Guest Voice: Spine surgery caused my Parkinson’s symptoms to worsen
Since the operation, falling has become my biggest nemesis
Debra Robison, a mother of three, grandmother of six, and owner of Choose Change Publishing, is the author of “The Legend of Lucky: Everything You Need To Know Before You Get A Cat.” It has a workbook and is translated into Spanish. For more than a decade, Robison taught dyslexic children to read. Parkinson’s disease has prevented her from teaching, but she has learned a lot about Parkinson’s and wants to share that knowledge.
On Oct. 15, 2024, I had the spine surgery I’d asked for. I was told it would help relieve the pain in my lower back. I’d been experiencing pain after walking for short periods of time and at the end of each day, simply from going through my normal routine. I wanted the surgery done as soon as possible since I’m 70 years old and not getting any younger.
More than 10 years ago, I had orthopedic surgery to place two screws in my back. The surgery last fall was to remove those screws, which weren’t even doing anything, and put in four new ones. I also have other medical issues, including peripheral neuropathy from type 2 diabetes, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a history of stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.
Having the greatest orthopedic surgeon, I wasn’t concerned about the normal issues, and I wanted relief from pain and to get my mobility back. The recovery period would take several months, during which time I’d wear a back brace and do physical therapy. Absolutely no bending, lifting, or twisting.
I tried really hard to follow directions, but I fell a few times. My incisions took forever to heal, and they were incredibly itchy. The slow healing was due to diabetes, and the itching was a result of my allergy to latex and glue. I was allergic to the bandages, although I had asked to use paper tape.
The itching was incredible, and I scratched so much my skin was black. My doctor had ordered special bandages for me, but they didn’t arrive until a week after the surgery. I’m also allergic to antibiotic ointments like Neosporin (bacitracin zinc/neomycin sulfate/polymyxin B sulfate), so I use silver wound gel. You know the old saying: The more you itch, the more you scratch, and the more you scratch, the more you itch. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) tablets didn’t work, but I did try the cream.
The hospital is responsible for your healthcare, but ultimately you have to oversee your own care. If you have multiple medical issues, like me, you have to be on top of everything. I joke that I see every “–ologist” in town, but it’s true. I also feel that as you age, there seems to be less concern for your care.
How did spine surgery affect my Parkinson’s?
The spine surgery Oct. 15 seemed to trigger a worsening of my Parkinson’s symptoms. My feet are completely numb, which makes me uncomfortable driving, standing, or walking around without a cane or walker.
Falling has become my biggest nemesis. What’s causing it? After I fall, Parkinson’s tremors make me unable to get up until I calm down. Which problem is causing what?
Don’t give up until your questions are answered. My neurologist says my Parkinson’s is mild, but why am I falling so much? I feel like I’m standing on ice. The shaking keeps increasing, which I suspect is caused by the falling. Nobody seems to know.
If you have Parkinson’s or any other terrible disease, factor in the possibility that spine surgery could trigger other issues. I’d accepted the fact that the surgery might not be all that I’d hoped for, but who knew it would cause my Parkinson’s to become 10 times worse? If anyone can explain this, I’d love to hear from you.
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