Prior to having my fixation procedure, I was in constant pain with an inability to
perform not only exercise, but also part of my normal daily routine. I tried several non-surgical
alternatives, but nothing was effective.
After my procedure, I felt some relief immediately: practically instant stabilization. I have been
able to return to many of my previous activities, including running and hiking, with only
transient discomfort being from sitting too long in one position. We are very fortunate to have a
surgeon like Dr. Weiss, who is proficient and dedicated to finding a solution for the many people
who suffer from SI dysfunction.
This team of professionals gave me back so much I had missed. I am extremely grateful to Vicki,
her staff, and Dr. Weiss for enabling me to return to an active lifestyle which I thought had
been lost.
- Kathy D.
Atlanta, GA., 2008
I am a 45 year old physical therapist who was injured on the job, herniating a cervical disc at C 5-6-7, but
also sustaining a back rotation injury that was untreated for a long period of time. My previous medical
history also included fusions at c567. As I recovered from neck surgery and became more mobile, my back, buttock
and leg symptoms worsened. Over a period of 18 months I regressed to the point that I could not do household tasks.
I could not sleep, and the pain became unbearable. I was almost completely bedridden for a time and wanted
to give up. After seeing two PTs, two rolfers, two massage therapists, an acupuncturist, two surgeons,
receiving Chinese medicine and undergoing numerous diagnostic tests, I had no significant answers to my
symptoms. Fortunately I found the website: www.sidysfunction.com and was relieved to read articles describing
the condition I had: Sacro-iliac Dysfunction. I immediately made plans to travel from Alaska to Gainesville, GA to be
treated by Vicki Sims, P.T.
I knew I had come to the right place as I saw changes in my status following a daily sacro-iliac correction
protocol. I really apprecaited how the staff work togehter, and how arrangements were made for
physician appointments, EMG testing, and steroid shots. After serveral weeks of treatment, Vicki determined
that I was hypermobile and had intra-articular damage, requiring SI stabilization with screws and fusion. I also
had piriformis syndrome causing severe leg pain. My body's postural adaption to my neck fusion was probably also
a factor. Dr. Weiss and his staff worked together with Vicki in providing correct surgical alignment before surgery. In the
few days after surgery I immediately felt less guarded and my leg pain started decreasing.
I traveled home 11 days following surgery (a 16 hour trip)... at 2 weeks post-op I made
brownies from scratch... 3 weeks started driving a car and getting a few groceries... 4 weeks started
cooking full meals and going to church... at week 5... I require Norco and Flexeril only at night and use
Tylenol once duing the day. The pain recovering from surgery is minimal compared to what I was
enduring prior. I am looking forward to a full life and returning to work.
Although I had 23 years of experience as a physical therapist, I had almost no SI experience. Sacro-iliac Dysfunction
is a very real condition that I, and other therapists have been unable to adequately treat. It greatly affected my nervous
system and my quality of life. I was looked at with skeptical eyes. Very few physicians understand
or have even heard of this condition. I am grateful for all the research that has been done by Vicki and others
in this field. I, too, want to be a therapist trained in the treatment of Sacro-iliac Dysfunction.
- Charlayne C.
Alaska, 2008
I suffered from an SI dysfunction for four years after being thrown off a horse. In the
last years before I had SI surgery, my pain had become constant and interfered with most of my
daily activities. I could not walk very far before the pain became unbearable. I could not
exercise or do any housework without increasing pain driving me to rest. I am eight years after SI
surgery and I have been pain free since six weeks after surgery. What a blessing. I have a normal life!
- Crystal R.
2000
Not a day goes by that I am not thankful that I had the SI surgery. I feel so fortunate to be able to get out of
bed, do my excerises, get dressed and go to work. These things that average people take for granted, I cherish.
Thank you for making this possible for me. I look back to a year ago and I am amazed with how far I have come.
I swim daily, do my exercises daily, go to work, cook dinner and play with my new puppy. I feel I got a gift
to really see what is important in life and live everyday to the fullest. Thank you! I am so grateful for you,
Vicki, and Dr. Lippitt.
- Stacey
11/15/2002
"For 10 years I have suffered chronic low back and hip pain. I also had pain in my left buttock and pain radiating
down my left leg. I could never have a day without pain! I could not find a comfortable position. I could not stand, sit,
nor lay in one place or position too long. I had to take rest breaks while climbing stairs. I have been through numerous
MRIs, x-rays, injections, and physical therapy. I have been to 3 different Orthopedics and 2 pain clinics. I've been in the
deepest depression possible with thoughts of suicide. I've been addicted to Lortab.
My brother has also suffered with chronic low back pain for over 20 years. He had also been through numerous routes
of treatment trying to relieve his constant pain. His life changed when he walked into Gainesville Physical Therapy and met
Vicki Sims, PT. He begged me to not give up before the miracle and go see Vicki Sims, PT at GPT. I was extremely reluctant
because nothing has worked to relieve my pain. I finally agreed because he convinced me that his pain was completely gone.
