For years I dealt with low back, hip and leg pain. This pain limited my normal daily activity. As a recent retiree looking forward to traveling with my husband and prioritizing activities with young grandchildren, it was time to seek intervention. My family practice doctor referred me to Iowa Ortho. The X-rays and MRI indicated spinal stenosis, a disc bulging and disc degeneration from L1 to L5. I met with Dr. Trevor Schmitz and reviewed treatment options. I first tried physical therapy and two epidurals, but these provided minimal benefit. While electing to move forward with a multi-level spinal fusion was a scary proposition, I knew my back wasn’t going to heal itself. I was ready for a long-term solution.

Dr. Schmitz met with me twice to provide information spinal stenosis and the proposed surgery. He was very thorough and professional and I gained the confidence needed to schedule the surgery for October 27, 2021. After a brief hospital stay, I was home walking without assistance within a few days. At eight weeks after surgery I began water aerobics and stationary bike exercise and had the stamina to walk a mile or more. I resumed babysitting grandkids and volunteer activities that require walking and being on my feet. Now three months after surgery, I am attending shows at the Des Moines Civic Center, cheering on the Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum and planning trips for this spring and summer. This is the best I have felt in so long – my active lifestyle is back! I’m very grateful to Dr. Schmitz, his physician assistant Robey Orewiler and the entire Iowa Ortho team!