low back pain, numbing in my legs, paid in my hips and I ached and hurt all the time. I started to see the gyms chiropractor and although I experienced some relief, eventually, I found myself in the chiropractor's office 3 days a week for several months. I began additional physical therapy for several months, but continued to live in pain, morning, noon and night, day after day, after day. It became so debilitating that I began taking time off from work, because I could not roll out of bed. I was taking all kinds of over the counter drugs, with no real relief.
Doctor sent me for x-rays and MRI, and finally, it was determined that I had multiple spine and disc issues; it was found that I had degenerative spine issues, spondylolisthesis; spinal bones were crushing nerves, and instability in the L4, L5 and S1 areas. Immediately seeking for a solution on google, I found the Atlantic Spine Center, located in West Orange, NJ, which was so convenient to where I lived. But, being nervous and listening to people who also suffer from back pain, tell me, "you don't want anyone cutting on your back," "just deal with the pain," "exercise", so, I did nothing for the next 3 months except cry, scream, popped over the counter pain relief, used soaked in Epsom salt daily and still, I was deteriorating and my quality of life was diminished. For the next 3 months, I suffered daily. Being a grandmother of 5 kids from 5 years to 2 months of age, I couldn't enjoy them... I started to research early retirement due to disability and began reading every part of the Atlantic Spine Center's website, read every testimony on the web, watched the surgical procedure videos. I had to make the decision to retire due to disability and live without holding any of my grandchildren OR choose to get some help.
I was brave enough to make the phone call to Atlantic Spine Center. Starting with Dr. Liu, who relieved my spinal nerves by a procedure called "Endoscopic Lumbar Laminotomy." I was able to walk again without my cane! I still had severe disc issues that needed attention, but I suffered the loss of my mother shortly after that procedure and mourning left me unable to care for myself. A few months later, I went back to Atlantic Spine Center, wearing a back brace to keep me standing upright, tip-toe walking because my low back, legs and hips were always in dire pain.
I was introduced to Dr. Praveen Kadimcherla and Dr. Daveed D. Frazier. They told me, "We can help you and that everything is going to be okay." I was almost in tears. He explained the entire process of a TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion), which was a minimally invasive procedure that would stabilize my spine and clear the degenerative disc. My procedure was performed on March 22, 2017, I spent 1 night in the hospital and was discharged, standing and walking. Yes, I had some pain after the surgery, but not from my back, legs or hip. The new pain was from the procedure for which I was given prescriptions to deal with pain. It has now been 6 weeks post operation, I have been OFF pain medication for 3 weeks and I am walking and standing with no back, leg or hip pain. It was the best physical decision that I have ever made. (Thank you, Atlantic Spine Center! Dr. Liu, Dr. Kadimcherla and Dr. Frazier! I am truly grateful! Rene M.) read more
