Hildegarde Woppel had always been someone who loved spring and loved walking.
Unfortunately she had been suffering from low back pain for years, and the pain
started to take its toll. She had tried almost everything to relieve her pain – physical
therapy, injections, and spinal decompression. For a while, she found some measure
of relief. Eventually however, the pain returned with a vengeance.
Mrs. Woppel was in the midst of a move from Florida back to her hometown on
Long Island when her pain returned. By the time she arrived home, the pain was
unbearable.
“I got to the point where all I could do was struggle to get from my bed to the
bathroom. I was getting weaker by the day and had zero quality of life. I started to
think that my walks outdoors enjoying the spring time were a thing of the past.”
At that point, Mrs. Woppel knew she had to do something. “I did a lot of research on
the Internet, and got input from family members. I knew I needed to see a
neurosurgeon. That’s how I learned of Dr. McCormick.”
Mrs. Woppel made an appointment to see Dr. McCormick. “I felt confidence in Dr.
McCormick right away. I already knew of his outstanding reputation, and he took
the time to really talk to me and answer all the questions I had. When my daughter
and I met him at that first appointment, we both felt so comfortable, and we knew I
was in good hands.” After examining Mrs. Woppel and carefully reviewing her MRI,
Dr. McCormick recommended undergoing a lumbar discectomy to treat a herniated
disc located between two vertebrae in her lumbar spine. After discussing both the
benefits and risks of the procedure, surgery was scheduled. “I wasn’t afraid of
surgery. I had been in agony for so long – and had tried everything else - I knew
surgery was necessary.”
Mrs. Woppel remembers waking up after her surgery in May 2009. “I woke up painfree.
At that point my life turned around 180 degrees. I’ve had no pain from that
day forward.” After a brief recovery period, Mrs. Woppel was able to return to the
things she loves – especially walking outdoors. “Dr. McCormick is a wonderful
doctor. I’ve recommended him to friends many times. When you’re down and low
and in so much pain, it’s hard to imagine that you could get back to your normal life.
Dr. McCormick helped me do that.”
