Patient Testimonials

Before surgery, I could not walk across Home Depot without looking for a lawn chair to sit in because of aching pain in my leg. I also did not sleep well because of pain. After surgery the relief was immediate. All pain gone. I would do it again but very happy I don’t have to. Thank you Dr. DuBois!

In September of 2017, I had come to the end of my proverbial rope. After a fall in 1978 of approximately 30 feet, I had some 14 major back and neck surgeries and was now in so much pain I was ready to give up. Seven years earlier the head of Neurosurgery at a very prominent hospital told me when I came for a much anticipated appointment, “if anyone ever tells you they can help you they’re pulling your leg”. I left devastated, in tears and did not really know how much longer or how much worse things could get.

Things indeed did get worse and over the next seven years my 6 foot 6 inch frame folded over too about 5’7”. The pain was completely over the top when I decided I had two choices; one very final, the other was search for a surgeon capable and willing to save my life. I started searching for Twin Cities Neurosurgeons and actually read the bio’s when I stumbled on Dr. Harris. In bold type he stated that he specialized in brain and complex spinal surgery. I had no choice but to see if he was serious, my appointment was made.

His staff treated me with a great deal of respect and seemed to streamline the process because the next thing I knew I was standing in front of Dr. Harris being told that he could help me! He warned me that it would be the worst thing I had ever been through and I kind-of chuckled because I had been through staph infections of the spine, multiple 3+ level fusions, I didn’t think I had anything to lose.

The 13 hour surgery was all that Dr. Harris promised. He removed a four level bad fusion done in 1988 and then went on to fuse virtually everything but the kitchen sink. I was up and walking the first day after surgery with huge grin on my face as I again stood 6ft 5in tall. In May of 2018, seven months after surgery I played golf for the first time in ten years without any increased pain. Yes my swing was really ugly but it didn’t matter, it was fantastic. The improvement in my quality of life cannot be understated, you need to be patient and persistent and understand you have a very long road ahead and the possibility of a much better outlook for tomorrow.

The recovery took a little over a year but Dr. Harris most definitely saved my life on October the 19th, 2017.

My wife and I were in a near fatal car accident in October 2016. I was airlifted to North Memorial and had extensive injuries below the waist. I broke and fractured every bone below my waist, except my ankles. I fractured my back, broke all ribs on my left side, and fractured my left elbow. I have had a total of about 9 surgeries, with multiple pieces of hardware used for repair. Dr. Wood did an amazing job putting me back together again. I would have a surgery, recover, have another surgery, recover, etc.

Once everything healed, it was time to learn to walk again. My wife was told it would take 1  to 1.5 years to recover. I started walking in 4 to 5 months. The physical therapy was long and very tedious. I was in a dark place but once the therapists instilled my confidence, the therapy went very smooth. I feel like 90 percent is based on confidence and the rest is physical. I always did a little more than what I had to for recovery. When I was wheelchair bound, my goal was to walk and use a walker. My next goal was to transition to the cane. The next goal was to walk on my own.  While I am still recovering (need my knees replaced), it has been quite a journey. Your mind and body are amazing things and I could go on for hours on about this. I will forever be greatful for Dr. Wood and TCO. I still have short term memory and PTSD issues but I am a long way from where I was. I am happy to tell my story, even if it just helps one person.

Compared to a year ago, the way I feel now is nothing short of amazing. I am able to mountain bike, XC ski, play basketball, coach, and do all of my normal activities pain free. Prior to my cervical disk replacement, I was having excruciating pain radiate down my arm that prevented me from doing just basic activities. I was unable to even lie flat on my back with pain and numbness. The surgery performed by Dr. DuBois really has given me my life back! My wife and kids will also attest to that.

My journey started when I decided to undergo surgery, in an attempt to help reduce the pain I was suffering from scoliosis (identified when I was 12 years old).  I stayed active as a ballerina in a small company without too much pain into my 20’s. Now in my 30’s, the larger curve had increased to 74 degrees and the pain had become unbearable. The decision was difficult because my husband and I have 3 young children and I knew this would be a long road. But the everyday tasks were too difficult.  It was hard to stand, walk or sit for more than 10 min. I’m not a person who likes to complain, most of my coworkers didn’t even know how much pain I was in until I said I was having surgery.  The difficult decision was made to have a four level spinal fusion to try to relieve some of the pain.

Once the surgery was complete, the next chapter started. I had to use a walker at home. I spent 18 months, 24 hours a day, in a hard plastic TLSO brace from chest to hips. No bending, twisting or lifting over 5 pounds was allowed, which meant I couldn’t pick up my then 3 year old son.  I’m so grateful to have had the incredible support of my husband, family, and friends along the way.  By the time I was 6 months out from surgery, progress was slow. So I had to start daily injections and wore a bone growth stimulator 24 hours a day, because the fusion wasn’t healing as fast as expected. I’m a dedicated nurse of 15 years and almost lost my job twice because of physical restrictions.  I fought hard to keep my nursing career at the hospital and regain my strength.

