Patient Perspective:

History:

Caroline Lollini* is an active 85 year old who since June of 2000 has been unable to enjoy her favorite sport due to low back pain.  Golf has been her avid past time for many years and she had played on a regular basis until it became difficult for her to walk.  “I was just it too much pain”, states Mrs. Lollini, “I knew there must be something wrong”.  She first saw her PCP and she was then referred to a neurologist.  “He told me I was too old to have surgery even though I have no major illnesses”, relates Mrs. Lollini, “he sent me to physical therapy which I think made things worse.”

Discussion:

Mrs. Lollini’s symptoms of back pain and difficulty walking are very common with lumbar stenosis.  This condition may improve with physical therapy but as Mrs. Lollini observed, in some people the activities of physical therapy can make people feel worse.  The fact that Mrs. Lollini is 85 years old, however, is not a good reason not to consider a surgical option.  Biological aging varies from person to person and a 40 year old may be physiologically as old as an 80 year old. And the opposite is also true.  Mrs. Lollini’s general health was excellent, as per her PCP, and therefore was referred to Dr. Maroon after her symptoms worsen with physical therapy. 

Evaluation and Operation:

Dr. Maroon evaluated Mrs. Lollini in December 2000 and a MRI was done confirming the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis at the L4-5 levels. Following a review of the risks and benefits of the surgery she underwent an L4-5 lumbar laminectomy on February 7, 2001, by Dr. Maroon, at Presbyterian University Hospital.

Recovery:

Mrs. Lollini was walking in her hospital room the night after surgery and walking in the halls the next day.   “I did not require any pain medication after surgery, which is somewhat unusual, and in fact I had to ask my Nurse if the surgery was over because I had no pain”, relates Mrs. Lollini. She was discharged home two days after surgery and was cleared to resume her daily activities after her follow-up appointment on March 9, 2001.  “This summer I played almost 40 rounds of golf”, states Mrs. Lollini, “I have no more back or leg pain and I can walk as far as a need to.”  “The worse thing about this is the delay I had to endure to get this surgery because people thought I was too old.  I have a good mental attitude and I think this helps a great deal.”

Discussion:

Mrs. Lollini’s recovery is not unusual, and many people have a similar experience.  The fact is that we are living longer and fuller lives and that the age of a person is less of a factor when considering who would benefit from surgery.  Careful patient selection and review of all medical risk factors is still the primary objective in order to help assure a good outcome.  Mrs. Lollini is certainly a good example of the fact that old age may not be a reason to continue to suffer.

*Mrs. Lollini 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.  Mrs. Lollini chose to permit this information because of his gratitude to Dr. Maroon and his staff.

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