A Second Chance at an Active Life

Deanna Leviner and Dr. Petros Koutsogiannis

By: Deon Cranford - Scotland Health Marketing

For many people, back pain is an inconvenience. For Deanna Leviner, it became a life-altering obstacle that threatened her mobility, independence, and career. What began as a seemingly routine day helping family would eventually lead her to a diagnosis she never expected and a successful recovery that restored her quality of life.

A lifelong Scotland County resident, Leviner has spent more than 35 years as a real estate broker and state-certified appraiser, a career that keeps her constantly on the move. Her days often include climbing into attics, crawling beneath homes, and inspecting multiple properties. But in January, after helping remove a ramp from her late uncle's home, she noticed something different about the back pain she had occasionally experienced through the years.

"I've always had some arthritis and back issues," Leviner said. "But this was different."

What initially felt like a flare-up of sciatic nerve pain quickly intensified. Walking became difficult. Standing still was painful. Even sitting for extended periods became a challenge. As the weeks passed, the pain continued to worsen, making it increasingly difficult for her to keep up with the demands of her profession.

Seeking answers, Leviner worked closely with her primary care physician. She underwent X-rays and even tried chiropractic treatment, but nothing seemed to help. In fact, some treatments appeared to make the pain worse. Despite multiple evaluations, no one could pinpoint exactly what was causing her symptoms.

Finally, in April, an MRI provided a clearer picture of where the pain was coming from.

The scan revealed a synovial cyst at the L5-S1 level of her spine. The fluid-filled cyst had developed as a result of arthritis and was pressing directly against a spinal nerve, creating the severe pain shooting through her lower back and leg.

That's when Leviner was referred to Dr. Petros Koutsogiannis, spine surgeon with Scotland Health Orthopedics.

From the moment he reviewed her case, Dr. Koutsogiannis recognized the seriousness of her condition. By then, Leviner's pain had become so severe that she was relying on a cane and struggling through her workdays. While reviewing the MRI, Dr. Koutsogiannis identified the cyst and immediately began developing a treatment plan.

Still, surgery was not his first recommendation.

Instead, he pursued a series of conservative treatments, including medication and spinal injections, hoping to relieve the pressure without an operation. One injection provided temporary relief, but the pain soon returned. After exhausting nonsurgical options, Dr. Koutsogiannis determined surgery offered the best opportunity for a lasting solution.

For Leviner, the decision was not one she took lightly.

As a self-employed professional, time away from work carries real consequences. Throughout the process, she repeatedly shared her desire to find a solution that would allow her to remain active and return to her career as quickly as possible.

Dr. Koutsogiannis worked to create the least invasive surgical plan possible while preparing for more extensive intervention if necessary. Before surgery, he carefully explained every potential outcome, ensuring Leviner and her family understood the procedure and recovery process.

The operation was successful, but recovery was not without challenges.

Pathology later revealed that the cyst was approximately twice the size it had appeared to be on imaging.

Years of pressure on the nerve had left significant inflammation, and the first week after surgery proved especially difficult.

During those early days, Leviner leaned heavily on her faith.

In a message shared with family and friends on social media following surgery, she described experiencing a profound turning point in her recovery and credited the support she received through prayer.

"I attribute this positive development to the collective prayers of my family, church, parents, friends, and even individuals that I was unaware were praying for me," she wrote. "I extend my gratitude to all who have supported me through prayer."

At the same time, Dr. Koutsogiannis remained closely involved in her care. When postoperative inflammation continued to cause significant pain, he quickly adjusted her treatment plan and prescribed a steroid regimen to help reduce the swelling around the nerve.

The results were remarkable.

Within days, Leviner began experiencing noticeable improvement. At a follow-up visit just weeks later, she was walking normally again.

What had once been unbearable pain was quickly becoming a distant memory.

"God has seen me through this difficult period," Leviner said. Today, Leviner is back to doing the work she loves.

She has resumed inspecting homes, serving clients, and maintaining the active lifestyle she feared she might lose. The woman who once struggled to complete a single property inspection can once again move freely and confidently.

She also remains grateful for the care she received close to home.

From the imaging department and surgical team to rehabilitation services and follow-up care, Leviner says every member of the Scotland Health team treated her with compassion and respect. Most of all, she appreciated the personal attention provided by Dr. Koutsogiannis throughout her journey.

"You never felt like just a number," she said.

Today, she shares her story with others facing similar challenges, often recommending Dr. Koutsogiannis and Scotland Health to anyone seeking answers for chronic back pain.

For Leviner, what began as months of uncertainty, pain, and prayer ultimately became something far more powerful: a second chance at the active life she loves.

This story was featured in the Fall 2026 edition of Better Health & Living Magazine. To read the full edition or past editions, click here.