Age: 54
Hometown: Shelby, NC
Surgeon:  Neuroscience & Spine Center, Gastonia, NC
Procedure: eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®)
Surgery Date: December 15, 2014

Life Prior to Surgery: Annette was struggling with back pain for two-and-a-half-years. She decided to exercise more frequently to help with the pain. While working out one day, she thought she pulled a muscle.

“It was a weird pain from my hip all the way down my leg,” she said. “Even the back of my leg was hurting.”

Annette visited her doctor who thought she had pulled a muscle.  She rested but it didn’t seem to help.

Annette was in Las Vegas on vacation with a friend.  After having to rest every 20 to 30 minutes, she realized that the pain had worsened. Annette began the process of consulting with specialists about her pain.

After being referred to a spine surgeon, Annette learned the pain she was experiencing could be related to her back. “I wanted to jump out of my skin, it hurt so badly!”

Her surgeon looked at her MRI’s and told her that she needed surgery. When he recommended her for surgery, Annette was extremely scared. “I told him ‘No!’” she said, “I had heard horror stories about back surgeries. I did not want to do it.”

After trying injection shots to alleviate her pain. Annette ultimately decided to undergo surgery.

Situation Today: Annette underwent her XLIF procedure in December 2014. Within a day of her surgery, Annette was walking with the assistance of a walker. For the first time in months, Annette was able to walk without pain.

“I was so thankful! It was a miracle to me!” she said. “I just could not believe it!”

After surgery, she had a little numbness on the side of her hip. She is certain that her walks will continue to alleviate the numbness. Annette was back to work less than five weeks after her surgery and plans on getting back to riding her bike soon.

“This was an awesome ‘faith’ journey in God’s hand through God’s man.” says Annette. “It was a miracle! I thank God every day that I was able to walk without feeling pain!

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