Andrew’s Journey: A Veteran’s Path to Healing at CNSA Greensboro
04.22.2025
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
When Andrew first walked into Neurosurgeon, Henry A. Pool, MD’s office at the CNSA Greensboro location, he never anticipated the diagnosis that would change his life. For years, he had been struggling with tingling in his arms and fingers, a sensation that felt like his foot was asleep but never went away. He assumed it would be a simple injection. “I was floored when Dr. Pool told me he needed to remove three discs in my neck,” Andrew recalled. “My stomach dropped. I was scared, especially with my PTSD. I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
Facing the Reality of His Condition
Andrew had been dealing with weakness in his arms and hands for years, but it wasn’t until he began experiencing severe tingling and couldn’t hold anything that he realized the severity of his condition. “I couldn’t even straighten my upper body to brush my teeth because my back also hurt,” Andrew shared. “My granddaughter couldn’t even wrap her arms around me and hold onto me. That was a turning point for me.” Before the surgery, Andrew’s condition affected every aspect of his life. “I couldn’t run or play with my grandkids. Even the simplest tasks were difficult. Therapy through the VA, including equine therapy, helped a bit, but it didn’t fix the problem,” he explained. His life had become limited, and the ongoing discomfort kept him from enjoying the things that mattered most.
The Anxiety Before Surgery
As the surgery approached, Andrew’s anxiety mounted. “I kept wondering how my life was going to change,” he said. “I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten until Dr. Pool showed me the X-rays. He explained everything clearly, and it made me understand that something had to be done.” Dr. Pool’s calm and reassuring manner put Andrew at ease, and he made the decision to trust him.
The Unexpected Connection
During Andrew’s consultation, Dr. Pool also asked about his time in the service, specifically if he had ever gotten sick. “I told him about Histoplasmosis, a serious virus I had picked up while stationed in Gulfport, Mississippi,” Andrew explained. “He understood that my health issues were connected to what I was dealing with now. It felt good knowing Dr. Pool truly cared about my past health history and how it played a role in my present condition.”
The Surgery and the First Signs of Healing
The procedure Andrew underwent was a cervical discectomy with interbody fusion at the C3-4, C4-5, and C5-6 levels.
Understanding the Surgery: Cervical Discectomy with Interbody Fusion
The procedure Andrew underwent is called a cervical discectomy with interbody fusion. While it might sound complex, here’s what it means in simpler terms:
- Cervical Discectomy: The cervical spine refers to the neck area of your spine. In Andrew’s case, the discs between certain vertebrae in his neck (specifically at the C3-4, C4-5, and C5-6 levels) were causing problems. A discectomy is when the surgeon removes the damaged disc that’s pressing on nerves, causing pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms and hands.
- Interbody Fusion: After removing the damaged discs, the surgeon then performs a fusion. A fusion is when the surgeon places a small piece of bone (called an interbody cage) in the space where the disc was removed. Over time, the bone will heal and grow together, creating a stable, solid connection between the vertebrae. This helps to reduce pain and prevent further issues in the spine.
In Andrew’s case, this surgery was necessary because his cervical spine was compressing his nerves, leading to weakness and tingling in his arms and hands. By removing the damaged discs and fusing the vertebrae, Dr. Pool helped relieve the pressure on his nerves and gave Andrew a better chance to regain strength and mobility.
It’s a standard procedure for people with serious neck and spine issues, and for Andrew, it made a big difference in his recovery.
“When I first started moving my head after surgery, I didn’t hear any sounds in my ears—the pops and cracks that had been there for years,” Andrew said. “That was the moment I knew things were changing. It felt like I was finally on the path to healing.”
Regaining Strength and Joy
Now that he’s healing, Andrew is finding new strength and joy in life. “Last week, I finished a concrete walkway project that had been sitting unfinished for a year,” he shared with pride. “I can even hold a knife tight enough to cut my steak now. The tingling in my hands is going away, and it feels like they’re waking up. Every improvement feels like a huge victory.”
Advice for Others Facing Surgery
Andrew’s advice to anyone facing similar fears is simple: “Think about what your life would be like if you didn’t take action. Surgery can be intimidating, but you have a better chance of coming out better on the other side. Don’t let fear hold you back.”
Andrew is incredibly grateful for Dr. Pool’s care and expertise. “I can’t believe how much my life has changed. I’m able to enjoy things I thought I had lost forever. I can even imagine completing the projects around my house that I’ve been dreaming about. I’m so thankful to Dr. Pool for helping me get my life back.”
Thanks to Dr. Pool at CNSA Greensboro, Andrew is moving forward with renewed strength, confidence, and the ability to embrace life again fully.
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