I have been married for 42 years and have two adult children and eight grandchildren. I am thankful for my family and for all of the support that my wife Lily has given to me over the years. We needed to come together as a couple to deal with my medical situations. I have had health problems since 1982. This includes; hip and knee replacements (both left and right), rotator cuff, carpel tunnel and trigger finger (both hands) and ongoing severe degenerative osteoarthritis.

Needless to say, this has been very stressful and my medical treatment has definitely been a "family affair." My wife and I have lived with the constant unknown of what medically would happen to me next and how new developments would negatively affect the quality of our life. I could have never faced these trying years without my wife's support.

I retired 12 years ago due to my multiple and ongoing medical issues and at the encouragement of my local doctor (who convinced me it was time). Over my career, I worked 38 years in the field of construction. This included 11 years experience managing my own construction business where I worked in all areas of construction (both private homes and farm buildings) including; plumbing, heating, frame to finish, electrical, and concrete. I also have 14 years experience as a Maintenance Mechanic for the University of Iowa. Lily has worked as a neonatal nurse since 1985 and continues in this position.

I was referred to the UI Spine Center in December 2005 as my health took a significant turn for the worse. I lost bladder and bowel control for four days. I began to have nerve damage in my buttocks and lower extremities and was having difficulty walking as well. Tests confirmed I had stenosis of my spine and my spinal cord was being compressed. Due to the complexity of my case, I was referred to Dr. Mendoza at the UI Spine Center. We were very concerned and uncertain of what lay ahead of us.

I believe Dr. Mendoza is a most highly skilled and competent orthopaedic surgeon and that he is able to undertake the most complicated medical situations. I needed someone with this type of expertise and was very glad to have him take my case. He discussed with us my medical situation and made sure that we fully understood everything.

In order to restore my functions, I needed to have a surgery that included a lumbar decompression from S1-L2 along with posterior spinal fusion instrumentation from S1-L2. Following my surgery, I spent seven days in the hospital. I was in an acrylic body shell for four months. I utilized Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy both in the hospital and with a home health agency. I was back to my regular activities at 6 months post operation and fully released one year after the surgery! I can't put into words what this means to me and my family.

The UI Spine team provided us with excellent orthopaedic care. Dr. Mendoza and his team do care about the quality of their patient's life. We were treated with world-class expertise and a sincere compassion. They were knowledgeable, supportive, and available to answer all questions. They really do treat “the whole person”.

The chronic nature of my degenerative osteoarthritis is a fact of life for me. I do have physical limitations (not restrictions), but take no medications. However, Dr. Mendoza's surgery has restored me to a fully functioning body and has allowed me a quality of life so that I can live each day to the fullest. I am most grateful to Dr. Mendoza and his team.