subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite map
Thu, Nov 26 2009 

Published November 05, 2009 09:11 pm - On Sept. 28, I had spinal surgery performed by Dr. Brian Ipsen of Orthopaedic Specialists of the Four States in Joplin. I would like to relate the positive experience I had.

Guest columnist Bob Cumley: Kudos to local medical services



On Sept. 28, I had spinal surgery performed by Dr. Brian Ipsen of Orthopaedic Specialists of the Four States in Joplin. I would like to relate the positive experience I had.

I live in Springfield and earlier this year was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal that impinges on nerves in the canal, causing severe, sometimes debilitating pain, in the lower back and legs. Such a condition drastically limits most daily activities. In my case, I also have nerve damage in both legs, which will take considerable time to heal.

In June of this year, I had surgery here in Springfield. While this helped initially, the pain returned. Rather than undergo another major surgery, I began researching other available options. This led me to Dr. Brian Ipsen at Orthopaedic Specialists in Joplin. I learned that Dr. Ipsen has had considerable success treating spinal stenosis with what is called the X Stop spacer. The X Stop is inserted in the spinal area and the procedure is normally done as outpatient surgery. The X Stop is inserted and actually reopens the canal space to “unpinch” the nerves and thus relieve the pain. Golf legend Lee Trevino had to give up playing golf due to spinal stenosis. He had this procedure done several years ago and was able to return to playing golf again. After surgery, Mr. Trevino’s quote was, “I got my life back.”

I contacted Dr. Ipsen for a consultation and after a thorough review of my MRIs and other medical records, he felt I was a candidate for the X Stop procedure.

My operation was performed at McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital in Carthage. McCune-Brooks is a wonderful facility with a great staff. Our experience there was also very positive.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of the staff at Orthopaedic Specialists of the Four States.

Now, about four weeks after surgery the pain in my legs is gone and I can now walk again. I will undergo several more weeks of therapy to build back leg muscle lost prior to my first surgery. However, for the first time since my back problems began, I am now confident in my recovery.

Joplin residents and those in the surrounding area can be proud of such fine medical services available to them.

Bob Cumley lives in Springfield. He is a retired Springfield city manager.



print this story    email this story    comment on this story   

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.


Add a comment on this story







autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide

Announcements


Click here to VOTE!!

Click here!!

: Special Offer For New Subscribers : 32 buy 1 get 1 free offers

Click Here!


Featured Transportation

1997 OLDSMOBILE 88
runs good, $1900. 417-850-0731....>MORE

2002 KIA OPTIMA EX
4 door, sharp, loaded, leather, CD, sunroof, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE

TOYOTA 2004 TACOMA PRERUNNER
Toyota, 2004 Tacoma Prerunner, TRD off road, double cab, V6, new tires, CD, bed liner, lid cover, 100,000 miles, excelle...>MORE

OLDSMOBILE 2003 SILHOUETTE VAN
OLDSMOBILE, 2003 Silhouette mini van, 107,000 miles, scooter/wheelchair hoist, nice, $7000. (417)776-3219....>MORE

1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
2 door, spoiler, sharp, loaded, automatic, air, CD, extra nice, $2600. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE

HONDA, 2007 FIT SPORT,
customized interior package, automatic, air, AM/FM/CD, cruise, great mpg, low miles, excellent condition, $11,800. (417)...>MORE

2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE
Sport, loaded, all options, great looking van, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE

1998 CHEVROLET TRACKER
removable hard tops, automatic, air, CD, sharp, $2500. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE

JEEP 2000 CHEROKEE SPORT
JEEP, 2000 Cherokee Sport, 6 1/2” lift, 35” foggers, locked front end, welded rear end, off road use, winch not included...>MORE

HONDA 2001 CIVIC EX
HONDA, 2001 Civic EX, 4 door, automatic, 94,000 miles, $5800; 1998 Accord, 4 door, $4200; 1999 Honda Prelude, automatic...>MORE

See all ads

Featured Homes

NEWER 3 BR/2 BA
Lots of upgrades and great location. $149,000 but all offers considered. 903 Katlin, Carl Junction. Pictures www.fsboloc...>MORE

Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE

See all ads

Other Cool Stuff

(2) TEACUP CHIHUAHUA
APRI puppies. (417)673-1997....>MORE

MALTESE PUPPIES ADORABLE!!

6 weeks old Thanksgiving. 2 boys and 2 girls. Shots, wormed, and vet checked. Healthy, active, and loved! Great Ch
...>MORE

DIAMOND SOLITAIRE
Pear-shaped, one carat, diamond solitaire in gold setting. $2,000. Please call 417-825-3238...>MORE

YORKIES
12 weeks old, 2 males, AKC, 1st shots, $175. 417-291-6590, Webb City...>MORE

ANGUS HEIFERS
6 Augus heifers, good foundation stock. (417)358-7519...>MORE

ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPY
male, AKC, fawn/white, champion bloodlines, $900 or best offer. (417)396-3340...>MORE

NEW IN BOX
New in box, Lucchese cowboy boots, black, size 9D, $200. (620)231-9256...>MORE

INDIAN HEAD PENNIES
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES, 35% Civil War II nickels, V nickels, Buffalo nickels, lots of other coins. Garage full of antiques ...>MORE

POODLES
POODLES, standard pups, born 10/10, registered, shots, wormed, family raised. Adorable personalities! 417-673-3892....>MORE

POODLE, FULL BLOODED
POODLE, full blooded, $75 or best offer. (417)385-8710 after 4:30 p.m....>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index

 

 

The Joplin Globe Electronic Edition