Age: 58
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Surgeon: Spine Hospital of South Texas, San Antonio, TX
Procedure: eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®)
Surgery Date: June 20, 2012
Life Prior to Surgery: Melissa struggled with chronic back pain for close to 10 years. She had trouble doing her normal household chores, such as vacuuming and cleaning. At the time, she worked as a special education teacher and had to end her career early because the pain prevented her from interacting with the kids. Yet Melissa was frightened at the prospect of having back surgery.
Melissa tried many other treatment options prior to pursuing surgery, including chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, epidural injections, and prescription pain medications. When these conservative treatments no longer provided her with any substantial relief, she knew “it was time.” At that point, her back pain interfered significantly with her daily life. She sought a consultation with a spine surgeon, who recommended the minimally disruptive XLIF procedure.
Situation Today: After her surgery in June 2012, Melissa was up and walking in the hospital just two days later. Her postoperative treatments included walking daily to increase her range of mobility. After six weeks, Melissa was thriving in her daily routine. She is now leading the active lifestyle she enjoyed prior to her struggle with chronic pain. She is back to gardening, vacuuming, sweeping, and participating in all household chores, pain-free! She is thrilled to be able to stand, walk, and sit without discomfort.
Melissa claims, “I feel like I can try anything now that I am no longer living with constant back pain! Who knows what activities and adventures await me!”
14-NUVA-880