Sorry, this story is in no way an ad. This is a very personal story, my life. To give
you a little background on myself, I was a martial arts instructor, a 3rd degree black
belt which I worked 14 years to get. When I decided to get the fusion I was dealing with
DDD only one level L4/L5. I had 2 reasons for going through with the surgery, my daughter
was expecting our first grandchild (I was only 42) and I wanted to continue working out, I
wanted my 4th degree, and I wanted to continue teaching.
I was promised 6 weeks recuperation... we are now on 2 years and I will never be the same
again.
Yes, I was angry when I wrote earlier today, but what made me angry was that I read all
the positive literature and that is what got me into the surgery, promises. Promises of a
great decrease in pain, better mobility and how much success this surgery had. I was
taking a great deal of pain medication, and I wanted off of that. Well, I'm back taking
more that before, just so that I can walk MAYBE help a block. The doctor set on a series
of lies that extended until I contacted a lawyer. We had 3 pre-op visits and thought we
had covered the extent of questions. "Drop foot" was never even mentioned, in
fact I never even heard the term until he informed me on my 2nd post-op visit that I would
need a brace to keep from falling down. He also did not mention the atrophy that would go
along with it, I have been a weight lifter, and I still do what I can. After 3 EMG's it
was found that the nerve was either severely bruised past the point of healing or it was
CUT. In 2 year there has hardly been a day go by without tears. Without the thought of
suicide (I'm too chicken) when the pain is 8 or over. This is my Life.
I feel that anyone considering a cage fusion should get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. Check the
docs records even it costs money. Find out how many of these surgeries he has done etc...
these are the things I did not do. I should have known when during one of the pre-op
visits I mentioned how nervous and he sarcastically shot back; for heavens sake WHY? I
should have followed my instinct and run, at least as fast as I could of, at least I had 2
feet at that time. Well, now you know my story. Unless someone finds the miracle of
growing nerves, I will die this way. I can't stand to live this way. Maybe I am not the
picture of courage, but I try. Sorry I came across the way I did, but this story did not
have the happy ending we all look for, but at least it's honest and true. Thank you for
listening and I hope to hear from you. Sincerely, Jeanne
Jeanne has been kind enough to offer anyone interested to e-mail her..
Return to 'Other People's Stories'
