Scoliosis & Spine Deformity Center

Testimonials

Amy Hickman
13 years old, double major curve - 87° Thoracic Curve, 50° Lumbar Curve

“Before my surgery, I was in constant pain both physical and mental. I could no longer be a normal 13 year old. I had breathing problems, heart burn and was constantly falling and tripping from being off balance and had to deal with the continuous humiliation of people asking what’s wrong with my back and how it looks weird.

 I would like to let everyone know that even 3 years later I’m doing great! I'm now 17 and in the 11th grade. I'm a cheerleader, softball player and dancer at my school."

-Amy Hickman

                                     2010 UPDATE FROM AMY!!!

"Hello everybody!!!

I'm just checking in to let everyone know how I'm doing.  I am still a cheerleader and have improved immensely over a year and may possibly continue cheerleading in college.  I am now a senior and have my hands full with 6 advanced placement classes and 2 athletic classes!  I got accepted into the National Honor Society and will be graduating in the top 10% of my class this coming May.  I am hoping to make it into Rice University and study stem cell research."

Much love,

Amy Hickman

January 9, 2010

Sonia Bradley
26 years old, Double Major Thoracolumbar Scoliosis - 58 ° Thoracolumbar Curve

“In late 2007, I underwent scoliosis corrective surgery with an amazing surgical team lead by Dr. Richard Francis of Spine Associates. I had suffered with mild scoliosis for most of my life but it had progressed, unmonitored, to a severe degree. Dr. Francis answered all of my questions about the risks and rewards of surgery and explained everything I needed (and wanted to know about the procedure. He even entertained me when I grilled him on his education and experience.

The day of my surgery I was comforted by the surgical team and really felt as though I was in good hands. After my surgery, Dr. Francis visited my parents in the waiting room and answered all of my mother’s questions. After the surgery I was up, walking the next day. I was released from the hospital a day early and back to work after only 4 weeks. I credit Dr. Francis for my speedy recovery and for doing such an incredible job fixing my spine.

Today I am active and feel no physical limitations or pain. I dance, wear high heels, go to the gym and just took up golf! I know that if I would have foregone surgery, I would have signed myself up for a lifetime of pain and disability. Thank you Dr. Francis. To what you do, and to do it so well, is truly a gift to the world.”

-Sonia Bradley

Ravi K.
24 years old, Double Major Curve‐ 43° Thoracic Curve, 31° Lumbar Curve

"I was devastated when I found out that a major back surgery was my only option to living a healthy life, but Dr. Francis reassured me that the surgery would have me back to school in a month. I began walking the day after surgery and Dr. Francis stuck to his word, I was back in school for the start of the spring semester. Nearly five years after my surgery I am enjoying all my activities I did before and most importantly, I am fulfilling my childhood dream: studying medicine with the hope of giving others a second chance like Dr. Francis did for me. Thank you, Dr. Francis."

‐ Ravi

Timothy Stradling
63 years old, Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis‐ 37° Lumbar Curve

“I wanted to personally express my sincere heartfelt thanks to Dr. Francis and his staff at Spine Associates for the extremely high and very professional level of care provided to me with my recent surgeries. When I compare my pre‐surgery condition (a 37° lumbar spinal curve) with my present condition (completely straight), the result is truly amazing.

I am pleased to be able to tell you that I am now, a mere six weeks after surgery, back onto a regular diet and back to work for the second week at my office on a full time basis. Please rest assured that I shall have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your practice to friends and associates in need of the very best in spine care.”

-Timothy Stradling

Patricia Eppes

       54 years old, Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis - 90° Lumbar Curve

        
BEFORE
AFTER
 

Patricia Eppes won her third consecutive amateur golf tournament within six months of surgical correction of severe scoliosis.  As a 54 year old police officer, she could no longer do her job, and lost sleep as she noticed her spine curvature increase in size alarmingly over the years.  Today her life is transformed.  She is but one of an army of patients who felt the need to have this distressing condition treated, and who now lead active lifestyles.  For her, it was about living again, getting back to normal.

Ashley Tassin

     19 years old, 40° Thoracolumbar Curve

"Thank you so much Dr. Francis!  I really appreciate everything that you did for me!  Thank you!"

Ashley Tassin

September 24, 2009

 

Sheila Gabriel

       37 years old

       •   Progression of Untreated Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with Double Major Curve

       • Cervical Disc Herniation C5/6 - C6/7

"After 5 years of being in extreme back and neck pain, Dr. Francis was the first and only of many doctors who gave me hope that a life without pain would be possible.  I was told by many other doctors, before seeing Dr. Francis, "that I would just have to deal with my pain and that pain management was my only option for the rest of my life".  Dr. Francis fixed my scoliosis and herniated discs in my back soon after seeing him for a consult and I feel like a new person.  My spine is now straight and my neck pain is gone."

Sheila Gabriel

August 27, 2009

Cortnei Purnell

       14 years old, 40° Right Thoracic Curve

"One week prior to my freshman year of high school, I had back surgery for scoliosis.  Dr. Francis assured me that the surgery would go well and that it was a good possibility that I could play basketball for that season.  I am pleased to report that my surgery with a scar that is not as noticeable as I thought it would be and I actually came out of surgery 2 1/2 inches taller!  Not only did God allow me to resume my normal life 7 days after using Dr. Francis, but he further blessed me with making the basketball team and leading our freshman girls in scoring and average of 14 points per game.

Thank you Dr. Francis,

Cortnei Purnell

March 17, 2010