As a neurosurgeon, the greatest compliment Dr. Leary receives is from patients who have benefited from his care. Check out some of his patient’s stories below.
Lasting Impact: My Miraculous Recovery from Total Paralysis
“NO! STOP! NO!” These are the last words John shouted before being struck violently by a car turning into his bike lane. The impact ripped John’s bike away and sent him bouncing and careening off the top of the car. Everything went into slow motion as he seemingly drifted to the ground while looking skyward. Then he slammed onto the street, landing hard on his back, neck, and right arm and shoulder. The pain arrived instantly, searing through his neck and arm. Lying on his back and writhing in agony, he looked to his right, certain that he would see his right hand in flames. While citizen responders called 911 and offered John comfort, within minutes it happened. His legs slowly dropped to the ground. Like a tarp being removed from his body and taking with it all of John’s ability to feel and move, he knew something terrible had just happened. He stared into the eyes of a young woman supporting his head and said, “I can’t feel or move anything. My God, I’m paralyzed!”
I Got My Wings Back From Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
“I’m Dr. Larry Marshall and I have been in family medicine for 38 years. I know a lot of surgeons and I chose Dr. Leary to do surgery on my back. Prior to the surgery, I felt terrible. I would need to lay down 4 times just to brush my teeth. I had done acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, and physical therapy; it was obvious I needed surgery. It was structural according to Dr. Leary.
I had my surgery on June 7, 2023. Fantastic results, no pain, no narcotics. Dr. Leary warned me about post op physical limitations, but I did not listen. I lifted the gallon of milk he told me not to lift, and pushed myself more than I should have. Dr. Leary told me I could not drive a car, but he didn’t say I couldn’t fly an airplane. Day 3 post op they released me from the hospital, Day 3 in the afternoon I had my airplane in the mechanics shop, I paid for it, and took a fellow pilot with me to help me fly home. I didn’t need him. I taxied in, got perpendicular to the door, got out with the toe bar, the pilot was trying to help me push the airplane into the hanger but I pushed the airplane myself with the toe bar. So, if I could fly an airplane, I should be able to drive a car. I was able to see patients 5 days post op. I have not had any bad results or pain since the surgery. I am now exercising, walking with my wife, and doing normal activities. I had researched Neurosurgeons because I alone know too much. Dr. Leary had the best reputation and obviously he got good results with me. It was a miracle. And I haven’t been in any pain or taken pain medication since the surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Leary to everyone that comes to my family medicine office. I’m 100% satisfied. He cured me.
Dr. Leary has now cured some of my patients. He’s a great neurosurgeon.
Dr. Tolchin, the president of the American Academy of Neurosurgeons, approved of my choice of Dr. Leary for my surgery and said, “he is definitely the best in the west”.
I’m glad to have my wings back. “
– Dr. Larry Marshall
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Laminectomy and Posterior Spinal Fusion
Traumatic Skull and Spine Fractures
After sustaining several traumatic injuries in December 2018, many have said that my survival and recovery have been miraculous. I was riding my bicycle and was rear-ended by a Dodge Ram. I suffered a fractured skull, a burst fracture of my T7 and T12, broke all my ribs on my left side, a punctured lung, and broke my left clavicle.
I think the miraculous foundation that led me to where I am today is being brought to Scripps Trauma Center and that Dr. Scott Leary was in charge of saving my life and putting me back together.
Dr. Leary immediately performed a craniotomy, then a couple of days later a craniectomy. Once I was stable, two days of back surgeries to clean out the fractures, replace my T12 and fuse my spine.
Since then, I have been on a rehabilitation mission. I was determined to return to some of the physical activities I so adored: snowboarding, hiking, and surfing! Words can never do justice to the respect, admiration, and gratitude I have for Dr. Leary’s high level of expertise and treatment, which gave me the opportunity to thrive.
Recovering from injuries is never easy. I don’t want to paint a false picture; it has been a hard journey. Overcoming these injuries and building back my strength, mobility and confidence took time, determination, and the support of many. That being said, I had the time and ability to build back and create my “new normal,” thanks to Dr. Leary.
