A Patient’s Perspective:
Mr. Robert Bear* is a 41
year old engineer who enjoyed good health until August 25, 2002. While swinging a golf club, he noticed
immediate acute left shoulder pain. “I
didn’t think much of it until after the round, when the pain worsened and
traveled to my neck and left arm,” said Mr. Bear, “ I knew something was
definitely wrong after I began to have trouble sleeping because of my severe
neck pain.” These symptoms persisted and he was evaluated by his PCP and was
started on PT for two weeks. “I began
to notice my left upper arm was getting smaller and I was getting weaker in my
left tricep,” said Mr. Bear. He then underwent a MRI demonstrating a large
herniated cervical disc on the left C6-7 nerve root. (See side X-ray)
He was then evaluated by
Dr. Maroon and found to indeed have left tricep muscle weakness and abnormal
reflexes in the left arm. Following a
discussion of the risks and benefits of surgery he agreed to have an anterior
cervical discectomy and fusion with bone graft on 10/10/02. “I knew I couldn’t
wait any longer, even my co-workers noticed that my left arm was getting small
from the muscle atrophy,” stated Mr. Bear, “and my left forearm and first finger
and thumb were completely numb.” “It was hard to believe that a herniated disc
in my neck was the cause of my severe left arm pain and numbness,” said Mr.
Bear.
Mr.
Bear underwent the operation without complication and was discharged the day
after surgery. “I was immediately better when I woke up in the recovery
room. The worst part of the surgery was
a sore throat that only lasted a few days,” stated Mr. Bear. “I still occasionally have some slight
numbness in the tip of my left index finger but my strength is continuing to
improve and I am able to do most activities.” “Overall I am very satisfied and
glad I didn’t wait any longer,” said Mr. Bear.
*Mr. Bear has signed a
released to permit the release of this personal information. We will not disclose any information unless
the parties involved agree in writing.
Mr. Bear chose to permit this information because of his gratitude to
Dr. Maroon and his staff.
Disclaimer:
Every effort has been made by the author (s) to provide accurate, up-to-date
information. However, the medical knowledge base is dynamic and errors can
occur. By using the information contained herein, the viewer willingly assumes
all risks in connection with such use. Neither the author nor UPMC shall be held
responsible for errors, omissions in information herein nor liable for any
special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or in part,
from any viewer(s)' use of or reliance upon, this material.
CLINICAL
DISCLAIMER:
Clinical
information is provided for educational purposes and not as a medical or
professional service. Person(s) who are not medical professionals should have
clinical information reviewed and interpreted or applied only by the
appropriate health professional(s).
For
questions or comments, please contact: bostj@msx.upmc.edu
© 2006 Tri-State Neurosurgical Associates - UPMC
Last Updated: January 15,
2003