I will be posting a series entitled "Transition from Employees t to Patients- A Testament to our Success." Our employees strongly believe in what we do and this is evident in the fact that they are confident in placing their health and their family members' care in our hands. As CEO, I take great pride in this fact. For those of you who have been reading this blog for a while, there is at least one thing that you should know about me by now - I like to share stories. So, from time to time, I will post testimonials from employees who have undergone an LSI procedure. Today's post is from Luz Riviera, Patient Relations Coordinator at LSI.
Luz's Story
"I know how it feels to live your life on the sidelines because the pain is too much to bear. But, for every day that now passes I know that there is hope. I know there is true help out there. LSI will always be a blessing in my life! They have given me my life back and that is a priceless gift!"
My name is Luz Rivera. At 37 years old, I have suffered from back and neck pain for as long as I can remember. I have been to every doctor, given every treatment a person could go through, but nothing ever took the pain away. I have taken heavy medication and injections to help take the edge off the pain. I tried sleeping but the pain was so bad at times I was not sure how to position my body in order to sleep. Most times, I woke up feeling as if I had not slept at all.
The pain at its worst felt as if weights had been placed on my head and shoulders and I felt as if the bones in my lower back were scraping against each other. I could barely hold anything without dropping it. I found it difficult to comb my daughter's hair. Getting up from a chair, getting out of bed, lifting my arms or legs would cause pain. If I tried stretching or straightening my back, the pain would shoot down my legs and up my back. At times, my hands and toes would go numb. To make matters worse, I had constant headaches. Frequently, I would have to stand and hold myself up for a few seconds before taking a step. There was not a day that went by that I was not in pain. I was physically exhausted, angry, and frustrated at not being able to get relief. Eventually, I became extremely depressed; it all felt hopeless.
Since I was not responding favorably to any of the treatments that had been prescribed, I was told I had two options: fusion or "learning how to deal with pain." I had already been to pain management countless times, but in my mind, anything was better than a fusion. I was sent to a rehabilitation center in Santurce, PR. where I learned to do stretches and exercises while being weaned off of the heavy medications. I felt the most relief when the therapists would grab me and pull in opposite directions. I felt like a pretzel, but the pressure was off of my neck and lower back... it was seconds of ecstasy. While at the center, I spoke to others who had just had open back surgery (fusion) and I was very happy that I had not gone through the process.
In 2005, I relocated to Tampa, Florida and I discovered the Laser Spine Institute in early 2007, where I later applied for a position. My first impression was how wonderful and friendly the employees were. I silently observed everything around me and I could not believe how everyone went about his or her day to day duties. Did they not understand the impact they were having on others? As The Patient Relations Coordinator, I saw people before surgery, some of them not being able to stand and then witnessed them walk through the door after surgery. After seeing and speaking with so many patients who had successful surgeries, I decided to have the two procedures that had been recommended. I thank God every day for helping me find LSI and putting them in my path. He truly does work in mysterious ways. I had my surgeries, cervical and lumbar in August of 2008 and I have been pain free since then.
Now that I look back, my life is so different. I can sleep through the night. When I wake up I feel rested and refreshed. I go to work, run errands, dance and do not have to make excuses for not having enough energy to get through the day. I no longer take pain killers of any kind. I have no more headaches and I can stretch just like everyone else. I get emotional when I remember all of the wasted years of being in pain, being in a bad mood, being depressed, taking everything and anything just to be able to get some relief, not being able to sleep without being uncomfortable and in pain. What I regret most is the fact that my children suffered with me during that time. They are now teenagers 14, 16 and 20 years old, but back then all they knew was that mommy was sick.
I can't make up the past, but I can live the future pain free. Bill Horne, Trey Traviesa and the staff at LSI are warm, compassionate and loving people. They truly do care and understand what life with pain is like. I know that there are many people out there being told they must submit to invasive procedures or risk having to deal with pain. I know how it feels to live your life on the sidelines because the pain is too much to bear. But, for every day that now passes I know that there is hope. I know there is true help out there. LSI will always be a blessing in my life! They have given me my life back and that is a priceless gift!
Luz's Story
"I know how it feels to live your life on the sidelines because the pain is too much to bear. But, for every day that now passes I know that there is hope. I know there is true help out there. LSI will always be a blessing in my life! They have given me my life back and that is a priceless gift!"
