Story

The story behind the 3D Model of My Spine

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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

Audio Interview with a VA Spine Patient

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This interview details a veteran’s complex medical history, focusing on a series of back surgeries and their complications. Multiple medical records document the surgeries, their failures, resulting disabilities, and the ongoing struggle to receive appropriate VA disability compensation. The discussion includes various medical reports, imaging results, and communication with VA staff regarding the veteran’s care and claim. The veteran’s account highlights alleged negligence by the VA and the need for corrective surgeries. Finally, there are forms related to filing a claim for compensation, demonstrating the bureaucratic process involved.

Read Comprehensive Guide for Spinal Surgery

Reference

UTSW Failed to Diagnose Pedicle Screw Lucency

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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

Heroic Baylor Medical Center Operative Report

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Baylor Medical Center Operative Report  This operative note is a report of the surgery performed on Michael Stuart by Dr. Ioannis Alexander Avramis on January 4, 2024, at Baylor Scott and White University Medical Center in Dallas Texas. Here’s an explanation of the key components and medical terms: Lumbar Kyphoscoliosis, L1-L3 Nonunion, and Loose Instrumentation, … Read more

Bureaucracy at the VA is mission impossible

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The ginormous scale and bureaucracy of the VA system can make enacting change feel like an impossible mission. The layers of administration, the culture of inertia, and the sheer number of stakeholders involved can discourage even the most determined advocates. But history has shown that change, even within massive systems, often starts small—with individuals raising … Read more

Flat back Syndrome from Failed Fusion Surgery

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Flatback syndrome is characterized by the loss of normal lumbar lordosis, resulting in a flattened lumbar spine. This document aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the condition, including its potential causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options, with a focus on Mr. Stuart’s case. Causes of Flatback Syndrome: Degenerative Changes: Including age-related degenerative disc … Read more

Why would a hospital delete Medical Records?

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My hospital deleted incriminating medical records after being notified of the malpractice lawsuit “Doctors and hospitals often employ deny and defend strategies, acting with a sense of impunity to avoid accountability for their mistakes. This approach disregards ethical standards, legal obligations, and the resulting harm to patients.” – See deny and defend presentation There are no … Read more

Healthcare Challenges of Michael Stuart

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Michael Stuart’s health has been severely impacted by degenerative disc disease, which worsened significantly following an unsuccessful surgery on August 3, 2021. This surgery, conducted by a VA Community care practitioner, involved critical errors, including the fusion of incorrect spinal levels and the improper fitting of pedicle screws. The delay in rectifying these errors extended … Read more