First, as background, I had an ACDF procedure 2.5 years ago (different surgeon), and one of two levels failed to fuse. The ACDF surgeon refused to perform any foramenotomies to release the pressure on the nerves to my shoulders and arms, claiming the ACDF would do the trick. However, the ACDF just made the pain/numbness in my neck, shoulders and arms so much worse; and it never eased up. I wished I'd never had the ACDF and did not trust any surgeon with a second chance at my neck.
Yet, my doctor kept pressing me to consult with another surgeon, and I found Dr. Donnally completely by chance. He reviewed my imaging, explained what was causing the pain and how he could remedy the situation. I was scheduled for surgery two weeks later. Dr. Donnally did a traditional three-level cervical fusion and foramenotomies to fix the failed fusion and to relieve the pressure on the nerve roots.
I won't lie, the first two weeks were really rough, though made worse by the fact that my body didn't react well to the pain meds. Once we found a pain med that worked for me, the healing process was much easier and I've progressively improved since. Within six weeks post surgery, the deep pain I'd had in my neck since the ACDF was completely gone. At four months post surgery, I was back in the gym and have regained muscle mass and strength in my shoulders, arms and hands. The change has been truly miraculous. I thank God for the healing and for helping us find Dr. Donnally.
Dr. Donnally has great bedside manner and treats us with respect and kindness, as does his PA with whom we interacted prior to and after surgery. We were never made to feel as though my post-surgery complications were inconvenient or crazy. I would trust Dr. Donnally to treat my dearest family and friends and recommend him without any reservation.
