The second story about doctors and what I was told is this. When I was about 20 so far older and much easier to remember, I was walking to Blockbuster to rent a movie. It was a straight shot from our house though I had to cross a few small streets. The maximum speed on those streets is 30 MPH.
I looked both ways. A car was stopped on one of the streets. I started my journey. Halfway across, the car in the parking spot turned on and clearly didn’t see me. She pulled out of the spot and gently tapped my legs.
I wasn’t hurt. The woman in the car vaulted. Another woman chased her as she called 911. Someone came out and checked on me. I was standing. I don’t remember having any bruises. Then the police came and insisted I went to the hospital. I walked there as I called my mom on my cell phone.
I remember waiting in the ER and my mom bounding in to join me. She looked relieved when I hugged her and told her I was fine.
Later on doctors came running at me with a bed and saying ‘she needs immediate spinal surgery.’ I jumped out of my chair. That wasn’t going to happen in this community hospital. Absolutely not. I told them no. Mom agreed. We walked out of the hospital and I called a good hospital with spinal specialists.
A few days later I had my appointment. I have spondylolisthesis category 4, between L4 and L5. I have the MRI’s to prove the injury and no it wasn’t from that lady who didn’t see me. I had a mixture of accident and hereditary markers that it was impossible to tell what caused the most damage. My prognosis though… stay under 150 pounds and I won’t have any need for surgery.
What about pregnancy and gaining weight then? The doctors said it was best if I avoided it. I’d never ‘carry to term.’ I’d set myself up for disappointment. This along with my scar told me plenty.
I was destined to forever be alone. What man in the world would marry me? I was damaged. It was better to not bother and just enjoy life alone. This was the plan for many, many years. The idea was firmly entrenched because of these doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is spondylolisthesis category 4 between L4 and L5 typically managed without surgery?
Spondylolisthesis category 4 between L4 and L5 can sometimes be managed conservatively. In one documented case, spinal specialists advised the patient to maintain a weight under 150 pounds to avoid surgical intervention. This approach reflects how weight management can reduce spinal stress and delay or eliminate the need for surgery in certain spondylolisthesis cases.
What are the risks of pregnancy with severe spondylolisthesis?
Doctors may advise against pregnancy in severe spondylolisthesis cases due to the added spinal stress from weight gain. In one patient’s account, spinal specialists warned that pregnancy could set her up for disappointment, suggesting she was unlikely to carry a pregnancy to term. The combination of hereditary markers and injury-related damage contributed to this prognosis.
Should you accept an emergency spinal surgery recommendation from a community hospital or seek a specialist?
Seeking a second opinion from a dedicated spinal specialist is advisable before accepting an emergency spinal surgery recommendation from a general community hospital. In one case, a patient declined immediate surgery at a community hospital, contacted a specialist facility instead, and received a more measured diagnosis — spondylolisthesis category 4 — with a conservative management plan rather than immediate surgical intervention.