I've been in therapy with Vicki Sims, PT now for 6 weeks. I am NOT in chronic pain anymore! I found someone to address the issue
of what's causing my pain. She has taught me about sacroiliac joint dysfunction. She has showed me how critical it is to have a stable
sacroiliac joint with correct alignment. I've found out why my left buttock and hip hurt so much. My Piriformis muscle was unbelievably
tight. She has applied proven techniques and given me exercises to do during these 6 weeks. I have not felt this good in 10 year. She is
a miracle worker to me! I'm begging you not to give up before the miracle. If you feel that you have tried it all, please make one
more appointment at GPT with Vicki Sims, PT. Your life will change forever! I am forever grateful!"
- Davidson
Georgia
Prior to having my fixation procedure, I was in constant pain with an inability to
perform not only exercise, but also part of my normal daily routine. I tried several non-surgical
alternatives, but nothing was effective.
After my procedure, I felt some relief immediately: practically instant stabilization. I have been
able to return to many of my previous activities, including running and hiking, with only
transient discomfort being from sitting too long in one position. We are very fortunate to have a
surgeon like Dr. Weiss, who is proficient and dedicated to finding a solution for the many people
who suffer from SI dysfunction.
This team of professionals gave me back so much I had missed. I am extremely grateful to Vicki,
her staff, and Dr. Weiss for enabling me to return to an active lifestyle which I thought had
been lost.
- Kathy D.
Georgia
I am a 45 year old physical therapist who was injured on the job, herniating a cervical disc at C 5-6-7, but
also sustaining a back rotation injury that was untreated for a long period of time. My previous medical
history also included fusions at c567. As I recovered from neck surgery and became more mobile, my back, buttock
and leg symptoms worsened. Over a period of 18 months I regressed to the point that I could not do household tasks.
I could not sleep, and the pain became unbearable. I was almost completely bedridden for a time and wanted
to give up. After seeing two PTs, two rolfers, two massage therapists, an acupuncturist, two surgeons,
receiving Chinese medicine and undergoing numerous diagnostic tests, I had no significant answers to my
symptoms. Fortunately I found the website: www.sidysfunction.com and was relieved to read articles describing
the condition I had: Sacro-iliac Dysfunction. I immediately made plans to travel from Alaska to Gainesville, GA to be
treated by Vicki Sims, P.T.
I knew I had come to the right place as I saw changes in my status following a daily sacro-iliac correction
protocol. I really apprecaited how the staff work togehter, and how arrangements were made for
physician appointments, EMG testing, and steroid shots. After serveral weeks of treatment, Vicki determined
that I was hypermobile and had intra-articular damage, requiring SI stabilization with screws and fusion. I also
had piriformis syndrome causing severe leg pain. My body's postural adaption to my neck fusion was probably also
a factor. Dr. Weiss and his staff worked together with Vicki in providing correct surgical alignment before surgery. In the
few days after surgery I immediately felt less guarded and my leg pain started decreasing.
I traveled home 11 days following surgery (a 16 hour trip)... at 2 weeks post-op I made
brownies from scratch... 3 weeks started driving a car and getting a few groceries... 4 weeks started
cooking full meals and going to church... at week 5... I require Norco and Flexeril only at night and use
Tylenol once duing the day. The pain recovering from surgery is minimal compared to what I was
enduring prior. I am looking forward to a full life and returning to work.
Although I had 23 years of experience as a physical therapist, I had almost no SI experience. Sacro-iliac Dysfunction
is a very real condition that I, and other therapists have been unable to adequately treat. It greatly affected my nervous
system and my quality of life. I was looked at with skeptical eyes. Very few physicians understand
or have even heard of this condition. I am grateful for all the research that has been done by Vicki and others
in this field. I, too, want to be a therapist trained in the treatment of Sacro-iliac Dysfunction.
- Charlayne C
Alaska
I suffered from an SI dysfunction for four years after being thrown off a horse. In the
last years before I had SI surgery, my pain had become constant and interfered with most of my
daily activities. I could not walk very far before the pain became unbearable. I could not
exercise or do any housework without increasing pain driving me to rest. I am eight years after SI
surgery and I have been pain free since six weeks after surgery. What a blessing. I have a normal life!
- Crystal R
Georgia
Not a day goes by that I am not thankful that I had the SI surgery. I feel so fortunate to be able to get out of
bed, do my excerises, get dressed and go to work. These things that average people take for granted, I cherish.
Thank you for making this possible for me. I look back to a year ago and I am amazed with how far I have come.
I swim daily, do my exercises daily, go to work, cook dinner and play with my new puppy. I feel I got a gift
to really see what is important in life and live everyday to the fullest. Thank you! I am so grateful for you,
Vicki, and Dr. Lippitt.