Once my fusion was fully healed I was able to start physical therapy – and I couldn’t just go to anyone after all I’d been through. A friend of mine who worked in the medical field told me to go to Twin Cities Orthopedics in Eagan and to see Christian Dawson. He was the best person to see for spinal rehabilitation. I saw 2 other people at different facilities while I waited to get an appointment with him. After the first visit I had with Christian I knew he was the right fit and he would be able to help get me to where I needed to be. I trusted him with my health. We worked together to test my limits and pushed me past the fears and doubt, building my strength and confidence.

I had to wean out of the brace slowly and I am proud to say that I am now out of my brace all together, not even wearing it at work anymore. My pain is so much better now then prior to surgery and continues to improve as I become stronger. I can do normal everyday things and I’m back to regular exercise even taking a barre pilates class at TCO. I still continue to see Christian a couple times a month because building muscle after such a long period of time in a TLSO brace takes time.  I feel stronger and more confident everyday thanks to TCO and Christian’s encouragement. It’s hard work, but my determination and dedication will help me get back to a normal happy healthy life.

After almost four years of trying to treat my back pain through noninvasive methods, I felt it was time to explore surgical options. Dr. Holte listened respectfully to my concerns about how the pain restricted my activities, ordered some tests, and determined I was a candidate for a posterior spinal fusion. During my hospital stay he was caring and attentive. The surgery was a success, and now, seven months later, I have my life back.

I came to Dr. Lervick with pain in my left shoulder. Having had pain there before due to a C5/C6 ruptured disc in 2004, we were not sure about the source of pain. He ordered MRI’s for both my neck and shoulder to determine the source. A full thickness rotator cuff tear was discovered but also stenosis in two levels of the cervical spine. After consulting with the spine surgeon who had performed the fusion on the ruptured level, the decision was to first repair the shoulder, which turned out to be the true source of pain. Everything from preparatory pre-surgery therapy to the surgery itself and all post-surgical care including adequate pain control during those first three weeks are just a few positives to mention. His assistants, Andy and Ann are the best too! Dr. Lervick’s bedside manner, all options explained, genuine interest and care as to how I was doing left enough impression upon me to make sure I get at least Dr. Lervick’s contact number into the hands of anyone who tells me they are experiencing shoulder pain or immobility. I am a shuttle van driver for a car dealership so I meet many people over the course of a year. I’ve become a walking advertisement not only for Dr. Lervick, but also Dr. Jeffrey Dick at TCO, the spine surgeon referred to above who has performed three nerve decompressions and two fusions on my spine. Kudos to both men and their entire staffs!

In August 2018, I was at gymnastics practice and tried doing a vault. I fell and hurt my back. The pain kept getting worse and I finally went to TCO. They did a MRI and said I had a stress fracture in my left pars L5. I was put into a brace and eventually 2 more. I was not healing, my leg was going numb and becoming weak. I couldn’t sit or stand long without being in a lot of pain. It was well into my gymnastics competition season and I was not sure if I would be able to do gymnastics ever again. Since I wasn’t going to need surgery, I was referred to my PT, Kristina. She was so great and helpful! We took things slow, she was so patient with me! After months of PT, I was finally allowed to try handstands! It took 8 months to get me back to the gym! Unfortunately, I missed the entire competition season. I am back to training and excited to start competing next season!! Thanks to TCO and Kristina Withers for giving me back the confidence and strength to continue the sport I fell in love with 8 years ago!

I experienced a herniated disc at L4-L5 that caused extreme pain in my lower back and down my right leg. The MRI revealed a significant disc protrusion irritating the nerves going down my leg. Dr. Deal performed a micro-discectomy to remove the protrusion, resulting in immediate pain relief. Several weeks of physical therapy following surgery has re-strengthened the muscles that atrophied in my right leg during the period prior to surgery. I could not be more pleased with the treatment by Dr. Deal and his excellent team.

I had cervical disc C6 & 7 disc replacement surgery January 29th 2019 . Prior to meeting Dr. Deal and his team, I had previously spent 7 painful months participating in non-surgical treatments in hopes of relieving a herniated disc. Dr. Deal is superior and his team is outstanding! Immediately after surgery, the pain in my arm and fingers were gone. 3-4 days after surgery, I was off pain medication for the first time in months! The entire experience exceeded my expectations! The knowledge and skill of Dr. Deal and the kindness of the staff were so comforting. The accommodations were VIP at the surgery center. I hope everyone who needs assistance with their spine issues has the same experience I have. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the same surgical results but the experience at Twin Cities Orthopedics is second to none.