“I have 100 percent confidence in Kaweah Delta’s neurosurgery
program. I believe, given the circumstance, I had the best possible experience
anyone could have received.”
The excitement of moving into a new home can be uplifting for any family,
but a sudden fall while moving boxes can turn glee into tragedy. When
Remigio Florez fell, he didn’t expect that two years later his condition
would escalate to surgery, but it did. Ultimately, he gained a greater
appreciation of his employment at Kaweah Delta Medical Center and its
neurosurgery program.
In the two years since Remigio’s accident, his lower back pain, stiffness,
and muscle spasms intensified from mild and moderate to severe. He consulted
with neurosurgeon Dr. Ian T. Johnson and learned he was suffering from
spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, conditions affecting the joints that
align the vertebrae (segments of the backbone) on top of the each other.
Spondylolysis is a weakness or stress fracture on the surface of the joint
area. This weakness can cause the bones to slip forward out of normal
position, called spondylolisthesis, and kink the spinal nerves. Dr. Johnson
performed spine surgery to correct what was pressing on his nerve and
causing pain. Additionally, Remigio's vertebrae were readjusted to
accommodate the slippage and were stabilized with screws to support the
spine as the fusion healed.
With strong family support and attentive medical care, he was able to focus
on his recovery to get him walking and back to living life. Remigio says
that he continues to gain strength and ability each day. He is now able
to exercise, walk down stairs, and more importantly, play with his young
children. He looks forward to once again enjoying his new home with his family.