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Chronic back pain unable to walk longer than two minutes
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Sep 1 7:03pm | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
Good evening, @irene5 ,
It was/is the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. I live an hour away and did not want to travel because it would mean one of my kids or their spouse would have to make the drive with me to all the appointments. I sought out 2 highly recommended orthopedic surgeons here in Davenport where I live, and each wanted to refer me to a specific ortho. surgeon at the U. of I.: Dr. Andrew Pugely. One of those doctors flat out refused to do the surgery; the other was willing to do the surgery but only with Dr. Pugely's "blessing". After my initial appointment with Dr. Pugely (actually his P.A.) there was no question in my mind as to being in the right hands with his team.
Then, in the spring of this year, I received a letter from his office announcing his change of address/practice to Davenport!! You can't imagine my elation! I have not needed his services but wow! - I know exactly who to go to if ever I do. At the same time, the U of I Orthopedic department doesn't have a bad doctor. A number of my friends and family (including son) have been in their care over the years.
I sure wish you the very best as you navigate the health system and search for the surgeon who can help you.
~ Barb
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Thank you so very much Barb. I appreciate that information tremendously . I refused surgery so many times and finally the surgeon told me, “ Next time you won’t have a choice!” ( referring to my spondylolithsesis). I was a teacher for 43 years and never wanted to take the time because the recovery at that time was up to a year. I was also raising ten children ( 6 from China) so I just kept on keeping on. Fast forward many years and serious lung issues and weight loss not by choice and here I am wearing a specially made thoracic spine brace and a lumbar brace as well- I alternate. My anesthesiologist who gives me steroid shots whenever I call him feels there is help out there for me in spite of my other “stuff.” The two surgeons he referred me to are hesitant and explained that with my low BMI , age of 75, and lung issues he felt I would have complications afterwards and the surgery would potentially go south. That’s when I get, “If you were my mom I would not recommend it.” So I really appreciate your input about Davenport. My husband lived in Iowa as a child (military kid). He doesn’t remember where as he has dementia/ Parkinson’s. I love teaching hospitals because the doctors are on their game - they have to be. Plus it’s a team with mentors. Many thanks. Irene5