After his son graduated from college, Ken C. and his two sons planned a “bucket list” hiking trip through the Andes Mountains to the legendary Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Seven weeks before their departure, Ken ruptured two discs in his lower back while playing tennis. “Instead of preparing me for the trip my favorite sport had just knocked me off my feet,” he said. “Not only could I not exercise for the trip, I couldn’t do simple movements like getting into my car without heavy pain medication.” Unable to walk more than 50 feet at a time, Ken consulted with Dr. John Sherman.When Dr. Sherman ordered an MRI, Ken’s trip was just over 4 weeks away and his hopes of completing the hike were fading. “He and I discussed the various treatment options but it was obvious to both of us that I wouldn’t be hiking in my current condition.” Dr. Sherman recommended microdiscectomy surgery on a Friday and it was performed on Monday. “By Tuesday, and I’m not exaggerating, I was pain free,” he said. Shortly thereafter, Ken was taking walks around his neighborhood, slowly increasing his workload. He wasn’t sure he was going on the trip until the day of departure, but opted to give it a try.Ken completed the 4 day hike, which began at an elevation of 11,000 feet and reached an altitude of 14,500 feet before descending into Machu Picchu. He and his sons carried 20-25 backpacks and slept in tents along the way. It was “a trip of a lifetime that would not have taken place without the skills of Dr. John Sherman and the team at Twin Cities Orthopedics,” said Ken.
