Spine surgery restores patient to her old self
When nothing else worked for her back pain, Linda Agostinelli turned to Geisinger.
Orthopaedic surgeon Siddharth Badve, MD, says the best part of his job is seeing smiles on the faces of his patients after surgery resolves often painful and debilitating spine conditions.
“Most patients I see have a lot of pain and dysfunction performing daily activities, like standing or walking. The brightest part of the job is helping to give them hope,” says Dr. Badve, a spine specialist at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital and Geisinger Healthplex State College.
Linda Agostinelli of State College is one of those happy patients.
Gaining her life back after spinal surgery
Ms. Agostinelli, 75, of State College, had tried physical therapy, injections and acupuncture for the back pain that put a halt to many of her daily activities. In November 2022, she chose Dr. Badve for surgery to repair the deteriorating lumbar disc that was causing her pain.
“It was pretty scary. I had pain for a year and a half. I got crippling spasms when I tried to walk. The pain was 24 hours — it never went away,” she says.
Post surgery, Ms. Agostinelli feels great and can do things she loves, like cooking, gardening and playing with her grandchildren.
“The everyday things I was able to do again: I love gardening, I love dirt under my nails. It makes my day,” she says. “To have this outcome is wonderful. As far as I’m concerned, Dr. Badve gave me back my life. I can’t say enough about him. He listens, he’s attentive and he’s got a wonderful bedside manner.”
Advanced back pain treatments in central Pennsylvania
Dr. Badve is one of just a few orthopaedic spine specialists in this part of the state. He treats conditions including lumbar and cervical disc herniation, degenerative spinal stenosis, deformities and spinal cord compression — and receives referrals from throughout the region.
“There was a big need in this area,” Dr. Badve says. “People had to travel distances even for minor spine problems. We are doing some very complex cases and some very cutting-edge, advanced surgeries with a less invasive approach.”
Most of his patients are people who are losing or have lost function. “Mobility is basically life, and if they lose mobility, it’s a slippery slope,” he says. “Catching them early and intervening in a timely manner can improve their quality of life and longevity.”
Dr. Badve takes pride in personalized care, particularly for patients with multiple health problems to consider.
“We help them through ups and downs. We help them navigate challenges, give them reassurances, help coordinate care and talk with their families,” Dr. Badve says.
“We look forward to reaching out to more people and helping the community.”
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