With 35 years of experience as an intensive care nurse and a deep understanding of clinical outcomes, Beth Brand has seen it all. Throughout her career, she worked alongside countless physicians, observing firsthand the qualities that set the best apart in patient care.
So when it came to her own spine care, she approached it with a unique perspective on what great care should look and feel like.
A Previous Life of Discomfort with Scoliosis
Beth was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 12 and wore a back brace throughout her childhood. Her condition stabilized for a time, but as she entered her 40s and 50s, her back began to worsen again. The fatigue and loss of mobility began affecting her daily life and limiting the activities she enjoyed most.
“My spine was actually beginning to collapse in on itself due to my scoliosis,” said Beth. “I knew something had to eventually be done for my health.”
When she first met OrthoIndy orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. John Dietz over a decade ago, she immediately noticed something different in his approach.
“I quickly recognized that Dr. Dietz was a remarkably attentive physician,” said Beth. “He listened carefully, stayed focused during each visit and built a sense of trust from the very beginning.”
Rather than rushing into surgery, Dr. Dietz chose to carefully monitor Beth’s spine over time. Although she was eager to move forward with a corrective procedure, he explained the value of waiting to ensure the best possible long-term outcome. That level of patience and precision gave Beth confidence in every step of her care.
A Procedure that Made All the Difference
Eventually, due to the curvature of her spine, surgery became necessary. Dr. Dietz would perform a spinal fusion that included using rods and screws to stabilize her spine (vertebrae T4 through L4).
The results were immediate.
Beth gained a few inches in height, her posture improved dramatically and the fatigue that once drained her energy was gone.
“I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t felt this great in many years,” said Beth.
Beth said her recovery went well following the procedure and she attributes much of her excellent outcome to the physical therapy she received at OrthoIndy Westfield Physical Therapy, where her therapist guided her rehabilitation with care and expertise.
A New Outlook on Life
Four years after her surgery, Beth is feeling great. She is back to enjoying her retirement and the activities that once felt out of reach, including gardening and going on regular walks in her area.
“I’m so thankful for the care I received at OrthoIndy,” Beth said. “Dr. Dietz isn’t just a great surgeon – he genuinely cares. He gave me my life back, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
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