Baptist Medical Group – Neurosurgery Offers Exceptional Care at a Global Standard
As a busy husband, father, grandfather and employee, Richard Daniels stays active by working and helping others. Last May, Richie assisted his grandchildren with a home improvement project and injured his back.
The pain came on immediately and significantly disrupted Richie’s lifestyle.
“I faced significant limitations in my daily activities,” Richie said. “I had to sit upright in a recliner at night to try to sleep and achieve some comfort."
Richie continued to work despite the pain. At his doctor's recommendation, he was first advised to receive steroid injections for the pain. After about six weeks, Richie needed to seek alternative treatment since the pain was not lessening.
His medical advocate and primary care physician referred Richie to spine surgeon Brett Reichwage, M.D., with Baptist Medical Group — Neurosurgery. Dr. Reichwage coordinated care with Huaiyu Tan, M.D., PhD., an interventional pain medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with Andrews Institute. Through further tests and examinations, Dr. Reichwage and Dr. Tan confirmed that the primary source of his back pain was the L5-S1 joint. Dr. Reichwage performed lumbar spine surgery on Richie in July at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
“I had no pain after the surgery and could lie down again,” Richie said. “I remained at home for two weeks in recovery but fully returned to work with no issues. In fact, my loving best friend, wife of 53 years and generous caregiver, Betsy, asked me when I’d be returning to work because she was ready for me to return to my outside-the-home duties,” Richie laughed.
Richie credits Dr. Reichwage and his team at Baptist Medical Group – Neurosurgery for providing him with the best possible care, from back surgery to follow-up care.
“Dr. Reichwage, Jennifer Ramsey, PA-C, Normelda Gray, the practice manager, and the whole team there were incredibly supportive, professional and good to me throughout my time there,” Richie said. “I truly benefited from their experienced, calm demeanor, as do all their patients."
Richie is grateful to be back to his normal routine of work and hobbies. Although a bit more cautious, he isn’t slowing down or stopping his work or life’s enjoyments, such as photography, fly fishing, moderate hiking and more.
He emphasizes that the care he received from Baptist Medical Group – Neurosurgery is exceptional.
“One does not need to leave the local area to access care of a global standard,” Richie stated. “That’s how I think of Dr. Reichwage, and I am forever grateful to him for helping me.”
“Providing Mr. Daniels’ care has been a privilege,” Dr. Reichwage said. “It is our honor to receive his trust, and our team is thrilled that he has done so well!”
Baptist Medical Group - Neurosurgery is here to offer patients comprehensive, innovative and specialized treatments. For more information, visit ebaptisthealthcare.org/neurosurgery.
