Paulette’s Testimonial

Pain-Free and Back to Being Mom

After dealing with severe pain and numbness in her right leg for 12 weeks, Paulette Prince tried everything — natural remedies, chiropractic care — but nothing brought relief. Her sister had previously had back surgery with Dr. Norah Foster of Premier Orthopedics and spoke so highly of her that Paulette knew she wanted to make an appointment.

Her Experience

Later, it was decided Paulette would undergo awake spine surgery, a unique, minimally invasive technique that uses spinal anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, offering a safer option for those who are considered high-risk or who may not be able to tolerate or undergo general anesthesia. It offers many benefits for a variety of procedures, including shorter hospital stays, lower healthcare costs, and a reduced risk of complications.

Before her procedure, the pain in her leg was debilitating. “With four kids between the ages of 6 and 12, I couldn’t do my normal ‘mom’ duties without suffering,” she said. During her consultation, Dr. Foster took the time to explain exactly how the awake spine procedure would help eliminate her pain, which eased her nerves and gave her hope. “I felt both nervous and relieved that she could help me,” she said.

Life After Surgery

When Paulette woke up after the procedure, she realized quickly she was completely pain-free. “The numbness was completely gone, and when I stood up to walk before going home, it felt incredible not to hurt anymore,” she said.

Today, Paulette is back to living her life with her kids and husband, something she couldn’t imagine before surgery. “My care team was wonderful and very concerned about my recovery. Dr. Foster is one of the best — knowledgeable in her field, and never pushy. Since my surgery, I have been able to get back to my normal life.”

Contact Us

Our spine specialists are ready to help you get back to the things that matter most in your life. Call (866) 75-SPINE (757-7463) to reach Premier Health Spine and get started with evaluation and care from a team chosen for your specific needs. Find a provider near you, fill out a form to request an appointment, or consult our list of related Premier Physician Network practices.

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