– Roberta
C5-incomplete Quadriplegia with a Central Cord Injury
I have finally been able to come up for air these past few months and I am reaching out to say thank you to the people who helped me and my family through the worst nightmare of our lives. Nathanael has C5-incomplete quadriplegia with a central cord injury and he is 10 months post-injury (June 26, 2020). Life is wonderful because of all of you. Nathanael was discharged home from Craig Hospital late September dependent on a four-wheeled walker. He continues to attend activity-based therapy at a paralysis recovery center near our home. Today he is walking without assistance, a little wobbly with periodic falls but it is absolutely amazing. Nathanael has very little to no feeling mid-chest to mid-thigh with his hands continuing to be his greatest challenge. He took one semester off school and is back taking classes at CSULB majoring in computer science. The attached photos are day one post-op and Easter Sunday 2021 (Nathanael is wearing the pink shirt). His current physical therapy goal is to get into a jog on the treadmill.
Words will never express how grateful I am for your care and compassion of not only Nathanael, but for me and my family. Dr. Leary was one of the first people I met as I sat in the consultation room at Scripps La Jolla. I was alone, confused, and scared; my family was scattering frantically as we were all trying to figure out what was happening.
Dr. Leary was one of the first people to help me understand the days, weeks, and months to come. He took the time to listen to my concerns and explain in detail Nathanael’s surgery, possible complications, and expectations. Thank you for taking the time to listen and talk to an emotional, scared, but determined mother. You fixed my baby! Nathanael has had several follow up x-rays and MRIs at Craig and at Kaiser. I continue to hear comments stating how perfect the surgical corrections are.
I wish you all well and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for honoring your commitment to caring for others,
– Gretchen
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem Cell Regenerative Treatment
Tom has experienced back pain on and off for the past 20 years, but after stem cell regenerative treatment, he talks about being able to ride his bike and play golf 6 weeks after treatment.
“The stem cells worked phenomenally, best thing I’ve ever done.”
– Tom (at 1 year follow up)
Stem Cell Injection
Scott discusses his results from Stem Cell Therapy with Dr. Leary.
“Gold star pupil for stem cells”
– Scott (at 2 year follow up)
Stem Cell Injection
After Stem Cell Therapy, Tom is free of debilitating back spasms and pain.
– Tom
Stem Cell Injection
Dr. Leary discusses Jorge’s lower back pain before and after having stem cell injection.
– Jorge
Stem Cell Therapy
My name is Mary Morgan and I have had cervical spine problems for over seven years. I had surgery on my neck previously from another doctor, but I never got better and the headaches were so bad I felt I had no quality of life. I had numerous people tell me about Dr. Leary and that I needed to go see him.
I loved him the minute I met him and I felt hope for the first time. Over time, he was able to do several spinal epidurals, which helped for a short time but, unfortunately, after almost a year of treatments, he told me I would need another surgery. I panicked! He offered me Stem Cell Therapy and it has been my miracle.
After three months I no longer have the debilitating headaches, I’m getting better for the first time in seven years, and I no longer take any pain pills. Dr. Leary is a Saint; he works miracles, has a beautiful demeanor, is so professional and kind, and has an amazing staff. If it ever comes to it, I would do the Stem Cell Therapy again because it was the best thing I ever did.
Thank you, Dr. Leary, you’re the best!
– Mary
Stem Cell Therapy
The initial symptom that brought me in to see Dr Leary was pretty significant sciatic pain that radiated into my left hip. This pain had become chronic and hindered my general enjoyment for the outdoors and active lifestyle I have always enjoyed. Walking any great distance, particularly on rougher terrain, only brought me pain. I had resorted to daily use of NSAIDS just to get through the day.
I tried other treatments but they were just band-aids to the real cause of my pain. I came to Dr. Leary thinking I was headed for a fusion, something I had been trying to avoid for close to ten years. Dr. Leary suggested Stem Cell therapy and I decided to give it a try.
I feel so much better! Now that I’m 60 I actually feel younger than I did at 50. There are days when I still have some kind of pain but, I can say in all honesty, in the last two years I have taken NSAIDS less than five times. My gut thanks me for that, too. I am able to walk 5 miles or more with zero pain. I can stand for two hours and not feel any pain. I can wake up in the morning and not feel pain. I can also put my underwear and pants on while standing–it’s the small pleasures as they say that are the most rewarding. In general, I’m regaining a trust in my body that I haven’t felt in years and the beauty of it is that I feel the procedure is the gift that just keeps on giving. My stem cells are still multiplying, increasing my mobility and flexibility.
