When Kent and his wife Dawn woke up one morning this Spring, they never expected that within the next 24 hours Kent would undergo emergency spinal surgery and be on his way home to heal.
After waking up early with debilitating pain and growing numbness in his lower back, Kent went to his local ER for an MRI. He was quickly referred to Dr. Vivek Deshmukh of The Oregon Clinic Neurosurgery & Spine and scheduled for surgery that evening.
“Kent’s diagnosis was cauda equina syndrome (CES) due to a ruptured lumbar disc,” says Dr. Deshmukh. “Symptoms of CES can include numbness of the groin region, back and or leg pain, difficulty with urination or bowel control, leg weakness, and numbness or tingling.”
Kent underwent a laminectomy and microdiscectomy. “Microdiscectomy is relatively common but usually reserved as a last resort, unless patients have CES, in which case it’s an emergency,” explains Dr. Deshmukh. Patients are typically home the same day or next morning after surgery.
“Please go to the ER if you experience sudden onset of numbness in the groin region, difficulty emptying your bladder, loss of control of bowel function, foot drop, leg weakness, or severe back or leg pain symptoms,” cautions Dr. Deshmukh. “If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may have CES and need an emergency evaluation.”
A scary morning thankfully ended with a successful surgery and Kent was able to return home to recover. Kent and Dawn share their story below:
“A heartfelt shoutout to Dr. Vivek Deshmukh and his extraordinary surgical team—true guides through the unfamiliar and urgent journey of emergency spinal surgery.
Dr. Deshmukh’s calm, compassionate voice walked us through what would become a whirlwind. Initially preparing us for surgery the following morning, he called back not long after—firm but gentle: this couldn’t wait. Kent needed surgery that night. And so, we were on our way to the hospital for emergency surgery at 10:00 pm with our two sons.
At 2:00 am, post-surgery, our family and friends who met us at the hospital spoke with Dr. Deshmukh. His words brought relief: the surgery had gone well. But beyond the technical success of the surgery, it was his kindness, his patience, and his clarity that carried us. Dr. Deshmukh is the kind of person you hope for in moments like these—brilliant, yes, but also deeply human. Thoughtful. Steady. Compassionate. A rare and genuine soul whose presence alone eases fear.
We are forever grateful—for his expertise, his unwavering collaboration, and his luminous character.
Kent’s first steps outside the hospital were more than symbolic. Multnomah Falls is on our drive home and made for the perfect pause for Kent to take his first walk outside of the hospital. It was quiet, beautiful, and unforgettable walking alongside one of our two sons. A perfect way to begin the healing at home.
Now, with ‘no bending, no lifting, no twisting’ as the daily mantra, Kent continues to recover, steady and strong, thanks in no small part to the care and skill of Dr. Deshmukh and his team.”