Testimonials
Scoliosis
I remember I was around 10 years old when I first started having problems. I would constantly be complaining to my parents that my ribs hurt, and it was hard for me to breathe. I was going through that for a while, and it really bothered me. Soon after that, I went to my doctor for a physical. She was the first person to notice that I had a small lump on my back. I remember her telling my mom to get it checked out. I went for x-rays, and found out that I had Scoliosis.
I was a little worried at first, but I didn’t expect it to be a big deal. I think it was when I saw my brace that I really started to get scared. I didn’t want to have to wear it. I wanted it to just go away by itself, but of course, it doesn’t really happen like that. Wearing the brace was my only option.
During this time I was with a different doctor than Dr. Moreno. After he gave me the brace, I would go back every once in a while to take x-rays to see my progress. The last x-ray showed that the brace wasn’t working, and that I had to have surgery.
I only remember two things perfectly clear, exactly how they happened. One was finding out I needed to wear a brace, and the other one was finding out I needed surgery. The first one scared me, but the second one scared me even more. I was 12 years old at this point, and the thought of being in the hospital and actually being operated on is terrifying when you’re that young.
After finding out about the surgery, my parents and I decided to switch doctors. I remember my parents saying that they didn’t like how he chose to do the surgery, and I didn’t like it either. They asked me if I was o.k. with everything, and I said no. I needed a doctor who would make me comfortable through the whole thing, the surgery and the recovery.
This is when we went to see Dr. Moreno. After visiting with him, I felt so much better and I could tell that my parents felt the same way. He went through with us exactly what he was going to do. I felt more comfortable with this, since I actually knew what was going to happen to me. This time I was ready for my surgery. I was still nervous, but I knew that Dr. Moreno was going to take care of me.
I don’t remember what I was thinking on the way there, but I remember walking into the hospital the morning of my surgery not as worried as I thought I would be. I got in my room, and my mom helped me change into the gown. I lied down in my bed and waited. They started giving me IV’s soon, and that’s when I started getting nervous. After a while I started falling asleep, and my parents said good-bye to me.
Dr. Moreno definitely took care of me as I thought he would. He even told me he would many times before the surgery, and even in the operating room, right before I fell asleep from the anesthesia. After he said that, I remember nodding and thinking that everything was going to be o.k. Dr. Moreno and his surgical team gave me the comfort I needed.
I felt so much better after my surgery. I could breathe and sit still for a long time without being in pain. I could actually be normal.
I consider Dr. Moreno my hero. I waited for everything to go wrong, but nothing ever did. He was there to make sure that everything was carefully done and if anything were to go wrong, he could automatically fix it. It all went perfectly and I now have no problems with my back, all thanks to him. Now I’m 16 years old and I still go to see him every once in a while, so he can make sure and actually see that I am o.k. And because of him, I always am.
A.B., Clearwater, Florida
Intervertebral Tumor & Spondylolisthesis
At age 47, I began experiencing a dull ache between the shoulders which nothing—heat / cold packs, exercise, chiropractic, rest—seemed to relieve. Then it moved to the left shoulder and settled in. Gradually I noticed the left side of my neck was also starting to ache. "Arthritis," I thought, "I will just have to live with it." My PCP concurred after getting x-ray and MRI reports which showed mild/moderate arthritis in the neck.
My neck and shoulder pain continued to get worse. My "wake up call" was when I began to experience numbness and tingling in the last three fingers of each hand. Now I knew it was something more serious. Additional x-rays and another MRI still did not identify the cause of these symptoms. "It's time for a specialist," said my Topeka PCP.
Because I had a friend in Florida who had had THREE extremely successful surgeries—two neck surgeries and one low back surgery—with Dr. Moreno and he couldn't say enough good things about Dr. Moreno, I made an appointment and flew from Kansas for a consultation.
After a CT-scan with dye (contrast) was done, the cause of my pain and numbness was discovered. I had a rare intervertebral tumor growing on the left side of C3-C4 in my neck. Dr. Moreno recommended surgery as soon as possible because it was "aggressive" meaning it was causing destruction to the surrounding bones as it grew inside them. The tumor was dangerously close to the vertebral artery and could grow into it, which could cause me to have a stroke.
I was impressed that Dr. Moreno offered to refer me to a surgeon closer to my home in Kansas; however, I wanted someone with specialized experience at this type of unusual problem. Most of all, I wanted Dr. Moreno to do my surgery, because he took the time to pull his chair right up to me and looked me in the eyes while answering ALL of my questions. He doesn't sit there and write in your chart (like many other doctors do); he gives you his FULL attention and when you think you've asked all the questions you had, he says, "What OTHER questions do you have for me?" Dr. Moreno truly cares about his patients, and his staff does also (or I am sure they wouldn't be working for him!).
In July 2004 I had 7 hour neck surgery with Dr. Moreno, who involved a second surgeon (a neurosurgeon) to assist him so that EVERY precaution was taken. I am happy to say it was a COMPLETE SUCCESS. The tumor (which was benign) was completely removed, the vertebral artery is intact, I did not have a stroke, and I have practically full mobility of my neck despite front and rear fusion, WITHOUT that horrible burning neck and shoulder pain (it was gone when I woke up in ICU). Oh yes, all of my fingers have full sensation, no more numbness or tingling.
