My name is Gary Golkin, age 74, and I had a complete recovery from compressed discs in my spine. For 8 months I was unable to walk on concrete and unable to stand for more than one hour and fifteen minutes. At HSS my surgeon, Dr. Sariah Khormaee, performed the operation. I am filled with gratefulness to Dr. Khormaee for giving back my ability to walk and stand again.
Literally, on the second day after the surgery, the only pain I felt was the incision mending. And I could walk normally with the help of a walker. While using the walker plus 2 follow-up visits with the physician I walked on the street for 5,000 steps every day, and could stand as long as desired.
Before having the surgery, Dr. Anuj Maholtra performed two epidural procedures to relieve the pain in my back and right and left legs. I did receive relief on the left side, but the inability to walk and stand were not affected. Dr. Malholtra is a kind and caring physician, and the staff was compassionate.
The staff of HSS was considerate, understanding, and careful during this time of COVID-19 to myself and my spouse throughout the experience.
I am an artist who draws large pictures that require standing and physical dexterity. Being denied the ability to function normally obviously limited my abilities and depression had to be resisted.
Attached is a drawing that was conceived while I was incapacitated and drawn during the six weeks of recovery. The drawing is titled: RED & GREEN - Passive/Aggressive complementary colors 2022; colored pencils on non-woven paper. 30” wide X 36” high.
All by Physician