Patient Testimonials

Dr. Thaddeus Bell, Charleston Physician & Former Athlete

Dr. Thaddeus Bell is a Charleston physician and former world-class athlete. Early in his career he taught at the Medical University of South Carolina. One of his early students was Dr. Don Johnson; Dr. Johnson would later go on to found the Southeastern Spine Institute.  When Dr. Bell started expecting back pain, he sought out his former student for treatment.  He received the care and treatment he needed to continue his successful sprinting career.  Today, he no longer runs in competition, but he still sends many of his patient to Southeastern, because he know they will get the same excellent treatment and results he received.

Ann Bebergal, Ballet Teacher

I having been teaching ballet for over 16 years and I just love it. But last year, I started having back and leg pain and was unable to do anything but just sit in a chair and talk to my students during class. I didn't know what to do, I wanted to get back out on the floor and teach. I went to Dr. Poletti at The Southeastern Spine Institute and he knew exactly what to do. I was back teaching in no time and I can't thank him enough. Southeastern Spine saved my Career!

Peggy Dean, Grandmother

I couldn't pick up and hug my grandchildren.  It's not a good thing to tell a child they can't hug their grandma.

I received my artificial disc back in 2003 and I have totally forgot about my neck problems.  It is so wonderful not having the pain and limitations in my life, it like they say, "health is something you shouldn't take for granted." I guess if it had been four years of pain I would have remembered. The Southeastern Spine Institute is the only place I recommend to my friends, and if I ever moved out of the area and had some problem, I would still come back to them for treatment.

Bob Meadows

I loved to ride bikes, play tennis and be active, but with my back pain, I just couldn't do it like I could before and I was always hurting. But what was really bad was that my little boy wanted me to pick him up and I just couldn't. He would say "Daddy, pick me up" but I knew I wasn't able to, and that's what really hurt! After going to the Southeastern Spine Institute I can only say, I wish I had done it sooner!

Bob can now pick up his little boy	Click to play video with Bob

Susan Tyrell

I love to play tennis, but I was in so much pain I had to stop. I had surgery with another doctor and it didn't work, I thought my active life was over and I was so young. It was very depressing.I had heard of The Southeastern Spine Institute and decided to give them a chance to help.Boy, I am glad I did. This time the surgery worked perfectly and I have been back playing tennis with no pain now for over a year. Thank you for giving me back my life!

Click to play video with Susan

Susan back in action

Jan Unwin

I was involved in a car accident which slammed the door in about 18" into my low back. The pain was excruciating. A back specialist told me that there was nothing they could do for my back problem. I tried to return to work but I could hardly function in my job. I could no longer swim, play tennis, or work-out at the gym. I couldn¹t even stand in the kitchen long enough to prepare dinner!

Then I found that The Southeastern Spine Institute was involved in an FDA clinical trial for a new artificial disc. I couldn¹t call them fast enough! It turned out I qualified for the new artificial disc surgery and had the procedure done within 3 weeks. Boy, did it change my life! I left the hospital less than 48 hours after the surgery, walked three miles and later peeled 5 lbs. of shrimp for dinner!

I now walk 3-5 miles every day. I tend a vineyard, a full vegetable garden, and I mow 10 acres around our mountain home. I recently pressure-cleaned my Dad¹s three-story house and painted it! (See photo). This surgery has truly been a miracle and I am not handicapped in any way. There is nothing that I feel that I can¹t do. All of the activities that I had to previously give up are once again a part of my life. Thank you, Southeastern Spine Institute!

Aric Newhall

It all started about 2 or 3 years ago when I started noticing some irritation and pain in the upper leg region of my right side. Being only 25, I thought I could tough out the pain. But once the pain and physical limitation got too bad, I went to a chiropractor for some adjustments and took some anti-inflammatory medicine. It only helped for a while. Over time is got worse, not better. I couldn¹t do all the outdoor stuff like hunting, fishing or 4-wheeling. I couldn't even find a comfortable position to sit and working was almost impossible.

I finally went to the Southeastern Spine Institute. After seeing Dr. Johnson and getting an MRI, my worst fear became reality: the doctor told me I had one of the worst disc herniations he had ever seen. But Dr. Johnson suggested a simple surgery procedure that only took a half an hour or so, so I did it! Now I stay out doors as much as possible, doing all the things I love. Here's me on my ATV. Thank you Dr. Johnson and Southeastern Spine Institute!

Click to play video featuring Aric

Aric 4-wheeling after Dr. Johnson fixed his herniated disc