Feel free to read my whole story, but the overall message is that Dr. Nomoto performed live-changing spinal fusion (ALIF) surgery on my L5-S1, 5 months ago and I'm 90% pain free, and thus have a new life. On top of that, he's a cool guy and enjoyable to go down the surgical path with.
For the last 10 years I suffered with daily lower back pain. I now know it was a deteriorating disc. In the early years I tried intense physical therapy, chiropractor, and acupuncture combined with cupping. Until I was bone on bone, the acupuncture/cupping with Cindy Rosenberg kept my pain at bay. Being pregnant and then caring around a 20 pound baby made things significantly worse to the point that I was on daily Vicodin and even walking with a cane in the mornings. Over the last three years after trying every minimally invasive procedure possible (injections, PRP, rhizotomy) and then after an MRI showed I was bone on bone, it was determined that surgery was the only option. After much research and several referrals, I decided to work with Dr. Nomoto. He also came highly recommended from 2 other top LA doctors. He won't tell you what his exact success rate is, but after asking multiple doctors I believe it's around 90%.
Five months ago I had Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery (ALIF) performed on my L5-S1. Dr. Rao was my cardiovascular surgeon who essentially went in through my stomach and moved my arteries to the side to make way for the spinal surgeon. Then Dr. Nomoto performed the ALIF. After three weeks I was completely off pain medication and after six weeks it was clear the surgery was a success. I now have a 90% pain reduction and am able to go about daily life. The biggest challenge was that for the first three months post surgery I could not lift my 11 month old baby, or anything over 8 pounds. It was a challenge, but completely worth it. I had my 3 month post op appt and got the all clear to hold my baby, do a sit up, and start gentle yoga. I feel like I have a new lease on life. I never knew that a life this free of pain would ever be possible for me.
I cannot thank Dr. Nomoto enough, but hopefully others will read this review and decide to let him change their life as well. :)