Back in Action

A patient’s journey from debilitating pain to eternal gratitude

When Hillary Simon crafted a Superman cape with a bold “K” for spine specialist Dr. Stuart Kinsella, it wasn’t just a gesture of appreciation. It was a testament to the life-changing care she received at Aspen Valley Hospital and The Steadman Clinic—care that defied her expectations and restored her active lifestyle.

The Day Everything Changed

Hillary, a 48-year-old Woody Creek resident, wife, and mother of two teenage boys, isn’t one to complain about pain. An avid tennis player for 30 years, she’s no stranger to the occasional ache. But one fateful day in early 2024, she left the tennis court with leg discomfort that worsened in the following days.

“I’ve had two childbirths, I’ve broken bones, I’ve had foot surgeries,” Hillary recalled. “But this was level 10 pain in my leg. It was unbearable.”

Bracing for the Worst

With a background in pharmaceuticals, Hillary was all too familiar with the typical emergency room experience. “In some places, like Orange County, Calif., the wait can stretch to eight or even 12 hours,” Hillary shared with a sigh. “I know from experience, unfortunately.”

Despite crippling pain, Hillary strategically waited until 6 am to visit Aspen Valley Hospital’s emergency department. “Statistically, that’s the best time to avoid long waits,” she explained, showcasing her insider knowledge.

As she arrived, barely able to stand, Hillary braced for a long, agonizing wait. “I wasn’t bleeding, but my leg felt like it was on fire,” she said.

“I was stunned!”

What happened next shocked Hillary. Minutes after arriving, she was taken to a treatment room for evaluation. “I couldn’t even sit down, and they understood that,” Hillary marveled. “They could see it on my face—I was desperate for relief and answers.”

The speed and efficiency of care continued to exceed expectations. Within 20 minutes, she was triaged, visited by the attending physician, received an IV and whisked away for an MRI.

“My expectation was hours, but it wasn’t even an hour,” Hillary said, still surprised. “From when I walked in to when I was wheeled back from an MRI, it was 45 minutes. It was phenomenal!”

In less than an hour, the diagnosis was delivered: a herniated disc with a fragment compressing a nerve root. It was so severe “the MRI was lit up like a Christmas tree,” Hillary recalled.

Seamless Transition to Specialized Care

The emergency department team’s efficiency didn’t stop with the diagnosis. They immediately set in motion a comprehensive care plan, connecting Hillary with specialists at The Steadman Clinic, who practice out of Aspen Valley Hospital and the Steadman Philippon Surgery Center in Basalt.

Dr. Dustin Anderson, a pain management expert, communicated with Hillary’s husband about pain management options. Dr. Kinsella, a spine surgeon, was consulted promptly, too. Surgery was discussed as an option if conservative modalities were unable to manage her pain. Ultimately, surgery was recommended as the best option and scheduled a few weeks later.

“I was amazed by how flawlessly everyone worked together,” Hillary said. “The staff didn’t have to search for my MRI or what medications I was on. Everything was right there for the physicians.”

Pain Management Wasn’t Easy

Despite the emergency department team’s best efforts, Hillary’s pain persisted while awaiting surgery. The experience was taxing for the entire family. “I propped my pelvis up with pillows and just laid face down for days,” she described. “My kids had never seen me like that. They even said, ‘Mom’s never been this quiet before!’”

Hillary returned to Aspen Valley Hospital’s emergency department when the pain became unbearable. Once again, she was met with understanding and swift action. “I was in a bad place and needed relief. They reiterated, ‘You have a severely compressed nerve. It’s bad,’” Hillary remembered. “They worked with Dr. Anderson to help me make it to my surgery date.”

On February 1, 2024, Dr. Kinsella performed Hillary’s back surgery. The transformation was immediate and profound.

“I rode into the surgery center backward in a wheelchair, my face buried in a strange lady’s belly button,” Hillary laughed. “But I walked out of the surgery center, high-fiving the nurses and doctors. I went from being unable to stand to walking out pain-free in a matter of hours.”

Back on Track

Hillary has since resumed her active lifestyle. She’s skiing, hiking and even playing pickleball. Her experience changed her perspective on back surgery and emergency care.

“Everyone says back surgery should be your last resort,” Hillary reflected. “But for me, it restored my way of life. I feel as good as new.”

Hillary’s gratitude extends to the entire team, from the emergency department staff at Aspen Valley Hospital to the specialists at The Steadman Clinic. Their expertise, efficiency, compassion and collaborative approach made all the difference.

“Dr. Kinsella and Dr. Anderson, along with the emergency department staff, took my pain seriously and worked tirelessly to help me,” Hillary said. “The fact that I can’t even see my scar now, that I’m back to all my activities, it feels like a miracle.”

A Community Asset

Hillary’s story highlights the world-class care available at Aspen Valley Hospital in partnership with The Steadman Clinic. From state-of-the-art facilities to highly trained specialists, the Hospital offers top-tier medical care in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley.

For Hillary, the experience was transformative. “I’m beyond thankful,” she said. “They didn’t just treat my pain, they gave me my life back.”

And that Superman cape? It’s a small token of immense gratitude—a symbol of the everyday heroes at Aspen Valley Hospital who are ready to leap into action when every minute counts.