Spine surgery relieves woman of pain before dream vacation

For nearly three years, Roberta lived with back pain that made even short walks difficult.

After moving to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, eight years ago, she and her husband looked forward to enjoying the Gulf Coast lifestyle, especially spending time at the beach. But over time, Roberta found she couldn’t walk more than a few hundred feet without experiencing severe pain.

“We moved here for the beach, but I hadn’t been able to go for about two and a half years,” she said.

Roberta tried several treatments, including injections, chiropractic care and pain management. While these approaches offered temporary relief, they didn’t solve the problem. Eventually, her pain management physician recommended she meet with neurosurgeon Dr. Frank Farokhi at Ascension Sacred Heart Neurosurgery - Pensacola.

From the start, Roberta felt reassured by his approach.

After reviewing her imaging, Dr. Farokhi revealed the imaging showed spinal issues including scoliosis and degenerative disc problems that were causing her pain. In addition to back pain, Roberta was experiencing nerve pain commonly known as sciatica, which radiates down the leg and can significantly limit mobility.

Dr. Farokhi outlined a surgical plan designed to relieve the pressure on her nerves and help restore her ability to move more comfortably.

“He looked at everything and said, ‘I can help you,’” Roberta recalled. “That was a revelation to me.”

For years, Roberta had been certain she would never consider back surgery. But Dr. Farokhi took the time to listen to her concerns and carefully explain the procedure and recovery process.

“He asked what I was worried about and really listened,” she said. “He always explained things in a way that made me feel more comfortable.”

After learning more about her condition and treatment options, Roberta decided to move forward with surgery under Dr. Farokhi’s care. She approached the process with determination, preparing carefully and committing to the recovery plan her care team outlined.

While the first several weeks required patience and dedication, Roberta followed her instructions closely completing physical therapy and gradually rebuilding her strength through daily walking.

Just three months after surgery, Roberta returned for a follow-up appointment with an exciting question. She and her husband had a once-in-a-lifetime trip planned, a cruise to Antarctica, and she wondered if she would be ready.

After reviewing her recovery, Dr. Farokhi reassured her that she was healing well. With a few precautions, he encouraged her to go and enjoy the experience.

Soon after, Roberta and her husband boarded a cruise ship in Fort Lauderdale and began their journey to Antarctica, traveling along the western coast of South America before flying home.

“It was miraculous and marvelous,” she said. “I was able to do almost everything I wanted to do.”

Now four months into recovery, Roberta says she feels like herself again. She walks every day and continues doing the exercises she learned in physical therapy to maintain her strength.

“I feel normal,” she said.

For patients who feel uncertain about spine surgery, Roberta understands the hesitation. But she says having a surgeon who listens, explains every step and provides confidence in the plan of care can make all the difference.

“Dr. Farokhi made me feel comfortable about something that was very scary,” she said.

Today, Roberta is grateful to be back to enjoying the things she loves walking, traveling and spending time exploring the places she and her husband once dreamed of visiting.

If you or a loved one are experiencing back pain, schedule a first visit or second opinion with Dr. Farokhi.