Lou Ray

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your lifestyle before your back problems started?

I’m a retired teacher, and I’ve sailed all my life. During COVID, I even bought a big sailboat. I didn’t really have back problems initially. I did have some leg pain starting in my forties, but it was intermittent — if I was in a position for a long time, it would bother me, but it usually went away.

When did the pain in your legs become more serious?

About ten years ago, it started happening more often. The pain would hit out of the blue — it felt like knives cutting through my legs or fire burning them. Sometimes it was so bad I couldn’t walk, and I had no idea what was causing it.

What steps did you take to find out what was wrong?

I mentioned it to my GP, who sent me to a pain specialist. That doctor then referred me to a surgeon, but he told me my back problems were too severe for him — he said I should see Dr. Mayer.

What did Dr. Mayer discover when he evaluated you?

I learned that my spinal cord had a lot of scar tissue, some arthritis, and it was compressing the nerves that go down into my legs, like the sciatic nerve. When those nerves got inflamed, it caused the extreme leg pain. On top of that, I also had scoliosis.

How did it feel to finally have a diagnosis?

I couldn’t even walk to my boat, much less sail it. Flying on a plane would leave me in pain for days. When Dr. Mayer explained what was happening, I actually cried. I thought this was just going to be another doctor who shrugged and said, “Tell me if it gets worse.” But he and his team really took the time to understand and explain what was going on.

How did Dr. Mayer approach your treatment?

He didn’t rush into surgery. He said we needed to observe and fully understand the problem first. Every visit, he explained exactly what was happening with my back and why I was feeling the pain. His whole team — physician assistants, nurses, even the office staff — were outstanding. They made sure I knew what was going on and were always available if I needed an unscheduled appointment.

How did Dr. Mayer prepare you for surgery?

He told me upfront that this would be a big commitment and that I would need to be ready to work hard during recovery. About a year after my first visit, we scheduled the surgery. It was a two-part procedure: the surgeons went through my stomach one day, and two days later they went in through my back. They made space in my vertebrae so the nerves weren’t compressed, and they inserted a rod to correct my scoliosis halfway up my back.

How has your life changed since the surgery?

I can climb onto my 30-foot boat, take sails up and down, and sail by myself. I’m completely independent in all the ways I love to be active.

Did you do physical therapy after surgery? How did that help?

Yes, I was paired with an amazing physical therapist. She observed me sailing and tailored exercises to strengthen the oblique muscles and other areas that are critical when you have a rod in your back. I had to learn new movement patterns — a skill I never needed before — but it was all possible with guidance.

What was your overall experience working with Dr. Mayer and his team?

Dr. Mayer is incredibly passionate about what he does. He makes you feel like part of the team — it’s a partnership where I have to be just as committed as he is. He inspires confidence without pressure. I feel very lucky to have been his patient, and I know I’ll always feel connected to him and his care.