My advice? Trust the procedure. When I had my first procedure done, I was told that a tear in a disc had never been shown to be repaired by stem cell therapy. One year later, my MRI clearly showed the tear to be healed. You must also be patient and give the stem cells time to do their work. I truly believe that the mind/body connection is of extreme importance. If you asked me to do another one tomorrow, I would without hesitation.
– Sue
Spine
Dr. Leary/ Pete
Thank You so much for all your extraordinary care of my spinal issue. Your expertise was exceptionally noticeable. Your ability to communicate the reason for the symptoms and what was required to relieve those symptoms was clear, detailed, but understandable. I am sure this is one of the many reasons your office is highly recognized, in addition to your surgical skills!
The office personnel was quick to respond to my efforts to see you. Cheyenne went out of her way to schedule me in and to keep me in “the loop” to surgery. Very Helpful!
My surgery went well and we can chat about that in a week or so. I am happy with the recovery I am experiencing (maybe a little slow for someone like me who has a mild case of ADHD, but I will follow orders) with very little pain currently and it seems to be diminishing. Not much feeling/ improvement in fingers, but hopefully that improves over the next few weeks.
We always don’t get a chance to express our appreciation, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you both and everyone at Scott Leary MD!
See you in 10 days or so.
– Anonymous
Laminectomy and L4/L5 Fusion
Dr. Leary made it so I could get back to living! I’m an avid outdoors man and snow skier & my pain kept me from doing the things I enjoyed most. After surgery, I’m back to hiking and skiing the back country WORLD WIDE… I only wish I hadn’t waited so many years for the surgery! Thanks to Dr. Leary and his entire staff!!!
– Dale (Solana Beach CA)
Interbody Fusion
I had suffered from back pain due to wear and tear, scoliosis and heavy lifting for over 15 years. Like most guys I put off going to the doctor as long as possible. I managed the pain with Chiropractic and stretching. When it was no longer manageable I called Dr. Leary’s office. His staff was very professional and kind. I had my surgery in February of 2012. It was life changing for me as I had been in constant pain for years. After a period of recovery I am better than I have been in 20 years. Dr. Leary gave me a renewed outlook on life. My quality of life is 300% better than it was before surgery. Thank you Dr. Leary, Tracy and your whole staff! You guys are fantastic! Trace Westcott Orange, California
– Trace
Laminectomy with Fusion L3/4 & L4/5
I can’t say enough about Dr. Leary and the results I experienced after seeing him. I couldn’t walk 50′ without my feet going to sleep. The nerve pain was unbearable, going down both legs. It was an effort to turn over in bed at night. All this is history now, and I’m pain free. He emits a level of confidence and professionalism that is unmatched. He essentially gave me my life back. Thanks Dr. Leary….
– James (Lake San Marcos California)
Decompression and Fusion of Cervical Spine
I have had a great experience with Dr. Leary and his entire staff. Everyone in his office is very caring, professional and responds quickly to any needs that I have had come up. Before the surgery I had intense numbness and pins and needles in both arms. I had great difficulty moving my right arm. After about 6 weeks after surgery all of the numbness and tingling was completely gone. Now at 4 months out am regaining my strength in my right arm. I feel that the surgery was a complete success. I feel very lucky to have been referred to Dr. Leary to perform my surgery. He also performed a laminectomy and fusion in my lumber spine. I had sciatic pain in both hips and legs. The pain in my back was unbearable and had been there for many years. It’s been 3 months since the back surgery. The pain in my legs is completely gone. It’s almost unbelievable. I wish I had met Dr. Leary years ago. I feel better than I have in 20 years. Many thanks to Dr. Leary and his highly competent staff. Sincerely, Sandra Middleton of El Cajon
– Sandra (San Diego)
Cervical Discectomy & Fusion
It is not often in our lifetime that we are faced with decisions that may have life or death implications. The complexity of making such a decision does not always rely on our total understanding of the procedure but our trust and confidence of the surgeon. Such was my case with Dr. Scott Leary. For many years, I was experiencing asymptomatic stenosis (compression) of my spinal column. Ultimately, something just didn’t feel right especially my upper body strength. MRI supported Dr. Leary’s diagnosis and he recommended surgery as soon as possible. The first day home from the hospital Dr. Leary’s staff called me and asked “how was I feeling and how much pain medication did I have left”. My answer was “I have all of the pain medication left as I don’t have any pain” and I didn’t ever need it. My procedure rehabilitation went smoothly and without any complications. My trust in Dr. Leary was justified – he is a remarkable surgeon and I am most grateful to him for his marvelous skills. I can not recommend him more highly. If you have questions or would like more information, do not hesitate to contact me. John Fitzpatrick, O.D.