My name is Luz Rivera. At 37 years old, I have suffered from back and neck pain for as long as I can remember. I have been to every doctor, given every treatment a person could go through, but nothing ever took the pain away. I have taken heavy medication and injections to help take the edge off the pain. I tried sleeping but the pain was so bad at times I was not sure how to position my body in order to sleep. Most times, I woke up feeling as if I had not slept at all. The pain at its worst felt as if weights had been placed on my head and shoulders and I felt as if the bones in my lower back were scraping against each other. I could barely hold anything without dropping it. I found it difficult to comb my daughter's hair. Getting up from a chair, getting out of bed, lifting my arms or legs would cause pain. If I tried stretching or straightening my back, the pain would shoot down my legs and up my back. At times, my hands and toes would go numb. To make matters worse, I had constant headaches. Frequently, I would have to stand and hold myself up for a few seconds before taking a step. There was not a day that went by that I was not in pain. I was physically exhausted, angry, and frustrated at not being able to get relief. Eventually, I became extremely depressed; it all felt hopeless.
Since I was not responding favorably to any of the treatments that had been prescribed, I was told I had two options: fusion or "learning how to deal with pain." I had already been to pain management countless times, but in my mind, anything was better than a fusion. I was sent to a rehabilitation center in Santurce, PR. where I learned to do stretches and exercises while being weaned off of the heavy medications. I felt the most relief when the therapists would grab me and pull in opposite directions. I felt like a pretzel, but the pressure was off of my neck and lower back... it was seconds of ecstasy. While at the center, I spoke to others who had just had open back surgery (fusion) and I was very happy that I had not gone through the process.
In 2005, I relocated to Tampa, Florida and I discovered the Laser Spine Institute in early 2007, where I later applied for a position. My first impression was how wonderful and friendly the employees were. I silently observed everything around me and I could not believe how everyone went about his or her day to day duties. Did they not understand the impact they were having on others? As The Patient Relations Coordinator, I saw people before surgery, some of them not being able to stand and then witnessed them walk through the door after surgery. After seeing and speaking with so many patients who had successful surgeries, I decided to have the two procedures that had been recommended. I thank God every day for helping me find LSI and putting them in my path. He truly does work in mysterious ways. I had my surgeries, cervical and lumbar in August of 2008 and I have been pain free since then.
Now that I look back, my life is so different. I can sleep through the night. When I wake up I feel rested and refreshed. I go to work, run errands, dance and do not have to make excuses for not having enough energy to get through the day. I no longer take pain killers of any kind. I have no more headaches and I can stretch just like everyone else. I get emotional when I remember all of the wasted years of being in pain, being in a bad mood, being depressed, taking everything and anything just to be able to get some relief, not being able to sleep without being uncomfortable and in pain. What I regret most is the fact that my children suffered with me during that time. They are now teenagers 14, 16 and 20 years old, but back then all they knew was that mommy was sick.
I can't make up the past, but I can live the future pain free. Bill Horne, Trey Traviesa and the staff at LSI are warm, compassionate and loving people. They truly do care and understand what life with pain is like. I know that there are many people out there being told they must submit to invasive procedures or risk having to deal with pain. I know how it feels to live your life on the sidelines because the pain is too much to bear. But, for every day that now passes I know that there is hope. I know there is true help out there. LSI will always be a blessing in my life! They have given me my life back and that is a priceless gift!
I have had surgery at LSI, which was a very nice experience. I had travelled from India for this surgery, and due to the non-responsive attitude of your billing department, I am utterly disappointed. I have left innumerous messages for someone to contact me, but sadly no response. I have to get my complete itemized bills ASAP, to get any reimbursement from my overseas insurance company. I have only 15 days from the date of the surgery, to file any claims.After leaving several messages for someone to contact me on the prescribed extension, I explained my situation to your receptionist, who put me through to the manager of the billing dept Ms. Rogers, but she has also not cared to return my calls.
Your initial consultation and services were indeed outstanding, and the hospital staff, just wonderful. I feel patients coming from poorer countries should be provided more help, with the billing and insurance issues, which was, and has been lacking. I had two insurance policies, one Blue Cross, and the other overseas travel insurance issued from India. Enough help was not rendered by your consultation specialist, looking at my condition and in order to get me treated my uncle paid the entire amount in advance, hoping to be able to get it reimbursed, with your help, but am truly disappointed. If I will not be able to get this issue resolved, I will be in dire financial difficulties. Had I known of this callous attitude of your staff, I would not have had this surgery done, since I could not have been able to afford it. financial burden, it may entail.
Dear Rajiv,
I am happy to hear that you had a great experience at our facility, but I regret that the level of communication during the claims process was not satisfactory. I have spoken with the relevant parties and your itemized bill will be mailed today. Thank you for posting and alerting me to this issue.
Sincerely,
Bill Horne.