I was dealing with lower lumbar back pain for approximately two (2) years. Gradually the pain got worse along with stinging pain down the back of my right leg. In November of 2013 I had an MRI done which revealed two herniated discs L4-L5 and L5-S1. Physical therapy and injections helped temporarily but the pain returned even worse. After going to a specialist in Austin who didn’t want to operate because of my age, I continued to deal with the pain for an additional 6 months. Finally in November of 2014 a co-worker told my wife about Dr. Francis in Houston who praised Dr. Francis and his methods for diagnosing his wife’s pain. In December I saw Dr. Francis for the first time and in the same day I was seen, had an MRI done, along with a nerve study and saw Dr. Francis a second time all before lunch. Dr. Francis made it clear surgery was the only option and a safe option at that. On December 19, 2014 I arrived at the hospital early in the morning and was released by lunch. After the pain meds wore off I noticed discomfort from the surgical incision, but to my surprise my back pain was gone along with the pain in my right leg. My wife has been great this last week changing my bandages twice a day and helping me dress. You will need to take that into account before having back surgery. (Having a second set of hands to help with recovery, bandages, and dressing.) It has now been eleven days and I feel great. I just finished my follow-up and although I am not supposed to bend or lift objects yet I feel like I could if I have to. Physical therapy is next up but that should be a breeze. I would highly recommend Dr. Francis to anyone considering surgery or options for back pain.
Chris Fogal
