Dr. Gross,

I just wanted to let you know how well I am doing now 2 years since you performed SED surgery on my lower back. I suffered with back and leg pain for more than 16 months before I found you on the internet. I had been treated with Cortisone pills and epidural injections, chiropractic and regular physiotherapy and Vicodin and I always had to wear a large back brace. I couldn't sit at work for more than 15 minutes without having to get up and walk around. Coughing, sneezing and any bending would kill me. After the SED selective arthroscopic discectomy I went back to work in 4 days and haven't had to take any pain pills since. Once again thank you so much for helping me get my life back together.

Jorge J.

Dr. Gross,

I can't begin to tell you how much you helped me with my severe pain. As you know the pain in my back and left leg was so bad that even with 2 Oxycodone, 6 Vicodin and 3 Soma a day I couldn't stand more than a few minutes at a time. The pain made me cry and I always thought I was tough. The epidural injections helped a little for a week or so but then the pain came back even stronger. When you did the endoscopic discectomy and removed the herniated disc I felt better even as they were bringing me to the recovery room. I was amazed that you were able to operate on my back using just local anesthesia and I was only minimally sedated but could talk to you during the entire procedure! I only took 1 Vicodin the day after surgery and since that time I don't take any pain pills. I'm back to work and my regular life and am so grateful that you have given me back my life and I only wish I had done the surgery 6 months earlier as it would have saved me so much misery.

Mollie L.

My name is James S., I am a patient of Dr. Elliot Gross and I had transforaminal selective endoscopic discectomy surgery. Before I had the surgery I had very severe back pain. It felt like I had a constant knife like pain stabbing me in my lower back and my back was stiff all the time. I tried multiple medications, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture as well as a series of epidural cortisone injections with only temporary minor relief of pain. After suffering four months of agony I elected to have the surgery performed on my lower back. Since having the surgery I have been completely pain free. It has been about one year since my surgery and I'm getting better all the time. I would have to say I am completely satisfied with this surgery. I would gladly recommend this surgery to anyone who is having severe lower back pain. I wish I had this surgery performed earlier as it would have saved me a great deal of aggravation. I would like to thank Dr. Elliot Gross for all that he has done for me. He is the best!

James S.

Hello Dr. Gross,

I just wanted to tell you that I'm extremely happy following the selective endoscopic discectomy surgery that you performed on me 4 months ago. Before the surgery I could not participate in playing baseball in college because every time I bent over I would experience a sharp pain in my lower back radiating down my leg. As you recall I received various types of treatment including extensive physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections and in spite of all of this treatment and not being able to play any sports for more than six months I felt no significant improvement. Now that I have had the selective endoscopic discectomy surgery my back is feeling greatly improved although not entirely perfect yet. I still have aching pains from time to time but absolutely no pain down my leg or difficulty walking. I don't have to take any pain medication. I'll have you know that I am now once again playing baseball and doing very well. I am my team's starting catcher and am hitting cleanup with two home runs on the year so far. I am continuing to do physical therapy daily with my school's athletic trainer to strengthen my core muscles and I am continuing to see improvement. Thank you for your help and your concern and for doing such a great job healing my back. I would strongly recommend this surgical procedure for anyone in who had my type of disc damage.

Richard O.

I was suffering from severe back pain due to a herniated disk, with the pain sometimes feeling like someone was stabbing me with a knife. It was extremely difficult to get a decent night's sleep and even simple things like walking would cause me pain. Dr. Gross recommended the procedure as a possible way to alleviate the pain without the extreme in invasiveness of alternative surgeries.  Being in my sixties I was a little concerned with any surgery, but the procedure was over quickly. I was conscious the entire time, approximately two hours, after which I was sent home. After Dr. Gross and his team were finished, most of my back pain was gone. Now 3 weeks later, after my irritated nerve endings have had time to heal, my back pain has disappeared. The 2 small incision marks are healing wonderfully, and will probably disappear completely when fully healed. While my back still has to heal some more before I am recovered, I am looking forward to doing simple things, like just walking or sitting without pain.

6 months later

I've been back to work as a waitress and have no further back/leg pain!

I'm telling all of my friends and clients to come and see you if they have back or leg pain!

Margarite L.
Tarzana, Calif.

The surgery I received in May has helped 80% since my injury last year. I would recommend the surgery to any lower back patient. Dr. Gross is a wonderful doctor for this type of surgery. Thank you so much.

Craig B.
Los Angeles,Calif.

Dr. Gross,

I am writing you to thank you for your help with the surgery performed on me in July. I have had a back pain since 7/1/1969. I was an airborne ranger and I served in Vietnam from 7/4/1969 until 2/22/1970 and during that time I had constant back pain. After coming out of the service in 1970, I tried acupuncture, 9 epidural shots, physical therapy and numerous other methods of recovery. When my private doctor told me I need to stop working because my problem was getting worse and I had to take 6-8 Vicodin a day. After hearing what he had to say I began thinking about surgery and that's when I came to you. I am happy to say that the surgery was a success. I just have a little pain now and no longer take any pain medication. Once again thank you so much Dr. Gross.

6 months later

Just a followup note to say that I have no back or leg pain at all and I resumed my busy life.  I do not need any medication and am doing all my activities. Thanks again!

Floyd W.
Los Angeles, Calif.

I had been a patient of Dr. Gross' for a little over a year with two herniated discs when he told me about Endoscopic Discectomy. The procedure seemed less intrusive than surgery and hopeful in relieving my pain. After spending a year in physical therapy and taking medication for the day to day pain, I strongly considered this procedure. Dr. Gross was very informative and answered all my questions.

I went in for the Endoscopic procedure in May and came out coherent two hours later. During the procedure Dr. Gross and his team were able to ask how I was feeling and how was I doing which helped me relax. Three days after the procedure I began walking around my home with ease and a few days after that I was out doing errands. It is now July and I'm moving around without any tension, pain or medications and I feel great about that. I am extremely thankful to Dr. Gross and his team and hopeful others can experience the freedom I now feel.

6 months later

I'm back to work now and have no back or leg pain. I threw out all of my medication!

I'm so appreciative.   Thank you.

Laura L.
Santa Monica, Calif.