Neurourgery Patients

Cecilia Pavao
North Dartmouth
Spinal fusion patient

"I had three previous surgeries on my spine and each time I thought I was going to get better. Then scar tissue began pressing on nerves. One day I couldn't get out of bed. I couldn't move. I couldn't walk. I was in so much pain, I spent three months in a recliner. I felt like a broken person.

"I read about spine surgery at Southcoast, where they use cages to help rebuild your back. I had surgery, then physical therapy and even had an electrical stimulator placed in my back to help everything heal right. My neurosurgeon planned everything. I thought these people — this whole team — really cares for their patients.

"I feel like a whole person again. It's the little things in life that we all take for granted, something as simple as sleeping in a bed or walking in a park.

"When you lose it — and you get it back — it's extremely special."

Photos by Corinna Raznikov.