Today's operating rooms
Top 10 Tips for a Successful Spinal Fusion Recovery This article offers insights into various aspects of spinal fusion surgery, from pain management to post-operative care and recovery, based on the experiences of fellow patients. Find a Pain Management Specialist Before Surgery: Arrange for a pain management specialist before your surgery to ensure a seamless … Read more
Managing spinal surgery records, tracking your recovery, and staying on top of communication with healthcare providers can be overwhelming. That’s where Evernote shines. With its versatility and powerful organizational tools, Evernote can serve as your personal command center for navigating the complex journey of spinal surgery. This guide will help you set up and use … Read more
Understanding Spinal Surgery Spinal surgery can be a daunting journey, but understanding the basics of spinal anatomy, types of procedures, and the recovery process can empower patients to advocate for themselves and achieve better outcomes. This guide provides a detailed look at spinal surgery, from preparation to long-term recovery, and offers valuable resources to help … Read more
A Thousand Days of Agony: My Journey Through Pain, Loss, and Resilience This excerpt details a veteran’s harrowing experience with medical negligence, focusing on a botched spinal fusion surgery and the subsequent inadequate care received from the Veterans Affairs (VA). The author recounts the initial surgical error, the prolonged delay in addressing complications, and the resulting severe physical … Read more
I never imagined a routine spine surgery would become the catalyst for years of suffering and a fight for medical justice. In August 2021, I trusted my surgeon and the VA healthcare system to fix a relatively straightforward spinal problem. Instead, I woke up to what would become a nightmare – though I wouldn’t understand … Read more
This VA 1151 disability claim filed by veteran Michael Stuart for ankylosis of the spine, a condition resulting from a series of events stemming from a car accident. The claim centers on alleging VA negligence following a failed spinal fusion surgery performed within the VA system, which necessitated corrective surgery resulting in the claimant’s current disability. Crucially, … Read more
Dr Patel, UT Southwestern failure to diagnose and treat spine issues after radilogy found loose pedicle screws The UTSW consultation highlights a series of systemic failures in the care of a patient with a history of lumbar surgeries. There were communication breakdowns between the VA and outside providers, a conflict of interest in referring the … Read more
Medical Opinion Summary Joseph David, D.O., a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist in New Jersey, provides a medical opinion on Michael Stuart, a veteran who served in the US Air Force from 1981 to 1987. Dr. David reviewed extensive medical records, including CT and MRI scans, surgery notes, and statements from Stuart’s family. Stuart … Read more
This letter from a retired US Air Force Colonel strongly supports Michael’s disability claim (38 USC 1151) filed with the VA. He describes witnessing Michael’s debilitating decline following surgery in 2021, highlighting the stark contrast between Michael’s pre- and post-operative states and expressing deep concern over the VA’s inadequate response. The letter emphasizes the family’s disappointment with … Read more
What Happens When Spinal Fusion Screws Loosen? Limited spinal mobility. Spasms in the back. Insomnia. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities. Persistent back pain. How do I know if my spinal fusion screw is loose? Often, excessive pain is a symptom of a loose screw after spinal fusion or other hardware complication. “If the … Read more