Back Pain: Stories - Carey, 56

OVERVIEW / DISCOVERY
Mother of two, Carey, 56, is recently married for a second time. Her pain started at age 25. She had an appendectomy as well as two other surgeries which she thought would solve her chronic pain issues. Carey saw roughly thirty doctors until one finally diagnosed that her pain was coming from her back. Carey considers herself a “classic case.” She tried everything-especially holistic approaches-to avoid surgery. Carey felt like an actress: she would hide her pain from others and during uncomfortable activities only her family really knew what was going on.
TREATMENT
Carey first had a two level lumbar fusion and two days later she had scoliosis surgery. Between surgeries, Carey was heavily medicated. Carey strongly advises future patients to choose their hospital carefully since the staff takes care of all your needs because you essentially become like an “infant.”
SIDE EFFECTS
Without someone who can care for you full time, Carey advises there is no way you can go home. She was terrified of leaving even with her husband’s support. A nurse came to check on her at home for the first five days. A physical therapist also came to her home. She laid in bad for six weeks and needed supports to sit on in the shower and even while brushing her teeth. Carey found it extremely hard emotionally to not be the person she had been before the surgery.
SUPPORT & COMMUNICATION
Carey had her surgery in 2013 and since she has felt a lot less fearful about when and what will hurt her spine. She feels both disappointed that she is not perfect and that she is more reliant on her family. The relationship she had with her doctor was paramount. Carey stresses you must have someone who comes with you to your doctor’s appointments to understand your recovery plan and help keep you on target. She wanted to make sure she didn’t rely on painkillers. Carey stresses patience is key.