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Spinal Surgery in Mexico~From Wheelchair to Walking

“Sometimes we encounter things that profoundly change our outlook on life and when it happens, it doesn’t matter that former joys have lost their allure or that our foundations have been shaken. ~Will Kautz

From Wheelchair to Walking

It is nothing short of a miracle and a testament to the human strength and spirit that I survived two major surgeries in less than six months. The skills of each of the specialists, together with my undeniable grit and gumption, saw me through one of the more difficult years of my life and thankfully returned to me the gift of walking without debilitating pain.

To say that I am grateful is an understatement. 

History

After a back injury at the age of 17, years of competitive sports, and a 60-pound weight gain with my twin pregnancy, my back was in need of some serious TLC come the age of 45.

I had done all the “right things” leading up to this: chiropractic care, deep tissue massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, rest, ice, heat, and a prayer that the pain would go away. Sometimes it would, most of the time I just dealt with it and brushed it off as part of my ever-evolving reality in this thing called life, always hoping for a better, more pain-free tomorrow and the ability to continue my active lifestyle. 

Spinal Surgery in Mexico

Like A Turtle on Its Back

The whole “no guts, no glory” mentality has carried me through my life and in my physical prowess (competitive runner, rower, kickboxer and equestrian) I have found the stronger, never-give-up, courageous parts of myself. This time, however, was different.

During my afternoon yoga practice at our home in San Miguel, I felt a searing pain down the left side of my body, never imagining that I had just herniated two of my discs. Collapsing to the floor, I called out to my husband Frank, knowing right then and there that there was no amount of strong will nor determination that was going to get me back up on my feet. Trust me I tried. 

Unable to move or stand unassisted, my husband and a wheelchair were my only forms of movement and transportation in the days leading up to my surgery. “In good times and bad was definitely put to test, as well as my tolerance for pain.

I hoped and prayed with all my might that my neurosurgeon Dr. Salvador would successfully put “Humpty Dumpty” back together again and that I would not be sentenced to a chair for the rest of my earthly years. I refused to accept that possibility.

Flat out on the hospital bed like a turtle on its back, I had never felt so helpless. The stream of tears flowed without restraint as I lay alone in that dark hospital room, consumed with the surreal reality I found myself in. Having to use a bedpan and receive sponge baths by complete strangers–including one male nurse which was super out of my comfort zone–the sense of “rock bottom” was enormous. I refused to accept this state as my rest-of–life reality. 

Put Your Own Oxygen Mask on First

I was in and out of a pain-induced trance of sorts, experiencing some truly powerful revelations about myself and my life–about balance and honoring oneself–like in the airline safety instructions of putting on your own oxygen mask first.

Silver lining, lemonade out of lemons…always. It is a choice, and one that I choose.

My Higher Power and I got to spend some one-on-one, quality time together during these long hours prior to my surgery. We have always been together since I was a little girl, like the Sclemeel, Schlemazel, Hasenfeffer Incorporated song of the good ol’ Laverne and Shirley Sitcom that I so loved as a kid. Connected at the hip, Spirit and Me, always present in my little girl heart.

🎶Lyrics from Laverne & Shirley: “Making Our Dreams Come True”

“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
Sclemeel, schlemazel, hasenfeffer incorporated.
We’re gonna do it!

Give us any chance, we’ll take it.
Give us any rule, we’ll break it.
We’re gonna make our dreams come true.
Doin’ it our way.

Nothin’s gonna turn us back now,
Straight ahead and on the track now.
We’re gonna make our dreams come true,
Doin’ it our way.

There is nothing we won’t try,
Never heard the word impossible.
This time there’s no stopping us.
We’re gonna do it.

On your mark, get set, and go now,
Got a dream and we just know now,
We’re gonna make our dream come true.
And we’ll do it our way, yes our way.
Make all our dreams come true,
And do it our way, yes our way,
Make all our dreams come true
For me and you.”

