Taking Life in Stride

By Tracie Foster

Life-changing is how Robert Peifer describes his experience undergoing spinal surgery. 

While working heavy highway construction in the early 2000s, Robert sustained a minor back injury. Fast forward 23 years later and Robert found himself suddenly suffering from excruciating pain in his left leg. Some days he could not walk because of the unbearable pain. 

Robert decided it was time to seek medical attention and made an appointment with his primary care physician. After trying to alleviate the pain with oral medications, Robert’s physician referred him to Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Rakesh Chokshi at the McLeod Spine Center. 

Upon reviewing Robert’s symptoms and imaging results, Dr. Chokshi diagnosed him with a herniated disc. 

A spinal disc has a soft, spongy center called a nucleus. The nucleus is surrounded by a tough, rubbery exterior known as the annulus. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when a part of the nucleus protrudes through a tear in the annulus. 

“Disc herniation is often the result of gradual wear and tear,” explains Dr. Chokshi. “As we age, the discs become less flexible and are prone to tearing or rupturing. 

“Although it can happen in any part of the spine, a herniated disc most often occurs in the lower back. Depending on the location of the herniated disc, it can result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.” 

“The pain in my leg was like nothing I had ever experienced before,” recalls Robert. “I worked as a maintenance man at a local hotel, and there were times the pain was so severe I had to call my boss and tell him I needed to go home.”

The pain was so debilitating, Robert recalls a time when he felt he would never enjoy the things he once did. 

“I loved walking, hunting and playing golf. Before the pain in my leg began, I would walk three miles every morning,” said Robert. 

“When the pain caused me to give up the things I loved doing, I knew it was time to figure out the cause and how to fix it.”

Robert’s remedy was a minimally invasive surgery known as a lumbar microdiscectomy, performed by Dr. Chokshi in June 2023.

“During this procedure, the surgeon removes the portion of disc causing pressure on the nerve with as little disturbance to the bone and tissue as possible,” said Dr. Chokshi. “What this means for patients is usually a shorter hospital stay, improved mobility and enhanced quality of life.”

Before surgery, Robert rated his pain level 10 out of 10. Shortly after surgery, his pain was down to zero.

“I feel if I had not had the surgery, I would probably be in a wheelchair right now,” recalls Robert. 

“One week following my surgery, I was walking one mile every day. Today, I am back up to two and a half miles a day, and I have no pain,” he adds. 

“Robert’s determination to get up and walk within one week of his surgery is a tremendous testament to his desire to get better,” said Dr. Chokshi.

“I would recommend Dr. Chokshi to anyone who is experiencing the pain I once did and needs this surgery. It truly has changed my life for the better.”