Austin woman’s spinal surgery helped her get back in saddle—
For Kathy Torrey of Austin, horseback riding has been a lifelong passion. At 74, she still rides for hours through the scenic trails of north central Pennsylvania with friends. But in early 2024, a troubling numbness in her legs began to interfere with her ability to walk, let alone ride.
“It was constant,” Torrey said. “There was no relief, no matter what I did.”
Encouraged by friends, Torrey visited her primary care provider and was referred to Weizhen Wang, MD, a neurologist at UPMC Neurological Institute in Williamsport. Dr. Wang ordered an MRI, which revealed a tumor compressing Torrey’s thoracic spine.
“Dr.Wangwasextremelykind,”Torreysaid.“Sheexplainedeverythingandgottheballrolling.”
Toreducetravelbeforesurgery,Torreyunderwentafull-bodyMRIclosertohomeatUPMCColeinCoudersport.Theexperiencewasunexpectedlycomforting;shelistenedtomusicduringthescan,andthefinalsongremindedherofherlatemother.
“Itwaslikeasign,”shesaid.“IkneweverythingwasgoingtobeOK.”
Torreywasquicklyreferredtotheneurosurgeryteamat