– John (Carlsbad, CA)
Thoracic Fusion
In this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas I have much to be thankful for. I am thankful that I am alive and not paralyzed. I am grateful to Dr. Leary for saving my life. I fell off of a horse on July 13, 2011 and fractured my back, pelvis, ribs, and had a subdural hemorrhage. I am so thankful that Dr. Leary was on trauma duty at Scripps that day. My prior fusion from scoliosis surgery broke and Dr. Leary re-fused my back. He is indeed a dispenser of miracles. Thank you so much!
– Karen (La Mesa, CA)
L4-L5 Laminectomy and Fusion
After enduring months of 10 out of 10 pain and barely being able to walk, I was diagnosed with L4-L5 spondylolisthesis with critical spinal stenosis. Dr. Leary performed a L4-L5 Laminectomy and Fusion on me in February 2009 and the severe pain I had felt was gone the moment I woke up from anesthesia. Not only can I walk again but I am walking 3 to 5 miles a day. Dr. Leary took care of everything right away and I would just like to say, I think the guy is pretty sharp.
– Richard (California, USA)
Spinal Fusion
I have been very pleased with the spinal fusion surgery I received from Dr. Leary. He operated on my L4, L5 and S1 discs which had deteriorated and caused a lot of back pain and spasms. I was very reluctant to have surgery but after many reassuring visits with Dr. Leary, I decided to go through with the operation and am very glad I did. It was two years ago and I am walking 4 1/2 miles every day, taking yoga classes two times a week and enjoying an active without concern about back pain. Thank you Dr. Leary!
– Ina
L5-S1 Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
In 2009, I had two spinal surgeries at UCSD Medical Center. As a result, I had severe damage to my L5 nerve causing my right foot to have Foot Drop. I couldn’t move my toes and ankle. I had numbness in my toes, ankle, and part of my right leg. When I met Dr. Scott Leary, he took out one of the cages that was implanted in my spine which was pressing on my L5 nerve. He operated on me in June 2010 through my abdomen and took the pressure off of my nerves. It is March 2011, and my EMG test showed that there is improvement in the functioning of my damaged nerves. I did have physical therapy in 2010, and will have more therapy in 2011. I am very happy with the skill of Dr. Leary!
– Judith (California, USA)
Cervical Fusion
I had surgery with Dr. Scott Leary in March of 2012, and the results were spectacular. For many years I had suffered from a “weak” back due to the tightening of the lumbar on #4 and #5. I suffered from stiffness and constant nagging pain but I tolerated it. Dr. Leary confidently indicated that surgery would relieve all those problems, and it has. I have been pain free and back stiff free for months and it feels as if my back is that of a 30 year old. I am a golfer, and by June 1st of this year I was back in action on the course, playing several rounds of golf in Hawaii pain free. Right from the start I knew Dr. Leary was a competent doctor, and reading his biography convinced me that he would perform well. I could not have wanted a better outcome, and this is my testimonial to an assurance that Dr. Leary will take good care of you. All the best in choosing a doctor, but I think you cannot go wrong with Dr. Leary.
– Richard (Grossmont Hospital)
Cervical fusion C3-4
I was referred to Dr. Scott P. Leary by a friend and I am very happy I made the three hour trip to see him. Dr. Leary, PA Tracy, staff, and surgery center are the very best I have come in contact with. Dr. Leary was very careful to make the correct diagnosis and proceed with the right procedure. I had a prior C4-5 fusion in 2008 with another doctor, making this a revision surgery. Dr. Leary took the time in surgery to expertly remove bone spurs across both sides and decompress the cord. My post op X-ray’s look great with perfect alignment. I am delighted to have much less pain and know things will improve further. I have lumbar issues also, and have placed my trust in Dr. Leary to help me there as well. I cannot thank you enough for the expert care and pain reduction I have received.