Puttin’ My Big Girl Panties On

I knew that I would need to to dig deep and confront with courage what lay ahead, to move forward literally one step at a time. That was the only option I would entertain, the only reality I would accept–getting to the other side, out of the wheelchair, functioning at maximum capacity and enjoying my life again with my family and friends. 

During what ultimately ended up being a six-hour surgery (not the two that was expected), Dr. Salvador Galvan removed my L3 L4 disc and replaced it with a 12 mm silicone prosthetic spacer. My L4-L5 was so severely damaged that it was just a matter of time before it failed, so it was fortified it with a 10mm spacer. The trauma to my spine was so severe that I lost over three times the amount of blood that is normally lost during one of these surgeries. That alone was a huge part of my recovery.

Spinal Surgery Success

My surgery was on a Tuesday morning and come Wednesday night I took my first assisted steps! By Thursday I was able to take my first, slow, unassisted ones and was discharged home.

Power of the polkadot pajamas! 

I had a a bit of a road ahead of me, literally taking one step at a time. Walking back and forth to the bathroom, taking a shower and being able to stand long enough to brush my hair and teeth were huge accomplishments. I learned how to put my underwear on with BBQ tongs, true story.

Poco a poco, I got there, back to a newer, improved, and “bionic” version of my former self, with my family and friends right by my side cheering me along and picking me up when I would fall.

My running, kickboxing and horseback riding days are a thing of the past, but I am learning a new “new”. I can walk, dance, trot, stretch, yoga, swim and live a very fulfilling life with 90% mobility. My limp is gone, the cane has been thrown away and joy and gratitude are forever imprinted in my heart in a way that escapes words. Looking at me, you’d never know.

We all have scars. I hope that in the speaking of mine and in the bearing of my story, that I am somehow helping others. 

Several of my nurses questioned why I didn’t return to the States for my surgery where the “medicine is more modern”. “Because Mexico is my home”, I would tell them each. This is where my heart is, where my family is, where my life is.”

Mi Querido México, I love you for all eternity.

I want to express my extreme and eternal gratitude to my physical therapist Dra. Rosario, to Dr. Salvador Galvan my neurosurgeon, to Dr. Paolo my pain specialist and to all of the nurses and operating room staff at Hospital Santiago de Querétaro.

You will forever be my earth angels.

The gift of walking and of health is not to be taken for granted.

May we all pause to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. They are there.

Peace & Health to you all….

~Katie

For more on healthcare in Mexico:

Post-Surgery Pain Management in Mexico

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

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About the author: Together with my Retired Firefighter Husband and our now 18-year-old twins who were just 8 when we immigrated to Mexico in 2012, we have created a joyful life of design and freedom South of The Border. Welcome to Los O’Gradys in Mexico! Saludos, Katie 🇲🇽 ☘️

{ 33 comments… add one }
  • Greguinho G. November 6, 2015, 6:38 pm

    I never knew all of the words to Laverne & Shirley’s theme song until now! Lol… I’m so glad to have read this. Very happy that you and the family are doing well overall and you have a recovery timeline in place in terms of getting back to being a superhero. Keep up the spirits and the positive vibes!! 🙂

    • Katie O'Grady November 6, 2015, 7:23 pm

      HI Greguinho,

      Yes, that was one of my all time favorite shows and tunes as a kid! Loved it then, and still love it now!

      A timeline is a good mental focus indeed.

      Loving your music….what a gift! Thank you…

      Un fuerte abrazo,

      Katie

  • Ryan O'Grady November 6, 2015, 6:55 pm

    Katie, what an ordeal with two surgeries in under a year. Glad you’re recovering and very appreciative of you sharing this experience with us all. It is so helpful to those of us considering the big move to hear such candid experiences with Mexico’s health care system. Stay strong.

    • Katie O'Grady November 6, 2015, 7:22 pm

      Hi Ryan,

      An ordeal indeed!

      Thank you for such a kind and supportive comment, much appreciated.

      Cheers,

      Katie 🙂

  • Katie O'Grady November 6, 2015, 7:30 pm

    Hola Miguel,

    Indeed it is important to be informed!

