At 80 years old, Marilyn Goff’s journey to healing is a testament to the power of faith, a positive attitude, and the expertise of a skilled orthopedic surgeon. Her story began when she was diagnosed with scoliosis at just eight years old. Her doctor warned her at that young age that she would have to exercise for the rest of her life or risk ending up in a wheelchair. Despite the challenges, Marilyn heeded his warning and successfully used physical activity and aspirin to keep scoliosis complications at bay for many years. 

Worsening Scoliosis Symptoms

Over the course of those years, Marilyn lived an adventurous life. She went on multiple biblical trips to Isreal and spent several months working as a park ranger in Oregon. It was during that span in Oregon, around the end of 2013, that Marilyn felt movement in her back and a gradual worsening of her condition. Upon returning to Baton Rouge, she saw Dr. Chambliss Harrod of the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, who expressed his concern that, without surgical intervention, the need for a wheelchair was imminent. It certainly wasn’t the news Marilyn had hoped to hear, but after several other opinions, she knew not only that Dr. Harrod was correct, but that he was also the best doctor to trust with her surgery.

“I went to three other doctors for consultations,” says Marilyn. “They all said that if my surgeon wasn’t Dr. Harrod, they would take me, but I was already in wonderful hands and had a great chance of success.”

An Innovative Scoliosis Surgery

At the time, Dr. Harrod's procedure was a new and innovative approach to scoliosis surgery, requiring two days of surgery and the presence of a vascular surgeon. Marilyn underwent the procedure and spent three weeks in in-patient physical therapy. She describes that stay as the most challenging part of the recovery process but readily admits that the results were well worth any discomfort.

“From eight years old to my surgery in 2015, I always had some degree of pain. Now, I’m 80 years old, and I have zero pain, nor have I had to take a single narcotic. It’s amazing!”

Lasting Scoliosis Relief

With a successful surgery behind her, Marilyn quickly resumed her active lifestyle. As she shared her story, she was just returning from a trip to France and was already planning a three-week photographic excursion to Utah as well as a trip to California to visit her son. Her journey to healing may not have been quick or easy, but it was made possible by the support of her family, her faith, Dr. Harrod, and his team. 

“Dr. Harrod truly has the hands of God. Everything I have to say about him and every member of his team is just wonderful.”