Lauren now lives a fuller and richer life
In July 2019, my daughter Lauren had to undergo major surgery just weeks after graduating from college. At only 22 years old and recently graduated from college, Lauren had to have an L5/S1 posterior spinal fusion.
Being at a tender age, Lauren was anxious. Meeting Dr. Ellwitz and his team, the edge was taken off almost immediately. He addressed all her fears and concerns, his entire team spent countless hours assuring her that she was in the best care possible. Dr. Ellwitz treated her with dignity and respect but also kept the conversations at a level that was clear and concise so she fully understood all that would be happening before, during and after the surgery. He always had a genuine smile, and lighthearted jokes and was able to explain everything in detail without speaking in terms that were difficult to understand. He answered all my questions though Lauren was an adult and gave me opportunities to do regular follow up.
Lauren’s biggest fear was the idea of “foreign bodies” being embedded in her body for the rest of her life. She ended up with 2 rods, 4 screws, a “cage” and a bone graft. After learning of her concerns, he went above and beyond by fulfilling what I thought was an odd request. He took a picture of her open back, hardware clearly pictured so that she could reconcile what was now a permanent part of her body.
Never in my life had I ever thought a doctor would do something like this! We were overjoyed at being able to visualize and better comprehend the end result of her surgery.
Lauren was born a Bronson Baby in 1997 and before relocating to the Pacific Northwest in 2019, Dr. Ellwitz proved yet again why Bronson is the best possible place for care in our area. To this day, when he or any member of his staff sees me, they always ask about Lauren.
She now lives a fuller and richer life. She walks without pain, without fear of her legs giving out as they had done before surgery and is grateful for the amazing care she received from Dr. Ellwitz and his staff..
