Howard Waldrop

My story of a triple cervical discectomy with spinal fusion (ACDF) started late summer 2013 - after waking up with an impaired right deltoid and significant arm pain/weakness. I first thought I injured it playing golf or something as it came out of nowhere. After ordering and reviewing an MRI, an orthopedic (in NJ) said it was my upper-spine and I should see a spinal specialist. I was advised by a respected friend to go to HSS and have it done by “the best”. I am glad I did!!!! I met with two great spinal surgeons at HSS and a neurologist one of them suggested I also meet with - who was Dr. Brion Reichler. Dr. Reichler became my rock! I trusted him immediately and he was sincere and caring -- and understood I’d rather not have  invasive surgery. He worked with testing my nerves that were impacted and explaining things well -- and most of all, not pushing surgery. But when the time came - he and I agreed surgery is best - as the weakness deficit was most alarming and I did not want to wait too long and risk not getting my nerve back with the disc compression on it (I couldn't raise my arm over head).   Both surgeons said I needed a triple cervical discectomy with fusion, but each offered slightly different solutions. Because Dr. Federico Girardi welcomed my questions (actually commended some) and explained his logical solution in detail - I knew I really liked him and he was who I wanted to perform this surgery on me. His reputation is great for a reason! So late November 2013 I had my triple discectomy in the very talented hands of Dr. Girardi. I stayed 3 days in the hospital and the staff was terrific. Everything went GREAT and Dr. Girardi said I was fused in 6 months. THANK YOU DR. GIRARDI AND DR. REICHLER!!!!

On February 2014 I went on my planned vacation to St. Martin, which I thought I was going to have to cancel. 

Howard Waldrop

Mahwah, New Jersey