Candy McCann, now 76 years old, of Gainesville, had always lived a life in constant motion — attending CrossFit and Qigong classes, going on long walks with her husband, and playing the harp. Prior to retirement, she spent decades working as a pediatric physical therapist, first at an early childhood developmental center, and then for the Hall County School System, where she helped students with disabilities better access their school environment. Her work, though rewarding, was physically demanding – lifting children from floor mats, moving equipment, and demonstrating exercises. Then the pain came.
“I first noticed lower back pain in my 50s,” Candy recalled. “My lower back would ache after a day of helping students on and off the floor. I tried to manage it on my own and rested when I could, but the pain slowly increased.”
When COVID hit in 2020, Candy was 71 and began working from home part-time. After she began physical therapy to manage her pain, her PT referred her in 2021 to a neurosurgeon to assess her ongoing back pain. An MRI showed multiple sites of deterioration in her lower spine. If Candy could live with the pain with further PT, which was helping, the neurosurgeon recommended against any spinal surgery. With his recommendations, Candy was hopeful that she could manage her pain and continue working.
Candy’s knees, like her back, had undergone strain and deterioration with her years of vigorous activity and demanding PT work. In 2022, she had double knee replacement surgery with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael B. Gottsman. Both surgeries went smoothly, and she was recovering well from the first knee surgery with vigorous physical therapy.
Unfortunately, a GI problem at the end of 2022 left her weakened and unable to follow up on the prescribed second knee post-operative physical therapy program. She only began PT again in early 2023, over two months after her second knee surgery. By that time, she was experiencing renewed back pain, weakness and pain in her legs, and trouble with her balance.
“I saw my progress stall,” Candy said. “It became difficult just to walk around my neighborhood without pain. Nothing was working and I didn’t feel like I had my life anymore.”
Things went from bad to worse when she tripped over a cement parking stopper later that year, reigniting every ache and pain. Worried about her knee replacement implants, she consulted with Dr. Gottsman, who assured her the replacements were fine. She went back to her neurosurgeon’s practice, which confirmed the original diagnosis. With ongoing pain, she went for a second opinion to Northside’s Dr. Matthew Hazard, an experienced board-certified neurosurgeon.
“While I was nervous to see another neurosurgeon, I was surprised to get an appointment right away,” Candy said. “I was worried I wouldn’t be prioritized or taken seriously because of my age.”
Candy admits her first meeting with Dr. Hazzard put her at ease.
“He came in, introduced himself, wasn’t in a hurry, and actively listened to all my issues and fears. I could tell he wanted to understand my story and past experiences. He gave me space to talk and answered all my questions; it was very reassuring.”
After hearing her story, Dr. Hazzard looked over her previous scans and tests and conducted a brief exam in his office.
“I wanted a more conservative treatment option to see what was possible before considering surgery or further medications,” Candy explained. “Dr. Hazzard took the time to walk me and my husband through all my options. Dr. Hazard gave me a clearer view of what was possible and helped me make an informed decision about what to do next.”
With Dr. Hazzard’s information in mind, Candy returned to her original neurosurgeon’s practice, and after another round of preparatory physical therapy, she moved forward with bilateral SI fusion surgery with muscle release on each side. The surgery dramatically relieved Candy’s back pain.
“I finally feel like I have my life back!” Candy exclaimed. “I might not be doing everything I thought I would be able to do at this age, but have found ways to enjoy the things I can do."
"Getting a second opinion from Dr. Hazzard was the best thing I could have done,” Candy stated. “I am thankful Dr. Hazzard took the time to listen to my story and concerns and saw me for who I am."
"I would urge anyone facing major problems and a variety of treatment options to get a second opinion. It may just change your life for the better.”
Learn more about neurosurgical care at Northside Hospital.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
