[Carl in Tampa]

Shands has an outstanding reputation. For decades it has been the "go to" place when the surgery is complicated.

My problem when I went there was complex, with age related (I hate that official term) lower lumbar stenosis and a trip and fall injury to my thoracic spine which was pinching my spinal cord.

I went to a specialist who had a great reputation according to my primary care doctor. Upon seeing my MRI he said he wouldn't undertake the surgery unless he worked with orthopedic surgeons at Shands.

My surgery was done over a period of two days with two specialists each day and a total of almost 40 man hours of surgery. They were concerned that I might not survive the extensive anesthesia. They also would not guarantee I would be able to walk after the surgery. (I can't take a step now without a walker.) My spine is fused from the base of my lumbar spine to the top of my thoracic spine.

Unfortunately, I still have lower back pain that keeps me from being very active, but my condition is better than it was before the surgery.

The nurses and support personnel at Shands were outstanding.

If you decide to get an opinion at Shands I suggest you contact Dr. Robert Decker at the Sports Medicine branch of Shands. 352-273-7001.