For three years I suffered from progressive pain caused by two severely deteriorated vertebrae (Lumbar: 3-4 and 4-5). After having the necessary x-rays and MRI, I researched the problem in order to understand the implications of stenosis (arthritis) that affected 1). the nerves stemming from the vertebras, 2). constriction of the spinal cord, and 3). deformation of the spinal discs. The pain was constant. I couldn’t walk upright, carry any weight, or stand without the assistance of a cane or shopping cart.
I consulted with six different neurosurgeons from Palm Beach, Broward and Dade. Two of them said my problem could easily be resolved with a simple lapendectomy (removing the top portion of the spine in order to alleviate the pressure on the nerves going to the legs); however, the spinal cord problem was ignored as well as the herniated discs. Two other neurosurgeons recommended an X-Stop procedure, a metal wedge inserted between two vertebras to relieve the pressure on the leg nerves, but like the lapendectomy it only resolved the pain in the legs. The back pain caused by the arthritic pressure on the spinal cord and the discs were also ignored. Further, I was assured that a second wedge was not necessary. Later I discovered from other sources that the reason for not implanting two wedges is because of the pronounced stooping it would cause. Four doctors advised inappropriate procedures that would have left me in the same semi-invalid condition, which would have needed corrective surgery within a short time.
Only two surgeons, Dr. Biscup and a well-known surgeon at a leading Miami hospital, diagnosed the problem correctly and recommended appropriate corrective procedures. Both doctors recommended that the opening surrounding the spinal cord would need scraping, the discs trimmed, and the nerve openings enlarged. The difference was not in what they did, but in how it was done. The first doctor recommended a traditional procedure that would have removed the top half of the vertebrae, cleaned out the obstructing growth and then reattached the two halves. It would have taken nearly six months for the surgery to heal. My major concern was that, if by some chance the vertebrae did not join together correctly, the operation is irreversible. I opted for Dr. Biscup’s recommendation of using microscopic, laser surgery. It is less invasive, reversible in the case of failure, and has a significantly shorter recovery time.
This amazing procedure, technically referred to as Micro-Discectomy/Micro-Decompression surgery, was performed without cutting any vertebrae. Instead, through a small two-inch incision, a laser beam and miniature instruments were inserted and used to melt and scrape away excess osseous deposits. Unbelievably, and to the amazement of the attending nurses, I was able to walk within a few hours of the surgery. Indeed, had it not been for my heart condition, which needed overnight monitoring, I would have gone home that same day. Even the nurses who were originally skeptical of this new procedure were totally surprised; I was Dr. Biscup’s first patient at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale after he left Cleveland Clinic at Weston. Within four days I was driving and if I wasn’t retired I would have been able to return to my office. After two weeks I felt wonderful, with no pain in my back or left leg, only some minor pain still lingered in my right leg. Today, after five months, the right leg is normal.
I am very glad I chose Dr. Biscup. My Medicare and supplemental insurance would have paid for the other competent surgeon’s operation or for any of the others I rejected. Though Dr. Biscup opted out of the Medicare program and, in spite of the cost, I felt he was the most appropriate doctor. I also learned through my research that Dr. Biscup is one of the pioneers who developed this procedure. It was the correct choice and the best investment I could have made. I am free from all pain and can again enjoy my family and perform all the activities of daily life.