    Cheers,

    Katie 🙂

  • John Hall November 7, 2015, 12:12 am

    I love your writing and I am so glad you are recovering. JH

    • Katie O'Grady November 7, 2015, 2:31 pm

      Thank you kindly John….

      Having the best post-surgery day yet!

      Sun is shining and I am with my family!

      Best,

      Katie 🙂

  • 4dabirds November 7, 2015, 12:52 am

    Katie, thank you for always being so open about your health care journey in Mexico! Where does Seguro Popular factor in to all of this? Would a surgery such as this be available under a plan such as that… Not that I want to have surgery anytime soon, but it would be nice to really understand and plan for unfortunate eventualities!

    • Katie O'Grady November 7, 2015, 2:16 pm

      4dabirds,

      You are welcome…. 🙂

      What do we have if not our truth? I think being able to stand in it and share it boldly is indeed a gift, and I am grateful that I have been blessed with an ability to express myself and my experiences in this human realm in the written word…..and to have it received so favorably by so many.

      Like my daughter’s room poster reads, ” Love What You Do, Do What You Love”..

      We are insured by Seguro Popular but it was our personal preference to go with a private doctor and hospital for this particular situation. Time was not on my side and I needed treatment ASAP lest I further damage my spinal nerves and ability to regain maximum function.

      My understanding is that something such as a spinal surgery is covered under Seguro Popular, the particulars of which I am not very familiar with, but if you would like more information, I would recommend that you contact Sonia Diaz here in San Miguel

      Best,

      Katie 🙂

  • Bill Thornton November 7, 2015, 8:27 am

    I read your article with great interest. After five surgeries, I had to have major surgery on my lumbar. The result was 26 screws, 3 cages and 2 rods. That was almost 8 years ago done by a great surgeon in Albuquerque who had studied mechanical engineering at MIT before going on to med school. He’s moved on, but I will never forget Dr John Ray who gave me back my life. You to, Have your life back!!!! YIPPEE!!
    Get on that dance floor now!!

    Fondly, Bill Thornton

    • Katie O'Grady November 7, 2015, 8:33 am

      Wow Bill!
      You truly are Bionic Man!
      That is an amazing amount of work you had done, and thankfully successfully!!!
      I can’t wait to get my dancin’ shoes on again!!!
      Best,
      Katie 🙂

  • Kate November 7, 2015, 8:38 am

    Thanks for sharing about the insurance issues. We’ve had interesting involvement with being expats and US insurance over the years! My 12 year old son had major spinal surgery 6 months ago and we chose to head back to the US and not have it done in Dubai because we wanted the children’s hospital and topnotch pediatric spinal doctor. The Middle East has good care but not specific to children and we weren’t willing to take any risks with him. Half a million dollars later, my son is doing well and healed up nicely (thank goodness for his father’s military insurance!). Happy healing to you.

    • Katie O'Grady November 7, 2015, 2:01 pm

      Oh goodness Kate,

      Blessings to you and your boy….what a journey you have all been on no doubt. I absolutely get the no risk-taking sentiment with our little ones. And yes, thank goodness for military insurance!

      My best to you and yours,

      Katie 🙂

      P.S. I just went to your blog, and with tears and a heavy heart, I made it through the post. You have an amazingly strong son, and he—clearly, and amazingly strong mama!

  • Sherri Chessen November 7, 2015, 9:57 am

    Tears for your little girl heart, Katie. Not ones of sadness for the pain and absolute suffering you have endured, but ones of pride at your strengths and healing, positive attitude. You are, indeed, beyond Wonder Woman. Endless love, Shooie

    • Katie O'Grady November 7, 2015, 1:58 pm

      Awwww, gosh Miss Shooie!

      Thank you for always being in my camp and one of my greatest cheerleaders!

      Much Love,

      Katie 🙂

  • C. Enrique November 7, 2015, 2:54 pm

    I hope you get better and make a full (or practically full) recovery soon. I felt your pain as I was reading your ordea, but you certainly have lots of courage and strength within youl. Take care and continue inspiring everyone who reads your blog, thanks for sharing your experiences!

