| Cervical Herniated Disc / Cervical Spinal Stenosis / Cervical Discectomy |
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Patient Stories - Cameron First Name: Cameron General Occupation: Homemaker/Home office work Type of surgery: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with plate, C4-5, C6-7 Q. What symptoms were you experiencing before surgery? A. “I had a lot of spasms and pain down the side of my neck under the left shoulder blade, down arms into wrists and hands. Would often feel numb, fuzzy or swollen in wrists and hands.”
A. “Daily activities became hard to perform and would increase the pain level to where I would end up in bed or the recliner. Sleep was limited to a couple of hours at a time. I really wasn’t functioning at all.”
A. “I am pain free and taking no medication. I do get a little sore after I have overdone, such as lifting or carrying more than I am used to right now. The plate doesn’t bother me at all. No problems from it.”
A. “I am pain free now and can function fine in my daily routine without having to take any pain medication whereas before the surgery I had to keep the meds in my system all the time to keep ahead of the pain and I was not getting better.”
A. “I have returned to most of my normal every day activities including the home office work. I am unable to do any heavy or strenuous housework but I am fine with light every day maintenance. With swimming, using either the side or backstroke is no problem and I have no pain or soreness afterwards. I can comfortably handle air travel without any pain or medication.”
A. “No. I have had very good results with no complications.”
A. “Yes, without a doubt.”
A. “The same words of advice I was given by someone whose condition was similar to mine and had surgery nine years ago, “Have the surgery.” When I went into surgery I was 100% sure of my decision and confident I would benefit from the results. Listen to your doctor and follow his orders.”
A. “Highly competent, honest, very thorough and informative. I knew I was in very skilled hands should any complications arise.” Patient Stories - Scott
A. “Neck and arm pain.”
A. “Limited things I could do (couldn’t work).”
A. “I feel great. No arm pain and very limited neck pain.”
A. “A lot better/arm pain has gone.”
A. “No. I did retire. I retired with 30 years on the job. I will start another career.”
A. “Yes I am playing golf once again and feel good.”
A. “No. The treatment was right on and I would choose surgery again.”
A. “Try everything available before surgery, but if all fails have surgery to correct the problem.”
A. “Dr. Nelson was a great doctor. He took his time and kept me informed of all my options. When I finally decided to have the surgery, he did a great job. I was treated well by all at the OASIS Group.” Patient Stories - Louisa Name: Louisa Age: 78
A. “Severe pains in both legs. Pain in buttocks, neck, shoulders, arms, and headaches too.”
A. “I was almost immobilized. I could only walk one-half block with increasing pain. When I tried to step down or up a curb, this was very painful, even to lie down in bed or sit down to watch TV did not my relieve my legs and back pain.”
A. “Life is great again. I go to swimming classes, take two-mile walks some mornings with my husband and I am virtually pain-free when I sit down, or lie down in bed, sleep better also.”
A. “I was almost paralyzed with pain before surgery. Now, I am 95% pain-free. I can continue most normal activities.”
A. “I am taking beginner computer class and I am doing most of my regular normal activities at home.”
A. “I hiked and played with my grandchildren in Yosemite for three weeks, and I do water aerobic exercises three times a week. I can do just about everything.”
A. “I first took cortisone injections, acupuncture, chiropractor and exercises, which did nothing for me. I would choose surgery again and get rid of the pain.”
A. “For me the two surgeries I had, finally gave me relief from my excruciating pain. Because, I am unable to take pain medications, I had some great pain and discomfort after the surgery, but I gradually felt better and now I am virtually pain free. Hurray!!! Thanks to my God, my husband, and my Dr. Nelson and staff.”
A. “It took almost five years of prayers and going to doctors, until one, blessed one, sent me to take an MRI, and I found that my problem was in my spine and my husband and I started to look for a surgeon. We interviewed three surgeons. The first was patient with us and listened to our plight. The second met with us for maybe 15 seconds and basically said the surgery would work, but was very busy and could not spend time on an interview with us. Dr. Nelson was very patient and attentive. We listened to what he said and received good information. He asked who our other surgeon was and wanted to send him the results of his inspections and his opinions. When we left, we could see Dr. Nelson in the records section and he was diligently recording the visit and inspection. We felt he was completely thorough and extremely caring and competent. I felt well informed; comforted with him and the fact I needed a surgery. I was now sure, I wanted to go through with it.” Patient Stories - Marcie First Name: Marcie
A. “Migraine headaches, numbness of hands, extreme stiffness of neck and upper shoulders, fatigue, and depression because of pain.”
A. “I could no longer perform my duties as a court reporter nor enjoy life in general.”
A. “Although I still cannot return to my occupation, my symptoms have decreased between 40-60% and no more migraines, occasional numbness of hands.”
A. “50-60% improvement and medications have decreased significantly. I can again enjoy most activities.”
A. “No.”
A. “Very limited physical activity, enjoy traveling, and now able to enjoy traveling without mind altering medications.”
A. “Yes, I would choose surgery. I feel 50% improvement is quite successful. The only change would have been to do the surgery earlier.”
A. “Of course, try alternate therapies in the beginning, however, do not wait five years to do surgery.”
A. “Very confident; great bedside manner; he is a great listener, and I always feel confident when I leave his office. I made a correct decision in deciding upon surgery. Great guy.” Patient Stories - Marsha First Name: Marsha
A. “Numbness in hands, wrists, pain in shoulders, neck, back, and elbows.”
A. “At times extremely limiting -hard to take long car trips - hands would numb up from driving - hard to focus at work with neck pain - hard to relax when you are always in pain.”
A. “Great – it has been less than two weeks and I am amazed by the noticeable improvement. Hands, wrists and elbows are 80% better ALREADY.”
A. “I am feeling so much better and this is in the early stages of postop. I am sure I will only get better! Just completing this form is a major improvement.”
A. “No, not yet.”
A. “Yeah, the sport of walking!”
A. “I would go the same route, because you should exhaust all pre-surgery options first, just in case surgery may not be necessary. I would have the surgery again, because of the end result ALREADY. The surgery is not as bad as it sounds and nowhere near as painful as I imagined it. For me it was worth it.”
A. “Do your homework. Be proactive in your care. Get a competent physician you can trust. Take his advice. Weigh the pros and cons and make your decision. Everyone is different.”
A. “Great doctor - excellent people skills – knowledgeable, informative - not pushy - professional - helpful - thoughtful – would recommend him without hesitation - I have already recommended him.” Patient Stories - Lisa First Name: Lisa Age: 86 General Occupation: Retired Reg. Nurse Diagnoses: Cervical Stenosis, Myelopathy, Radiculopathy C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 Type of surgery: Cervical Laminoplasty, Foraminotomies C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 Time after surgery: 1 year and 2 months
Q. What symptoms were you experiencing before surgery? A. “ Continuous, severe disabling pain across shoulders and down left arm.”
A. “Crippling-since I needed ice packs and a sling constantly.”
A. “Fine! Full use of both arms. No more pain.”
A. “100 % improved. Life is worth living now!”
A. “No-I retired in 1986”
A. “I don’t do sports, but I can do gardening, housework and normal living.”
A. “Try to get surgery sooner. Surgery was imperative.”
A. “Do it!”
A. A fine person and wonderful Doctor. Dr. Nelson replaced the Dr. to whom I was originally assigned. It was my great fortune to get Dr. Nelson! He is kind, compassionate, thorough and very capable.” |
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