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| Medical Leader | JESSICA HOWARD |
| PAIN-FREE: Virgie resident Daryl Burke had successful back surgery performed by Pikeville Medical Center Neurosurgeon Dr. Duane Densler. The surgery has allowed him to enjoy being pain free. |
"I am doing things now that I haven't been able to do in the past four to five years," said Burke.
It wasn't until after his recent back surgery, performed by Pikeville Medical Center Neurosurgeon Dr. Duane Densler, that Burke was optimistic about his future.
Last year, after Christmas, Burke began experiencing excruciating pain.
"The pain got so bad that I became a cripple in a week," Burke explained. "I could not walk, I could not lie down, and I could not find a comfortable position to sit. I was in agony."
He could not take the pain any longer and visited PMC's Emergency Department where he received an MRI.
"My pain was so severe, I could not even stand to lie down," Burke said. "They gave me six pain shots, two at a time and the pain still did not ease up so they put me to sleep to perform the MRI."
Burke was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, a rare disorder causing pressure on the spinal nerves' roots. This syndrome can result in lasting damage, leading to incontinence and possible permanent paralysis of the legs.
After receiving the MRI results, Dr. Densler performed emergency surgery on five of Burke's lumbar disks to help alleviate his pain and prevent permanent damage.
"I was very impressed with Dr. Densler. He got out of bed and came to perform emergency surgery on me, and he did an excellent job," said Burke. "There was a big scare, but everything turned out really good."
Burke also praised the nurses.
"The nurses who took care of me on the floor, before I went to therapy, did a wonderful job. They really cared."
After surgery, Burke received physical therapy through PMC's Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital.
"Dr. Calima and the staff from the therapy department did an excellent job," said Burke.
Since leaving the hospital, Burke attends therapy twice a week.
"I had to learn how to walk all over again," said Burke. "I went home in a wheelchair, and I gradually moved from the wheelchair to a walker, then to a cane and now I don't need to use anything for assistance."
After seeing Burke post-surgery, Dr. Densler said, "I am very pleased with Mr. Burke's progression and continuous recovery. We were able to help him because Pikeville Medical Center has access to rapid MRIs and there is someone on call for Neurosurgery 24/7. These two factors came together, in his situation, to really help restore his life."
Burke says the support given from his wife and family has played a big part in his recovery.
Before falling ill, Burke served the Virgie area for many years as a football and basketball coach, a teacher and a bus driver.
Burke looks forward to getting back to his normal activities such as yard work, gardening and attending his grandchildren's ball games.
Neurosurgeons Dr. Duane Densler and Dr. Norman Mayer specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions pertaining to the central and peripheral nervous system; complex surgery of the spine; and treatment/removal of tumors on the brain and spine.
PMC's Neurosurgery Physician Practice is located in the Neurosurgery and Rehabilitation Center at 908 Bypass Road, Pikeville. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A physician's referral is required.
For more information about the neurosurgery treatments provided at PMC, please call 606-218-4710.