Sep 01: Finding work that gives your life meaning isn’t always easy, especially during trying times. But Serena Hou of Jersey City found that good can come from even the most difficult situation. After a car accident, a back injury, five years of persistent pain, and subsequent surgery, Serena found her sense of purpose at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, where she now works.
A Life Disrupted by Pain
Serena, 37, says the 2018 car accident turned her life upside down.
“What started as minor discomfort in my lower back quickly spiraled into debilitating pain down my leg—a constant, burning ache that made walking feel like an uphill battle,” she recalls. “My love for rock climbing, a passion that had once made me feel invincible, became a distant memory.” The pain forced Serena to give up strength training and running for exercise. Even simple tasks, such as carrying a bag of groceries, were impossible.”
She was diagnosed with a herniated disc pressing on a nerve and causing sciatica. Despite physical therapy and several epidural spinal injections, the pain persisted.
“My loved ones encouraged me to avoid surgery, fearing the risks, and I often questioned if I could endure the pain much longer,” she says.
Spine Surgery Provides Relief
By 2023, Serena decided surgery could be her best option, and she made an appointment with Francis C. Lovecchio, MD, a spine surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and at the HSS Spine Center in Paramus.
“When I first met him, I was discouraged and emotionally drained,” she recalls. “He listened to me with genuine empathy and took the time to understand my journey. For the first time in years, I felt a glimmer of hope.”
Serena underwent a microdiscectomy—a minimally invasive procedure performed under a microscope to remove a small part of a herniated disc. She says she experienced immediate pain relief.
“For the first time in years, I could walk without pain. The sense of freedom and relief was indescribable.” Within six months, she returned to rock climbing and other activities she had been forced to give up after the car accident.
“It was really cool for me to see how impactful the surgery was for Serena,” Dr. Lovecchio says. “For us, as spine surgeons, these procedures are a daily part of our lives. So, it’s always gratifying to see how transformative and life-changing it can be for our patients.”
Microdiscectomy surgery generally takes 30 to 60 minutes, and most patients leave the hospital the same day. Dr. Lovecchio notes that it is one of the “smaller” spinal surgeries performed at HSS, a high-volume spine center. He and his colleagues also take on the most challenging cases and frequently perform highly complex surgical procedures.
Inspired to Join HSS
With her own background in health care, Serena recognized the quality of care she had received at HSS.
“I felt seen, heard, and supported at every turn. Their commitment to patient care went beyond clinical expertise; it was deeply human,” she explains. “It inspired me so much that I applied for a position at HSS, eager to bring the same level of dedication to others that I had experienced.”
Serena now works with orthopedic residents and fellows, supporting their research at HSS. “As a program coordinator, I work every day to support the team that gave me my life back,” she says.
“I feel like I really do meaningful work. Each time I see a patient walk through our doors, I remember my own journey and feel honored to play a small role in their recovery.”
Serena posted her story on the HSS Back in the Game website to inspire others who may be considering spine surgery to improve their quality of life.
Advice for Choosing a Spine Surgeon
Dr. Lovecchio says trust is paramount when choosing a spine surgeon. He also encourages patients to seek care at a specialized, high-volume spine center and to consider the full care team—not only the surgeon.
“The outcome of any kind of surgery depends on more than just the surgeon—it’s about the whole hospital, the nurses, the support staff, physical therapy,” he explains.
He also advises patients to prepare physically and mentally before surgery.
“That means getting to a good place as a whole person, doing whatever exercise you possibly can, eating right, and having the right mindset. Prepare for surgery as you would a marathon.”