Lindsay
Procedure: Spinal Fusion
What was your initial medical issue?
Severe degenerative disc disease, bilateral foraminal stenosis, multilevel spondylosis, three bulging discs, and postlaminectomy syndrome.
What did these issues prevent you from doing?
What didn’t it prevent me from doing? I had to go on medical leave from my job as a Registered Nurse. In fact, some days I literally could not get out of bed! My Mom did pretty much all of my housework (cooking, cleaning, etc) and errands. I couldn’t even drive, as I would often fall if I tried to get into the car unassisted. I certainly couldn’t pickup my then 6 year old niece, which was devastating.
What made you decide to do something about your problem?
I wanted to get my life back. No longer being able to work was my last straw. Like Dr. Sinicropi told me (after surgery): “You were on a slippery slope to a life of disability checks and pain medications!” At 33 years old, that was just unacceptable.
Why did you choose Dr. Sinicropi?
I have a cousin who used to be an ER/flight nurse and is now a patient representative. I figured he would certainly know best who I could trust. He told me that if he (my cousin) were to have surgery, he’d want Dr. Sinicropi to be doing it. There really isn’t much higher praise than that.
What treatment/procedure did you have done?
Anterior/posterior trilevel fusion (L3S1) with pelvic fixation.
How did you feel after treatment?
I was absolutely amazed at the difference! Immediately, I could feel my left leg and foot again! My previous failed surgery was quite minor compared to the one I had done by Dr. Sinicropi, yet I experienced far less pain and a far quicker recovery after my fusion. The pain was immediately so minimal, even the incisional pain. I was able to look after myself after only a few days of recovery at my parents’ house. I actually took a previously planned week-long trip to London only nine weeks post-op and I was able to return to work as a Registered Nurse just a week after that!
What advice would you give other patients in a similar situation to you?
Do your research! I hadn’t looked far enough into my previous back surgeon and ended up finding out the hard way that he was far from qualified. Take the advice of those who have gone before you. Read the testimonials. Know who you are trusting with your life and livelihood. And once you’ve done all that, you’ll know what to do…give Dr. Sinicropi a call!
