Several months ago, I began experiencing severe pain in my left leg. The pain was exceptionally noticeable in the morning. After a few hours of stretching and use, the leg pain began to subside for a while.

The medical treatment that I received consisted primarily of pain pills and an occasional pain shot and there was almost no hope of being cured of the chronic condition.

After my daughter, Martha, heard about my suffering, she suggested that I consult a neurological doctor at the Duke University Medical Center. That's where I located Dr. Oren Gottfried, in their Division of Neurosurgery.

He patiently reviewed my medical records and MRIs and spoke with my wife and I about the cyst that was growing into my spinal column and causing the pain. Also, he explained a proposed surgical removal of the cyst along with some after-care ideas.

Dr. Gottfried performed my surgery in a very knowledgeable, accurate, and professional manner. I was released from the hospital the next day without the nagging, constant pain that was experienced over the preceding several months. I almost cried I was so glad to be free of that pain.

Thanks, Dr. Gottfried, you're the best!