Vertebrectomy Treatment in India

Olivia Singh, a 42-year-old architect and...

Olivia Singh, a 42-year-old architect and mother of two, had always been active. For two years, she endured worsening mid-back pain she initially dismissed as stress from long hours at her drafting table. The pain became sharp, unrelenting, and began radiating around her ribs. Simple tasks like picking up her toddler became excruciating. An MRI revealed a destructive tumor, a plasmacytoma, eroding her T8 vertebra, threatening spinal stability and her spinal cord. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that a vertebrectomy, removing the diseased vertebra and reconstructing the spine with a titanium cage and rods, was necessary to remove the tumor, prevent paralysis, and relieve her pain. The 7-hour surgery was daunting. Olivia feared for her future career and ability to be an active mom. Post-op, she spent two days in the ICU and a week on the neurosurgical ward, initially overwhelmed by pain and the strict 'log-roll' movement protocol. With intensive physiotherapy, she gradually regained strength. Six months later, after successful radiation for the tumor, her pain is gone. She walks daily, has returned to part-time work, and can play with her children again. The emotional journey was from terror and grief over her lost vitality to profound gratitude and a redefined resilience, valuing each pain-free moment with her family.