Spine Center Testimonials

Dr. Apostolides– For over fifteen years, Darien High School computer technology trainer R.C. frequently suffered from back and leg pain. After a while, household projects became more and more difficult and by the time he was 58, he was easily fatigued and having difficulty walking short distances. Eventually, riding in a car was agonizing and he could no longer enjoy his favorite hobby, working on cars.

After consulting chiropractors, orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons as well as following programs of physical therapy and exercise, he went to see Dr. Paul Apostolides, a neurosurgeon recommended to him by his brother-in-law.

“Upon reading my MRI, he explained that my problem was due to severe spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis or slip-of-the-bone,” said R.C. “The spinal canal had severely narrowed putting pressure on the spinal nerves which caused my leg pain. In addition, one vertebra had slipped in front of the other and was moving abnormally, causing my back pain. Fortunately, there was a surgery that could help me.”

Dr. Apostolides with Dr. Amory Fiore, performed a laminectomy to widen the spinal canal and decompress the spinal nerves. Then, an instrumentation and fusion were performed to treat the instability using titanium screws and rods, medical grade plastic inter-body cages and bone graft.

R.C.’s recovery was steady through a post-operative routine of physical therapy and a home exercise program. He returned to his job after a two and a half month break to recuperate. Six months later, R.C. and his wife made a three-week trip to China and climbed the Great Wall. “I could never have made the trip before the surgery. It gave me my life back. I feel great!” he said. (RC)

I just had to check in with you all…I am doing so well! I have truly not felt this well in as long as I can remember. Having the spinal fusion surgery has changed my life in so many ways. I have lost 50 pounds since my surgery and resuming normal activity. I have ZERO pain whatsoever. I haven’t even had so much as a headache since my surgery in July. I feel about 10-15 years younger, minimally. I can never thank Dr. Camel, physical therapist Fey and all of the associates at ONS who helped me to return to a “better than normal” state of health and well-being. I know you guys do this every day; but to me, this was a once-in-a-lifetime “event” that has permanently changed my life for the better in myriad ways. THANK YOU ALL, once again! (CM)

Dr. Camel – Exactly one year ago today I woke up from my spinal fusion surgery and I’m still feeling perfect! I am thankful every single day that I wake up free from pain…thanks and gratitude for giving me back my life. (CM)

Dr. Fiore performed a five level spinal fusion on me that went perfectly. Before the surgery he mentioned that he would also do something during the surgery to improve my posture. He did just that and I remain in awe. A humble doctor he is also one of the top ranked Neurosurgeons in the NY Metro area by several magazines (incl. New York magazine) and many many happy patients. He most often avoids surgery when he can and has recommended several alternatives to friends I have referred to him. I trust his judgement 100% . He is also up on all the latest minimally invasive surgery techniques. Dr. Fiore combines the best qualities you want in your doctor/Neurosurgeon as well as a caring human being with a lovely bedside manner. (5 Star Review on Healthgrades from E.S.)

I was extremely happy with the services of ONS. I never waited for appointments and the doctors did not seemed rushed when they talked to me. The big thing of course is that Dr Fiore was able to diagnose and repair a back problem that other doctors had missed, and that I am again able to walk without pain. I didn’t have an easy time of it, but the ONS office always responded to me. The PAs were all well informed and compassionate. I liked the fact the Greenwich practice had everything there..MRI, Neurologists, etc so I did not have to go to many different places to be treated. I could not have asked for more. (5 Star Review on Google from C.P.)

Dr Fiore is the best doctor I have ever met! (Facebook comment from LPU)

Dr Fiore is amazing! (Facebook comment from A.W.)

Dr Fiore is outstanding, what a blessing he is. Dr Fiore has done 2 spine surgeries on me. The most thoughtful and honest man I have ever met. Dr Fiore gave me my life back. Thank you Dr Fiore! (Facebook comment from C.B.)

Dr. Fiore– When sharp pain shooting down my leg began to wake me up at night, I was very worried that the decades of heavy work-related travel combined with sitting behind a desk for very long hours were catching up with me. An MRI and exam revealed that I had severe spinal stenosis, scoliosis and degenerative disc disease.

A New Yorker for 30 years, I was inclined to believe the notion that if you had a medical problem, you had to see a ‘top surgeon in the city.’ So I went to that top doctor and had spine surgery at a major New York hospital, which was not successful. My problems worsened.

