LED/TA Testimonials

February 22, 2001

Dr Schiffer,

I have attached a follow-up and summary to let you know how I and doing.

I had both LED and IDET performed on 3 consecutive low back discs in late September 2000. Prior to surgery, I was experiencing some low back pain at all times, with periods of severe pain and immobility. Bulging discs would put pressure on a nerve in my spine, if I made a wrong movement. The condition was getting noticeably worse for about 10 years. Chiropractic treatments and physical therapy only gave temporary relief My job in machinery repair had involved substantial lifting. My lifestyle had included weight training, running, and sailing. I was forced to work from a desk, and had to limit my activity. I was taking increasing doses of painkillers several times per day. The pain and depression were getting tough to handle.

I began to research back pain on the Internet, and learned there of Dr. Schiffer's minimally invasive procedures. I consulted Dr. Schiffer though the Fremont office, which was close to my job. A discogram showed that I was a candidate for LED and IDET, and surgery was scheduled at the Black Hawk facility. In the interim, I was transferred by my company to Los Angeles.

I arrived for surgery late in the morning, and was taken in about noon. I was pretty groggy when I woke up. I was feeling a lot of stiffness and some pain in the lower left back area, the entry point for the procedures. I was able to sit up and get dressed about an hour later. My wife drove the six hours back to LA that night, while I reclined in our SUV.

I took the next week off from work. There was a fair bit of pain, mostly on the left side. The pain was similar to, but less than the worst pain before the surgery. My wife drove me to work one week later. I had a riser placed on my desk for my PC and a writing area, so that I could stand at my desk. I was not allowed to sit or drive for at least 2 months following surgery, to minimize disc pressure. I was able to put in 12-13 hour workdays with the help of a back brace and Vicodin.

I began long walks 4 weeks after surgery. I dropped the brace in mid-January, and began to sit at work. I am now doing mild abdominal exercises and 40 minutes of Stairmaster per day. During passive activity, I feel no back pain. There is some pain during light lifting or stretching moves, similar to knee and shoulder surgeries I have had before, but I have taken painkillers only 3-4 times in the past month. I am meeting with a physical therapist today to assess my condition. I want to accelerate my exercise routine, but don't want to push too hard too fast.

Dan Kempski