An Unexpected Spine Issue and the Road to Recovery
Dennis Bigley, a retiree residing in the Outer Banks of Manteo, North Carolina, faced an unexpected health challenge last summer. What started as a seemingly minor muscle strain in his upper back, caused by pulling and pushing a mower on a steep incline by a pond, soon escalated into a more concerning situation. Dennis said, “A couple of months passed without appreciable improvement in my upper back. My right arm was losing strength, and I was having numbness in my fingers when I raised my arm over my head. My gait and balance were off too. While walking, my right foot would point outward considerably, and I was tripping on things due to not lifting my right foot as I normally would. I sought medical help to figure out what was happening.”
The Journey Begins: Seeking Medical Advice
Having previously received care from Dr. Carofino of Atlantic Orthopedic Specialists (AOS) for a shoulder issue, Dennis decided to consult with him again to determine the cause of his new symptoms. Dr. Carofino carefully examined Dennis and reviewed the X-rays taken. It quickly became clear that the issue was not related to his shoulder but likely stemmed from his spine. Without delay, Dr. Carofino referred Dennis to Dr. Strand, an Interventional Physiatrist at AOS specializing in neck and spine pain.
A Critical Diagnosis and Urgent Referral
Dr. Strand promptly ordered an MRI to gain a clearer understanding of Dennis’s condition. Upon reviewing the results, he recognized that Dennis was facing a more severe spinal issue, one that extended beyond the scope of pain management. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Strand immediately referred Dennis to Dr. Jared Cooke, a skilled orthopaedic spine surgeon with AOS.
Dr. Cooke diagnosed the problem: Dennis’s spine was compressing his spinal cord, causing neurological symptoms in his leg and arm. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Dr. Cooke stressed the need for urgent surgical intervention to prevent further deterioration. It was emphasized that this was a difficult problem and the goal of surgery would be to prevent further neurologic decline, but neurologic recovery in this setting is not something that can be guaranteed.
Preparing for Surgery: A Team Effort
After conducting a thorough evaluation, including a CT scan, Dr. Cooke informed Dennis and his wife that he would require a laminectomy of C2-C7, along with a spinal fusion from C2-T2. The seriousness of the situation was clear, and Dr. Cooke wasted no time in scheduling the surgery, which took place about a week later.
Throughout this process, Dennis and his wife were continually impressed by Dr. Cooke’s professionalism. From their first meeting, Dr. Cooke was direct, honest, and demonstrated a deep knowledge and experience with the type of surgery Dennis needed. He took the time to answer all their questions and provided information in a way that was easy to understand. Dr. Cooke’s confident demeanor and ability to communicate effectively put them at ease, confirming that they were in the right hands.
The Surgery and Beyond
Dr. Cooke successfully performed the long and substantial spine surgery, relieving the spinal cord compression. During the surgery, Dennis’s wife waited anxiously for updates. After the operation, Dr. Cooke took the time to sit with her, explaining how the surgery went, how Dennis was doing, and what to expect in the coming days. His thoughtful communication went a long way in easing her concerns.
The Road to Recovery
Once discharged from the hospital, Dennis continued his recovery journey with follow-up visits to Dr. Cooke, home physical therapy, and on-site physical therapy at a local center. While he is still working through some issues, his neurologic recovery exceeded expectations. Dennis is confident that Dr. Cooke was the right surgeon for the job. He is deeply appreciative of the entire AOS team, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in his recovery.
Conclusion: A Successful Recovery and Path Forward
Dennis Bigley’s experience serves as a testament to the importance of timely and expert medical care. His journey highlights the critical role skilled physicians like Dr. Jared Cooke, the hospital staff, and the entire AOS team play in ensuring positive patient outcomes. Dennis wholeheartedly recommends Dr. Cooke to anyone facing similar spinal challenges.
Dennis commented, “Dr. Cooke is “The Man” and I would recommend him to anyone. As unfortunate as someone would be to require this type of surgery, that person would be equally as fortunate to have Dr. Jared Cooke as the physician to perform the spinal surgery.”
A Positive Attitude: The Unsung Hero of Recovery
Beyond his exceptional medical care, Dennis’s positive attitude and determination contributed to his successful recovery. Dennis’s story is a powerful reminder that a strong mindset, alongside expert medical treatment, can make a difference in overcoming even the most challenging health issues.
