Fishing was out of the question. In fact, sometimes just getting off the couch was an accomplishment for Bill Deka of Akron. The last three months were the worst when Deka’s left leg would give out and he’d fall to the ground.

Some days the pain was so bad, he’d get up, take double his medication and sleep for four hours just to be able to get around. His back pain was debilitating. His wife, Georgan, suffered also seeing her husband in so much pain, and had to take over managing the household for both of them.

Then he saw an article in the local newspaper about a new Spine Center at MetroHealth and made an appointment to see if the doctors could help him.

“We presented Mr. Deka’s case at our spine case management conference (where the spine specialist physicians discuss treatment options) and it was decided spine surgery was his best option,” says Michael Steinmetz, MD, neurosurgeon and chairman, Department of Neurosciences. 

Mr. Deka had undergone two prior spine surgeries including a fusion.  He suffered from nerve compression and a spinal deformity termed "flat back syndrome." 

On January 10, Dr. Steinmetz performed complex spinal surgery on Deka. The operation consisted of a decompression of the nerves in his back as well as reconstruction to correct with lumbar spinal alignment. The surgery went well, and the recovery plan included physical therapy and aerobic exercise.

Three months later, when Deka and his wife came for his follow-up appointment with Dr. Steinmetz, Deka said, “I think it’s a miracle. The deep pain in my leg and my back are gone. I just completed 10,000 steps on my pedometer.”

“He’s got his quality of life back,” said Georgan blinking back tears.

Dr. Steinmetz said Deka’s spine is in alignment now, and the surgery was very successful.

“Our comprehensive team approach to the treatment of spinal disorders allows us to provide patients with many treatment options. This way we can give each patient the best option for their situation,” says Dr. Steinmetz.

The Spine Center offers a variety of conservative treatment options. But when more complex spinal issues arise like Deka’s situation, patients can benefit from state-of-the-art interventional and minimally invasive procedures available from MetroHealth’s advanced medical and surgical spine specialists.

Today Deka is now able to play catch with his children and grandchildren, and is looking forward to going fishing again.

When asked if he has any advice for back pain sufferers, Deka says, “Don’t give up. Go see Dr. Steinmetz. This is where you want to be to get the right care.”

Call 216-778-3700 to make an appointment with any of our Spine Center specialists. Don't know which type of specialist to see? Call and we'll place you based on your medical needs.