I’m a nurse from New Zealand who had been suffering from intense and relentless low back pain for 2 years due to a work-related injury. I have tried every conservative management there is such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, and steroid injection and nothing worked. I went online searching for other alternatives and came across Dr. Kim Choll in youtube. I found his surgical techniques fascinating and decided to book a consultation via zoom. He initially suggested to repeat my MRI as the last one was a year ago. After reviewing the results, he advised to have a second steroid injection, this time, on the affected level of my prolapsed disc with annular tear for diagnostic and treatment purposes. The first one I had from another doctor was on another level to target my left leg pain. This goes to show that he is not someone who recommends spine surgery without exhausting other conservative options. I went to get the steroid injection which diagnostically confirmed my pain generator but unfortunately did not help with my pain. That’s when Dr. Kim advised that I undergo laser endoscopic spine surgery. At this point, surgery felt like my last and only option. I felt desperate, and exhausted from the never ending pain I had to endure day in and day out. My partner and I decided to fly to San Diego in September of 2024 to undergo surgery. Dr. Kim and his staff were very professional and kind. Dr. Kim made me feel comfortable and that I’m in good hands. He took his time in explaining the process and allowed me to ask questions and answered them clearly. On the day of the surgery he came to see me upon admission and clarified any additional questions I had. The surgery went successfully and he came to see me again in recovery. I felt taken care of and was very grateful. I was there in the hospital for a total of 8 hours and was discharged on pain medications. My post operative pain was manageable and I was sight-seeing in San Diego after 5 days. I flew back to New Zealand after 9 days post- surgery and commenced physiotherapy. I am now 3 months post-op and would say that my pain has 50% improved. That for me is a big deal, and I believe it will only continue to improve from here on out. I am now able to do more activities and I couldn’t be happier. I thank God for using Dr Kim as an instrument to heal me. Dr Kim’s surgical skill is unparalleled and his compassion is a blessing. ❤️
