Keith

Advances in spine surgery have revolutionized the treatment of back, neck, and spine pain for thousands of patients.  Thanks to improved therapies and new techniques, you can often return home the very same day.  Keith was one of those patients; his surgery at the Celebration Health Spine Center allowed him to return to his normal activities quicker than ever.

Keith

I started a career in construction in 1971 and my back problems began their career at almost the same time.  It was during a visit to the doctor over twenty years ago that I learned I had a congenital condition that would only worsen with age.  Given my condition, I managed to work 15 years creating true-to-life rocks and facades at Disney…..a trade that I thoroughly enjoyed.  On my weekends and days off, I would do my best to play a full1 8 holes of my favorite sport, golf.  But, as years passed, my back pain continued to get worse, so I chose to change my career to an administrative position and limit my time golfing.  My quality of life was slipping.

A TRIP TAKES A TURN FOR THE WORSE

It was during a business trip to Hawaii that I had finally realized I had to do something about my pain.  My fiancée and I were enjoying a sightseeing trip following my attendance at a trade convention.  It was paradise and everything was perfect until….bam!!  I couldn’t even walk for more than 10 minutes at a time due to crippling pain in my back.  This was my wake-up call!  I had previously considered surgery, but this was finally the turning point for me; I just could not go on like this any longer.

A SURGERY IN THE MORNING, BACK HOME BY AFTERNOON

My doctor recommended I see Faissal Zahrawi, MD.  I immediately knew that I was in good hands.  He was very personable and really took the time to explain everything to me.

Dr. Zahrawi explains, “Keith suffered from a condition that required discectomy, decompression, and fusion techniques.  All of his surgery was minimally invasive.  Through an incision that is only about the size of a quarter, I was able to perform the work needed.  The procedure takes about an hour and a half; there is no blood loss, no transfusion, and it requires less recovery time.  The results of this procedure have been life-changing for Keith.  He has gone from living with 35 years of pain to where he is now in only a matter of a one hour surgery.”

Keith says, “I went into Florida Hospital Celebration Health in February as an outpatient at 6 a.m. and I was home by 5 p.m. The hospital facilities and everyone involved in surgery were great.  I hardly took any time off from work.  I now go to the gym like I used to and work out 2-3 times a week.  I ride my bike again and, best of all, I’m golfing again without pain.  I’m 56 years old and this procedure gave me back my quality of life.  It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, regarding my health.”