OSC - Patient Stories

Heather L. Green

In April 2008, I began to experience lower back pain and had days in which my back would lock up completely and I would not be able to move. For the next two years, the symptoms were becoming more intense and were occurring more frequently. I tried Chiropractic care, pain intervention, and physical therapy, and despite these treatments, the symptoms continued to get worse.

In July 2010, I woke up one morning about two weeks before my wedding and my back was completely locked up. At first I did not panic because these episodes typically lasted a few hours and by the end of the day, through a combination of heat, ice, and muscle relaxers, I could stand up straight. However, this episode was not going away. Before I knew it, it was my wedding day and my back was still locked up! This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but I could not stand up straight and I was in excruciating pain! Somehow I managed to make it through the day, and resolved that when my husband and I returned to Virginia, I was going to seek different treatment.

In August 2010, I went to see Dr. Carlson. He ordered an MRI which showed I had 3 bulging disks, 2 of which had most likely ruptured. Under his care, we tried physical therapy a little longer, but it soon became evident that my back was still getting worse. I was beginning to have numbness and pain radiating down my right leg. By September, Dr. Carlson informed me that we had exhausted all the treatment options and that the only thing left to try was surgery.

On October 5, 2010, my husband took me to Mary Immaculate Hospital for surgery. I think the medical terms for the surgery are a laminectomy and spinal fusion of T-11 to L-4 and I know that I have 2 rods, 2 brackets, and 11 screws in my spine. I am not overly concerned with the medical terms because all that matters to me is that as soon as I woke up from the anesthesia, I felt immediate relief. The numbness and tingling in my leg was gone and I could feel my toes! The next day, I was walking! I can't possible describe the relief and joy I experienced when I stood up straight for the first time in over almost 3 months! My husband of less than 3-months had tears in his eyes when I took the first few steps.

On December 1, 2010, I returned to work. The other teachers and staff members at my school were amazed at the fact that I was standing up straight. More than one said they almost didn't recognize me because my face was so relaxed; I didn't look "like I was in pain anymore." Until I heard these comments, I had not realized how much living in constant pain had affected me.

It has been about 6 months since my surgery. I am no longer in any pain or discomfort. I have not taken any pain medications for my back since about 2 weeks after the surgery. I can go shopping without having to lean on a shopping cart for support. At work, I can once again walk around the high school without holding onto the walls for support. Dr. Carlson, Tonia Yocum, and the talented, compassionate, dedicated staff at OSC have truly given me my life back!

Heather L. Green