In September 2020, Andrew “Hustler” Paterson’s life changed unexpectedly after he experienced severe back pain while loading a box into his vehicle. Within hours, he was unable to feel anything below his waist, leading to a sense of panic. Fearing the worst, he called an ambulance and was quickly transferred to Health Sciences Centre (HSC) as his condition rapidly worsened.
At HSC, doctors diagnosed Paterson with cauda equina syndrome, caused by a herniated disc compressing his spinal nerves. Without immediate surgery, Paterson faced the possibility of never walking again. Dr. Perry Dhaliwal performed emergency spine surgery on Paterson that night, a critical decision that ultimately saved his mobility. “Timing was everything,” says Paterson, emphasizing how the swift action at HSC was pivotal in his recovery.
After surgery, Paterson spent nearly two months in rehabilitation, gradually regaining his ability to walk. By early November, he walked out of HSC unaided. Throughout his hospitalization, Paterson was deeply appreciative of the dedication and care from the doctors, nurses, and staff, especially during the strict COVID-19 isolation protocols.
Paterson continues to experience some numbness and balance issues, but he remains grateful for the exceptional care he received at HSC. “The health care staff at HSC put me on the path to the best recovery possible,” he says. His experience reinforces how vital quick, quality medical intervention can be to a patient’s future.
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