During early September 2018 I awoke one day with severe neck pain. I went to the TCO Orthopedic Urgent Care and was treated. Within two days I was back at the TCO Orthopedic Urgent Care because the pain had now radiated into my right arm. They referred me to Dr. Deal and physical therapy. From the first time I met Dr. Deal, I knew that I was being listened to and that I could trust him. An MRI showed I had a large herniated disc with nerve root involvement. Within a few weeks after I met Dr. Deal I started loosing strength in my right arm and was noticing that I was having difficulty brushing my hair. The pain was not getting better. I was having difficulty with keyboarding as well, which was impacting my ability to work.
On October 9 2018, I underwent a cervical disc arthroplasty. Prior to the surgery my quality of daily life was declining and I was feeling frustrated and becoming depressed. When I awoke from the anesthesia my nerve pain was gone for the first time in one month. It was a relief.
Dr. Deal gave me back my quality of life. Post-operatively I attended physical therapy and regained my neck strength and almost my entire full range of motion.
I am grateful for Dr. Deal and blessed that I had wonderful staff at TCO and Minnesota Valley Surgery Center.
