Andy B. from Ohio

Patient Name: Andy B.
Age: 42
Location: OH

Diagnosis: Herniated and bulging discs

Procedure Date: May 21, 2009

Type of Procedure: DND

Pre-Surgery Life Style/ Condition: I was handicapped for about thirteen years or so with severely herniated and bulging discs in my lower back. I could barely walk. I have had two surgeries to my neck that were supposed to fix the situation, but unfortunately neither helped me. I’ve also had many medications, physical therapies, orthotics and many other suggestions that I have tried, but nothing helped.

I am 42 years old. The way I looked when I walked, it looked like I was 88. I had to walk with a cane. It’s been terrible. There were so many basic things I couldn’t do and at times I felt useless. Many people asked me “What happened?” and the answer is, I don’t know. There was no injury, no car accident that caused this. It just slowly but surely happened and started degrading my life. Before this nightmare, I was a perfectly healthy individual. In fact, I was a Cincinnati Reds ball boy in 1984 and 1985 when I was able to chase baseballs and work in the Reds clubhouse with no problems.

Post Surgery Outcome: After attending an informational seminar and learning about the surgery, it looked amazing. I am able to now stand up pain free, and just recently completed physical therapy. The physical therapist said that now with home exercise, I should be able to eventually walk normally once again. Everyone at North America Spine was wonderful, and provided me a second chance at life. To be a fully functional dad would truly be a blessing and miracle to me and my family. Now, that actually seems possible.