Orthopaedic and Spine Center logo
Home > Testimonials > Tonya Thomas-Gray – Multi-Level Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Tonya Thomas-Gray – Multi-Level Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Dr. Carlson in the operating roomI spent years with neck & back pain, misdiagnosing, physical therapy, etc….and not LIVING! I promised my husband on NYE 2018, we would not focus on neck/back pain, but redirect to find answers. WE DID IT!! This MAN was patient (not his virtue), understanding and truly SUPPORTIVE! He was my voice when I didn’t have one, picked me up when I couldn’t stand and fed me when I didn’t want to eat!

So eternally grateful to Dr. Jeffrey Carlson! On 9/4/19, Dr. Carlson performed a Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery to repair disc damage impeding my spinal cord. Best decision of my LIFE! The first 3 days…when I tell you PAIN….that is an understatement! 19 staples later…I lived with REGRET! Guilt all through me…feeling vulnerable & helpless! I prayed so hard…asking for strength… repeating, “I won’t let you down! I will LISTEN & FOLLOW! I remember my dear friend quietly sitting on the phone letting me cry. All those emotions released, turned into WILL-POWER!

The outpouring of support to my family was LIFE-CHANGING! There were three people who never left my side…GOD, my Husband & my Mom! They never gave up on me! My Husband was worried, my Mom was tired & my children were confused! GOD made the path, Hubby walked beside & Mom kept me uplifted in prayer!

My Mom is the ROCK of our family (tears)! She did what she does well which is make chaos CALM! She consoled our children & did her Grandma duties EXCEPTIONALLY!  When I tell you my relationships & friendships were tested…I got on EVERYBODY’S nerves … it wasn’t pretty, easy or nice. but their commitment was undoubtedly STRONG! It clearly opened my eyes to my PRESENTATION, PURPOSE & most importantly the PROMISE made to GOD! FOLLOWING WITHOUT QUESTION!

I love the circle I’m standing in today- PAIN FREE, NO GUILT , with NO REGRETS! THANKFUL & BLESSED for the GIFT of LIFE! Surrounded in PEACE & HAPPINESS:) THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, DR. CARLSON!!!

God works MIRACLES! Through Him, Nothing is Impossible! I am a BELIEVER! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Tonya Thomas-Gray

Make An Appointment

Schedule an appointment with our highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic and spine specialists.