Patient Stories
David Campbell
Comments: “You can’t compare one to the other,” says David Campbell when describing his prior surgeries to the new minimally invasive surgical experience with Dr. Choll Kim and the specialized staff at Alvarado Hospital. Over the past ten years, Campbell’s degenerative spine had resulted in three difficult traditional surgeries, numerous titanium plates and screws and months of recovery time. Finally, he heard a radio ad for an Alvarado spine seminar. It was there Campbell met Dr. Kim, a leader in the revolutionary field of minimally invasive spine surgery and immediately afterwards set an office appointment. According to Campbell, three key factors set Dr. Kim and Alvarado Hospital apart:
1) The Diagnosis: “I had the best doctor,” establishes Campbell. “Dr. Kim did not rush into surgery. He went to great lengths examining my health conditions, reviewing my past surgeries and meticulously determining the right diagnosis, so that on the day of surgery there were no surprises. He knew exactly what needed to be done. He even removed some of the unnecessary titanium equipment that was interfering with my progress. The day after surgery, I was on my feet, the pain in my legs gone.” Campbell was amazed, “It was instant relief!”
2) The Staff: “It’s so different when everyone specializes in spine – they aren’t just generalists – and they know what they are doing,” Campbell adds. “The nurses were outstanding. There was a flawless transition from one shift to the next. Thank you, Sarah, Arlan and Andy.”
3) The Spine Zone: “The Spine Zone is a crucial element of long term care,” further explains Campbell. “You can’t find these types of machines at a regular gym. I was supervised by a spine therapist. I’ve learned body mechanics and life-long lessons I can take home.” Even after completing the recommended rehabilitation, Campbell still goes to the Spine Zone. “The follow-up care has made such a difference in my enjoying life again.”
Since his surgery, Campbell has referred several friends to Dr.Kim and the spine team at Alvarado Hospital. “I’m his biggest fan,” Campbell proclaims.
Lola Buie
Comments: “God blessed me with an introduction to Dr. Raiszadeh, Jonathan and all the Spine Institute staff,”proclaimed Lola as she reflected back on her experience. Not wanting to be sedentary, Lola had pushed through her aches and pains attempting to continue her daily activities as usual. But when the pain became too much, she sought help. “When I met Dr. Kamshad Raiszadeh,” she recalls, “he was reviewing an MRI of my cervical spine which showed a leaning spinal cord with nicks.” What Lola had was severe spinal stenosis with discs bulging against her spinal cord. “We talked about the danger of doing nothing versus the danger of performing surgery,” Lola continued. “I opted to trust Dr. Raiszadeh and have surgery (an ACDF - anterior cervical discectomy, fusion – plus corpectomy). The results… I am back to normal without any pain or debilitating side effects!”
Jeanette Maggiore-Anet
Comments:“The minimally invasive surgery was amazing…to have the pain subside so quickly. I felt the difference immediately.” Jeanette is a wife and mother of two children. Ten years ago, she was in a car accident that threw her discs out of alignment. The pain and constant burning sensation in her legs made even simple tasks difficult. For a while, Jeanette endured epidural shots that enabled her to walk for a period of 24 hours per shot but eventually she underwent surgery twice and was told she may have pain forever. Luckily, Jeanette found Dr. Choll Kim, a minimally invasive spine specialist at Alvarado Hospital. Using leading-edge GPS-like Stealth technology, Dr. Kim was able to pinpoint the exact location of Jeanette’s problem and perform a corrective surgery through tiny incisions. Within a day Jeanette was able to walk!
WATCH A NEWS INTERVIEW WITH JEANETTE
M.R.
Age: 45
Dx: Cervical stenosis, disc disease
Comments: I had a 4-5 & 5-6 fusion, due to a work injury and auto accident, everyone was very professional, friendly and helpful. Dr. Raiszadeh is a very dedicated experienced and caring person. I have and would highly recommend him. It was very helpful to be fully informed about the procedures and I felt very comfortable asking questions. I’m elated with my recovery and progress.
