Patient Stories: Jim S. Discusses Kyphoplasty Procedure

We look forward to hearing from our patients. At RIA Endovascular we want patients to feel the relief that Jim S. felt.

What problems were you having before you came to RIA Endovascular?

This past January, I was diagnosed with the rare disease granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or GPA. This is an autoimmune disease that attacks the upper and lower respiratory systems. The cure for GPA is an older, slow-acting cancer drug. To keep the GPA in remission while the drug can work requires large doses of steroids. One of the side effects of prolonged steroid use is weakening of bone structure, or osteoporosis.

In the last three months, I have had seven very painful vertebrae fractures. The known treatment for these fractures is 1) weeks of pain management and bed rest or 2) a procedure called kyphoplasty, where a compound is injected into the vertebrae, where it hardens and stabilizes each vertebrae; I chose the latter.

I was introduced to RIA Endovascular, who is a leader in this treatment, and I am quite thankful for their guidance and the successful outcome of multiple procedures. The pain is gone, I no longer require a walker to get around, and I am back to work.

How was your patient experience with the doctor and clinic staff?

Heading into an interventional suite can be a scary thing. But the RIA doctors took the time and fully explained the procedure, what to expect and the likely outcome. They were amazing. Follow-up visits to RIA offices introduced me to equally impressive medical staff. I am not completely out of the woods regarding fractured vertebrae, but I take comfort that RIA Endovascular is there when and if I need them.

What specific result/outcome did you like most about this procedure?

The kyphoplasty procedure was everything that the providers at RIA had assured me it would be. Other than some postop minor muscle pain from the procedure, the intense back pain that I sought relief from had vanished. Also, a kyphoplasty can be performed on an outpatient basis at the RIA Interventional Suite.

What would you like to share with others?

Any candidate for this procedure should contact RIA Endovascular ASAP to schedule evaluation and/or surgery. You will not regret it.