From Pain to Recovery: Marisette's Journey with Spinal Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis

PITTSBURGH, PA — June 25, 2025 — After experiencing severe spinal stenosis and undergoing life-changing surgery, 65-year-old Marisette V. from Verona, Pennsylvania, is sharing her story of recovery and renewed hope for the future.

What began as occasional back pain in late 2023 quickly escalated into a condition that threatened the active lifestyle of this competitive rower and software engineer. Today, after successful treatment at UPMC Presbyterian, Marisette is planning her retirement in her native Holland.

Patient Profile

Patient: Marisette V., 65
Location: Verona, Pennsylvania
Condition: Spinal stenosis and low-grade spondylolisthesis
Treatment: Minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion
Surgeon: Nitin Agarwal, MD

Early Symptoms and Deterioration

In late 2023, Marisette began experiencing jolts of pain down the backs of her legs. Initially attributing the discomfort to her sedentary work as a software engineer, she soon realized the symptoms were far more serious than typical work-related strain.

“It was getting so bad, I couldn’t even do a bridge exercise. Then I started experiencing neurological symptoms like numbness, and I knew something was seriously wrong.”

— Marisette V.

Despite her proactive approach to health and fitness as a competitive rower, traditional treatments including stretching, massage therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic care provided no relief. The pain continued to worsen, accompanied by concerning neurological symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment Timeline

Initial Diagnosis

MRI imaging revealed spinal stenosis and low-grade spondylolisthesis. Initial treatment options included continued physical therapy, injections, or laminectomy surgery.

Seeking a Second Opinion

Following a friend’s recommendation, Marisette consulted with Dr. Nitin Agarwal. Her condition rapidly deteriorated during subsequent appointments, progressing from walking independently to requiring a cane, then a wheelchair.

Decision for Surgery

Despite initial caution due to Marisette’s osteopenia (low bone density), the progression of symptoms including loss of feeling in her left foot and balance issues necessitated surgical intervention.

July 2024 – Spinal Surgery
Marisette underwent minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion at UPMC Presbyterian. The procedure successfully stabilized her spine and decompressed the affected nerves.

Remarkable Recovery

The results of Marisette’s spinal surgery exceeded all expectations. Within hours of the procedure, her pain had improved significantly, and she was discharged home the same day.

“That felt like a miracle. Of course, I had a few more days of pain during recovery at home, but I immediately felt pain relief and have been improving ever since.”

— Marisette V.

Additional Health Challenges

Marisette’s health journey included another significant challenge. Pre-surgical imaging revealed tumors on her kidney and pancreas. Given her history with sarcoma in her twenties, she and her medical team decided to proceed with kidney removal as a precautionary measure.

On Christmas Eve 2024, Marisette underwent her second surgery of the year. While the recovery was more challenging, requiring a three-night hospital stay, subsequent testing revealed the pancreatic tumor was benign. A pancreatic cyst tested positive for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), which carries low cancer risk but requires ongoing monitoring.

Comprehensive Care Approach

Marisette credits Dr. Agarwal’s entire team for her successful recovery, emphasizing the importance of treating patients as whole individuals rather than isolated conditions.

“So much of health care is treating you as a disconnected entity. It takes the people who are intimately involved in your care that make the difference, that treat you like a whole person. Everyone had their part to play, and they are serious about doing a good job.”

— Marisette V.

She particularly values the Spine and Scoliosis Patient Support Group established by Dr. Agarwal’s team through the University of Pittsburgh, highlighting the importance of peer support during recovery.

Looking Forward

With her health restored, Marisette is planning the next chapter of her life: retirement in her native Holland. Her journey from debilitating pain to renewed mobility serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.