Enough was finally enough for Joanne. Back pain had taken over her life and 10 years of medications, including oxycontin/oxycodone, was ineffective. Fortunately, she found relief and the road to a new life at the Spine Center at The Miriam Hospital.
Joanne was unable to stand for long before her legs gave way, causing her to fall. The chronic pain was winning until Bassel Diebo, MD, spine and scoliosis surgeon at The Miriam Hospital, diagnosed flatback syndrome. Learn about her road to relief.
“I was in constant pain, not able to do anything,” recalled Joanne. “I would need to be sitting or lying down all day because of the pain. My legs would give out because of the pain, and I would fall. I couldn’t do anything.”
Joanne sought the expertise of Bassel Diebo, MD, a fellowship trained spine and scoliosis surgeon with Brown University Health Orthopedics Institute. He diagnosed Joanne with flatback syndrome, a condition in which the lower spine loses some of its normal curvature. The Spine Center is one of only a few specialized centers in the nation able to care for patients with this condition, and Dr. Diebo is one of the few surgeons experienced in treating the condition.
Prior to surgery, Joanne adhered faithfully to doctor’s orders, which included the Spine Center’s thorough preoperative program. A signature component of the center, it prepares patients for their surgery journey.
The results have been life-changing. “She did phenomenal,” Dr. Diebo stated. “She came at the three weeks mark after surgery with a smile on her face.”
Able to stand with no pain and even a bit taller, one of the benefits of such surgery, Joanne said, “I feel excellent – there is zero pain. I’m off the oxy and all the other medicines.”
Joanne is looking forward to her husband’s soon-to-be retirement and their plans to take their new motor home cross country. “I would tell anybody, don’t be afraid of the surgery.”