Vim & Vigor - Spring 2018 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 53

WEBSITE

Is It Just Back Pain or Something More?
Just because back pain is common, doesn't mean that it's not serious.
Instead of trying to push through the pain, let the experts at GMC's Back
Pain Center help. Whether you have questions about back pain, are in
need of detailed diagnostics or are seeking the latest in treatment options,
you will receive the comprehensive care you need in one convenient
location. Learn more by visiting gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/backpain.

PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

A bump in the road

When the ambulance arrived at
Gwinnett Medical Center, Margaret
had no idea what to expect. "I had never
been there before and was clueless
about what the quality of care would be
like. I've never felt so vulnerable in my
entire life."
Despite this feeling, she received
reassurance right away. "I was told that
when I left here, my back pain would be
gone," she says. "That stuck with me,
and I'm not sure why, but somehow I
knew it was truth."
After examining her MRI, Bethwel
Raore, MD, a neurosurgeon with
Gwinnett Medical Group's Neurosurgery
& Spine Associates, knew exactly what
was causing Margaret so much agony.
She had developed a bacterial infection

affecting the thoracic and lumbar
spine. The rare infection, known as an
epidural abscess, is notoriously painful
and causes compression between the
bones of the spine and the membranes
that protect the spinal cord. "It is
a dangerous condition," Dr. Raore
acknowledges. "Patients can develop
sepsis, and the results can be fatal if
infection spreads to other organs."
After her diagnosis, Margaret was
immediately scheduled for surgery.
"Dr. Raore had my full trust," she
says. "He was so honest and open-he
answered all of my questions without
hesitation. I never doubted that he knew
exactly what he was doing, and most
importantly, I felt safe under his care."
Margaret's daughter was by her side
the entire time. "She had way more
questions than I did," Margaret says. "Dr.
Raore was patient and thorough with her.
He really helped put her mind at ease."

The path to recovery

After her surgery, Margaret remained in
Dr. Raore's care. Her road to recovery
was scary, but she knew she wasn't alone
for the journey. "I've never in my life had
to be that dependent on other people.
From the wound center to rehabilitation,
everyone went out of their way to make
sure I felt comfortable."
Margaret pushed through recovery
and was home within eight days of her
final surgery. "I've never experienced

people caring so profoundly. After I
was released to go home, I had to visit
the outpatient center every day for an
antibiotic infusion. The nurses there
were saints! They were so sweet and
sincere; there wasn't a single time I
walked through those doors without
feeling truly welcome."

The journey continues

Now, Margaret continues her journey
with a wealth of support behind her.
She recently started physical therapy
so that she will no longer have to use
a walker to get around. Dr. Raore
has also prescribed several lifestyle
changes to help take unnecessary stress
off her back.
Thankfully, because of the care that
Margaret received through GMC's
Back Pain Center, the epidural abscess
was nothing more than a temporary
setback. She can't wait to see where
life takes her next. She's excited at
the prospect of moving into her new,
tiny house being constructed on her
daughter's property.
"The most important thing for me is
to maintain my independence," explains
Margaret. "Gwinnett Medical Center is
helping me do that. When I was riding
in that ambulance, I wasn't sure I'd
ever be able to walk again. Now, I'm
preparing to start a new chapter in my
life. I could not even begin to imagine a
better outcome." ■
SPRING 2018

53
http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/backpain
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2018 - Gwinnett Medical Center
