Reclaiming Freedom: Matt Donegan's Journey Back to Mobility After Spine Deformity Surgery
May 31, 2025
At the age of five, Matt Donegan suffered a traumatic injury to his spine that went untreated.
"I remember after that incident, I had back pain from then on. In high school, I played contact sports. The doctor noted I had mild scoliosis, but he cleared me to play and continued to monitor me."
Life Throws a Curve Ball
In adulthood, what was initially diagnosed as an eight-degree curve, became a 15-degree curve, then a 30-degree curve and eventually a 41-degree curve, rendering everyday activities virtually impossible.
By 2018, Matt had undergone three spinal surgeries to address the growing curvature. Yet, Matt was increasingly becoming a prisoner in his body. He desperately wanted to try another surgery to give him back mobility and quality of life. Surgeons, however, warned repeatedly that it was not in his best interest given the severity of the surgery and his comorbidities.
"I was hunting for a surgeon, but each one would see my deformity and kick the can, if you will, to the next surgeon. I recall one surgeon telling me that if I underwent a fourth surgery, I risked becoming worse. He spoke candidly of the potential ramifications: 'You wear regular shoes now. You're going to wear slip-ons. You won't be able to properly toilet yourself. You're retired and now drive a little sports car. Kiss that goodbye. You'll be driving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with a lift. This surgery is a serious deal. We're going to have to put you into a medically induced coma. You'll be in the intensive care unit following surgery.'"
A Wake Orthopaedics Spine Surgeon Steps Up to the Plate
Slightly upset, but not to be deterred, Matt continued his search for a surgeon in the Triangle area who had the expertise to address the severe deformity and deterioration in his spine. This time, he was referred to Wake Orthopaedics fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Gurvinder S. Deol, MD.
Matt met Dr. Deol in January 2024. After clinically evaluating Matt and reviewing his X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Dr. Deol discussed that it was imperative to exhaust non-operative treatment options. Subsequently, Matt tried acupuncture, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections and pain management. Given his ongoing severe back and leg pain and significant disability despite extensive non-operative treatment, Dr. Deol advised Matt that he would likely benefit from spinal decompression and reconstructive surgery.
Reconstructive Surgery that Hits a Home Run
With numerous options tried and failed, Dr. Deol scheduled Matt for surgery at WakeMed Cary Hospital on January 15, 2025. The six-hour surgery was completed successfully, decompressing the spinal canal and correcting his deformity.
"Matt had undergone three prior spinal surgeries and unfortunately had developed severe spinal stenosis and spinal deformity above his prior fusion surgery. This caused him to have significant disability and pain. He failed extensive non-operative treatment and stated that he could no longer live with this kind of pain and was willing to take the risk of further spinal surgery.
"The surgery involved decompressing his spinal canal above the prior fusion, correcting the deformity and reconstructing the spine above his old fusion. The goal of the surgery was to allow him to return to a relatively pain-free life, walking upright and enjoying his prior activities. He' has been a great patient and very appreciative."
The same evening following surgery, Matt was up and walking. By January 19, he was discharged home with follow-up care at WakeMed Outpatient Rehabilitation – Cary.
"My experience at WakeMed was incredible. Care at WakeMed Cary Hospital felt like staying in a high-end hotel. Everything was luxurious with huge televisions, comfortable seating, large patient rooms and giant picture windows. My wife enjoyed it too and would bring delicious food from the cafeteria. The nurses catered to my every need. It was sweet. I didn't want to leave. Outpatient therapy with Caitlin was great too. She was an all-star."
Fun Plans are a Knock Out of the Park
Just three months following surgery, Matt was well enough to go on a European cruise vacation.
"Four years ago, my wife and I went to Saint Lucia. The last time we traveled internationally, my wife and I went to Asia. We'd been wanting to go to the United Kingdom to meet our son's fiancé, but I couldn't handle the trip with the condition my back had been in. We were able to travel abroad to see them and then do a cruise through the Danube River. I felt great. I was dancing and enjoying every moment. In fact, one day on the cruise, my wife hung back when we went into port, and I got out and walked around. I had my freedom and mobility back."
Matt Continues Catching the Good Life Like a Pro
Today, Matt is doing acting gigs in his leisure time. He credits Dr. Deol for giving him a new lease on life.
"Thanks to Dr. Deol, none of the negatives came out of my surgery. Before surgery, I couldn't leave the house. There were days I couldn't walk. I would get out of bed in the morning screaming because my rib was pressing down on my hip bone due to the extreme curve. Since this surgery, I regained three inches lost to deformity. I can mow the lawn again. I can exercise and lift weights. I can tie my shoes. I occasionally take over-the-counter pain medication. I still have some muscle and scar tissue that is breaking up, but the truth is Dr. Deol gave me a brand-new life."
About Wake Orthopaedics Back & Spine Center
If you have an issue with your spine that is causing discomfort or prolonged pain, you don't have to suffer. At the Wake Orthopaedics Back & Spine Center, our board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons are dedicated solely to comprehensive state-of-the-art spine care.
We are the leading minimally invasive spine surgery center in the Triangle, offering outpatient same-day spine surgery. From minimally invasive spine surgery to state-of-the-art reconstructive surgery, the Spine Center is the premier spine choice in Wake County and beyond.
About WakeMed Physical Therapy
It’s our goal at WakeMed Physician Practices – Physical Therapy to get you back to your active lifestyle. Our techniques are based on national best practices to ensure you receive the latest, best treatment for your condition. We provide physical therapy and occupational therapy in Raleigh, Cary, the Brier Creek area and Apex, North Carolina.