In the meantime, my father, age 85, developed a serious spinal problem that required a 10-hour, complicated spinal fusion. Furthermore, he had quadruple bypass surgery a year and a half before, making him a high risk patient. That was when I met Dr. Amory Fiore, the talented neurosurgeon who performed the difficult surgery on my father that rescued him from severe pain and restored his ability to walk.

So when my own spine condition deteriorated two years later, I turned to my father’s surgeon in Greenwich for help. Dr. Fiore said I would need a spinal fusion on the same disc that was operated on in New York. He and his colleague Dr. Paul Apostolides did the surgery, and this time I recovered beautifully. I did my PT religiously, walked a mile with my dog each day, and within months I was completely pain free.

Eighteen months later, I started to have pain in my lower spine. An MRI showed instability in two more vertebra and disc degeneration. Dr. Fiore said I would need another surgery to fix the problem. This time they did a triple spinal fusion. Surprisingly, I was up and out of bed and doing stairs at Greenwich Hospital the next afternoon. Again, my recovery went smoothly, and since then I have had no pain and have regained complete mobility. I have even played 18 holes of golf with my surgeon. Now, if only Dr. Fiore could come up with a surgery to fix my golf game…

I am so thankful to Dr. Fiore, Dr. Apostolides and the ONS therapists for not only giving me my life back but allowing me to have more fun in my life too. (E.S.)

In the field of medicine, the customary practice is to get a second opinion, especially if a doctor wants to operate on you. I was so confident in Dr. Fiore’s skills as a Neurosurgeon following four spinal fusion surgeries (due to inherited spine diseases) that i never thought to get a 2nd opinion. A family member agreed but insisted I seek a 2nd opinion. I made an appointment with the Chief of Neurosurgery of the Spine at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. He asked for my MRI’s in advance. He walked into the office, saw me standing there and exclaimed “Wow! I had no idea, based on your MRI’s and surgeries, that you would be standing so well or so straight!” I asked him if he would have done anything different from my Neurosurgeon, Dr. Fiore. He replied, “Absolutely not. He has done an amazing job on your spine. I would not change one thing.” I walked away knowing my instincts were right: Dr. Fiore is as good as it gets.(E.S., Purchase, NY)

Dr Levchevko was great. He was able to listen to all my concerns and provide great feedback to all my questions. He followed up during the time I was in really bad pain. I will recommend him anytime. (5 Star review on RateMD)

Dr. Levchenko was very patient and listened to everything I wanted to say. He was very thoughtful in his examination and diagnosis.(5 Star review on RateMD)

I can’t say enough good things about Doctor Simon. I had numbness and tingling in my left arm during the early height of the pandemic in April 2020. Doctor Simon was able to help expedite my MRI. He was an exceptional communicator. He ultimately did emergency surgery on my neck and the results have been superb. Post-op he was very available, helpful and supportive. I highly recommend Doctor Simon. (5 Star Review on Healthgrades from H.L.D.)

Excellent Surgeon I would definitely recommend Dr Simon! After suffering with back pain for 3 years I finally have relief after Dr Simon was able to correct the issue causing my pain ! Great Surgeon! (5 star review on Healthgrades from P.C., Harrison, NY)

In Spring of 2007, fourteen-year-old JL of Dulles, VA was visiting her grandmother during spring vacation when she was struck by a car as she walked across the road near Greenwich High School. An ambulance took her to the Trauma Center at Stamford Hospital, where it was quickly determined that she had suffered a life-threatening head injury.

Neurosurgeon Scott Simon, MD  was called to the emergency room, and it was quickly determined that the impact from the accident caused an acute subdural hematoma and malignant brain swelling, leading to a herniation syndrome, where the brain is pushed into the brain stem and down through the skull. JL underwent an emergency hemicraniectomy, where Dr. Simon removed half of her skull as well as the hematoma. (She had the same brain surgery as Bob Woodruff.) Once her swelling subsided, the removed portion of her skull was reattached.

Back home in Virginia, JL is now in 11th grade. She loves to sing, draw and go shopping with friends. Thanks to the excellent care she has received at Stamford Hospital and the skills of Dr. Simon, JL’s life has returned to normal.

