A Runner’s Return Following Spine Surgery

Running has been a part of Sandy Andstrom’s life for 40 years. Sandy became hooked on running in her 20s, participating in numerous races over the years. During the spring of 2023, while running on a treadmill, she suddenly felt excruciating pain in her back.

She sought care from Middlesex Orthopedic & Spine Associates, as she was already familiar with the practice from a past, unrelated issue. Sandy saw Dr. Alfred Hicks, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Middlesex Orthopedic & Spine Associates, and was inspired by his breadth of experience, including his service in the U.S. Navy.

“Dr. Hicks made me feel very comfortable. I like his attitude. He is an expert, but he is also very approachable,” said Sandy.

After her evaluation, Sandy learned she had degeneration in her spine due to arthritis, which resulted in severe stenosis, narrowing the nerve pathways and causing terrible back and leg pain. To relieve the pain, Dr. Hicks recommended spinal surgery utilizing robotics, more specifically a lumbar fusion from an anterior and posterior approach.

“It turned out that this was the best procedure possible for me,” explained Sandy.

The procedure was performed at Midstate Medical Center and took place in two parts. First, Dr. Hicks cleaned out the area in between the bones, then went back in two days later for the lumbar fusion.

Post-surgery, Sandy used a combination of a cane and walker to walk and go up stairs. By the time she was discharged, she was walking much more easily.

“Dr. Hicks told me to keep walking, and that’s exactly what I did,” recalled Sandy. “I remember one of my first walks after surgery was a half mile and it took me an hour.” She walked every day during her recovery, gradually building up her strength. By the next summer, she started incorporating running, beginning with a half mile. Fast forward to this fall, Sandy worked her way up to running 7.5 miles and successfully completed the Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving!

Sandy advises others to listen to their bodies. “Be patient with yourself during recovery. Don’t think it’s the end of the road… People can get back to what they want to do.”

“I never thought I would be able to run again, and here I am,” said Sandy, who remembers throwing her hands up in the air in excitement after her longest run yet following her surgery.