I am a physically fit, 61 year old female and I had been dealing with sciatica for 4 years. It started with a pain in my left calf. I tried massage therapy, TENS unit, and physical therapy. My GP referred me to OSC. I chose Dr. Jeffrey Carlson because I have several neighbors who had successful back surgery performed by Dr. Carlson.
During my first visit, back x-rays were taken right in his office. The next step was an MRI, which could have been done at the OSC, but due to a 10 day insurance approval wait time, I had done closer to my home.
At my next visit with Dr. Carlson, he evaluated my MRI and anticipated that I would need surgery, but said there was no rush. To get relief, I scheduled an epidural cortisone shot at the OSC. The first shot gave me great relief and I was so pleased! Within 2 weeks, I developed sciatica on the other side. The second shot provided no relief. The sciatica pain increased to the point that I cancelled a vacation and decided to schedule surgery.
Dr. Carlson chose to perform a PLIF – Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion on October 29, 2019 at Bon Secours, Mary Immaculate in Newport News. Just before surgery, Dr. Carlson asked if I was ready to get this Sciatica taken care of and the next thing I knew, I was out of surgery, awake and 100% of my sciatica was gone! I was able to leave after a few hours of recovery.
I am now 6 weeks post surgery. I feel great! I teach 6 fitness classes a week and have 10 personal fitness clients. I was able to teach classes 1 week after surgery.
I have had conversations with two other individuals at my church who also had back surgery at other spine centers. In comparison, I feel my care was superior. In particular, my follow up care includes a Bone Growth Stimulator device that has proven to speed up bone fusion. My two friends did not have this as part of their therapy.
I continue to make gains in range of motion and flexibility through 6 weeks of physical therapy prescribed by Dr. Carlson. If you are contemplating back surgery, I can give Dr. Carlson a resounding vote of confidence!
Janet Sandeen