Red's Story

“Red has been making progress since having surgery Feb. 22, 2013, at St. Cloud Hospital to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. He heard a loud popping noise while playing with his grandkids at Christmas time.”

St. Cloud Hospital spine surgery gives home court advantage

Getting back on the court and beating his longtime friend and rival in a tennis match has been a key motivator in Dale “Red” Grewing’s recovery from spine surgery.

Red has been making progress since having surgery Feb. 22, 2013, at St. Cloud Hospital to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. He heard a loud popping noise while playing with his grandkids at Christmas time. A week later, there was another popping sound.

“I was very uncomfortable. Pain was radiating down my leg and the bottom of my right foot was numb,” said Red.

A co-worker of Reds at Quinlivan & Hughes law office recommended he go see Thomas Falloon, MD, a neurosurgeon at CentraCare Clinic. Red was glad he did.

From the consult to the surgery, Red’s mind was put at ease.

“I knew the people who were caring for me — I wasn’t just a number,” said Red. “The care provided was first class. The pain in my leg was gone. I couldn’t imagine going anyplace else.” 

After surgery, Red was even more assured after learning that St. Cloud Hospital’s Spine Center was designated by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota as a Blue Distinction Center Plus for Spine Surgery. This distinction recognizes hospitals for expertise in quality and cost efficiency.