– Tony
Post Anterior Cervical Discetomy and Fusion and L4-5 Decompression and stabilization
I was a very active individual before I began to be affected by a 10 out of 10 pain which bothered me the majority of the time. I used to go horseback riding, sailing, and swimming as often as possible. My pain began about two years before I went to see Dr. Leary. Not only did I have pain in my neck and my left arm but my fine motor skills began to be affected and I had difficulty doing tasks as small as holding a pen. Luckily, one of my best friends is a Dermatologist who knows Dr. O’Leary. Dr. O’Leary then referred me to Dr. Leary who tried to assist with my symptoms through an epidural injection and a C6 nerve root block, neither of which helped. Dr. Leary then informed me that I had the option of enrolling in the Coflex FDA trial for symptomatic lumbar stenosis to treat the problems in my lower back and would need an anterior cervical fusion of C5-6 and C6-7. After the surgery my pain went away and I began to get stronger in both my hands. Now I am feeling terrific and can do anything I want! Dr. Leary is a life saver and I can’t say enough about him.
– Dolores (California, USA)
Right L4-5 and L5-S1 Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
I have always been a very active person and especially enjoyed activities like going to the gym 5 or 6 times a week. I had been going to a chiropractor who diagnosed me with lumbar degenerative disc disease about 5 years earlier and who had up until that point been able to keep my pain level under control. In December of 2010 my pain escalated to a 10 out of 10 and had increased so significantly that it began to interfere with my daily activities and I was no longer able to go to the gym. My chiropractor then referred me to Dr. Leary for an MRI and after Dr. Leary and I met to review the MRI results he found that my disc was badly herniated and we decided that surgery was the best option. In March of 2011, I had a right L4-5 and L5-S1 Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. While in the hospital, whenever a nurse asked me who performed my surgery and I answered “Dr. Leary” they would always respond with, “You had the best. He is a perfectionist”. After I returned home from surgery I was completely pain free. It is now 8 weeks since my surgery and I am in physical therapy. I have incredible flexibility and will be able to return to the gym shortly. Dr. Leary gave me my daily routine back and completely eliminated the pain.
– Kenneth (California, USA)
L5-S1 Artificial Disk Replacment using Aesculap Active-L Prothesis
I had fallen off of a ladder in March of 2009 and went from having no pain and being able to work in my garden and perform normal tasks with ease, to having excruciating pain which would get as bad as a 12 out of 10 on my worst days. The pain that began to affect my lower back and my left leg prevented me from doing almost anything. After going to the emergency room and getting an MRI, they referred me to Dr. Leary. Dr. Leary tried everything from pain medication to an epidural injection to get my pain to go away but nothing seemed to work. Dr. Leary then told me about the artificial disk replacement clinical trial that he was conducting and informed me that I was a good candidate. I agreed to participate and underwent a L5-S1 Artificial Disk Replacement surgery. The minute I woke up the pain was gone, I was able to walk up and down stairs the first day after the procedure. I am so happy with the work that Dr. Leary has done, I now have no problems performing any of the activities I enjoy and have absolutely no pain. I have even referred my sister among others to Dr. Leary because of my satisfaction with his work. I am so glad that I met Dr. Leary, I don’t know where I would be without him.
– Jodi (California, USA)
C3-5 Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion
I was originally a patient of Dr. Purcell’s and while I was not in any pain I was experiencing some dizziness. He believed that my symptoms were neurological so he referred me to Dr. Leary. After meeting with Dr. Leary it was realized that I needed surgery. Dr. Leary performed a C3-5 Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion and now I am no longer dizzy. Dr. Leary was wonderful throughout my time with him and his entire staff was always very helpful.
