Lesley Pierri

I came to HSS back in the winter of 2014 with a diagnosis of three herniated discs with one being fairly serious. The disc material at the L5/S1 had extruded from within the disc down into my spinal canal. Dr. Sama wanted to first try traditional methods of rest and an epidural cortisone injection to reduce some of the pain so we tried this first. But I am not the kind of person who rests well. I am an avid runner who also kayaks, cycles, and does CrossFit. I had just purchased a second home on a lake and the house needed some refurbishing so resting was not on my agenda. I went hard at everything I did last summer and after creating more of an extrusion with the disc material, the pain came back in late summer and was affecting everything that I did. Dr. Sama performed a microdiscectomy (the most conservative treatment possible) on September 3 of 2014. On March 8, 2015 I completed the Celebrate Life Half Marathon in 2 hours and 10 minutes, a little over 6 months post-surgery. Though I will always have to take care with my back, I cannot be more pleased with the outcome. Being pain free and active once again is a complete blessing. I have recommended HSS to so many people because my experience with HSS was by far the epitome of the most efficient and professional medical treatment facility that I have ever visited. Thank you Dr. Sama!