Laura’s Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Patient Story

Due to living a physical life of exercise, tough mudders and CrossFit, snowboarding, boating, wave runners, scuba diving, and four-wheeling, along with a few accidents, the wear and tear on my back caught up with me.   For years I suffered with lumbar pain, and tried various methods before surgery.

I went to chiropractor for care and decompression therapy, which provided some relief, but not long term.   It was also recommended that I try pain management, which I did, but it did nothing.  I even went the PT route, which didn’t help.  I actually consulted with quite a number of neuro/spine surgeons, before I met with Dr.  Girardi.  Dr.  Girardi was actually recommended by a Dr.  Subbaiah from Long Island because he said, “I am not touching you.”  Having said all of this, when I made the trek into HSS, I was pleasantly surprised, because I didn’t want to get my hopes up.  From the front desk to the examination room, I was treated with care and concern.  Then I met with Dr. Girardi, who put off all my anxiety and concern, and offered me help and relief.  He took his time and explained EVERYTHING.  ALIF surgery was my best option with promising results.  I knew I was in the right spot!

I immediately set up my surgery date, February 23, 2023, and have not looked back.  I was prepared for what lied ahead with recovery, which to be honest, wasn’t easy.  I had a bi-lateral lumbar fusion.  But I listened to all the recommendations, and by week 6 I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I was driving again!  By month 3, I started with PT, and every week after I felt myself getting stronger.  By month 6, I went on my first Europe trip!  It was a trip of a lifetime, and had I not had the surgery I would have never been able to do this trip!  One year later, I really felt my best and found myself doing things I could not do prior to surgery.   At the time of writing this review, I already made another trip back to Europe, and have been traveling all over our beautiful country, and enjoying my life again, keeping up with my grandkids and children.

If you are hesitant about this surgery, don’t be, you’re in the best hands!