Back on Track

Back on Track 

For years, running was more than just exercise for Starla Pruitt – it was a way of life. She began running in 2012, and to date, has completed countless half marathons, eight marathons, and one ultramarathon – with plans to add to those numbers.  

Daily runs, long miles and the rhythm of the road were part of her daily routine – until one morning when everything changed.  

“I woke up and started my day like normal,” she recalls. “Before I even made it to the bathroom, I collapsed. I couldn’t feel my leg anymore. It came out of nowhere.” 

An Unexpected Diagnosis 

After being rushed to the emergency room and following up with her primary care physician, Starla was referred to a neurosurgeon. Hearing the word “neurosurgeon” felt confusing and intimidating. As a young, healthy, marathon runner, she never dreamed that she would find herself in need of neurosurgery.  

“Most of the time, you think of neurosurgery as something for critical patients – strokes or severe trauma,” she said. “I didn’t realize that some numbness and not being able to run or move my leg the way I wanted could be something a neurosurgeon could fix.” 

Despite her hesitation and fear, Starla decided to move forward with the appointment if it meant getting her life back. 

“It was really hard going from someone who ran every day, to being someone who couldn’t,” she recalls. “You don’t realize the small things you should be grateful for, like standing and walking normally, until you can’t do it.” 

When she met Dr. Wolf, she felt instantly at ease and empowered. She was quickly diagnosed with a ruptured disc and given options for treatment, including surgery.  

“He was straight to the point. He explained my treatment plan and what recovery would look like,” she says. “But more importantly, he listened. He reassured me that if we acted quickly, there was a good chance I could return to running again – and soon.” 

Not As Scary as It Seems 

Starla decided to move forward with surgery – and had positive results almost immediately.  

“The numbness was gone right away,” she said. 

Within a couple of months, she felt like herself enough to lace up her running shoes. Within six months, she was competing in marathons again.  

“To go from not being able to move the way you want – to feeling normal again in just a few months – it's incredible.” 

For others facing similar fears about neurosurgery, Starla offers this piece of advice: 

“Go talk to someone. Get the facts. It’s not as scary as it seems. Problems you don’t think are fixable can be solved faster than you expect when you talk to the right people.” 

Getting a Running Start with Memorial 

Today, Starla is back to doing what she loves – running, traveling with her husband, enjoying her life – and she’s grateful for the care that helped get her there.  

“At Memorial, I was treated well. I was treated efficiently. And I was able to get back to my life.” 

Patients like Starla are a reminder that Lake Charles Memorial is more than just a local healthcare system – it's here for the community, helping our friends and neighbors live their best lives.  

If you’re living with back pain, numbness in your extremities, or limited mobility, you don’t have to accept it as the new normal. As Starla’s story shows, the right diagnosis and timely treatment can make a life-changing difference – helping you get back to your life quickly.  

Dr. Wolf and the neurosurgery team at Lake Charles Memorial are here to listen and create a personalized treatment plan that works best for you. To learn more about Dr. Wolf and neurosurgery services offered at Lake Charles Memorial, click here.