Theodore Bany

I had been suffering with progressive spinal stenosis for several years; this initially caused pain and ultimately numbness and loss of control of my left leg. As this condition progressed I sought relief through cortisone injections, which helped a good deal initially, but ultimately did not provide sustained relief. My condition got to the point that I was afraid to go into a shopping mall for fear of being unable to walk out on my own. I sought help from HSS for a solution to my problem. I found a thoughtful, though lengthy surgical solution, from Dr. Frank Cammisa. The procedure was called an XLIF; this procedure required two incisions, one on my right side and the other on the back in the effected area. Needless to say, the surgery was not much fun, but I was able to stand and walk the next day without the usual numbness. I stayed in the hospital for three days and each day I walked a little more. By three months I was walking half a mile, and by six months could walk all I wanted. The symptoms and disability were gone. Of course there is muscle soreness sometimes, but I can work around the yard, fish, use my boat, play golf (irons only at 8 months post surgery--my choice) really anything that I want to do. I sought a center of excellence for repair of my back and return to mobility, and I surely found that at the HSS. I am very grateful to Hospital for Special Surgery and especially to Dr. Cammisa and his wonderful staff; very grateful indeed!!! T.B.