My husband, Bob, had lived most of his adult life with back pain due to a severe curvature of the spine. He never let it deter him from the activities he loved -- golf, sailing, traveling. But as he aged, the severity of the pain significantly increased to the point he could no longer do these things.

We began seeking medical help. We started with a pain management doctor, getting a series of shots; when they no longer helped, we turned to medications.

During the next five years we saw three neurosurgeons and two orthopaedic surgeons -- all highly qualified and respected doctors with opinions ranging from total back replacement with rods to "no surgery."

We checked out the latest implant devices including a morphine pump. Bob's condition continued to worsen to the point where he was in constant pain, stooped over, and needed to use a cane. We were confused and scared.

Then someone told us about Dr. Robert Isaacs at Duke University Medical Center (DUMC).

When we met Dr. Isaacs, he went over Bob's MRI with us -- explaining what surgery option was best, taking into consideration Bob's age (86) and the percentage factors of risk versus gain.

The surgery took place the middle of September and my husband is pain free and standing tall. He still continues to do his strengthening exercises, and if he walks long distances (we recently attended a WWII air show), I make him take a
cane.

He looks forward to throwing away the cane and getting back on the golf course. Me, I look forward to our first dance.

We urge everyone we meet, especially those who suffer from back pain, to check out DUMC, and especially Dr. Robert Isaacs and his team.

The only word we can use to describe them is "awesome"!