Thanks for your responses

[Guest guest]

Hi Connie...

There are a lot of outcome studies for the types of hardware that are in

use today. The studies are all specific to the type of surgery and the

vertebrae included in the fusion. When you see a surgeon, and they tell

you what type of hardware they intend to use, you should ask for copies

of any published studies that would pertain to you.

It is relatively common for patients to have problems above or below the

fusion. Again, you should ask your surgeon to talk about the chance of

that happening.

Good luck in your quest.

Regards,

[Guest guest]

I was first told about 2 doctors who were supposedly the best for this type

of surgery. Remember mine was revision surgery meaning they had to go in and

remove part of the hardware and replace it. A lot of top notch orthopaedic

surgeons don't do this and is considered a specialty. I live on Long Island

but had read an article about a surgeon down in Miami. I flew to Miami and

had seen him. I wasn' t so keen on having surgery so far from home and then

trying to get back home but I would have done it. However he referred me to

a surgeon in New York who he was confident could do my kind of surgery. I

made an appointment with him. Loved him and his office staff. They are so

kind and understanding but I went home and did some homework. Went to the

library and the internet. I researched everything this man had done. Where

he went to school, papers he published and also checked to see if he was ever

sued. There is a book at the library with information like that. I don't

remember what it is called. Next I researched the hospital. Found out the

hospital was listed as the number 2 hospital in the country. He is the head

of this department at the hospital. He is flown all over the world to do

complex spinal surgeries in underdeveloped countries.

I hope this helps. Like one of the messages from before. A positive

attitude will help tremendously. If this is what God has given me, I know I

can handle it. Look around you, there are so many worst diseases you can

have. Good luck.

[Guest guest]

Yes, my last and hopefully final surgery was with Dr. Boachie. I agree with

you. I have never met a more caring and understanding doctor and his staff

is wonderful. My first surgery was in a hospital on Long Island, won't

mention its name, but it was an absolute nightmare. When I was operated in

Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, it was like night and day. Can't

recommend enough.

[Guest guest]

I live on Long Island

However he referred me to

> a surgeon in New York who he was confident could do my kind of surgery. I

> made an appointment with him. Loved him and his office staff. They are

so

> kind and understanding but I went home and did some homework. Went to the

> library and the internet. I researched everything this man had done.

Where

> he went to school, papers he published and also checked to see if he was

ever

> sued. There is a book at the library with information like that. I don't

> remember what it is called. Next I researched the hospital. Found out

the

> hospital was listed as the number 2 hospital in the country. He is the

head

> of this department at the hospital. He is flown all over the world to do

> complex spinal surgeries in underdeveloped countries.

The doctor and hospital being described here are: Dr. Boachie, and Hospital

for Special Surgery. I've written about him here before, so I won't repeat

myself. He did my anterior/posterior surgery plus my revision a year later.

I can't recommend him highly enough--same with the hospital. When you said

you loved his office staff, I knew you had to be talking about Dr. B.! Did

you go ahead and have the surgery, L.I.?

D.

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all who responded to my first email. I really appreciate

the encouragement and information. My son has now been on Orapred

for three weeks. He is doing much better. He is swelling but I

understand this can be expected. I was wondering if anyone's child

has complained of his or her nose hurting? My son has seasonal

allerigies but he has never complained this much. I took him to see

his ENT today. He could not find any sores, etc. I do not know if

he is just so irritable because of the Orapred or what but he is

always fussing especially about his nose.

Thanks,

Christi (Logan - systemic,3)