Patient Story of: Marie Michele Chammas Garzouzi

For three years, I lived with severe sciatica. I couldn't walk more than two-tenths of a mile without stopping to sit down. At 58, as an active businesswoman used to living life at full speed, I suddenly found myself living in slow motion. Something as simple as walking had become a daily struggle, and I wanted my life back.

 

After consulting many doctors, I was referred to HSS, where I met Dr. Todd Albert. His wisdom, confidence and reassurance gave me the courage to move forward with a two-level lumbar spinal fusion – a surgery to stabilize two levels of my lower back.

 

At that point, I didn't need to know every detail. I had one simple wish: I wanted my legs back. I wanted my freedom back. I wanted my life back.

 

Today, just three weeks after surgery, I am walking four miles a day. It is hard to put into words what this means to me. Every step feels like a victory, and every mile reminds me what hope, medical excellence and the right hands can make possible.

 

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Albert and his team at HSS for giving me back the freedom to move, the confidence to dream and the joy of living life at full speed. I am only at the beginning of my recovery, but I already feel Back in the Game. Sometimes the greatest gift a doctor can give you is not simply relief from pain – it is the chance to feel like yourself again.