Distance runner F.H., age 72, is training for her 33rd half-marathon. While running races at her age is a remarkable feat in itself, FH’s accomplishments are even more noteworthy considering she underwent a 9-hour fusion surgery 14 months ago. “I had complete confidence in the skill of Dr. Simon. He is a talented surgeon and a wonderful human being,” FH said recently. “My only regret is that I waited so long and was miserable for all those months.” Read FH’s full story.

“Dr. Simon is just awesome,” said mixed martial arts fighter KD, whose slipped cervical disk went from bad to worse after getting hit in the face while training for a fight last New Year’s Eve.  Until then, he had managed his neck pain with the help of physical therapy.  But on that night, KD immediately lost feeling in his left hand and knew that, without surgery to correct the condition, he would never fight again.  Within three weeks of having a cervical spinal fusion, the 22-year old athlete was back in the gym regaining his strength. On June 18, he fought for the first time since the procedure and won with a first round knock out. Now he’s training for his professional debut at Mohegan Sun in the fall. “I feel a hundred percent healthier than I was before the surgery.  I don’t have the pain in my neck or going down my back any more, and my left hand feels stronger than ever.”  K.D. (cervical spinal fusion)

Dr. Simon – On behalf of our family, my mom, my daughter and myself, a huge thank you! I am so grateful you were able to identify what was wrong with my mom. You didn’t look at her like she was being dramatic about the pain. You listened to her and took her seriously. You are truly a great doctor. The doctor before you said there was nothing they can do for my mom. It was pain from the stroke. My mom and I knew differently, therefore we asked for a second opinion. If it wasn’t for you, my mom would have died. As a result, her mental attitude is better since she saw you. She now knows there is a reason for the pain… thanks for taking her seriously and listening.

Dr. Simon – Thank you from the bottom of my feet! No back pain. No leg pain. No numb feet!! Just wanted to say thanks and I’d thank you more but my feet don’t go down any lower.

Dr. Simon & Staff – Thank you so very much for your professional and courteous services that you extended to us and the amazing health care that Dr. Simon gave. You turned our serious concerns to a blessed conclusion. We are very grateful.

Dr. Simon–  You’ve given me hope when I had none. Thank you for your compassion and encouragement, but most of all thank you for my mobility!

Dr. Simon–  V.P. began having problems with her back when she was 12 years old. She was a competitive gymnast at the time, and the 24 hours of training a week had put excessive stress on her back. As a result, she developed stress fractures in her spine that never healed, which allowed for excess motion where her spine joined her pelvis.

Initially she was able to put up with the discomfort, but in time it got worse. Sometimes the pain was so bad, she couldn’t go to school. “It felt like my back was on fire, so I was told to quit gymnastics and give my body time to heal. Eventually pain prevented me from sleeping. I remember one solid week when I was 14, when I couldn’t sleep at all.” V.P. recalled getting shooting pains down her legs when she rolled over. Eventually neither standing nor sitting were comfortably. After stopping gymnastics and giving her back a rest, she felt better. She tried playing other sports but soon found that just turning the wrong way could cause excruciating pain that lasted for days.

V.P. tried physical therapy but it too aggravated her condition. Two attempts with bracing her back were also unsuccessful. The last treatment she tried before deciding to undergo surgery was personal training at a gym that specialized in sports-related injuries. “My back stopped hurting for at least four years and then all of a sudden, the pain came back one summer,” she said. “I decided to do the surgery because I was sick of being in pain.”

In order to reestablish a solid connection between the spine and the pelvis, Dr. Scott Simon, assisted by Dr. Paul Apostolides, performed a minimally invasive decompression and spinal fusion on Vicki in June 2009. They removed the disc between L5 and S1 and replaced it with bone and a small cage. Through two small, one-inch incisions, they placed screws into the two vertebrae and connected them with two rods in order to immobilize the vertebrae to allow them to fuse together.

V.P. spent three days in the hospital and recovered at home over the next two weeks, after which she gradually went back to driving and getting around on her own. “I’m very glad I had the surgery. Now I’m back to living a normal life. I get a full night’s sleep and wake up without my back hurting. I am even back to weight training and using the elliptical at school. (V.P.)

Dr. Simon – Thank you for being so kind and helpful to our family! You’re the best and we appreciate you and your great medical care.

