For years, Sylvia learned to work around chronic back pain.

The 67-year-old Fort Lupton resident said discomfort had been part of her life for decades, but it became significantly worse during the last 10 years.

"If I cleaned the bathroom or vacuumed the floor, I was in bed for the next day and a half," Sylvia said. “I was always in pain."

Like many people with ongoing back pain, Sylvia believed arthritis was largely to blame. She managed symptoms with medications for years until stomach issues forced her to stop one of the treatments she relied on. 

Seeking answers, she visited a pain management clinic, where imaging revealed a more complex issue and led to a referral to Frank Walch, MD, a spine surgeon at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette.

Dr. Walch reviewed her diagnosis and discussed several treatment options. After learning more about her condition and the likely progression without intervention, Sylvia decided to move forward with a new style of minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure at the L5-S1 level of her spine.

"I wanted to spend my retirement years being able to care for my great-grandchildren," she said. "I wanted to help my family and enjoy my life."

Before surgery, Sylvia focused on preparing physically by building core strength with chair exercises and following her care team's recommendations to stay active. She underwent surgery in July 2025, spent one night in the hospital, and returned home the following afternoon.

"I was shocked at how minimally invasive it was," Sylvia said. "It was less invasive than I even thought it would be."

Her recovery required patience and discipline. For six weeks, she avoided bending, twisting, and lifting before beginning physical therapy. She continued her exercises on her own after formal therapy ended and credits that commitment for helping her achieve a strong recovery.

One year later, Sylvia said the results have exceeded her expectations.

Today, she regularly walks a mile with her husband and their greyhounds, manages stairs without difficulty, and helps her daughter with household tasks. Most importantly, she can care for her three great-grandchildren, something she wasn't physically able to do before surgery.

"I can get up and down in the pickup truck. I go for walks with my husband. I can go up and down the stairs 10 times a day and I'm okay," she said. "I could not do that before."

Sylvia admits she initially had concerns about spine surgery. She had heard negative stories over the years but chose to focus on the information provided by her care team and advances in modern surgical techniques. 
"Medical care has come so far," she said. "A lot of the horror stories people hear are from years ago when procedures were much more invasive."

Looking back, Sylvia believes preparation, a positive attitude, and having a care team she could trust played an important role in her success.

"It has been life-changing," she said.

For Sylvia, success isn't measured by scans or medical appointments. It's measured in everyday moments, from walking the dogs to spending time with family.

"Now I can take care of my great-grandchildren, help my family and enjoy my retirement," she said. "That's what matters most."