Did you know? Just a fall... might require spinal surgery

Did you know? Just a fall... might require spinal surgery


Spinal problems are something everyone fears and worries about because the causes of the disease come from lifestyle behaviors, just like Mr. Arnon Paengnu. After falling, he was left with only bruises, but eventually had to undergo spinal surgery… However, the worries eased because Endoscope was the solution at a critical time when the patient did not want a large surgical wound.

Mr. Arnon Paengnu, an air traffic control officer at the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd., shared about the unexpected health problem he experienced


From a simple bruise to unbearable pain


Mr. Arnon said that around August 2017, he slipped and fell hard on a concrete floor, which only caused bruises and pain similar to a typical fall.

Until early November, he began to experience pain in the hip, thigh, calf, numbness in the left leg and toes, and felt like his foot had no sensation, making him reluctant to walk or stand. Sometimes, sitting and stretching his leg caused severe pain, and even lying down was painful, especially when turning over.


Due to these symptoms, Mr. Arnon tried to find out the cause and discovered that his symptoms matched those of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. However, he was not sure of the facts, so he visited a private hospital and had an MRI, which revealed that part of his spine had shifted and was pressing on a nerve. He was advised to have surgery but was not ready yet.


Worries eased with minimally invasive surgery using Endoscope with a specialist doctor


Due to worsening symptoms and test results, he consulted a friend who had experience with spinal treatment and was recommended to see
Dr. Sombat Kunakornsawat, a spinal surgery specialist at the Muscle, Bone and Joint Institute, Phyathai 3 Hospital. The doctor performed additional X-rays, which indicated the need for surgery and advised prompt operation because the symptoms were severe and delaying could affect nerve recovery. Surgery was scheduled for November 17 using minimally invasive Endoscope surgery.

The doctor explained the treatment approach in detail that Endoscope surgery is a camera-assisted procedure with small incisions, less pain, minimal blood loss, less tissue damage, and quick recovery. I must say, this was my first surgery in life, so I was scared and worried, especially since it involved the spine, which I knew could cause paralysis if unsuccessful. But after listening to the doctor’s explanation, my worries eased, and I was ready to undergo surgery with peace of mind.

Walking and using the bathroom independently just 2 days after surgery


Mr. Arnon said he was a bit nervous on the day of surgery, but by the second day after surgery, he could stand, walk, sit, and use the bathroom by himself without assistance. The pain and stiffness decreased, and numbness was minimal. The improvement was clearly noticeable.
I stayed in the hospital for 3 days and 2 nights as recommended, but this method made me feel very strong after surgery. I secretly thought I could have been discharged earlier because I could live almost normally without needing help.

Today, when we talked, it had only been 12 days since the surgery. If I were to rate it in percentage, I feel my condition has improved by 70-80%, which is very good. The slight numbness remaining is expected to gradually improve, as the doctor informed me.


Modern technology helps solve problems


Mr. Arnon shared his impression that after returning home to recover, the hospital called to follow up on his condition, which made him even more impressed because he received excellent care from Dr. Sombat Kunakornsawat, who was attentive and provided good advice and information before, during, and after surgery. The nursing team closely monitored every step, and the room atmosphere was very good, making him not feel like he was in a hospital but rather like being in a hotel or condo with more comfort.

Importantly, nowadays treatment uses modern technology that allows clear diagnosis of causes and offers surgical methods that precisely address the problem, satisfying patients who do not want large surgeries. They can receive good treatment through minimally invasive Endoscope surgery.


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