Doris N's Story

In June of 2020, I saw Dr. Kerr in Seattle to address the chronic pain in my back which was likely the result of a fall from a ladder that occurred years before when I broke my collar bone and back. Making that appointment was without doubt, one of the best decisions I have ever made!

I had initially tried conservative, non-invasive treatments including massage, chiropractic and physical therapy to relieve numbness in my hands, and pain that radiated down my arms and across my upper and lower back, but the non-invasive treatments provided only short term relief. I needed a better understanding of my back problems and a realistic solution to fix them before my diminished activity began to affect my overall health.

Dr. Kerr came highly recommended because of his experience working with trauma patients in Afghanistan, Alaska and Washington State, and when I met him, I was impressed. He was super nice and provided a clear explanation of my condition that was surprisingly reassuring as we reviewed my spine issues on an MRI, which plainly indicated I had sustained severe disc damage in the fall and deterioration that had complicated the problem at multiple levels in both my cervical and lumbar spinal areas.

Dr. Kerr outlined the two surgeries I would need to fix my back problems and assured me that I could get back to the healthy, active lifestyle I had enjoyed before chronic pain overwhelmed me. I left his office feeling full of hope for the first time in a long time, grateful for his openness, patience, and caring approach because it instilled in me the confidence I needed to move forward with getting my life back through surgery.

In September 2020, Dr. Kerr performed a multilevel ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) on my neck to address the upper back issues. He explained in great detail what he was going to do, as he had done before, and reminded me about possible side effects. But, when all was said and done, wearing a neck brace and taking care not to lift, twist or bend my neck for a couple of months was the most discomfort I felt following surgery, aside from my normal upper back pain that gradually disappeared as I healed. It's now been 6 months and even the small incision he placed in one of the folds on my neck is imperceptible by most of my friends.

In January 2021, Dr. Kerr performed a Multi-level Lumbar Spinal Fusion surgery on my L4, L5, and Slvertebrae in my lower back to correct the damage and deterioration that was causing severe sciatica extending down both my legs. Following this surgery, I spent a few days walking the halls of Swedish Hospital in a back brace and went home wearing it for a few months. I am 2 1/2 months into recuperation and am delighted to report that I have not experienced any sciatic or lower back pain since the surgery.

Dr. Kerr is a miracle worker who gave me my life back, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking help with neck and spine issues, fracture repair, or joint replacement.