They are Incredibly Dedicated and Amazing People
In 2018 I had spinal surgery to correct severe scoliosis requiring fusion and extra rods due to the vertebra in lumbar region flaking away, as it was described to me by Dr. Michael Kasten, "like drilling into chalk."
The recovery was very painful, but after a few months I was preparing to return to my part-time job when I somehow injured my spinal cord. As it swelled, I was losing function below the waist. I woke up from surgery a paraplegic. Dr. Kasten told me there was a good chance that I would regain some function below the waist in the next 12 months.
Two days later while recovering, an ulcer had eaten through my stomach and intestine and the contents had emptied into my abdomen. If I had been at home, I probably wouldn't have survived. Another more dangerous surgery that left me in intensive care for more than 20 days. When I was released, I moved to an assisted living facility to recover.
It took five months of work to regain strength and to find someone to build a ramp so I could return to my home with a wheelchair. I slowly started regaining function. With physical therapy at home and a lot of work on my own I was able to accomplish my goal. 13 months after the incident, I was teaching myself to drive my car again and eventually was walking well enough to stop using a walker and just use a cane.
Today, almost six years later, I can walk fairly well without a cane, though I always have it with me. I have approximately 52 screws in my back and pelvis and four rods holding me up, but I no longer require prescription pain medicine. People who know me are amazed by my ability and my drive to succeed. I walk between two and three miles daily to help stay in shape and I am trying to find part-time employment.
The doctors and staff of Bronson Spine and Scoliosis - Kalamazoo, especially Dr. Kasten who calls me a "walking miracle," along with the surgical staff and recovery nurses, are all incredibly dedicated and amazing people who are way under-recognized for all that they do.
On my last yearly visit, Dr. Kasten confided in me that he didn't really believe that I would walk again, but it was his initial words that kept me motivated and focused on not ever giving up on myself like so many others had. I heard from almost everyone that I'd never be able to accomplish what I have done. Including the person I considered my best friend for almost 30 years.