I must say it was NOT FUN after the surgery to wear that neck brace for 23.9 hours per day for 6 weeks, but I did not want to mess up Dr. Moreno's handiwork or go through another surgery to repair it! That thought made it easier to deal with.
I clearly recall my follow up office visit with Dr. Moreno two weeks after the surgery. I had tears in my eyes as I said, "How DO I thank you for taking away this horrible pain and finger numbness?" His response (which is typical Dr. Moreno) was to take my hand in both of his hands, look me in the eyes, and he said, "It is my privilege—with the good Lord's help—to be able to help people." When was the last time you heard a SURGEON say that???!!! Dr. Moreno is so exceptional; he has so much medical skill combined with uncommon caring and dedication--and so is his staff.
When I began having low back problems a year later because of a slippage of L5 on S1 (a "spondylolisthesis") with conservative measures no longer working, I needed low back surgery. Well, THAT was an EASY decision--Dr. Moreno! So I flew in from Kansas again with the utter confidence that comes from knowing you have a truly skilled and compassionate surgeon & staff on your side.
I am happy to report my TLIF back surgery in October 2005 at Mease Countryside Hospital was ANOTHER COMPLETE SUCCESS. I knew having Dr. Moreno as my surgeon gave me the best possible chance to have the outcome I wanted (especially if I followed his recommendations and precautions afterward—which I did).
I am not a person of wealthy means by anyone's reckoning. The multiple trips to Florida represented a significant financial expense but they were worth every cent to have Dr. Moreno's skill and compassion. He has other patients who travel great distances to see him—and now you know why we do.
No reputable doctor will "guarantee" a patient an outcome; but if you have to have neck or back surgery, I know you will have the same confidence going into it as I did if it is Dr. Moreno & his staff who are handling your care.
God bless you, Dr. Moreno as well as your wonderful staff too! Thank you so very much for getting me out of so much pain—TWICE!!!
P.H., Topeka, KS
Flat Back Syndrome
I have been a Scoliosis patient of Dr. Anthony P. Moreno since 1998. It was then that I was diagnosed with Flat Back Syndrome post Harrington Rod surgery. At this time, I was in my early 30s and could not walk great distances, leaned forward when walking and was not able to live a quality life. I remember the days of feeling trapped inside a painful body, day in and day out. Dr. Moreno was the one doctor who gave me hope!
My problem was structural and surgery was the only answer. After thorough research, I came to find that there were only a handful of surgeons who could perform the surgery I required and Dr. Moreno was one of them. He reconstructed my flattened spine forming a lumbar arch which allowed me to stand up straight after surgery; thus, alleviating that chronic, miserable pain. His talents gifted me quality of life again! I went on to have a beautiful baby, something I never thought would be possible.
For all the years I have known him, I have always found him to be truthful, caring, precise, impeccable and excellent at what he does! Before and after surgery, he would answer all my questions and concerns and put my mind at ease. Surgery is a big step and having a positive attitude and the right surgeon are two key ingredients for success!
D. O., Florida
Surgery to remove mass on spine
In 1999, I had a tingling in my lower back. This went on for a couple weeks and I finally went to see my primary care doctor. I told him about my symptoms, and he sent me for x-rays, treated me for pulled muscles (prescribed muscle relaxers and the application of heat), and recommended I see him again in two weeks. By my second visit there was no change, so the doctor prescribed inflammation pills and asked me to make another appointment. Two more weeks passed, and there was still no change in my condition.
I was working at a hospital as a CNA and that's how I met Dr. Moreno. I asked if I could speak to him regarding my back problems and he said yes. I explained my symptoms, which by this time included numbness in my lower back, and weakness in the legs. The numbness seemed to be spreading lower. Dr. Moreno set me up with an appointment at his office within a few days. He sent me for a CAT scan and an MRI. He also told me to come back in a few weeks when the x-rays were done.
When I returned for my second visit, I could tell by the look on Dr. Moreno's face that something was wrong. He told me I had a huge mass on my spine and I would have to have surgery as soon as possible. If I didn't, I would end up paralyzed. He asked me to see a neurosurgeon for a second opinion. The neurosurgeon confirmed Dr. Moreno's diagnosis and plan of treatment. Dr. Moreno scheduled my first surgery in a week.
During the first surgery, I was supposed to have metal rods, etc. put in, but I had lost too much blood so this wasn't done. My recovery went well, but then things went downhill. I had my spine reconstructed a few times, and had old rods replaced with new, extended rods. The problems with my back made it impossible for me to stand upright. By 2005 I was so bent over that I had to hold on to something in order to walk. I could not look up to the sky, I did not have good balance and my legs were weak.
I fell and cracked both rods in my back and needed additional treatment. At this point, Dr. Moreno said he could get me straight—maybe not 100% straight, but a lot straighter than I was. Dr. Moreno performed two separate surgeries in February and March. I was in a lot of pain, and I thought to give up, but Dr. Moreno wouldn't let me. With his support and the support of my family, I made it through.
After this last round of surgeries, I can finally look up and the sun and moon without holding on to something. As far as I'm concerned, Dr. Moreno is my hero. If it wasn't for him, I would not be walking and would not be able to look up at the sky. I am very grateful to Dr. Moreno and all that he has done for me.
If you are considering spinal surgery, if you have not found a surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Moreno.
P.S. If you smoke, please quit. It slows the healing process!
I.G., Florida
