Nancy’s Story

Nancy Lamb is energized to overcome a debilitating paralysis caused by a rare disease called Cauda Equina Syndrome. Once a very active woman who enjoyed weekly cookouts and socializing with friends in the neighborhood, she became paralyzed from the waist down. “I had worked and been independent for so many years,” Nancy said. “I was devastated when I just woke up one day and couldn’t walk. When I met with Dr. Varma at MUSC Health, I knew I had a shot at getting better and that I was in great hands.”

Nancy underwent multiple surgeries at MUSC under the care of Dr. Abhay Varma. “Mrs. Lamb had severely pinched nerves in her lower back that significantly affected her legs, bladder, and bowel function,” he said. “She was not able to walk independently and take care of herself. The disease was so extensive that she had to undergo more than one surgery, but eventually she significantly benefited from the treatment and is now able to walk on her own. The pain and numbness in her legs has also significantly improved.” 

Nancy felt very at ease with Dr. Varma and all of her providers at MUSC Health. “Dr. Varma was very compassionate. He never approached my surgery negatively and always made sure I understood everything. He got me walking again. I am so thankful to him and his physician assistant, Patricia Mathias, for always responding so quickly to my questions, and all of the MUSC Health providers who made the process as well as the procedures so comforting to me.”