Nothing Expected, but Everything Appreciated

Dr. Evan Feldman joined Sono Bello at our Dallas center on February 25th, 2020. During his time at Sono Bello, he transformed 744 patient lives. During this time Dr. Feldman became best known for his incredible work ethic, kindness, and humor. Unfortunately, Dr. Feldman’s life unexpectedly changed due to a cascade of health events that ultimately took away his ability to continue being a surgeon.

On behalf of our Sono Bello Family, we thank you for taking the time to read Dr. Feldman’s story. Dr. Feldman has transformed so many patient lives, and he has made Sono Bello such a wonderful place of work through every interaction he has had with fellow staff members. We hope to raise enough financial support to assist him and his family with existing medical bills, and further contribute towards any future surgical and treatment fees.

Dr. Feldman experienced his first symptom in early spring of 2021. He describes his first symptom as numbness in his hands after completing surgical cases throughout the day. He did not think much of it at first, but when he began to feel shortness of breath after completing just one case, he knew there was a possibility of something more serious going on.

He began having progressive C7&8 radiculopathy symptoms in July and he awoke the morning of September 25th with worsened searing pain and acute onset C7 weakness in his right, dominant, arm and hand. He remembers this day like it was yesterday as he was supposed to take Mark, the Dallas Clinical Manager, striper fishing that day.

Developing these symptoms led to plans for PT and injections that rapidly changed to surgical intervention. Now, carrying out simple tasks has become a daily challenge. Morning rituals have to turned into what feels like a marathon. Dr. Feldman shared with us that breaks in between brushing his teeth or even taking a shower are needed due to extreme fatigue. He does not know the level of fatigue he will face each day until he wakes up in the morning, and this will determine how his days will go. Dr. Feldman now must extensively plan ahead to coordinate any basic tasks. Going up the stairs to his daughter’s bedroom to say goodnight leaves him breathless, and this is the most heartbreaking to him. As his health concerns have escalated further, Dr. Feldman is cautious to drive due to double vision. The neuro ophthalmologist’s exact words were, “I don’t want to take that (driving) away from you but be very careful and use an eye patch if needed.” Dr. Feldman tends to minimize driving at night, if tired or not feeling well as those exacerbate the double vision. He has sold his beloved truck to put towards financial support in receiving medical care.

During the preop workup it was discovered Dr. Feldman has a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with reduced EF of unknown etiology. Although the surgery (C6-T1 ACDF) went well, he later developed his 6th DVT while on prophylactic Lovenox. Despite only being off anticoagulation for 48 hours, this time in his RUE as well as severe SOB and DOE, made even ADLs challenging. After initial concerns for another PE (he had 3 previously), primary cardiac issue, and extensive workup, it was finally revealed he has Myasthenia Gravis – a weakness and rapid fatigue of muscles under voluntary control. The condition is caused by a breakdown of communication between the nerves and muscles.

Despite starting Mestinon, he still has weakness, and progressive double vision, so IVIG infusions were initiated, without loading dose due to black box warning for clotting. He has received some benefit from the IVIG, but the Mestinon has terrible GI and profuse sweating side effects, and IVIG wears off prior to his next q28d dosing. Because of this, Dr. Feldman, his family, and surgeon are very nervous about increasing IVIG frequency.

At his 6-month post-op appointment it was obvious both screws in C6 broke, C6-7 only had partial fusion and he had resumption of radiculopathy symptoms. Neither the surgeon or Dr. Feldman are excited about another operation, given his clotting complications, and now MG diagnosis. They are hoping 3 months of bone stim, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and endocrine therapy will improve fusion, despite loss of fixation. If that doesn't work, a risky revision surgery will be required.

It was the culmination of the neuromuscular neurologist recommended MG lifestyle changes of stress, heat and fatigue avoidance, frequent breaks within the day, side effects of Mestinon, fluctuating benefit of IVIG, and now failed neck hardware that pushed Dr. Feldman past denial and anger, to acceptance. Dr. Feldman has accepted that he will never be able to safely operate ever again, and that everything he has worked towards as a surgeon is no longer a possibility.

Today, Dr. Feldman has been to 154 medical apportionments since September 2020 (and counting). He and his surgeon are planning for future treatment options. He has not had financial support throughout his medical leave.

He is thankful for the overwhelming support from all his readers. Dr. Feldman and his family will be forever grateful to those who have helped them through these challenging and uncertain times. He feels very fortunate that his wife is at home to support his daughter. He now spends as much time as he can with his daughter, and dreams of being able to go striper fishing on Texoma again.

Dr. Feldman believes anyone who hears his story can learn from his experience. He would like to pass along two pieces of advice for his viewers. He wants to express the importance of having enough insurance and but also having significant (minimum 6 months) savings, because you will never know what tomorrow will bring and insurance companies are never timely or empathetic.

Our Sono Bello Family is driven to support Dr. Feldman by sharing his story and starting this fundraiser for him and his family. As an organization, we are grateful to be able to come together to support one of our very own. Thank you again for taking the time to read Dr. Feldman's story.