Guest guest Posted August 4, 2003 Report Share Posted August 4, 2003 I can understand your concern and your desire to "distribute the load" more. It sounds as if your fusion begins somewhere fairly high in the thoracic region (T-something?) and ends way down at the end of your lumbar region, so that only L5-S1 remains unfused. Unfortunately, as someone else said, it is not possible to "unfuse" any fused spinal segments in such a way that they can resume their previous function. There are various surgical approaches that might help, and you may want to get an opinion from more than one revision surgeon (once you obtain a clear diagnosis of any specific problem or problems and know whether surgery is an option you may want to consider). Whether or not the rod is removed in the process of a revision procedure is probably not the most important factor. Once a fusion is solid, the Harrington rod per se is not the main concern. You might want to read up on the kind of surgery you had previously. I have found Neuwirth's scoliosis sourcebook especially clear and detailed in explaining several different spinal fusion procedures, including the old posterior fusion with Harrington rod instrumentation. Best, ---- Original Message ----- From: Judy Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2003 6:40 PM Subject: Re: surgery I don't believe it's possible. I think they destroy the facet joints that connect each level during fusion surgery. surgery I had a fusion and harrington rod in 1975 only leaving L5 unfused. I get some low pain but not really bad at this point. I was left with a 55 upper and 45 lower curve of which are both fused. Do anyone have any experience on removal of the rods and to unfuse the lower fusion to "save" the only moving L5 and distribute movement in the currently fused spine?Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2003 Report Share Posted September 10, 2003 From: " Tami Klumpyan " <tami@...> Reply-samters Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 21:16:07 -0500 Subject: surgery We've been talking so much about what we do to treat and try to prevent polyps from returning but haven't really talked about our actual surgeries that I can recall. Do your docs use the cotton or do they use something that dissolves after a few days. I've had it done both ways and prefer the dissolving stuff. Just curious what all surgeons do. How long is it till you are feeling ok to go back to work after surgery? It usually takes me 3 weeks to recover when they remove polyps from my frontal sinuses. Do any of your docs do lazer surgery or is it too dangerous because it's too close to the brain? I know the last time I had surgery I told my husband that he'll have to drag me in with chains before I do it again. They gave me something before surgery to keep me from throwing up but I was so sick afterward that I was wondering if it was the stuff they gave me. Any thoughts? Tami Boy, my thought is: I'm glad I've decided not to do surgery! To repeat myself: its a mechanical " solution " to a chemical problem. regards, Ken West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2003 Report Share Posted October 6, 2003 --Hi, I have been told that I have recurrences. They say they get it all. I always have had good luck as far as the surgeries go, although now as I look back it hits me, I have had 24 new sets of bones in my life time !! Have you had to do the ossicular reconstruction surgery also? I have not heard of this Canal Wall Down deal. What is it if I may ask? This c-toma is a problem you just can't share w/ many. Do you find that? I wish there had been something like this when I was a little kid. kimi - In cholesteatoma , psmorris@t... wrote: > Hi Kimi > > Have you had 25 recurrences or do you have a permanent ctoma condition? > The latter is the kind of situation I've been dealing with for the last > few years and it's basically due to the inability of the skin inside the > ears to migrate, which means it constantly forms ctoma and becomes embedded > in the bone inside the ear. I've previously had open cavity (canal wall > down) surgery so there is no problem accessing the ear - the surgeon has > been trying to manage the disease by monthly cleanings for the last two > years - though that can never eradicate it. The next stage for me (coming > next Monday) is to combine radical mastoidectomy with something even more > radical to take most of the skin and bone out of the ear and try and replace > it. Since you've gone through so many surgeries, I'm wondering if anything > more 'radical' hasn't been suggested to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Kimi, Thats great news!!!!Im hoping for the same outcome tomorrow for my son. (to be c-toma free) Good luck and a speedy recovery to you.... sincerely, Renonda (mom of ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Kimi, Yep, the waiting is the worst...Weve all been there...... Thanks Renonda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Kimi, Nice to hear a success story. Glad that you are c-toma free - may it always be so. ann.kimmie3_us <kimmie3_us@...