William Fabrizio

One day about ten years ago, I awoke and got up just as any other morning. Except this morning would be very different. Within minutes I was flopping around on the floor, much like a fish out of water, with tremendous pain along my left arm, which started in my back and radiated to my fingers and thumb. A couple of days later, I was told that I had a herniated disc which was pressing on a nerve. If I didn't have it removed immediately, I would risk neuropathy and maybe even loss of use of the arm. I didn't welcome the prospect of a fusion or an artificial disc. I spoke with Dr. Simotas and asked his opinion. He said the numbers weren't good in my case, and that it might be best to have surgery. I asked him what he could do. He said he could give me a targeted injection, an epidural with cortisone and lidocaine. He explained how it might help firm up the wall of the disc, causing it to retract slightly, thus relieving pressure on the nerve. Might ... was the word. Epidurals are half science and half art, as the needle must be moved into the proper place for the injection. Strapped to a table that rotated in all directions, my head and neck firmly secured, I watched on a monitor while Dr. Simotas carefully guided the needle into my neck. After a second epidural, I have not had any symptoms anywhere near that morning almost ten years ago. Since that time I've summitted Mt. Rainer twice, in July 2011 & July 2012, and Kilimanjaro, February 2013. The pain could come back tomorrow, but I've had almost ten years of a pain free neck and arm. All without surgery. A brilliant man, Dr. Simotas also has the hands of an artist. I'm so grateful I met him!