04/28/2025
When a patient goes through back/neck surgery, THE WHOLE FAMILY does too......The emotional and physical process of being injured takes a toll on patients,but, it ALSO takes a toll on the spouses,children and other relatives of those patients. The POWERLESSNESS family members feel watching someone they love go through the physical and emotional pain takes a toll on families. When patients are in pain, they are more irritable than before and they can be less emotionally available to family members than in the past. Patients can suffer self esteem issues, especially if they are now unable to work, and those emotions tend to spill over and can affect the strongest of relationships. Pain medications can make patients less active than before which can limit activities that the families were otherwise used to. Financial difficulties become harder to manage if the patient has lost their income due to the injury as well.
I have seen the strongest of families crumble during these times,but, I have also seen the weakest couples rally during this crisis. Each situation is unique. Patients get sick and tired of being sick and tired and families may have these same emotions but may feel ashamed to admit it. Do not be afraid to be honest, to reach out to professionals, to explore ALL of your options out there. Remember we have to live our BEST LIFE, and that means different things to different people.
If you saw a doctor, but feel maybe there is something more that can be done , or even if something just isn't right, get a second opinion. There are MANY options for pain control that are NOT NARCOTIC. Do not feel that you are at the end of the rope, there is no such thing.
You should not have to do this alone. You are worth it. Pick up the phone and ask for help. That ONE MORE thing you try, may be the one thing that worked. You owe it to you, and you owe it to your family. Get your life back. Thanks for reading!
Dr Eric Roger
Cleveland Clinic Trained Spine Neurosurgeon
Buffalo, NY