Michael
Memphis, TN
Severe, chronic back pain and leg pain as a result of a herniated disc had Mike "dragging his leg like Quasimodo." After minimally invasive spine surgery, he was able to walk out of the hospital on both feet, and soon return to work and the sports activities he'd always enjoyed.
The nuisance pain that began in Michael's left calf while downhill skiing rarely kept him from playing competitive tennis tournaments or biking down mountains. "I thought I pulled a calf muscle," says Michael, "and I kept treating it that way."
Several months passed before Michael, 40, incurred a new pain in his back. After hitting a large jump while biking in the desert, Michael felt his back crunch as he landed. A debilitating pain in his back now overshadowed the calf pain that was once only a nuisance.
Looking for relief, he sought the care of a chiropractor. The treatment had limited effect and the pain continued. Michael's sports stopped. He was having problems with mobility and was limping considerably from pain that continued in his back and grew more severe in his calf.
Michael went to an orthopaedic specialist, had an x-ray and learned he had a herniated disc. The disc was pinching a nerve in Michael's lumbar spine, causing his calf and back pain. The herniation was so severe that Michael was sent to a neurosurgeon.
Michael scheduled an appointment with Dr. Kevin Foley, a neurosurgeon at Semmes-Murphey Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee. The doctor's diagnosis confirmed the severity of the herniation and surgery was needed to avoid permanent damage to the nerve.
Dr. Foley explained the surgical options to Michael. He could have traditional, "open" back surgery, or Michael could try a new procedure using the muscle-splitting technique of the METRx® System. Michael decided to go with the minimally invasive spine surgery.
Michael walked into the hospital on a Monday. "I was dragging my leg like Quasimodo," recalled Michael. "I was in that much pain." That same day, after outpatient minimally invasive spine surgery, he walked out of the hospital, his limp barely noticeable. A day later he returned to work and by the end of the week, experiencing no significant pain, Michael swam a mile at his local pool. Within three months, Michael resumed his full regular activities, including tennis and biking.
"I definitely feel like you shouldn't have to live with pain," said Michael. "It's just too important to live life without having to slow down or limit what you like to do-I really believe that."
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications, and benefits of the METRx® System with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
As you read this please keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary. Complications, such as infection, blood loss, or nerve damage are some of the potential adverse risks of spinal surgery. Please consult your physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, clinical results, and other important medical information.
