Michigan Army National Guardsman Back in Motion
Army National Guardsmen, Golfer, Spine Surgery Patient
"The moment I met the team, I knew I was in the right place for care. From phone calls and appointments to scan explanations, the level of care I received was nothing short of amazing."
Brian Redmer, 51, once questioned whether he would ever move without pain again after a back injury he sustained in 2017 worsened over time. Today, he credits MyMichigan Health Neurosurgeon Hazem Eltahawy, M.D., and the entire team at MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw for providing expert, compassionate care “every step of the way” and helping him return to feeling 100 percent.
“The moment I met the team, I knew I was in the right place for care,” Redmer said. “From phone calls and appointments to scan explanations from Elizabeth Helpap, F.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., the excellence of Dr. Eltahawy and the nurses at the hospital—there was not one ball dropped. The level of care I received was nothing short of amazing.”
Redmer works full time for the Army National Guard and is a proud national competitor with the Veteran Golfers Association. Leading an active, physical lifestyle, he initially tried physical therapy to manage his pain, experiencing periods of temporary relief. However, in 2025, an MRI at MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw revealed that surgical intervention was necessary to provide lasting improvement.
The neurosurgical team determined that surgery was required to stabilize Redmer’s spine at the L4–L5 level and relieve pressure on surrounding nerves. Dr. Eltahawy performed a laminectomy and Interlaminar Lumbar Instrumented Fusion (ILIF), a minimally invasive spinal procedure that uses small implants such as spacers, rods and plates to stabilize the spine, decompress nerves and promote bone fusion. The technique creates space between vertebrae, relieves nerve pressure, supports flexibility and aids healing.
“What made my experience outstanding were all the moments along the way,” Redmer said. “I was in so much pain for more than a year, and it was affecting me mentally. Each member of my team made an impact – the technician who monitored my nervous system during surgery took the time to meet me and explain how he’d be watching over me; the nurses who helped me get up the next day were so kind and capable, and the office staff kept everything moving without any lags in care.”
Redmer also noted the importance of MyChart, MyMichigan Health’s patient portal, in his recovery. “It’s efficient and convenient, storing all my records in one place that I can easily access,” he said.
Following surgery, Redmer carefully followed post-operative recommendations and successfully completed physical therapy. He has since returned to his demanding role as an Army Unit Supply NCO, traveling and coordinating logistics for his unit. Now pain-free, he looks forward to golfing one final season with the Army before retiring at the end of 2026.
“I am running, going to the gym, and feeling great,” Redmer said. “In just over seven months since my surgery, I feel like my old self. I wasn’t sure that was even possible. I tear up just thinking about it—all thanks to my team at MyMichigan for the outstanding care.”
Those who would like more information about MyMichigan’s spine surgery, may visit http://www.mymichigan.org/spine. Those seeking information about MyMichigan’s comprehensive neurosciences care, may visit www.mymichigan.org/neuro.
