Al Kozikowski

One Year Post-Surgery

I have suffered with back pain by entire life. I started noticing the pain at about age 7 when I had back pain if I tried to kneel up straight in church. I thought everyone's back must hurt when kneeling. In my teens I had pain after playing sports. In my late twenties the pain became more constant and I started seeking help. I had pain reduction procedures like physical therapy, injections, radio frequency, and chiropractic care for over 30 years. Some did help for a short time, but the pain always came back. As I aged I met with many surgeons and was told that my condition could not be corrected. One doctor said if I had surgery there was an 80% chance I would die. I got to the point that I was walking all bent over and needed a walker to get around. I met Dr. Han Jo Kim, who looked at my x-rays and scans, turned to my wife and I, and said, “I can fix it.” He proceeded to explain to me that my pain was caused because I had a completely straight spine and all my weight was pressing on the nerves in my lower back. No one had ever told me this and I had been to over a dozen doctors for various treatments. He stated that my procedure would take 5 to 6 hours.

It is one and a half years since Dr. Kim performed my back surgery. He reshaped my spine by removing two vertebrae and using rods to reshape my spine with a natural curve. I was in the hospital for 4 days and the first time I tried to walk I had no pain. The first 6 months of recovery was a slow process and I was limited in what I could do. For instance, no BLTs (bending, lifting or turning). I did a lot of pain-free walking instead. After 6 months I started physical therapy and each day was better and better. It has been one year since my surgery and my back is pain-free. I am walking up straight, and I even gained two inches. My back is the best it has ever been. Dr. Kim is a miracle man and I can not thank him enough for what he has done for me!!

Feel free to call me if you want more information - 732-341-5364

Al

Toms River, NJ