Gina

Age: 75
Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
Surgeon: Dr. Erik Spayde of Conejo Spine, Thousand Oaks, CA
Indications: Degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis
Procedure: XLIF®
Levels Treated: L4-5
Surgery Date: July 2010

Life Prior to Surgery: Gina’s struggle with low back pain began years ago. She had always been overweight, which she believes contributed to her back problems. She was also diagnosed with osteopenia at L4-5 which exacerbated her problems. Eventually, Gina’s pain started radiating down her legs due to a pinched nerve. In 2008, Gina underwent back surgery, but unfortunately, it failed to provide her with any pain relief.

Gina was eventually referred to Dr. Erik Spayde and he recommended epidural injections, which only provided her with temporary relief. At that point, Gina knew that she needed to seek a surgical solution for her chronic pain. Although Gina was hesitant to undergo another spine surgery due to her age, her pain had reached the point where she was willing to try anything. Additionally, she had a lot of faith in Dr. Spayde and felt comfortable with him.

Situation Today: Gina underwent XLIF surgery in July 2010. Following the procedure, she wore a back brace daily for six weeks and sporadically for the next four months. Several months later she started physical training and took part in core strengthening exercises. Today, Gina swims five days per week and does aqua aerobics. She feels some numbness in her right leg due to residual sciatic nerve damage, but she uses the assistance of a cane for stability. She was able to travel to Europe one year post-op, and toured Italy with her husband, daughter, and granddaughter. Gina is an officer in two organizations and is able to enjoy social outings with her girlfriends, pain-free.

Important Note: As with any spine surgery, there are potential benefits and possible risks associated with the XLIF procedure. It is important that you discuss the possible risks and potential benefits of XLIF with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician’s judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Dorothy

Age: 87
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA
Surgeon: Dr. Erik Spayde of Conejo Spine, Thousand Oaks, CA
Procedure: XLIF®
Surgery Date: October 6, 2009

Life Prior to Surgery: Dorothy struggled with chronic pain for most of her adult life and underwent back surgery over 20 years ago, which provided some relief. Over time, her pain returned and escalated to the point where she couldn’t perform daily activities like grocery shopping, cooking, gardening, or going to church.

Dorothy tried physical therapy but that only made her pain worse. She finally couldn’t stand it any longer. The pain severely restricted her mobility, and she didn’t want to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. The pain even began to prevent her from sleeping. Her grandson and her previous orthopaedic surgeon both referred Dorothy to Dr. Spayde who recommended that she undergo another spine surgery. At that point, Dorothy was desperate for a solution, and wanted to her live her life fully again. She decided to go undergo the XLIF procedure.

Situation Today: Dorothy underwent XLIF surgery in 2009 and walked immediately after. Although she struggled with some post-op surgical incision pain and soreness, Dorothy quickly became pain-free and felt fantastic. She used a walker for two-to-three months which assisted with stability. She maintained a positive attitude throughout her recovery, which she felt really helped her achieve results. Dorothy underwent regular in-home physical therapy sessions to assist her with walking and strength. She has gladly been able to resume her active lifestyle again, and is back to doing all the things she missed so much.

Important Note: As with any spine surgery, there are potential benefits and possible risks associated with the XLIF procedure. It is important that you discuss the possible risks and potential benefits of XLIF with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician’s judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Barbara

Age: 67
Hometown: Newbury Park, CA
Surgeon: Dr. Erik Spayde of Conejo Spine, Thousand Oaks, CA
Procedure: XLIF®
Surgery Date: March 14, 2011

Life Prior to Surgery: Barbara’s pain started about fourteen years ago and progressed over the years. She tried conservative treatments like epidurals, which only provided temporary relief. Barbara was hesitant about the idea of spine surgery because of the negative stories she had heard. As her pain radiated from her lower back down her right leg, however, she reached the point where she could barely walk. Eventually she was forced to walk with a cane. “My right leg was on fire and completely numb due to nerve damage,” recalls Barbara. The pain made it difficult for Barbara to sleep at night, go on social outings, and spend time with her granddaughter. She finally sought a consultation with Dr. Erik Spayde who thoroughly explained the XLIF procedure and suggested that she consider it as a treatment option.

Situation Today: Barbara underwent spine surgery on March 14, 2011 and was walking with the assistance of a walker right away. She had to learn how to maneuver with her back brace, but eventually she got used to it. Now, she occasionally wears the back brace when she does strenuous activity or yard work. Barbara still struggles with some leg weakness but feels fantastic overall. She plans to start physical therapy in the near future. The activity Barbara loves to do the most now that she is feeling better, is fishing again with her grandchildren and family.

Important Note: As with any spine surgery, there are potential benefits and possible risks associated with the XLIF procedure. It is important that you discuss the possible risks and potential benefits of XLIF with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician’s judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

John

Age: 59
Hometown: Camarillo, CA
Surgeon: Dr. Erik Spayde of Conejo Spine, Thousand Oaks, CA
Indications: Degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis
Procedure: XLIF®
Levels Treated: L4-5
Surgery Date: February 22, 2011

Life Prior to Surgery: John struggled with ongoing sciatica for several years. He tried chiropractic treatments, massage, physical therapy, and various exercises. Unfortunately, they all failed to provide him with long-term pain relief. Additionally, he sought consultations with multiple surgeons who couldn’t provide an appealing treatment option. John’s pain made it difficult to participate in an active lifestyle and enjoy activities like hiking. Sporadic numbness also made it difficult for John to stand or walk for long periods of time. As a plumber, some of his professional activities, which included heavy lifting, took a toll on his back and resulted in soreness and discomfort.

After a consultation, Dr. Erik Spayde recommended surgery. Initially, John held off from undergoing surgery because of the horror stories he had heard. Instead, he sought additional consultations with other surgeons. He tried epidurals which only masked his pain and provided temporary relief for a couple of months. Eventually, John became increasingly tired of dealing with constant discomfort and decided to undergo XLIF surgery.

Situation Today: John underwent XLIF surgery in February 2011 and was walking the next day. He was able to return home after four days, and he wore a back brace daily for three months. Every day, John walked through his neighborhood and was able to return to the gym and ride a stationary bicycle after a couple of weeks. He was happy to resume full time work as a plumber after four months. Now, pain-free and with no discomfort John claims, ““I don’t have any restrictions. I couldn’t ask for better results!”

Important Note: As with any spine surgery, there are potential benefits and possible risks associated with the XLIF procedure. It is important that you discuss the possible risks and potential benefits of XLIF with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician’s judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.