Lisa’ Posterior Spine Fusion Patient Story
Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis, a bone on bone 50% stable slip at L5/S1. As years passed, my pain grew worse and worse – especially after 2 pregnancies, owning a yoga studio and teaching yoga. Although I was able to stay active, the pain was making it harder & harder to get out of bed each day. I had put off surgery as long as possible, but my quality of life was being severely affected by my condition. Initially I met with 2 spinal surgeons – my 3rd surgical consultation was at HSS with Dr. Girardi. He discussed my condition with such confidence that I knew he was the doctor I wanted to perform my surgery. We quickly scheduled a 1-level spinal fusion with instrumentation & a cage for November 7, 2018. The day I had my spinal fusion was the scariest day of my life, but Dr. Girardi assured me that I was in great hands & that he would take the best possible care of me. The recovery was awful, but between the office staff, Cheryl (his NP) and Dr. Girardi himself got me through it all. Dr. Girardi kept an open line of communication with me after I was discharged from the hospital and always assured me that I was going to get better. And he was right. Three months after surgery I returned to my yoga studio & began teaching a few classes.
Now, 4 years later I am living a totally normal life and can be much more active than I was before! I am teaching and doing yoga, can hike miles at a time without pain, and am back snowboarding after an 18-year hiatus, something I really thought I would never do again. Dr. Girardi gave me my life back to enjoy with my husband & 2 children – literally the best gift I have ever gotten. I’m beyond grateful that I chose him & HSS.
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