Carole, Laminectomy with Fusion, Merion Station, PA

When she fell and broke an ankle while walking her dog back in 1992, Carole had no idea she’d also done serious harm to her spine and nervous system. But over time, back pain became the dominant force in her daily life, affecting her moods, the quality of her work, marriage and family relationships. It was time to fight back.

An attorney and manager of her own practice, Carole believed she had recovered completely from the fall that broke her ankle back in 1992. But after quietly enduring years of persistent and increasing back pain, she consulted her daughter, a physician. Next stop, the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute.

Initially Carole’s Rothman team opted to treat her pain therapeutically, encouraging her to avoid surgery unless and until it became necessary. But when her pain became debilitating and her gait was visibly affected, Carol and her Rothman orthopaedist agreed that it was time.

Today, whenever her caseload allows, Carole and her husband entertain and travel regularly —often with grandchildren in tow—“taking advantage,” as she puts it, “of every minute.”