Red Grewing, spine surgery 

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.