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Patient and Beacon neurosurgery team partner for life-changing surgery

Jerry Roberts

Jerry Roberts had high standards when he was looking for a neurosurgeon—as anyone should.

He wanted someone who would make decisions together. Someone who would listen to what mattered to him. Someone who could guide him through the pain of spine surgery recovery without feeling like he was risking his 25-year sobriety.

So when he met Dr. Kashif Shaikh and the spine navigation staff at Beacon Medical Group North Central Neurosurgery, he knew he’d found his team.

“Dr. Shaikh made me feel confident,” Jerry said. “I liked that he listened to what I said and how I felt, and was there to say, ‘You need to consider this, too.’ There was a give and take.”

Jerry had severe spinal stenosis with cord compression, causing progressive cervical spondylotic myelopathy – a condition where narrowing neck bones squeeze the spinal cord leading to mobility and dexterity issues. He had trouble walking, balancing and using his hands to grip things.

“I’m a cashier, and I couldn’t work,” Jerry said. “I couldn’t even make it through a four-hour shift.”

After tests and MRI imaging, Dr. Shaikh and Jerry agreed that surgery was the best plan.

Dr. Kashif Shaikh, Beacon Medical Group Northcentral Neurosurgery

Setup for a successful spine surgery

On May 1, 2024, the morning of Jerry’s surgery, his patient navigator called to make sure he was ready and continued to communicate with him after he arrived.

“The whole day they made me feel like they were preparing me to succeed, not fail,” Jerry said. “They put me at ease, explained everything every step of the way, and kept my husband informed.”

Dr. Shaikh performed a posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion. He made a small incision in the back of Jerry’s neck to reach his spine, meticulously removing some of the bone to create more room for Jerry’s cervical cord. He fused six vertebrae to create stability.

The morning after surgery, gripping a warm mug of coffee brought unexpected tears to Jerry’s eyes. “I hadn’t felt the sensations of hot or cold for a long time.”

The nursing team encouraged Jerry to eat foods that would help him recover and start walking again. They also let Jerry manage his pain in a way that felt right for him.

“I’m an addict, clean for 25 years,” he said. “The nurses worked with me so I didn’t feel like I was throwing away my sobriety.”

With the support of the nursing team, he went home a few days ahead of schedule.

Recovery with a team of support

The spine navigation team kept in touch to make sure Jerry was recovering well.

“I went to the ER for something unrelated — a cut finger that needed stitches — and they called within a day to make sure I was ok,” Jerry said. “I always know if I have an issue, I can call.”

Once home, Jerry had a regular follow-up schedule that started with monthly visits. After four weeks, a nurse visited his home to start his bone regrowth therapy. Since then, he visits Nurse Practitioner Laura Robinson to get X-rays, monitor symptom improvement and check his healing progress.

Throughout the process, Jerry has felt the support of his entire Beacon team, from the surgeon and advanced practitioners to the nurses and spine navigators.

“We often review and discuss cases among the neurosurgery team,” Dr. Shaikh said. “When you see one of us, you are really getting the benefit of everyone’s combined experience and expertise in your plan of care.”

Looking ahead to new goals

Several months post-surgery, Jerry’s life looks remarkably different.

“Before, I couldn’t walk a mile,” he said. “Now I walk three to nine miles every day.”

He’s back to his job as a cashier working full shifts three days a week. And whenever Jerry reaches for a glass, he lifts it with confidence and knows he won’t drop it.

Jerry is already setting new goals beyond his recovery, including bench pressing 220 pounds. Dr. Shaikh encouraged Jerry to have someone spot his lifts and watch for proper form. Jerry works with his physical trainer to avoid injury as he gets stronger each day.

And he still has the advice and support of the Beacon neurosurgery team as his goals evolve.

Learn more

Our team of experts includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitative therapists, specially trained nurses and other specialists. These trained providers work together to create a care plan that’s appropriate for each patient with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome. Learn more about our program and our team.