WILLPOWER MELTDOWN SOMETIMES

I performed full endoscopic spinal surgery for lumbar hernia. She is not doing well postoperatively. Yesterday, I showed the images to her and her family and explained the course of events. “I performed the surgery as planned. The postoperative MRI shows the herniation in the targeted area was manipulated as planed. However, it appears the nerve root was compressed when the surgical field was opened. It may be the reason for current pain and paralysis of your lower leg. Other factors like discography, surgical positioning, and endoscopic water pressure may also be involved. While there has been improvement compared to immediately after surgery, we will continue rehabilitation.” Did they understand? I know “as planed” is nothing for them. She said, “I don’t regret having the surgery. I just might have underestimated it. It turned out to be a longer road than expected.”