LED Testimonials

November, 2006

Dr Schiffer,

I will never be able to thank you enough for the amazing results that I have experienced since my LED/IDET in April, 2006.

In 1986, I was diagnosed with a small ruptured disc which we treated with bed rest and within 6 months was back to work. In 2003, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc and 2 bulging discs in the lumbar region. I was able to resume my normal activities within 6 months by using chiropractic care and bed rest.

In February 2004, I started having back pain again in the lumbar region. After about 2 weeks I decided to go to my primary care doctor. He prescribed muscle relaxants and pain medication and sent me to physical therapy. After about 5 sessions of therapy and the therapist not feeling as if I were benefiting from the therapy, I returned to my primary doctor. He then sent me to the Spine clinic where I had an MRI done. I was told that I had 1 herniated disc at L5-S1 and a bulging disc at L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5. They felt the best treatment was Pain Management. Between July, 2004 and November, 2005 I had 3 epidurals, 2 Selective Nerve Root Blocks, 1 Radiofrequency injection, and 2 Medial Branch Block injections. I was told by one surgeon that my condition was not bad enough for surgery and was told by a second surgeon that because my pain was from multiple levels, he would not even offer surgery. I was then advised to keep going through Pain Management. I was taking multiple pain medications and muscle relaxants. I had tried chiropractic care, purchased and used the Tens unit, went to an aqua exercise class, and was wearing a back support 14-15 hours a day. I was always very irritable, didn’t want to do anything nor be around anyone. I had a friend from India who had back surgery there in 1992. He kept telling me he would take me to India if I wanted to go. He even talked to his doctor there. It was a very tempting offer. I was having a hard time dealing with not only the pain but, also the fact that nothing could be done for me. With technology the way it is today, there had to be something somewhere.

I began researching different options on the internet. My friend from India found Dr. Schiffer’s web page and sent his information to me. I filled out the questionnaire on a Tuesday in February of 2006, received a call from Dr. Schiffer’s office on Thursday, and had an appointment with Dr. Schiffer the following Monday. After a very detailed and informative visit with Dr. Schiffer, he offered to do a 4 level (L2-3, L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1) LED/IDET in 2 different stages. He performed the surgery at 2 levels on April 18, 2006 and 2 levels on April 20, 2006. I could have allowed more time between the 2, but I just wanted to get it over with. I knew the day after the first surgery that I was better. The first week after the surgery, I experienced a lot of muscle soreness (from the surgery).

It has now been 7 months since my surgery, and I am very happy to say that I am (7 months) pain free. I am taking no medications and have no surgical scars. For three months after the surgery, I was not allowed to sit. I tell people that it sounds worse than it actually was. Not having to deal with the pain made it all worth while.

I am happy to meet and/or speak with anyone who may be considering this surgery.

Pamela Yates
(408) 842-7496
Gilroy, CA