35 Years Later, Patient Sends Love Letter to Art Steffee

Kelly Reisig was in Omaha, Nebraska in the ’80s when Arthur Steffee, M.D. came to perform spine surgery on her.

She recently wrote OTW to say that 35 years after the successful surgery she is experiencing a “click” in her back and is having trouble finding a spine surgeon to monitor her.

Here is what she wrote:

I was one of the patients that Dr. Steffee had in the ’80s. He actually traveled to Omaha, Nebraska to do the surgery. For me it was a process of three surgeries, and yes, a body cast. I had a fourth surgery when I slipped on the ice. I traveled to Cleveland and Dr. Steffee performed the surgery. I haven’t had any problems in nearly 35 years. Recently I have started to hear a “click” in my back. No pain. Just a ‘click.’ 

I remembered that Dr. Steffee cautioned me that the surgery may not last “forever”. Because of the recent development, I decided that I would establish a baseline of information with a new surgeon. That way it can be monitored regularly, and if something should happen, it would be much easier to proceed. I am sure you will not be surprised that finding a surgeon willing to be this baseline ‘monitor’ is impossible. No one wants to touch my back. It’s a scary feeling to be unable to find a doctor who wants to treat you.

I’m one of the surgeries that worked. I love Dr. Steffee. I was 16 years old when I had the surgeries and he gave me my life back. I remember the calls from lawyers asking me ‘how it went’ and ‘if I was disappointed.’ I had no idea how they got my name but they were most certainly disappointed with my answers. I just wanted to add in my perspective, as a former patient with no past, pending or future lawsuit.” 

Ms. Reisig is the Donor Research Coordinator for the Foundation for Community Care on Sidney, Montana. Her email is: kreisig@foundationforcommunitycare.org.