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Stephanie Reed
Reflecting back on her experience 10 years ago at Texas Back Institute, Stephanie Reed wanted to say thank you to Dr. Richard Guyer and the Texas Back Institute staff – again.
“Dr. Guyer did a miracle for me, and I wanted him to know that I’m doing excellent and that someone appreciates him,” said Stephanie, a school teacher in Oregon. “My back is awesome!”
Stephanie’s saga began more than 10 years ago when she fell down a flight of stairs and landed on her back. Aside from surgery to repair her knee, she also suffered severe back pain that went misdiagnosed for three years by doctors “who wanted to pump me full of drugs,” Stephanie explained.
“Finally, I went to another doctor who went to school with Dr. Guyer, and he suggested I go see him at Texas Back Institute,” said Stephanie. “I could barely walk, the pain was so bad. Dr. Guyer listened – he is the first doctor in my life who really listened to me. After three years, he was the only doctor to pinpoint the problem. Dr. Guyer gave me options and advice.”
A discogram revealed cracks in Stephanie’s spine L4-5 and fluid leakage and, in 2001, Dr. Guyer performed surgery on Stephanie who was then 36 years old. Post-surgical care included intense physical therapy, minimal drugs, meditation and exercise.
Today, Stephanie leads a fulfilling life. “I am more active and fit right now at 45 than I was at 30. I can swim, camp, horseback ride and perform every outdoor activity that I did in my 20s. I’ve coached volleyball for the last several years, I lift weights and I run several miles four times a week. The pain is minimal at most, and I forget 80 percent of the time that I ever had back surgery. My flexibility is unbelievable! He performed a miracle!”
Stephanie concludes, “Dr. Guyer understands what bedside manner is all about. He treated me like I was related to him and his only concern was getting me back to a pain-free way of life without the drugs. I am forever grateful!”
After 10 years, Dr. Guyer has treated a lot of patients, but he remembers most all of them. “It was so nice to hear from Stephanie after all these years and know that she is happy, active and enjoying her life. This is what we want for all of our patients. I’m glad that I was able to play a part in helping Stephanie restore her quality of life.”