As an intensive care unit nurse for 50 years, Joyce had to do a lot of heavy lifting, bending, and standing. One day at work, she was lifting a heavy object and she heard a snap in her back.

Despite her pain, Joyce did not initially try any aggressive treatments because she did not believe in taking narcotics – she dealt with the pain by simply taking over-the-counter acetaminophen.  Like many people who live with chronic back pain, Joyce lived with the discomfort and tried her best to adjust her life around it. However, in the fall of 2012, the pain became worse and she could no longer sit without feeling terrible pain.

“I knew I had to seek out a doctor who was knowledgeable and compassionate. That’s what I saw in my surgeon,” Joyce says.

Based on the nature of her condition, Joyce was recommended for the minimally disruptive XLIF® procedure.

Joyce underwent XLIF surgery in June 2013 at Beverly Hills Spine Surgery in Los Angeles, CA. Her surgeon divided her surgery in two procedures to make sure that her body could handle it.

Joyce was pleasantly surprised to be able to walk right after her surgery, and was thrilled to have such excellent hospital staff who took care of her.  In fact, most people who receive minimally invasive surgeries like XLIF are up and walking the same day, versus 3 days for more traditional lumbar surgeries.  She says that she did not have any postoperative issues and her surgeon did an incredible job.

Situation Today: Joyce knew she had to adjust to her new reality. “It’s not going to be exactly like it was before, but I am so happy with the results. It’s all about attitude and positivity. I also pray a lot and my faith gets me through the hard days,” explains Joyce.

Joyce says that she is a huge fan of her surgeon, “He can’t walk on water, but he’s close! He’s a miracle worker.”  That’s high praise coming from a healthcare provider!

Now that Joyce is living pain-free, she is back to socializing with all her friends, participating in her local church, shopping, and walking. She feels incredibly blessed to be where she is in her recovery and relieved of the daily debilitating pain she once felt.

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