K.W.
Age: 60
Dx: Severe kyphosis, revision surgery
Comments: Treatment has been super. Dr. Raiszadeh is terrific. I was so bent over I couldn’t look straight ahead. I often felt that all I could do was to count ants on the ground since I could not look forward. I gradually got worse and worse. That’s when I came to see Dr. Raiszadeh. I’m very pleased with my outcome and progress. I can now walk normally, and have a normal posture.
M.D.
Age: 17
Dx: Scoliosis
Comments: I am truly thankful to God that I was able to find such a great treatment from a great doctor. Dr. Raiszadeh was the most helpful and compassionate surgeon we could find, and I would definitely recommend him for anyone undergoing similar treatment.
D.F.
Age: 49
Dx: Cervical and lumbar pseudoarthrosis
Comments: I believe that I’m receiving very good care from Dr. Raiszadeh and his office staff. I have no complaints. I am glad that Dr. Raiszadeh is my doctor. I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you, Dr. Raiszadeh.
J.B.
Age: 48
Dx: Spondylolisthesis L5-S1
Comments: I was unable to walk or stand w/o major pain down my left leg. I am very pleased with Dr. Raiszadeh’s treatment. He performed a PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion) with instrumentation, and this has (so far) resolved the pain. The Dr. was very professional and caring, and I would gladly recommend him to my friends.
E.S.
Age: 56
Dx: Lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesis, pseudoarthrosis
Comments: Prior to surgery, I experienced excruciating pain in the lower lumbar area. The pain was so great, it was most unbearable on a day to day basis. The pain caused a great deal of agony and placed unbelievable stress in my life, I feel that the spinal fusion April 16th, has given me back my life, I am active and enjoying life again, with minimal limitations. Thanks: kudos and much appreciation to Dr. Raiszadeh and his team of assistants.
R.M.
Age: 48
Dx: Cervical disc herniation, Cervical disc disease
Comments: I had two herniated cervical disks, C5/6 & C6/7. I had been experiencing pain my back and upper back for approximately 3 years. My pain got in the way of the things I really enjoyed doing. In my left hand and arm I had numbness and loss of strength. It has been 7 weeks since my surgery and I am “very” pleased with the outcome. I received excellent and professional treatment from the medical staff & front office personnel. Dr. Raiszadeh is very knowledgeable and took the time to explain the procedure, so that I completely understood. I had complete confidence in Dr. Raiszadeh going into my surgery. He did an excellent job! I now can enjoy my active life, thanks to Dr. Raiszadeh & staff!
L.E.
Age: 55
Dx: Adjacent disc disease, Stenosis, spondylolisthesis
Comments: You may use any or all my comments, case and/or pictures. I have had severe lower spine problems since 1986 that actually began 1963 when I broke my neck. 1986 I had discectomy/laminectomy, 1991 I had bone fusion-both surgeries were at L4/L5 & L5/S1. I was off work & on social security for 10 years. In Dec. 1998 Dr. Raiszadeh performed surgery on my back at L3, L4 using a new technique. The surgery was rough, the recovery very hard. I was glad I prepared for the surgery by walking & swimming. Though the recovery was extremely difficult-learning to walk, sit & do many things all over. It was well worth it-I have no regrets. I’m post-op 2 years now- I work, I go to a gym & live a full active life. Prior to my surgery I could do nothing but crochet & knit.
R.K.
Age: 45
Dx: Lumbar disc herniation
Comments: Before surgery, my right leg was in constant throbbing pain radiating from my lower down to my right calf and foot. The surgery center personnel explained everything to me and how thing work going to happen. The procedure was done and my short stay was wonderful and virtually pain free. Both staffs were extremely professional & caring. A rather large disc herniation was removed. Other than some minor numbness, I am able to function normally again, without any pain or discomfort. Thanks for everything.
T.G.
This office is great as are the doctors. I would recommend them very highly. My sons care is excellent.
C.S.
I walk again!