It started about seven years ago. I had lower back pain and all of that, but I was always pretty active, so I didn’t pay much attention to it. I didn’t really think it was anything serious. When my son was home
from military duty he said to me, “you know mom, you’re getting crooked.” It was two years later that I had my back X-rayed. They told me I had a curve—25 degrees at that time. I went to physical therapy and that helped for a while. It was the physical therapist who said it will either hold or it’s all going to tumble on you. It was the beginning of scoliosis—which I inherited from my dad. By the Spring of 2010 I was in agony. It was just awful. I couldn’t get straightened up. When I saw Dr. McCance he told me that I was at a 40 degree curve.
Kathleen // Age: 66
Condition // Scoliosis
Occupation // School Counselor (NY)
How did you find Dr. McCance?
I found Dr. McCance through a girlfriend who also had back surgery. She encouraged me to find him. I
did see some doctors near home, but I just didn’t feel comfortable with them. I didn’t feel they had the
degree of professionalism—the whole thing just didn’t feel good.
Also went to Hospital for Special Surgery—was not impressed with that meeting. My friend dragged me
into New York and I met Dr. McCance
Why did you choose Dr. McCance for your spine surgery?
My first impression: fabulous. I just felt it was the right place. And the office staff could not have been
kinder. So calm and understanding—a wonderful initial experience. He did an evaluation on the first
visit. The thing I liked was that he looked at the whole family picture. Really good listener. Very
compassionate and understanding. Very warm person to deal with. That was important to me. He was
very, very thorough—he did all of his homework.
His office was staff wonderful—I didn’t have to make an appointment for tests or anything. They made
all the appointments for me. I never had to pick up the phone. There isn’t anything they won’t do for
you. It’s a team. There’s a charisma. There is something about the karma of his office.
How did you feel after your surgery?
The surgery went as smooth as silk. The staff at Mt. Sinai was incredibly wonderful. 12 hour surgery. 14
level fusion in my back. On the second day, they stood me up and I went Oh My God, I was absolutely
straight up. I stayed in the hospital for three months for rehab. I was shocked that I wasn’t in
excruciating pain.
I came out so much better than when I went in. I felt so much younger.
How do you feel now?
I am totally pain free. I was totally pain-free after six months.
All his work was impeccable. People who see me can’t believe it—I can’t believe it! I’m so grateful.