My Comeback Story: Amy F.

I have been an active person my whole life. I played soccer from age 5 through high school, ran track, and as an adult competed in numerous triathlons and 5K races. I also golf, hike, pickleball, and am an avid gardener. However when I was 46, I injured my lower back lifting a heavy piece of furniture and my back was never the same. While I was able to do some activity, it never was without pain to some degree. When I entered my 50s, my back had become so painful that I had stopped doing the sports and activities I enjoyed, and simple daily movements like bending or reaching could trigger a zinger of pain in my lower back. Sleeping become difficult and sneezing would stop me in my tracks because I knew it would hurt. I had to give up so much and was growing depressed having to sit on the sidelines so to speak.

I had a consult with Dr. Bassewitz to discuss my options and he explained given my age and relative good health despite my lower back, I was a great candidate for an L5-S1 fusion. I trusted everything he told me but was still hesitant because it meant back surgery...something I always heard one should avoid whenever possible. Yet I knew I was miserable not being able to be active, and didn't want to spend the rest of my life that way. I wasn't looking to run marathons, but wanted to at the very least do normal things pain free. I made a second appointment with Dr. Bassewitz to ask additional questions (after doing my own online research of what an L5-S1 fusion entails) and he was very thorough, patient, and informative. He made me feel comfortable with moving forward with surgery and we got it scheduled December 2024.

To say that I am extremely pleased with my results is an understatement. I had zero pain post surgery, other than just some incision site pain from sleeping on my back, which was a pleasant surprise as I don't consider myself as one with a high pain tolerance. My protocol was wearing a back brace and no bending, lifting, or twisting for at least 6 weeks post surgery but with the assistance of a grabber and family help, I was able to get around just fine. I did not require any physical therapy and made all my follow ups with Dr. Bassewitz's PA Edmund Afrim-Antwi (also fantastic) as scheduled. I was cleared at 6 months for light outdoor activities and after one year, fully cleared for all activities.

Since my surgery I have resumed pickleball with my friends, enjoyed being back in my garden planting for the seasons, taken some hikes, and as silly as it sounds, been able to sneeze pain free! I almost never think about my back anymore, except when anyone should, like proper posture lifting heavy items or when at the gym. Dr. Bassewitz gave me back "me"...someone who loves being active and has no plans to slow down. His expertise and professionalism combined with his care and concern for his patients makes him a spine surgeon I would gladly recommend to anyone.