LED/TA Testimonials

Mark Wetterholm
11004 Cactus Valley Dr.
Bakersfield, CA 93311


March 28, 2007

Dear Dr. Schiffer and Staff:

It has been exactly on year since Dr. Schiffer performed an L.E.D. procedure to deal with herniated discs at the L-3 ñ L-4 level and L-5 ñ S-1 level in my lower spine. I am writing to give you an update on my progress, and I am hopeful that you can use my testimony for other patients whom are considering this procedure.

I cannot express to you how thankful I am that I entrusted my aching back to your care. Just over 1 year ago, I was in constant excruciating pain that impacted my ability to walk, sleep, and restricted my activity to bed rest. After months of Chiropractic care, physical therapy, pain medication treatment, and rest it was apparent that I needed to seek a more aggressive treatment for my back pain. I honestly did not know where to turn. I had heard so many horror stories about people who made the decision to have back surgery and in many cases were in more pain and even worse condition post-op.

My search began via the internet seeking an understanding of my condition and the possible surgical solutions to address the dysfunction in my lower lumbar. It became clear to me that procedures that involved the removal of bone (lamina) and significant trauma to tissue and muscle were apt to cause more problems with regards to potential long-term recovery, thus I ruled out these options. This decision meant I would need to seek a surgical solution outside my city of Bakersfield, because laminectomy and micro-discectomy were the only procedures available in my area. As I continued my search, I discovered a minimally invasive procedure known as ìLUMBAR ENDOSCOPIC DISCECTOMYî (LED) that was proving to be quite successful in the treatment of herniated discs.

I had no idea where to go from here. I spoke with my chiropractor and my personal physician regarding their opinion on this procedure, and although they were unfamiliar with the procedure they were supportive of a minimally invasive approach. I began a diligent search for a physician who performed L.E.D. It was during an internet search in February 2006, that I came into contact with Dr Schiffer. While doing a Google search on L.E.D., Dr. Schifferís website was the first to pop up. From this point on everything began to come together. After speaking with Praba, I received some preliminary instructions about what Dr. Schiffer needed to evaluate whether or not I was a good candidate for L.E.D. Upon receiving my MRIís and X-Rays, Dr. Schiffer called and informed me that he could help, and that I appeared to be an excellent candidate for the L.E.D. procedure. The warmth and confidence expressed by Dr. Schiffer made me feel comfortable about my decision to utilize his surgical talents. I scheduled surgery for March 28, 2006. I applaud your office staff for making this whole process so convenient!

My wife and I were greeted warmly upon our arrival at Dr. Schifferís office on Monday March 27th. A thorough examination first conducted by Michael Hom, and then confirmed by Dr. Schiffer made it clear that I was in the right place at the right time. I could barely walk and even the barely part was excruciatingly painful. On Tuesday morning March 28th, I arrived at the Pleasanton surgery center at about 7:30 am. The procedure lasted about 2 Ω hours and around noon I was awake and alert. My wife and I left the surgery center at about 2:30 pm, and I noticed that already the excruciating pain that I had experienced prior to the surgery was absent. Wow! Instant relief! On Wednesday March 29th, after a brief examination by Dr. Schiffer and Michael Hom, my wife and I returned home to Bakersfield. Once again I noted the absence of the leg pain that had plagued me for months and years.

For three to four months post-op I exercised 3 to 4 days a week by swimming in our cityís Arthritis Association pool, which is heated at 95 degrees constantly. By late June 2006 I was able to resume playing golf. By late fall 2006 I began playing tennis again. I feel better now than I have probably in 10 years. I am able to do the things I use to do free of any back or leg pain. In the past two months I began a physical fitness and therapy regimen to strengthen my core to help prevent future injury and improve my overall fitness. I have no difficulty in performing any of the exercises that are prescribed by my trainer.

In conclusion, I am so glad that I met Dr. Schiffer! Your skills as a physician are incomparable. I thank you for giving me my life back! There truly is hope for those who suffer with constant back pain!

Thank You,

Mark D. Wetterholm