Annette Guber

After suffering for many years I decided that my only course of action would be surgery. I researched many doctors and hospitals before choosing the hospital for special surgery and Dr. Alexander Hughes as my physician. I had bulging discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and arthritis. These conditions prevented me from standing for more than a few minutes and not being able to walk one block without severe pain. Dr. Hughes suggested that I have two surgeries. First he would insert cages laterally to open up the spaces in my spine and release the nerves. Secondly he would enter through my back and insert rods and screws to keep the spine aligned. On March 20th 2014 I had my surgery. What should have been a four and a half hour procedure was done in less than two hours. Dr. Hughes decided that I only needed the lateral surgery since the area opened well and the nerves were released. Immediately after surgery my legs stopped burning and tingling. Although I still had pain I recognized it as surgical pain that would eventually ease. It has now been three months since my surgery. I am practically pain free. I can walk for hours without pain and I can stand again. Thank you Dr. Hughes for giving me my life back. I will be eternally grateful to you and HSS.