Lumbar Spinal Fusion

“My experience as a patient of Dr. Shehadi’s has been nothing short of outstanding and very successful. I had interviewed other Neurosurgeons and several Orthopedic Surgeons to operate on my spine for scoliosis combined with stenosis. The reasons I chose Dr. Shehadi was because of high recommendations from previous patients, his willingness to spend time explaining the complicated situation and developing a detailed plan as to how he would approach the procedure. His reputation with the staff that I had contact with prior to and after the operation at Grant Hospital echoed his praise as a “Very Good Dr.” I must say his office staff has acted very professional and accommodating as well.

My continued recovery has been without complication and virtually pain free. I realize everyone’s pain threshold varies however when the job is done right, recovery goes much faster.”

Lumbar Herniated Discs

“Hello, my name is Faith Yarger, I’m 39 years old but when I had the surgery I was 38. I lived with the pain of bulging disc, herniating discs, narrowing of the spinal cord etc. in my 4, 5 and 6 of my Neck for 2 to 3 years.

I finally had enough of the pain, even an orthopedic doctor asked if I was in a car accident and I hadn’t been. The orthopedic doctor that I had went to referred me to Dr. Shehadi. When I met with Dr. Shehadi he was a very pleasant, down to the point, and knew what he was talking about. We had scheduled surgery, it was a stay overnight get out the next day from the hospital.

The surgery relieved so much pressure and so much pain I don’t know why I had waited so long to have the surgery. I guess for me the “fear” of doctors. Even the aftercare from Meghan was also amazing, she also was a great doctor and knew exactly what she was doing, she answered all my questions I had. The only “pain” I had was to wear the neckbrace for several weeks and a bone growth stimulater for six weeks but I would tell anybody that it helped a great deal in the recovery.

Since the surgery I have done so many things that I was not able to do that before, I have lost weight assuming that the pain is no longer consuming me.

So I applaud and commend Dr Shehadi and Meghan Rauchenstein for the work and everything they have done for me, I would recommend them to anyone.”

Lumbar Stenosis

This testimony was received from a 70 year old young lady who had spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and a long history of chronic back pain.

“My pain became worse in the past few months. It was difficult to walk or care for my grand kids. I went to see my family doctor, Dr. Stephanie Flowers, whom I trust. She sent me to see Dr. Shehadi who has changed my life. He said being 70 did not mean anyone should have this much pain. He showed me my MRI and explained what had happened to my back over the years and what he could do to fix it with a few screws and rods to relieve the nerves being pinched. He was so excited and kind I lost all my fear of the surgery. I knew what a brilliant doctor he was and I was ready. It’s been 3 weeks now and my surgery gave me no pain. I can’t believe how good I felt when I came to. The 3rd day after surgery, they got me up and I walked out of my room and down the hall. The next day I climbed stairs. Dr. Shehadi is my guardian angel and I am so grateful he came into my life. Today I’m feeling great walking, sitting and standing with no pain. Thanks Dr. Shehadi, you’re the best!”

Lumbar Black Disc Disease

James Jenkins is a 31 year-old gentleman who was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease and had a nine-year history of chronic low back and mid back pain with neck pain and headaches. He had tried a whole host of conservative treatment measures including medication, epidural steroid injections, physical therapy and a TENS unit. This is his testimony:

“Before Dr. Shehadi I lived with pain that was so unbearable I couldn’t function in my daily life. I had gone to five different doctors for help and they all treated me for things I didn’t have. I finally found a doctor that referred me to Dr. Shehadi and it took less than one month to feel almost 100% better. I can now move better than ever before without pain and my mood has improved 100%. I would recommend Dr. Shehadi to anyone in need of back or spine surgery!”

Lumbar Stenosis

“On August 12, 2008 I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. At that time I did not know a lot about such a thing but the hospital I was at thought it was imperative that I have surgery. I happened to be at Grant Hospital located in Columbus Ohio where I have had care before and they did an outstanding job. During the week of the 13th I was introduced to Dr. Joseph Shehadi and his team. As anyone would be I was skeptical about any kind of surgery, let alone lumbar lamenectomy, lumbar fusion, S1 thru L4 Rods, Screws, sounded like pain to me. Actually I was plain scared! When I first met Dr. Shehadi he seemed to be all business, he was easy to understand, and he took everything seriously. He said something to me that I will never forget, jokingly he said that he was the best and I thought that was a pretty bold statement. He also told me that if you are positive in all things that you do, you can accomplish and do many great things. You know, I felt really at ease that day. I somehow found a strange sense of humor along with sincerity, compassion, and true genuine superb character in this doctor who I had just met for the first time. My Grandfather told me once that a first impression is a long and lasting one. I now know that is a statement to live by. From that point on, the whole team at Neurosurgery Associates became the center of my life for the next 10 weeks. Outstanding is a small word compared to the way that this team operates, either from the office level or to the hospital, in surgery or in follow up care. Also I want to say that no matter what kind of surgery, the battle not only lies on the doctors, but on you as a patient as well. This goes back to what Dr. Shehadi told me. If you are positive in ALL THINGS that you do, you can accomplish and do many great things. It is a 50/50 situation. We as a patient have a responsibility to the doctors to listen and do all they tell us to. They can do wonderful and amazing things, but the road to recovery is in our court so to speak. After all that happened to me, that road seemed to be a long one. My surgery went great and now I am back to work, free of the severe pain that would get me down and not let me get up again. It is Christmas now, and I am very, truly thankful to have met up with Dr. Shehadi and his team. On a scale of 1-10, I would give them all a 10+. Going into this new year of 2009, I hope and pray that this great team will continue to do and care for others as they have done for me.”

Multi-Level Lumbar Stenosis

“I am 59 years old and a resident of Columbus, Ohio. A few years ago my back started to cause a lot of concern for me. By 2009, it was all but unbearable. I took no less than 9 and no more than 12 Ibuprofen a day. My blood pressure was up and I could only sleep a few minutes at a time. I couldn’t stand for very long and everything hurt except when sitting. I couldn’t take walks, exercise or lift heavy objects. My whole life was affected and changed for the worse due to the constant back pain. I was then referred to see Dr. Shehadi and on July 19, 2010 he performed a lumbar fusion on L2 – L5 of my spine. My pain is gone and my blood pressure is down. I sleep at night, exercise and go for walks. I am losing weight and I can clean my entire house in two hours instead of it taking all day! I feel great and the last time I felt this good was years ago. This is just amazing to me. I feel better every day. My life is great now and I feel fantastic. Anyone who is thinking about this surgery, I say “go for it!” I have no regrets and Dr. Shehadi is a remarkable surgeon. You could not be in better hands unless God came down himself and performed the surgery! Dr. Shehadi is one of those rare doctors you find who really cares about his patients.”

Lumbar Stenosis

“Dr. Shehadi is brilliant, kind and 100% informative. I had a very big surgery and came through with flying colors. His staff is extremely helpful and courteous, and answered all of my questions. I would and have highly recommended Dr. Shehadi to other people.”