Connie
Procedure: Cervical Spinal Fusion
What was your initial medical issue?
I was in a car accident back in 2010. A truck ran a red light and collided with my vehicle. After the accident I had nearly constant pain, primarily in my neck. I saw several doctors who recommended non-surgical treatments like physical therapy. I still had pain. After a year of ongoing pain, I had an MRI and Discogram done and it was clear that I needed surgery. My injured spinal discs weren’t going to repair themselves.
What did this issue prevent you doing?
Every movement was painful. I couldn’t sit or stand for very long, or raise my hands above my head. I had migraine-like headaches, vision issues, and no range-of-motion in my neck. I couldn’t drive or do basic chores around the house, which really took a toll on my family. The non-surgical treatments I tried never relieved the pain for long.
What made you decide to do something about your problem?
Being in a constant state of pain for three years made me consider surgery. Nothing was improving with the non-surgical treatments. I just wanted my life back.
Why did you choose Dr. Sinicropi?
The first few doctors I saw were little, to no help at all. They recommended treatments that did not work. After being in pain for so long, I began to consider surgery. I was told by my family and my attorney that Dr. Sinicropi was one of the best spine surgeons in the nation.
What treatment/procedure did you have done?
I had a neck fusion (four discs), as well as a decompression procedure in my lower back.
How did you feel after treatment?
At first I felt pretty dopey…then the drugs wore off. Recovery was long and tough, but every day there was progress and after I got through it, the pain was gone. Now I feel good for the first time since my accident.
What advice would you give other patients in a similar situation to you?
Go see Dr. Sinicropi. He tells it like it is. Dr. Sinicropi was the first doctor I saw who consoled me and recognized my pain. I was convinced that my pain was imaginary, but Dr. Sinicropi proved that it wasn’t just all in my head. I felt at ease in his hands.