Dear Dr. Simon – The month of April will be the 16^th month since you performed your miracle for “L” and her family. “L” recently performed by singing and dancing in a musical, and seeing her on stage entertaining the audience and enjoying it herself, all I could think of was “thank you Dr. Simon” “you are the tops” with much gratitude, “L’s”

Dear Dr. Simon – Thank you for being such a wonderful person. I am very grateful for the care you have given me.

Dr. Simon and Staff – Thank you for blessing my life and helping me physically get it back!

Dr. Simon – thank you for fixing my spine!!

Dr. Simon – I came to you resigned and emotional exhausted and today I awake to pain-free days with renewed hope for the future.

Dr. Simon – I just wanted to thank you again for taking 6 weeks of extreme leg pain away so quickly. You are one of the best doctors I’ve ever had and you made surgery not such a scary experience. Thank you for your caring and kindness.

Dr. Simon – I’d like to thank you again for all the kindness you showed me and for helping save my life during this recent time in my life. Your care factor has made a big difference for us. My plan is to knock this thing out and I feel I’m on my way. Thanks again for your skill and caring.

Dr. Simon – The holidays are a time of much gratitude for us and this year we are extremely thankful for the difference you have made in our lives. We are expecting our first child this coming April and we would not be in this place had it not been for you taking the risk and braving the odds. We are where we are because you made a difference.

Dr. Simon– For two years, C.D. of Trumbull, CT dealt with gradually developing pain in her right hip that ran down to her foot that progressively eroded her quality of life. At 66 she had to give up her job as a nurse that she dearly loved and became virtually housebound. Being a medical professional, she honed in on the purported experts in her condition, who emphatically told her that there was nothing to be done for her. She underwent epidural injections in her back, tried to manage the pain with medications and even tried acupuncture. Nothing seemed to work. In fact, her doctor told her that her condition was “permanent and chronic” and that “there wasn’t a surgeon around that could do anything to help.”

CD was referred to neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Simon to have an electric stimulation devise implanted into her back to treat the pain. During her visit to Dr. Simon, he reviewed her MRI and discovered that the quality of the MRI was so inferior that he doubted that an accurate diagnosis could have been made using them. He ordered a new MRI to be taken immediately and asked her to return to his office afterward. After reviewing the images he told her, “I can help you.”

C.D. had a degenerative spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra shifts out in front of another, causing back pain and leg pain due to nerve compression. On May 9, 2011, Dr. Simon and Dr. Paul Apostolides performed a minimally invasive laminectomy, fusion, and fixation to decompress the nerves and stabilize the spine. Today C.D. is 100% pain free and has regained her life. “Dr. Simon has literally given me my life back,” she said.  (C.D.)

Dr. Simon– R.M. had been fighting cancer, which began as male breast cancer, since November of 1999. After his initial treatment with chemo and radiation, he was symptom free for five years. However, three years ago, the cancer metastasized to his lumbar. He endured intense pain for six months despite taking narcotic pain medication and curtailing many activities. He had to stop playing golf, which had been very helpful in managing the stress of his illness. His radiation oncologist, Dr. Frank Masino of Stamford Hospital suggested he might be a candidate for treatment with CyberKnife®, a noninvasive image-guided robotic radiosurgery system that delivers highly precise beams of radiation to its target. He sent Rick for an evaluation with neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Simon.

“R.M. had two options,” explained Dr. Simon. “He could undergo an extensive spinal surgery to remove part of the tumor with a spinal fusion, or he could be treated with Cyberknife to try to shrink the tumor non-invasively by pin pointing radiation directly to the tumor site.” R.M. chose Cyberknife.

After a dry run to check radiation beam alignment, Dr. Simon and the Cyberknife team at Stamford Hospital administered four treatments over four days, each one lasting about two hours. By the end of the second day, R.M. already felt some relief from the pain. At the end of the fourth treatment, the pain was gone. R.M. was thrilled, even more so when he was able to return to golf just a couple of days later. He has been pain free ever since.

“The Cyberknife allows us to use maximum doses of radiation, with minimal risk to the normal surrounding tissue,” said Dr. Simon. ” R.M. responded quickly but every patient is different, and it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to experience the full benefit of the treatment.” – R.M. (Cyberknife)