Writing to honor Dr. Millard, who I had the good fortune of being referred to by a friend he had treated while she was on the Olympic Team.
Early September 2019 I suffered herniated discs at L4 and L5 which sent me to emergency at Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Gatos, in excruciating pain, barely able to walk.
Due to the severity of my symptoms, the neurosurgeon that saw me that night recommended that I go immediately into surgery for a laminectomy and discectomy to remove pressure created by the ruptured discs on my spinal cord (cauda equina), fearing that if they didn't relieve the pressure I could be paralyzed and lose the use of my legs.
Fortunately, my case was borderline enough that I was able to leave the hospital after signing a release of liability, and promise that I would see a neurosurgeon within 12-hours. The next day my GP sent my MRIs to three neurosurgeons and an orthopedic surgeon for consultation. All four of whom wanted me back in the hospital for the surgery that day!
Well, the way the "system" works, the surgeon had to send a request to my medical insurance provider for "approval" of the procedures. During which few days I was referred to Dr. Millard, who made room in his schedule to see me almost immediately.
While Dr. Millard was testing (my left foot was so weak it was starting to drag on the floor with each step I took with my "walker") he observed that during that 2-3-day period it appeared that I had regained a bit of strength in my left big toe. Dr. Millard said this was "rare" but that he had seen this before, and thus, recommended I get into Stanford Hospital the next day for the cortisone epidural procedure he has expertise in implementing.
(Figuring that the above-mentioned surgery would still be an option if the epidural injection of cortisone and other medicines did not work).
It was a VERY painful procedure, but it worked!
It was a slow recovery at first. Flat on my back in bed for 1-2 weeks while constantly icing the area of the injury, and taking strong anti-inflammatory and pain meds. I was wheelchair-bound for about six weeks, which experience gave me a whole new "perspective" and appreciation for good health, and empathy for those persons wheelchair-bound for life.
Went from wheelchair to using a "walker" during the first couple of months. Then physical therapy, and after awhile I was able to walk (again) on my own.
At my first post-procedure exam Dr. Millard observed that I had improved so well that I might not need another epidural procedure, which is typically required every six months to a year.
Within 2-3 months I was walking normally again.
Then longer walks, and by summer 2020, just nine (9) months later, I was hiking again.
And by May 2021, 18-months after the injury and Dr. Millard's procedure, I was able to enjoy a full-day of Spring skiing at Mammoth Mountain (that first night in the hospital I was told that I might not ever "walk" again, let alone hike, jog, and ski!).
Now, two and a half years later, I am 90% recovered, doing strenuous 5-10 mile hikes in steep hills on weekends, with some jogging, and flat-out running again!
Had I had the surgeries that the four surgeons were pushing for I doubt that I would have ever been the "same" as before, again. In fact, I have spoken with others that had those surgeries and the majority said they were worse off, thereafter.
So, it is a MIRACLE that I was referred to Dr. Millard, and that his treatment worked so well for me!
I appreciate EVERY DAY that I can go about an active life, enjoying the hikes, runs, and activities that I always have.
Dr. Millard is The Very Best in his field.
I strongly recommend that you see him before making any decisions regarding your spine, if you can...
John C. read more
