In 2002, when I was in my early 50s, I had my first lumbar surgery. After that I was pain-free for 3 years or so. I had done the rehab as I was instructed and after eight months was told I could return to the gym.
My original lumbar surgery was performed by a top- rated specialist at a world-class orthopedics hospital. The results were quite poor and degraded over time. They included a fusion failure at L5/S1, which I did not discover for several years.
After the three years the pain returned and got worse and worse until I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t take pain pills because I had to work. By 2009 I’d had it. I saw two prospective surgeons and hadn’t made a decision. I just wasn’t sold on either of them.
Doug // Age: 50+
Condition // Failed Fusion/Pseudoarthrosis
Occupation // Attorney (NY)
How did you find Dr. McCance?
My best friend is a doctor and he recommended Dr. McCance to me. I went to see him and it was love at first sight.
I was impressed with the design of his office. It was clear Dr. McCance recognized the importance of having a comfortable and pleasant place to go. Not a crowded, depressing place. It’s bright and airy and elegant. And he does elegant work. It all fits together. And his staff is motivated and upbeat. Which is important, too.
Why did you choose Dr. McCance for your spine surgery?
This was very hard for me because I had been kind of an athlete when I was young. I had the world’s sit-up record as a kid. And I had already been through serious surgery for the same problem. But because of my previous experience with surgery, I knew a winner when I saw one.
By the time I met Dr. McCance, I could barely walk. He was extremely thorough in his work-up, and equally meticulous in performing my very lengthy and complex revision surgery, with full re-instrumentation across four vertebrae levels.
How did you feel after your surgery?
It was a 13 hour surgery. They had to rip out all the old stuff. They had to go in front side and back. And after all that I was walking after a couple of days. Climbing stairs after four or five days. I was back at work 6 days after my surgery. I fused completely after six months. I was back in the gym. I’ve never had any pain since my surgery.
How do you feel now?
I could not be more thrilled with the results. I’m pain-free and med-free. For the first time in many years, I am standing straight, walking tall and feeling quite blessed. I have good posture and I feel great. Dr. McCance has given me an invaluable gift. I will always be grateful.