Age: 67
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Surgeon: Dr. Guy Fogel, San Antonio,TX
Indications: Spondylolisthesis
Procedure: XLIF®
Levels Treated: NA
Surgery Date: NA
“Thanks to Dr. Fogel, my back is repaired and now I am free of my wheelchair! I can’t believe I am pain-free! If sharing my story prevents someone from being so afraid of surgery than I would talk about my experience every day.”
Life Prior To Surgery:
Olga began struggling with back pain at a very young age because of her scoliosis. At the time, she didn’t understand the source of her pain and tried to manage it as it slowly worsened over the years. While working, she experienced a sharp pain in her back which persisted throughout the day. She visited a chiropractor which unfortunately, did not provide any pain relief. Olga first tried a Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), which is a procedure that uses an electrical current to treat chronic pain. She also tried medical patches to manage the pain but they also provided no long term relief. The pain became so excruciating that she couldn’t stand at all and was barely able to walk, forcing her to use a wheelchair to move around. Finally, he pain became so horrible that she was forced to retire from work. Immediately following a shoulder surgery in 10/2009, Olga asked her doctor about spinal surgery options. Her doctor recommended her to Dr. Fogel, who she decided to seek a consultation with. Dr. Fogel was very confident that he could help and explained the XLIF procedure to Olga as well as the recovery process.
Situation Today:
Olga had surgery in January 2010 and noticed immediate pain relief following the procedure. She was walking immediately after surgery and within just a few days, was completely relieved of her back pain. She had occasional muscle soreness and stiffness after the procedure down the front of her thighs, but it was manageable and slowly dissipated as time went on. She was hardly ever in need of oral pain medications which was a huge relief after being dependent on them for so long. Her muscular pain completely disappeared after a couple weeks and no longer needed the aid of a wheelchair! Olga enjoyed being able to walk during her entire recovery process. She can now go out with her friends and do daily activities pain free! Her back issues are now limited to her arthritis but is extremely pleased with her outcome and is very grateful for everything Dr. Fogel has done for her.
Important Note: As with any spine surgery, there are potential benefits and possible risks associated with the XLIF procedure. Individual results will vary. It is important that you discuss the possible risks and potential benefits of XLIF with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician’s judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.
