OSC - Patient Stories

William E. Taylor

My name is William E. Taylor. I am 79 years old and live in Newport News, VA. I have suffered with back pain my entire life, due in large part to a birth defect. Even so, I have remained very active and fit my entire life and even served in the military for years. I am the kind of person who does not like to let things get me down.

As I got older, my back pain started to worsen and I found that I could not do the things that I enjoyed. Because I was afraid of having spine surgery, I have sought other methods of treatment for my back pain. I began having trouble walking and I could not work out at the gym or do the things that I wanted to do. I even tried Physical Therapy and Epidurals, to see if the pain would lessen. Although the PT and Epidurals helped a little, they did not give me the lasting relief I needed.

I came to see Dr. Jeffrey Carlson in July 2009. He said that I had many back issues, but diagnosed my main problems as Spondylolesthesis and Spinal Stenosis. Dr. Carlson told me he could fix me with spinal decompression/fusion surgery and make my pain go away. He explained the surgery and what would happen, how long I would be in the hospital, etc., but he never tried to “sell” me on it and told me that it was my decision.

Even though I had many misgivings, I was in a lot of pain and was concerned that if I waited too long, my nerves might be damaged beyond repair. So, I finally decided to have the surgery. I was in the hospital overnight and went home the next day. After my surgery, I used a walker for about a day and then used a cane for stability for a while. By three weeks time, I was back in the gym and could walk on the treadmill. I do not feel pain anymore from my spine and I have returned to all of the activities that I enjoy.

I want to tell everyone about my story and how happy I am. Do not be afraid of back surgery. You can be helped, just like I was. I just wish I had done it sooner. Dr. Carlson can take care of your problem, just like he did for me.

William E. Taylor