Faces of Health: Cecilia Alfaro

For most people, getting out of bed each morning is a given, but not for Cecilia Alfaro, who viewed this morning routine as a rare luxury before finding relief at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center.

For years, Alfaro suffered excruciating back pain, which often rendered her unable to move. Concerned that surgery wouldn't do anything to ease her pain, she initially chose medication over surgery, but it only offered temporary relief.

 Bloodless medicine patient sign

 This posted sign explains bloodless
medicine to Sharp patients.

"It felt like a sharp ice pick jiggling around my spine," said Alfaro of her constant discomfort. "But I was worried about surgery, so I tried to ignore it."

Adding to her fears, Alfaro and her husband were also worried about the likelihood of a blood transfusion during surgery; as Jehovah's Witnesses, they avoid blood transfusions due to their religious beliefs.

Finally, Alfaro decided she couldn't ignore the pain any longer and made an appointment with her doctor, who referred her to Dr. Sohaib Kureshi, a neurosurgeon affiliated with Sharp Chula Vista. After meeting with Dr. Kureshi, Alfaro was confident that he could perform the spine surgery she needed successfully and without transfusions.

"Dr. Kureshi was wonderful," Alfaro said. "He explained everything and told me that he expected a very good outcome. He really put me at ease."

Around this same time, Alfaro met Jorge Martinez, manager of the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Center at Sharp Chula Vista, who assured her that her wishes regarding blood transfusions would be respected.

Five months after surgery, Alfaro is still recovering, but feels better than ever. She credits her doctor, surgeon, nurses and Martinez for her new outlook on life and the ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures, like getting out of bed each morning.

Find a San Diego Bloodless Medicine Doctor

To learn more about Sharp HealthCare's bloodless medicine services or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for San Diego bloodless medicine doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

For More Information
To contact the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, please call 619-502-4037 or toll-free at 1-866-873-6625, or send us an email.