St. David's HealthCare

St. David's HealthCare is one of the largest health systems in Texas and Austin's
third-largest private employer, with more than 60 sites throughout Central Texas,
including seven hospitals, four urgent care centers, four ambulatory surgery centers,
and two freestanding emergency departments, with a third set to open in Bastrop this summer.

St. David's HealthCare has a long history of serving the residents of Central Texas
with exceptional medical care. Our 7,500 employees touch over 858,000 lives each
year with a spirit of warmth, friendliness and personal pride.

Visit our main website at www.StDavids.com

St. David's Medical Center (512) 476-7111
St. David's North Austin (512) 901-1000
St. David's South Austin (512) 447-2211
St. David's Round Rock (512) 341-1000
St. David's Georgetown (512) 943-3000
St. David's Rehabilitation (512) 544-5100
Heart Hospital of Austin (512) 407-7000

Neck Surgery: “A Smart Decision”
Afternoons were unbearable. By 1 o’clock, Mary Sigg’s symptoms made it difficult to maneuver her computer mouse.  The pain impacted every aspect of Mary’s life. She could no longer go kayaking, a favorite pastime, and even the simple act of backing up the car became challenging.

When medication could not control her symptoms, Mary’s internist referred her to neurosurgeon Douglas “Kit” Fox, MD.   After careful examination and an MRI, the source of Mary’s pain was clear: several vertebrae pinched the nerves in her neck. In some sections, the bone had deteriorated and there was extensive nerve damage. Dr. Fox recommended surgery to fuse several cervical (neck) vertebrae.

“I live by myself and my closest family is in Kansas,” she explains. “After meeting Dr. Fox I asked myself if I should live like this or have surgery. I chose surgery.”

Dr. Fox fused three cervical vertebrae – C5, C6 and C7. Through a small incision, he repaired the damage and inserted a titanium plate and four screws. When Mary awoke, the change was noticeable immediately.  A few months after surgery, Mary is beginning to lead a life that is more active than it had been in years.

“I used to go back to my apartment after work and stay there,” she explains. “Now I go out and do things with my dachshund, Chili. I didn’t lose any range of motion in my neck. In fact, I gained some! Having surgery was a smart decision.”

Caring Bridge
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