While cliff diving in July 2019, I suffered broken ribs, a punctured lung, and several fractures to my thoracic spine — including a T11 burst fracture. I lost almost half my vertebra and incurred substantial kyphosis. My initial neurosurgeon in Ontario elected not to operate.
After months in a brace and years of physiotherapy, the pain from my burst fracture never subsided. I spent almost 3 years in chronic, intractable pain. This pain prevented me from standing for more than a couple of minutes and sitting on non-reclining chairs.
I couldn't leave my apartment to grocery shop anymore, let alone workout and play the sports I used to love. I had to finish law school remotely in a special chair, isolated from my peers and to society in general. One of my lowest moments was having to get a temporary hydromorphone prescription and wear a body brace just to stand at my brother's wedding.
During these 3 years, I repeatedly told multiple surgeons in Ontario of my crippling disability and inability to function in society. They refused to operate. Two surgeons explicitly said a fusion would not fix my pain. I then underwent less invasive measures (e.g., rhizotomy and PRP injections). This didn't work. After dozens of appointments with multiple specialists, I realized Canada's healthcare system was no longer going to help me.
I extensively researched hospitals before contacting Dr. Alexander Hughes at HSS. It was the best decision of my life. Dr. Hughes immediately understood what was necessary to fix my pain. His team was prompt, thorough, and understanding of my status as an uninsured student patient in debt.
In May 2022, Dr. Hughes performed a T9-L1 fusion and T11 osteotomy, removing the kyphotic angulation from my damaged vertebra. I haven't felt any pain in my back since.
While the surgeon who fixed my punctured lung literally saved my life, it was Dr. Hughes who reclaimed it. I owe every step I take for the rest of my days to Dr. Hughes and HSS!
Spinal Fusion
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