    • Katie O'Grady November 7, 2015, 3:00 pm

      Thank you C. Enrique,

      That is my hope too, to make as much as a full recovery as possible.

      My family and this beautiful life are my inspiration.

      Poco a poco…one step and day at a time I am and will get stronger.

      Saludos,
      Katie 🙂

  • michael Williams November 12, 2015, 9:15 pm

    Hi Katie……….we have never met but I worked with Frank for many years……enjoy your postings and so sorry you had to undergo surgery on your back. It sure is a complicated device but has marvelous healing abilities. You are a strong lady and we wish you a complete recovery so you can resume your active lifestyle………..Tell Frank….. Mike and Colleen said hello…..

    • Katie O'Grady November 12, 2015, 9:49 pm

      Hi Mike and Colleen,

      Thank you so much.

      You are right, the back and human body in its entirety is something magnificent—I am amazed at its ability to recover from trauma and pain.

      I indeed will pass along the greetings to Frank! He speaks often and highly of you!

      Saludos,

      Katie 🙂

  • Babs November 23, 2015, 8:12 pm

    Thanks for commenting on my blog, Babsblog and telling me about your blog! I just read of your back surgery with compassion and interest. I’m so glad you are on the road to recovery!

    I know very few expats who have surgery in Mexico as we have Medicare and head home if surgeries are needed. I just jump on a plane, head to Houston and have the surgery and head back.

    However, many can’t make that kind of a trip. Several Part B insurers under Medicare Part B do pay costs of surgery in Mexico! It’s reimbursable after the patient pays up front. We also have many medevac programs here in San Miguel as well.

    I had never heard of the insurer you mentioned. Very interesting information. Thanks for sharing.

    Your determination and positive attitude will lead you to a pain free life. I look forward to hearing more of your journey.

  • Shelly King November 27, 2015, 2:23 pm

    Hi Katie,
    I’m just catching up on past emails and finally got to read about your back surgery. Having had 2 spinal surgeries myself, I appreciate what you’ve been through. It sounds like your ordeal was way more involved, so I’m so glad things went so well for you. Having had that horrible dental experience, I’m sure you were a bit hesitant to have something so major done. Thank God it went well.
    Blessings,
    Shelly

    • Katie O'Grady November 27, 2015, 4:48 pm

      Hi Shelly,

      Great to hear from you!

      Yes, things have been pretty “exciting” around here.

      I am now almost 4 weeks post-surgery, but honestly, it has been a painful and trying recover…HOWEVER, I am getting there, literally, one day and one step at a time.

      Best to you and greetings to all in Dr. Johnson’s office!

      Katie 🙂

  • Steve June 6, 2016, 7:35 pm

    Hi Katie,
    Your perseverance is legend! Have been reading your blog for months and admire you so much. As someone who has L4 and L5 issues and has had surgery, I know that the recovery was not easy, to say the least.
    My wife and I are moving to Oaxaca. I have a health coverage through my retirement plan and have been told that we have overseas coverage that involves paying upfront and then being reimbursed. That is great, since we will not qualify for Medicare in Mexico. How did you go about reading the fine print on your husband’s coverage? I am assuming that you continue to pay your premiums for your retirement benefits. Our BCBS plan says we are covered for life, but wonder what will happen once we become permanent residents, which we will do within 30 days of arriving in Oaxaca.
    Enjoy your move! Suerte, Steve

  • Sidney Emmer February 19, 2017, 8:04 pm

    Recently I underwent Spine surgery in Queretaro. My spine surgeon is Dr Aparicio. This was four weeks ago now. I’m recovering well. One can find excellent specialists and high tech facilities in Mexico. I have always had the best of care from caring professionals.
    Thank you for sharing your experience. Happy you had a positive experience and on the road the recovery.

