When I was referred to Dr. Jeffrey Carlson at OSC for evaluation of severe pain in my lower back, I doubted that the affliction, which occurred while playing soccer in 1960, would be corrected successfully. Besides gathering the information about Dr. Carlson’s very impressive qualifications, which attest to his exceptional skills in addressing “back problems”, my first impression and personal evaluation of him and his staff was that of competence. I was assured that I was in very good hands and I felt at ease.
Throughout the years, the source of my illness has been assessed as a pinched nerve, bilateral spondylosis, osteopenia of the lumbar spine, severe arthritis and other conditions. My back pain worsened while lifting objects during a 2017 household move from Maryland to Virginia. Because of my advanced age, I hesitated in seeking medical attention. However, my wife, who is an experienced registered nurse suggested that further consultation with medical specialists was necessary and to correct the problem, even if surgery was required. Because my quality of life made it essential to continue with additional assessments, my Primary care Physician at Oyster Point Family Practice, referred me to OSC, which brought me to Dr. Carlson.
The visit with Dr. Carlson and subsequent analysis of the x-rays taken led Dr. Carlson to recommend undergoing Physical Therapy. OSC’s PT Program would consist of one hour sessions, twice a week for six weeks, under the supervision and care of Dr. Jamie Swale. However, my program was interrupted after a few sessions due to an increase in back pain. That led Dr. Carlson to order an MRI to determine the cause of the pain. Based on the assessment of the MRI, Dr. Carlson determined that surgery was necessary to correct my problem.
As my trust in Dr. Carlson was established on my initial visit with him, all that was required was my consent for the surgery, which I gave. From that time forward, the many actions that were required were handled by Dr. Carlson and his staff, including getting authorization form my Cardiologist to proceed with the surgery. They arranged for the surgery to take place at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News.
The surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Lumbar Herniated Nucleus Pulposis (Disc), and Spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, was uneventful. The one night stay at Mary Immaculate was interrupted by the many medical personnel waking me for many reasons, such as changing my IV medication bags, taking my vitals or just to see how I was doing. It all showed me that they cared. I was discharged the next day.
My faith in Dr. Carlson’s experience and surgical skills, as well as in his Staff, paid off. I realized that I had placed my trust in a winning team!
Salvador O. Rodriguez
Lt. Colonel – USAF Retired