Patient Perspective

Robert Bushovisky* is not your typical person. He has suffered the effects of severe back since 1980 and had required 3 lumbar spine surgeries prior to the age of 38. Due to this and persistent back pain he was required to go on disability. In the spring of 2002 things actually began to get worst. Along with his back pain he began to complain of severe leg pain. He was unable to do even the simplest of tasks. “I couldn’t walk for more than a few feet without having such pain that I had to stop”, stated Mr. Bushovisky.

Finally, he couldn’t take the pain anymore, despite high doses of pain medications, and was then referred to Dr. El Kadi. He was evaluated and found to have weakness of his right lower leg and foot. MRI was done which showed a large recurrent herniated at the L4-5 disc space along with old scar tissue. “I was ready for anything to help me at that point,” stated Mr. Bushovisky, “I was willing to except back pain but this leg pain was unbearable.”

On June 21, 2002, he had a lumbar microdiscectomy and scar removal at the L4-5 disc space and the previously crushed L5 nerve-root was freed. “I woke up without that severe right leg pain,” stated Mr. Bushovisky, “I had some incisional pain but that improved over the next week or so.” He was discharged home the day after his surgery and throughout the summer he has continued to improve. “I think Dr. El Kadi did a super job, and I can walk as much as I want without pain. Most people would have dismissed me and told me to live with the pain. I am very grateful to Dr. El Kadi and his staff,” told Mr. Bushovisky.

Mr. Bushovisky’s results are usual of this operation. Each patient’s recovery differs and depends on many factors. Age, sex, type and amount of disability and length of symptoms all play a role in the recovery process. Mr. Bushovisky’s lifelong history of athletics and conditioning certainly added to his rapid recovery. Our goal in all cases is to allow the patient to resume all the activities they did prior to your injury.

*Mr. Bushovisky has signed a released to permit the release of this personal information. We will not disclose any information unless the parties involved agree in writing. Mr. Bushovisky chose to permit this information because of his gratitude to Dr. El Kadi and his staff.

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Last Updated: January 15, 2003