A New Lease on Life after Spinal Surgery: Rob's Transformation with Expert Neuro Care

Pompano Beach resident Robert Stannard, 57, is enjoying life and is back on his feet after years of pain that made even walking a struggle.

After years of owning and operating a moving company, Stannard began experiencing severe back pain, which led to a diagnosis of spinal stenosis in 2014. The condition, which is caused when spaces within the spine narrow and exert pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, severely impacted his quality of life. Four years later, Stannard underwent a quadruple laminectomy in which part of the vertebrae is removed to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. While the surgery provided partial relief, it didn't fully resolve his issues.

By 2020, Stannard’s pain had intensified to the point where he could barely walk and was in constant agony. Desperate for relief, he visited an orthopedist who referred him to a pain specialist at Broward Health, where he received an epidural to ease the pain in the short term.

"I was having a hard time accepting that I would be in this type of pain for the rest of my life," Stannard recalled. "My favorite word was 'no' with my friends and family because it was hard enough to get through the day and when I was home from work it was just easier to sit and do nothing.”

Stannard was at a turning point. He had to either make some needed and difficult changes or continue to suffer and watch his quality of life continue to go downhill. “Looking back, I was likely depressed and didn’t realize it,” said Stannard, adding that “because the debilitating pain left me immobile, I had gained a significant amount of weight." His weight had skyrocketed to 368 pounds, putting additional pressure on his spine.

In July 2023, Stannard met with Broward Health neurosurgeon Shaye I. Moskowitz, M.D., for the first time. X-rays and an MRI revealed the extent of his spinal issues and within three months Stannard had surgery with Dr. Moskowitz at Broward Health North.

“Anyone who has had severe back pain knows how debilitating it can be, not only physically but also psychologically,” Dr. Moskowitz said. “Spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis can worsen if left untreated, escalating into chronic pain. There are a number of treatment options available ranging from physical therapy to surgery under the guidance and care of a qualified neurosurgeon. There is no reason to suffer in silence.”

Dr. Moskowitz performed the unexpectedly lengthy 12-hour surgery on Stannard, placing rods between the L2 and L3 and L4 and L5 vertebrae, removing lower nerves and a significant amount of scar tissue. Stannard spent a week in the hospital recovering with daily occupational and physical therapy.

“Dr. Moskowitz gave me my life back,” said Stannard. “Broward Health’s care team was incredible, and they did right by me. I feel a million times better today.”

With his newfound energy, Stannard has been able to return to his passion for collecting and refurbishing vintage cars. He has lost 83 pounds and shed 10 inches from his waist now that he is mobile again and enjoying life to the fullest. Grateful for the exceptional care provided by Dr. Moskowitz and Broward Health, Stannard isn’t taking life for granted.

“I now appreciate every moment where I can walk my dog, exercise and simply enjoy the ability to move through life pain free,” Stannard added.

Broward Health is committed to providing exceptional neurological care for brain and spine injuries, stroke and other neurological conditions. With a rapid response team of neurologists, neurosurgeons and skilled nurses, Broward Health offers personalized care and services that cover everything from advanced neurosurgery and neuroradiology diagnostics to comprehensive stroke care, support groups and rehabilitation.

To learn more about Neuroscience Services at Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org/Neuro.