– David (California, USA)
L5-S1 Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
In 2009, I had two spinal surgeries at UCSD Medical Center. As a result, I had severe damage to my L5 nerve causing my right foot to have Foot Drop. I couldn’t move my toes and ankle. I had numbness in my toes, ankle, and part of my right leg. When I met Dr. Scott Leary, he took out one of the cages that was implanted in my spine which was pressing on my L5 nerve. He operated on me in June 2010 through my abdomen and took the pressure off of my nerves. It is March 2011, and my EMG test showed that there is improvement in the functioning of my damaged nerves. I did have physical therapy in 2010, and will have more therapy in 2011. I am very happy with the skill of Dr. Leary!
– Judith (California, USA)
Brain
Brain Tumor
Juan came into Dr. Leary’s office with a humongous, giant brain tumor. He discusses his journey through treatment and recovery.
– Juan S.
Removal of tumor on pituitary gland
Life changed very suddenly for me when I awoke one night with a raging headache and vomiting. By the time I got to the emergency room I had lost my balance and my eye sight had deteriorated due to pressure on the optic nerve caused by a bleeding tumor on my pituitary gland. After evaluation it was my very good fortune that Dr. Leary was called in. From the time he came in to tell me what needed to be done, I felt very calm and confident. After surgery my recovery went very smoothly and in less than 3 months my head was healed, the tumor was completely gone and my vision and balance were restored to normal. I am very grateful for Dr. Leary’s good work, good after care and feel very blessed that he was there to perform this surgery.
– Suzanne (San Diego, CA)
Brain Surgery
About 5 years ago I started feeling nerve pain in the left side of my face. It continued to get worse over time. I searched doctors to try and find out what was wrong with me. Finally I found a neurologist who diagnosed me with trigeminal neuralgia. I was prescribed several different medications to find my “cocktail” of meds to relieve the pain. I understand everyone reacts differently to the meds. It started out as a hit or miss over the five years. Finally after finding out that I had run the gamut of medications for me my Neurologist suggested I see Dr. Scott Leary. That my only option left was surgery. Dr. Leary performed the surgery on December 8th 2014. After the surgery I received immediate relief and require no medications. My life has totally changed. It’s been over three months and I have no pain and no side effects from medications that I no longer have to take. I feel like a new person. Thank you Dr. Leary for saving me from a life of nerve pain!
– Gloria (United States)
Craniotomy
I am an atypical patient because I had almost no symptoms of my problem but needed immediate attention once it was discovered. Over three months I had three types of infrequent and seemingly unrelated minor symptoms: arm spasm, speech difficulty, arm numbness. When the numbness hit on a Saturday, I went immediately to the Scripps Encinitas emergency room. An MRI showed a “huge” cyst in my brain. On Sunday, Dr. Leary contacted me and explained the urgency of removal, even though this was not a tumor. On Monday, I checked in to Scripps Memorial. Dr. Leary and staff put me perfectly at ease about my upcoming procedure. On Tuesday, Dr. Leary removed a cyst the size of a tennis ball from my brain, remarking that the cyst was under a great deal of pressure and the largest he’d ever seen. On Friday, I went home. It was an eventful week.
– Teresa (San Diego)
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement
September 16, 2011 Dear Dr. Leary, I wanted to take this opportunity to properly thank you for saving my life and for all you have done for me. You are truly blessed with a brilliant mind and skillful hands; your patience and understanding especially in my case are greatly appreciated. You are an outstanding credit to the medical profession and I am thankful you were at Scripps Memorial the day I needed your help as well as when you performed the surgery for my shunt. I have heard many horror stories from other pseudo tumor patients abroad which makes me confident I have chosen one of the best neurosurgeons for present, past and future surgeries. There are certain special people in the world who really care, who find joy in helping others and who have so much to share, thanks for the wonderful care you give. Sincerely, Teresa Ball
– Teresa (Murrieta, CA)
Right Temporal Craniotomy
While working in my yard one day in January of 2008 I fell off a ladder. My wife became concerned when she found me in the house confused, not remembering the fall and complaining of a headache. She then took me to the Emergency Room at the hospital where they ordered a CT scan. The test results showed that I had a large right intracerebral hematoma within the temporal lobe and needed emergency surgery. The treatment I received and Dr. Leary’s immediate action saved my life. I am now able to play golf and feel fantastic.
– Gary (California, USA)