On the road to recovery

Maryland resident, former reporter, and Reston Hospital Center patient, Diane Booth, counts herself lucky that a conversation with her son-in-law led her to having spine surgery with Dr. Charles Seal at Reston Hospital Center. She had seen a variety of physicians and specialists in Maryland near her Abingdon home, but her lower back pain continued to get worse. Diane did her research and was impressed with Dr. Seal’s educational background and the research he has conducted throughout his career. Then after her appointment when he identified rather quickly that her left leg weakness that had led to several falls appeared to be nerve damage, she was convinced he could help her.

With Reston Hospital’s recent addition of a minimally-invasive robotic navigation system for the spine, Dr. Seal felt Booth was a good candidate for multiple lumbar fusion surgery using this new technology.

So much in a short time

Her surgery took place on July 5, 2023. “From the minute I woke up, all the weakness and tenderness were gone. It was like a miracle, and I know that sounds trite, but it was amazing,” Booth said.

After surgery, she was placed in Reston Hospital Center’s recently expanded inpatient rehabilitation department where she began her recovery process. After being there for 15 days, she was hopeful and positive about heading home. She explained how she felt the hospital and staff were ready for any issue or scenario that might arise, which boosted her own confidence. Every department she interacted with, from surgical, medical, occupational therapy and physical therapy, prepared her for what was to come next.

“I am in awe that they could do so much with me in such a short time,“ Booth said. “This is a new generation of hospital with the level of professionalism, the respect for people’s privacy, and the care everyone has taken to work with me on day-to-day activities to ensure I am ready, strong enough, and feeling good.”

A special shout-out

Booth spoke openly about challenging experiences she has had at other facilities. She could not say enough positive things about her stay at Reston Hospital Center and spoke very kindly about several of her caregivers.

She gave special kudos to her occupational therapist, Danielle Hale, with whom she became close during her stay. “Danielle helped me with showering and personal things. I would trust her to do anything for me,” she said with a smile.

“Dr. Seal came and visited me almost every day I have been here — I mean, what surgeon does that?” she said. “He even stood with me one evening, looking out the windows, and watched the storm blow through. Not only did I have a talented and insightful surgeon, but everyone who did follow-up with me was knowledgeable and thorough. I would recommend Reston Hospital to everyone.”

Is spine surgery for you?

Chronic back pain can really affect your daily life, but Reston Hospital Center’s spine specialists use advanced diagnostics to evaluate your symptoms and tailor a treatment plan. Our comprehensive spine care team includes specialists in bone and joint, neurological care and pain management, as well as physiatrists, anesthesiologists, and family practitioners.

Our patients also benefit from the support and collaboration of nurse navigators and case managers throughout the care journey. Reston Hospital houses the most advanced, state-of-the-art, minimally-invasive surgery methodologies in the area that use smaller incisions and cause less trauma to muscles and tissues. This process often leads to shorter operations, less pain, and a faster recovery. To make an informed decision, we provide resources you can use to educate yourself with what to expect after spine surgery.

Curious about a potential next step in your journey towards feeling better? Our back and neck health risk assessment is a free, online tool that can help you understand how back pain is impacting your overall health and wellbeing and whether or not spine surgery could be right for you. Your email address will not be shared with anyone, but will be used to send a copy of your results and offer potential next steps towards a healthy, pain-free future.