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.
Opinion
Guest columnist Bob Cumley: Kudos to local medical services
- Opinion
-
-
Our View: Victims should come first
Millions of dollars in donations have poured in from around the world since the May 22, 2011, tornado. Those donations represent money from lemonade stands, charity auctions, corporate gifts and celebrity checks, just to name a few. In fact, one year later donations continue to come to Joplin.
-
Beth Meeker, guest columnist: Same-sex marriage battle a quest for equal rights
I would like to take a moment to reply to guest columnist Anson Burlingame’s, “The Marriage Debate” (Globe, May 13).
-
Sunday Forum: 2012 graduation speakers key on tornado, mall school and president’s visit
Editor’s note: In addition to speeches by President Barack Obama and Gov. Jay Nixon, Joplin High School’s top students addressed graduates, faculty, parents and other guests packed into the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on the Missouri Southern State University campus. Following are the text of those speeches.
-
Geoff Caldwell, guest columnist: Pack mentality takes truth as a casualty
President Obama’s Joplin graduation speech Monday showed that while there’s the political “right,” there’s also a very active “rabid” political right.
-
Your View: ‘Study’ can mean anything
A few evenings ago, I watched a television program on the science of marriage.
-
Our View: Support for museum
How can you tell the story of Joplin without the accounts of its mining history?
-
Our View: Finding middle ground
The G-8 summit held last week in Camp David ended as expected.
-
Anson Burlingame, guest columnist: Class of 2012 upholds character, hope
My oldest granddaughter was part of the class of 2012 from Joplin High School, and I attended the ceremony on Monday night.
-
Scott Charton, guest columnist: 'Deadline in Disaster' film a story about storytellers
Local newspapers are at their best when they help their communities confront, understand, endure and overcome shared challenges.
-
Our View: Make voting easiser
This year’s ballot will not include a proposed constitutional amendment that photo identification be required at the polls in Missouri. Good.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Our View: Victims should come first
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
