I am a 44-year-old man and have always been active in playing tennis, skiing, yoga, swimming, and many other activities. After having low back pain for more than 20 years, I had surgery in May 2024 with Dr. Huang at HSS, and now, at six months post-surgery, the pain is gone. Dr. Huang, along with Dr. Peter Connolly, performed spinal fusion at L5-S1 to correct high grade spondylolisthesis, and I would highly recommend them.
While my back had bothered me for quite some time, I found it worsening over the last five years, and, following a visit to my primary care physician and x-rays being taken, I was referred to a specialist for further imaging and consultation. The imaging revealed the grade 3 slippage of my vertebra at L5-S1, and I ended up meeting with six surgeons to determine the best course of action. Two of them recommended fusion from L4-S1 and the others including Dr. Huang recommended just the single level fusion. I picked Dr. Huang for the surgery because of his record of success and excellent reputation and that of the HSS.
Dr. Huang’s team in his office at HSS were very helpful in coordinating the administrative aspects of the surgery including working with my insurance company, and the nurses and staff at the hospital were excellent. I was able to walk the day after surgery and went home after two nights in the hospital. I gradually increased the distances I walked in the weeks following and was careful not to bend, lift, or twist until around three months when permitted. I also began physical therapy at three months and am now feeling nearly 100% and am ready to begin taking part again in the sporting activities I enjoyed before the surgery.
Thank you to Dr. Huang and everyone at HSS who were all so kind and helpful.
All by Physician