> wrote: Hello !! I want to wish everyone good luck in their upcoming surgeries!! I want to say a giant THANK YOU to this group for all the support, info, & e-mails I have received since joining!! My surgery yesterday results yesterday were super & the best ever to date. My surgeon said it was nothing short of a miracle!!! When he went in he was literally amazed that I was c-toma free this time!!! The intent was a tympanoplasty w/ossicular reconstruction & a mastoidectomy. He went first into the ear canal & what he found was a mass that thru all testing prior to surgery indicated c-toma. NO C-TOMA!!!!!!!!!! It was just a huge mass that had started from a previous infection. I have had countless infections that I had been able to manage just w/ my family doctor. I blundered this time by not heading off to my specialist. My fault entirely. The mass was loaded w/ nasty infection, lots of blood & I guess loads of scar tissue. This had been all the discharge I had. So all the incisions are in the ear canal. My previous prothesis's were in great shape all but one & there is only a tiny bit of eroision on that one. Not bad enough to replace because it still is doing its job!!!!!!!!! The mass was attached to the eardrum. The surgeon said the eardrum was extra thick but all in all in good shape !! I can hear better already!!! So far just minimal drainage. I really feel pretty good. Some dizziness but not bad. Some swelling but I have had alot more in the past. The surgery was only 1 1/2 hrs. The best time ever for me!! But I want to say thank you to all the advice & encouagrment from you all! This is a great site indeed !!! My prayers are w/ you all facing surgeries & to all the families coping w/ c-toma & their loved ones. I would like to stay in the group....you are all great!!!Thanks buches!!kimi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 --- Renonda, Thank you & my thoughts & prayers will be w/ & your family !!!!!!!!! Its quite nerve wracking just waiting isn't it? Good Luck !!! kimi In cholesteatoma , nonnykay1@a... wrote: > Kimi, > Thats great news!!!!Im hoping for the same outcome tomorrow for my son. (to > be c-toma free) Good luck and a speedy recovery to you.... > sincerely, > Renonda > (mom of ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Hi There Kimi, Congratulations on your good operation results. I hope when I go in for my operation on the 12th november it won't be as bad as well. It's really good to hear that things have gone well in your operation. Now that there's no Ctoma hopefully you can continue with your reconstruction. Evie > > Hello !! > > I want to wish everyone good luck in their upcoming > surgeries!! > I want to say a giant THANK YOU to this group for all the > support, info, & e-mails I have received since joining!! > My surgery yesterday results yesterday were super & the best > ever to date. > My surgeon said it was nothing short of a miracle!!! When he > went in he was literally amazed that I was c-toma free this time!!! > The intent was a tympanoplasty w/ossicular reconstruction & > a mastoidectomy. > He went first into the ear canal & what he found was a mass > that thru all testing prior to surgery indicated c-toma. > NO C-TOMA!!!!!!!!!! It was just a huge mass that had started > from a previous infection. > I have had countless infections that I had been able to > manage just w/ my family doctor. > I blundered this time by not heading off to my specialist. > My fault entirely. > The mass was loaded w/ nasty infection, lots of blood & I > guess loads of scar tissue. > This had been all the discharge I had. So all the incisions > are in the ear canal. > My previous prothesis's were in great shape all but one & > there is only a tiny bit of eroision on that one. Not bad enough to > replace because it still is doing its job!!!!!!!!! > The mass was attached to the eardrum. The surgeon said the > eardrum was extra thick but all in all in good shape !! > I can hear better already!!! So far just minimal drainage. I > really feel pretty good. Some dizziness but not bad. Some swelling > but I have had alot more in the past. > The surgery was only 1 1/2 hrs. The best time ever for me!! > But I want to say thank you to all the advice & encouagrment from > you all! This is a great site indeed !!! > My prayers are w/ you all facing surgeries & to all the > families coping w/ c-toma & their loved ones. > I would like to stay in the group....you are all great!!! > > Thanks buches!! > > kimi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2003 Report Share Posted October 29, 2003 ---Evie, Thank you & my hopes are you will have great results also !!!!!!! My thoughts & prayers will be w/ you !! kimi In cholesteatoma , " Evie " <naste_eves@y...> wrote: > