How do you say "thank you" to the doctor who gives you your life back?  

I am a 54-year-old wife, mother, and full-time employee who has suffered from severe back pain for over 10 years.

Narcotics, pain patches, and muscle relaxants -- I was taking them all on a daily basis and still in severe pain, and yet my regional doctors could not find anything "wrong" with my back.

However, one visit to the Duke Spine Center and Dr. Carlos Bagley determined my problem and explained the operation that would correct it.    

His expertise and calming manner in explaining the complex procedure left me with one question -- "Can you operate tomorrow?"

My spinal fusion for degenerative disk and scoliosis from my shoulder blades to my pelvis -- in which two titanium rods were inserted the entire length of my spine -- has given me a whole new lease on life. By four months after surgery, I was off all pain medications and back at work part time.

I live each day totally pain-free and free of the fog that accompanies narcotics. I cannot believe the freedom of life without pain or medications!

I praise God everyday for Dr. Bagley and his wonderful team for their continuous, compassionate care they provided before, during, and after my extensive surgery.

No human needs to suffer when there is help available at the Duke Spine Center.