Hello, readers. If you’re here, you might be dealing with chronic pain, considering spinal injections, or unfortunately, have had a bad experience with medical procedures yourself. Today, I’m sharing my personal story—a cautionary tale about what happened when I trusted Dr. Umar Mahmood with a routine spinal injection. What should have been a straightforward treatment for my chronic lower back pain turned into a disaster due to a shocking medical error.
The Lead-Up: Seeking Relief from Chronic Pain
I was referred to Texas Interventional Pain & Spine Specialists, where Dr. Umar Mahmood practices. As a board-certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Medicine physician, he came highly recommended—or so I thought.
During our consultation, Dr. Mahmood reviewed my MRI scans and explained that an epidural steroid injection on the right side would target the inflammation and provide relief. It sounded routine; he’d done thousands of these, he assured me. We discussed the risks briefly, but nothing prepared me for what was to come. I signed the consent forms, trusting his expertise.
The Procedure: A Grave Mistake
On the day of the injection, I was nervous but optimistic. The procedure room was sterile, and the staff seemed professional. Dr. Mahmood confirmed the site verbally—right side of the lumbar spine—and marked my back accordingly. Or at least, that’s what I believed.
As the needle went in, an excruciating, searing pain shot through my body unlike anything I’d felt before. It wasn’t the usual discomfort of an injection; it was crippling. I cried out, but it was too late—the medication had been administered. Only after did I learn the horrifying truth: Dr. Mahmood had injected the left side instead of the right. A classic “wrong site” error, where the injection is given at the incorrect level or side of the spine.
How could this happen? In my case, it stemmed from what I can only describe as a lack of attention to detail and competence. Despite clear imaging and pre-procedure markings, the mix-up occurred, turning a potentially helpful treatment into a harmful one.
The Aftermath: Pain, Complications, and a Shattered Trust
The immediate effects were brutal. Instead of relief, my pain intensified on the wrong side, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and hopefully not nerve damage. I’ve undergone additional tests, physical therapy sessions, and consultations with neurologists to assess impact. The possibility of permanent impairment haunts me and my quality of life has plummeted, and the emotional toll is immense. This wasn’t just a mistake; it feels like a betrayal of the doctor-patient trust.
Wrong site spinal injections, as I’ve since learned, can cause serious complications like nerve damage, infections, or even paralysis in extreme cases. They’re classified as “never events” in medicine—errors that should never happen with proper protocols in place. Yet, here I am, living proof that they do.
Why I’m Speaking Out
I’m not a medical expert, but I’ve done my research since this happened. Dr. Mahmood’s profile highlights his training and affiliations, but it doesn’t mention safeguards against such errors. Hospitals and clinics have protocols like “time-outs” to verify sites, but clearly, something failed here. If this could happen to me, it could happen to anyone.
Dr. Mahmood: Own up to this. Patients deserve better.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
If you’re considering a spinal injection:
- Double-check everything: Ask for a detailed explanation and confirm the site multiple times.
- Bring an advocate: Have a family member or friend in the room if possible.
- Research your doctor: Look beyond credentials; check for any complaints or reviews.
- Know the risks: Wrong site errors are rare but devastating. Insist on imaging guidance if available.
This experience has changed me, but I hope sharing it prevents others from enduring the same. Stay vigilant, advocate for yourself, and let’s push for safer healthcare.
