Summary
A woman named Shelby from North Carolina experienced severe back pain for years without a clear diagnosis. Eventually, she was diagnosed with a herniated disk and received treatment that reduced her pain. Shelby’s story highlights the struggle with misdiagnosis and the healthcare process.
Key Facts
- Shelby, a 33-year-old woman from North Carolina, experienced severe back pain starting in 2020.
- The pain began after she lifted something heavy at work and heard a "pop" in her back.
- She was without health insurance for a time, which limited her ability to seek medical help.
- Initially, doctors suggested her weight was the cause of her pain, leading her to ignore symptoms.
- After losing weight, Shelby experienced another "pop" during a workout and sought medical help with her newly acquired Medicaid.
- A doctor diagnosed her with sciatica and later with a herniated disk, also known as a slipped disk.
- Treatment with steroid pills provided temporary relief, but lasting improvement came after the proper diagnosis.
- Shelby has begun treatment, involving steroid injections and plans for physical therapy, but worries about needing surgery in the future.