    • Katie O'Grady February 20, 2017, 7:22 am

      Hi Sidney,
      So happy to know of another spinal surgery succcess!
      May you have a strong recovery!
      How was your pain management pre and post surgery?
      Best regards,
      Katie

  • Lucy Karrys February 22, 2017, 10:21 pm

    Hi Katie , your back surgery story has a wonderful ending . I hope that you have recovered well . As a Retired Yoga teacher I practice a low impact Yoga and lots of meditation and castor oil packs to heal my severely disgenerated and injured spine . I get by now with almost no pain along with supplements like bromeline and quercetin . I’ll send you info on it if you want .
    My daughter Katerina Barron is planing to immigrate to Mexico with her Mexican born husband . She is in contact with you . In order for us to safely visit SMU we must have a neurosurgeon available for Katerina’s sister Jacquelin who had massive brain issues and surgery as an 8 week old . At 26 Jacquelin is an amazing high functional Special needs adult . She has a shunt in her brain . If Jacquelin is injured by accident or has a shunt failure she must be able to get to a neurosurgeon as soon as possible . Knowing about your Docs is great . Could I have their contacts to see if they are able to do surgery on my daughter incase she needs it . Also do you know any one in SMA involved in Special Needs events and Special Olympics . I’ve seen they have a Special Needs school there . It will probably be months before we visit I always prepare way in advance . Thank you , Lucy Karrys

    • Katie O'Grady February 22, 2017, 11:42 pm

      Hi Lucy,
      I have made an almost full recovery, thank you.
      My amazing neurosurgeon who returned to me the gift of walking is Dr. Salvador Galvan of Querétero, Mexico.
      Please pm me at losogradysinmexico@gmail.com and I can provide you with his contact information.
      Regarding Special Needs events and Olympics in SMA, I do not know of anyone involved in that but perhaps getting on some of the SMA FB groups or online forums could provide some direction in that regard.
      Best Regards,
      Katie

  • Maureen June 21, 2017, 11:06 am

    Oh Katie!

    I just now read of your spinal surgery. I had NO idea you were going through all of this on top of Franks Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Just too much! Thank God for your faith. Wishing you ALL the best from Ajijic my friend. Xo

    • Katie O'Grady June 22, 2017, 6:33 pm

      My Dear Maureen,
      Thank you for your care and concern.
      The spinal surgery was over a year ago now, but it is a recovery and reality I live with daily…
      BUT/AND…I am FOREVER grateful to not be in a wheelchair and to have the mobility and activity that I do!
      xx
      Katie 🙂

  • Robin McGrew June 22, 2017, 4:19 pm

    Katie,
    My son who is a paramedic here in TX had hurt his spine a little over a year ago, they say he herniated his disk in l5 and something else. The poor thing put it out again last night. Because of workman’s comp he can’t get disk replacement… I am searching for alternatives and found you. Would you please provide the surgeons contact information to me under separate cover? My kid is only 29 years old.. way too young to be treated like this.

    thank you
    Robin

    • Katie O'Grady June 22, 2017, 5:53 pm

      Hi Robin,
      My heart goes out to you and your son.
      My neurosurgeon’s name is Dr. Salvador Galvan.
      He is in Querétero, Mexico.
      I will pm you his contact information.
      Best Regards,
      Katie

  • Frank November 4, 2018, 12:02 pm

    When I read this and relive it I can’t help but think back to how I wondered if I would ever see you again as you were wheeling off for surgery when you had your abdominal surgery shortly before this spinal surgery.

    It was a moment in time that I will never forget. It is part of me.

    After dropping our kids off for school I hurried to Queretaro and waited.
    You were, of course, already in surgery and even though I knew you would be I had so wanted to see you before you went in for what I knew would be a challenging procedure and one that your life as we all knew it hinged.

    Theoretically this was a 4 hour or so surgery and, after four hours and hearing nothing I waited. After 5 hours I grew concerned and after more than 6 hours of hearing nothing I began to feel the anxiety and worry take hold.

    When I finally got word the surgery was done I was so relieved.
    Dr. Galvan talked to me before leaving and I was assured by him that results were positive.
    And, finally, when I saw you alive, I knew just how valient you were and are.

    You are a miracle.

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