Amy Bailey is no stranger to back pain. In 2018, she had a spinal fusion procedure to address back issues. The outcome was good until about two years ago, when back pain and leg weakness returned with a vengeance. Daily tasks like dressing became grueling, and the “pain scale couldn't even go high enough” to measure its intensity, she said.
“I had such leg weakness that I could barely even push the gas pedal — I literally had to push my leg with my right hand while I was driving,” Amy said. That’s when she knew she “had to do something.”
She visited Amir Abtahi, MD, in Vanderbilt’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, who discovered that Amy had adjacent segment disease, a significant complication following cervical and lumbar spinal fusion surgery marked by the degeneration of spinal segments.
Spine Care Reimagined
Recently, Amy had lost more than 100 pounds through Vanderbilt’s MyWeightLossHealth Bundle, so she understood the advantages of getting care through the program. When it became clear that she needed further spine care, she didn’t hesitate to enroll in the MySpineHealth Bundle, which combines Vanderbilt Health's world-class medical care with a re-imagined approach that delivers a better experience at a lower cost while helping patients recover faster.
Dr. Abtahi performed Amy’s second spinal fusion using more advanced implants and other hardware. “He kept me very informed on the best plan of care for me,” Amy said. “I felt very comfortable and confident in his abilities.”
The bundle covered the cost of Amy's care, including doctor's visits, education classes and the procedure.
“The bundle was a huge gift to me financially,” Amy said. “It would have put such a financial strain on my family and me without it.”
Amy also praised the support she received from Karina Nelson, her patient navigator.
“She was remarkable,” Amy said. “She made the whole process seamless and was there to answer my questions and help set up my appointments. I knew what to expect way before my surgery.”
A 180-Degree Turnaround
Today, Amy has no numbness, weakness or pain. She has an “amazing range of motion,” which comes in handy as she plays with her grandchildren on the floor. “I've even gotten to where I'm running on the treadmill,” she said.
Amy was also able to return to work with no restrictions. As a lead registration specialist at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital, her job requires her to roll a 30-pound workstation on wheels around the facility. Thanks to her procedure, she can do her job freely — a benefit to her and her patients, too.
“When I feel better, that translates to the patient care I can provide,” she said, adding that the bundles experience has changed her life.
“My health has taken a phenomenal 180-degree turn. I would recommend getting care through this program to anyone who needs it. I’m 52 years old, but I feel like I’m 20 again.”
