Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement – Firefighter for Victoria Fire Department
“I am a Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Victoria. I started having severe back problems in 2011/12. I suffered from pain in my lower back L5/S1 area that shot down my leg causing pain and sometimes numbness. Often times this pain was unbearable and completely debilitating.”
Every move I made was deliberate and intentional. I thought before a walked, stood or bent down to pick something up. I couldn’t play softball, golf or do cross-fit, no jogging and no lifting weights as this would cause excruciating pain. I was turning into a couch potato. I heard about Spine Associates through a co-worker whom had a family member treated by DR. R. Francis. Prior to the disk replacement I had several epidurals, intramuscular analgesic injections, pain medication prescriptions as well as attending several physical therapists for treatment. All of which would only mask the symptoms. It was only a matter of time before I was back with the same issues.
My recovery was fast! The hospital stay was for one night where my care surpassed all my expectations. My pain was minimal and I was released to go home with only a simple small bandage.
Satisfied is not the right word. I am ecstatic with the care I received from Dr. R. Francis and the folks at Spine Associates. I literally feel 10 years younger.
Within 6 weeks I was back to work with no restrictions. I can pick up my 18 month old daughter out of her crib and play with her like her father should be able to. I am also playing softball, golf and exercising for fun again.
I thought at the end of my rope and had all but given into the idea that back pain was a part of my life. I thought I would never be as active as I once was, more over I thought my career was in jeopardy because I could no longer pass the strenuous physical fitness requirements.
I consulted with another spine specialist for a second opinion and he had recommended a multi-level spinal fusion for several disks to alleviate my back pain. Dr. Francis recommended an artificial disk replacement. Needless to say, I went with Dr. Francis and Spinal Associates. They have given me my freedom and livelihood back. I cannot recommend Spinal Associates enough for people suffering from back pain, do yourself a favor and get your back issues taken care of correctly, the first time.