Carol — Cumming, GA
I first began experiencing back pain around the time I was graduating from college. This was in 1989. I would infrequently have a backache that I associated with my menstrual period. As time went on, I realized that it was not connected with my cycle; it would last longer and occur more frequently than once a month. At first it was just a low dull ache in my lower back. I was not sure what brought it on, but I would usually just take some aspirin and lie down for a while to make it go away. However, It became more and more persistent and difficult to alleviate.
I can't really associate the pain with any specific cause. I was involved in sports in college, but after college I really did not participate in anything physically demanding so my condition was not brought on by sports or by an accident. As my condition worsened, activity would aggravate it. As time progressed, it would get to the point where my back would go into spasm and I would not be able to stand straight. The muscles in my lower back were contracting or were not functioning correctly, and that was when it started impairing my mobility. In 1992, I made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, who at the time diagnosed me with a degenerative disc.
I began physical therapy with isometric exercises to help strengthen the muscles in my lower back. I also tried pain medication but nothing was effective at this point. The next step was to have a series of epidural cortisone injections. There was a series of three, given one every two weeks. Basically they injected cortisone into my spine, which alleviated the problem for about three or four years.
The back pain started getting worse again and reached the point where it was debilitating and affecting my lifestyle. I could see that these interim measures were not working and I started doing research on my condition to learn about the latest procedures. I did some research on the internet and sent emails to some national orthopedic associations and the consensus was that Emory Clinic was the place I should go.
The first time I went to Emory Clinic they reconfirmed my diagnosis to make sure that surgery was the proper course of action. When I decided to go ahead with surgery, my decision coincided with their INFUSEŽ Bone Graft with LT-CAGEŽ Lumbar Tapered Device clinical study. The Emory Clinic informed me about the study and asked if I wanted to participate. Considering what they had to offer in that study, I was more than happy to participate. Most of the complications and post surgical pain I had read about from the traditional procedure were a direct result of the hip graft. The new procedure eliminated these complications.
Dr. Hal Silcox performed the surgery. I was in the hospital 3 days and was up walking that evening. It was major surgery, but I was told that I would heal faster if I got up and moved around. I did not work for four weeks. I was able to resume normal activity after about two months. Activities included yard work, housework, and grocery shopping. Since having the surgery, I have experienced a little back pain from time to time, but can't say that it is related to the my original problem - it is just normal muscular backache. I am able to live my life and enjoy my family the way everyone should.
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications, and benefits of the INFUSEŽ Bone Graft/LT-CAGEŽ Lumbar Tapered Fusion Device with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
After reading this please keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary. Complications, such as infection, blood loss, or nerve damage are some of the potential adverse risks of spinal surgery. Please consult your physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, clinical results, and other important medical information.
