After retiring and moving to Florida from Pennsylvania with his wife in 2018, Richard enjoyed an active lifestyle with his grown children and friends. He golfed regularly, officiated high school and college baseball, and spent time outdoors with his family. Life was running smoothly — until one day on the golf course, things changed.

“I was on the ninth hole when I lost my balance and couldn’t step into the sand trap,” Richard recalled. Over the next few weeks, he began experiencing tingling in his hands, arms, and legs. He fell multiple times and suffered injuries. Initially treated for neuropathy, his symptoms continued to worsen, and sciatica pain developed.

An MRI of his lower back showed spinal stenosis, leading him to seek care with USF/LRH spine specialist Dr. Gabriel Flores-Milan.

“I had heard Dr. Flores-Milan was very good, so I said, ‘Let’s go!'” said Richard. Dr. Flores-Milan ordered additional imaging, including a cervical MRI, which revealed severe cervical stenosis at the C3 and C4 vertebrae. The condition was compressing nerves in Richard’s spine, causing pain, numbness, and significant loss of function in his arms and hands. Every day tasks like tying shoes, cutting food, and playing cards were impossible.

Originally considering lumbar surgery, Dr. Flores-Milan adjusted the plan to a less invasive cervical procedure that would address the most pressing symptoms. “He told me we should take care of that through surgery, and I trusted him completely,” Richard said.

“Dr. Flores-Milan is not only an amazing doctor but a real person. He listens and relates to you. He makes you feel good even when things are hard,” said Richard. “He has a great approach and truly connects with his patients. He takes the time to explain things and always makes you feel like you matter.”

Richard underwent surgery at Lakeland Regional Health. After several weeks of inpatient expert care, including regular check-ins by Dr. Flores-Milan, Richard returned home. He continued with physical therapy and a regular gym routine, rebuilding strength and coordination. Today, he exercises four times a week and does home exercises to maintain his progress.

“Now I can tie my shoes and cut my own food again. I don’t need a wheelchair or walker anymore. I use a cane only when I have to, but I’m working off that too,” he shared.

While the surgery didn’t resolve all his back issues, it significantly improved his quality of life. “This surgery gave me back so much. It was a huge step forward.”

He remembers his first follow-up appointment clearly. “I walked in without a walker or cane, and Dr. Flores-Milan came in smiling ear to ear, rubbing his hands together. He said, ‘Boy, you look good. I’m so happy!’ He was genuinely excited to see how well I was doing.”

Richard also credits his wife and family for their support and dedication throughout his recovery. Before his surgery, they helped with the daily tasks he couldn’t manage on his own — now he’s back doing many things for himself, milestones that mean a great deal to all of them.