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The 70-year-old retired pediatric nurse already was a veteran of two knee replacements. Soto began experiencing life-limiting pain a year ago from spinal stenosis, a common condition that’s usually caused by osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis combined with scoliosis.
“The pain would be unbearable at times,” Soto said.
When Soto went to an orthopedic surgeon in Manhattan, he was not able to offer a solution. He simply said surgery was not an option because there were too many issues going on at the same time: osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis and scoliosis.
Soto was 69 at the time and unable to accept the fact she had to live with the chronic pain. She called the orthopedic knee surgeon who performed her total knee replacements 4 1/2 years ago and was referred to Danbury Hospital spine specialist Dr. Frank Hermantin.
After an examination by Hermantin, "my husband and I were relieved to learn that spine surgery was, in his exact words ‘doable,’ ” Soto said.
Following the surgery and at-home physical therapy, Soto said: “I feel wonderful. It’s life-changing and amazing.”
For more information, visit http://www.danburyhospital.org/.
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