Age: 67
Hometown: Morgonton, NC
Surgeon: Neuroscience and Spine of the Carolinas, Gastonia, NC
Procedure: eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®)
Surgery Date: October 16, 2014
Life Prior to Surgery: Lorraine struggled with sciatica pain for one year. She never thought it was related to her back. When she had imaging done, it revealed her problem spot.
Lorraine tried many conservative treatments, like injections and physical therapy, but they do not give her long-term relief.
Although she retained some independence, like driving, Lorraine still had trouble sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. With the amount of pain she was in, it became difficult to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain an exercise routine. Lorraine was eager to get back to a normal way of life.
Situation Today: On October 16, 2014, Lorraine underwent an XLIF procedure. Although Lorraine’s left leg had some numbness after surgery, it does not interfere with her life.
“My sciatic pain was gone the day after surgery and my back feels as strong as it used to before the problems began,” she said. “I feel totally great!”
She worked closely with her surgeon and kept up with her walking regimen.
Lorraine weaned off her walker after a week, and then got off her cane the next week. After the third week, she walked between three-quarters and one-and-a-quarter miles twice a day. At her three-week post-op appointment, her images came back and her spine was looking great!
Lorraine did physical therapy to build up her muscles in her left leg. She is now feeling great and is back to her normal routine of activities and exercises.
“Know your limits, and keep desire and resolve at the top of your list!” said Lorraine.
15-NUVA-1326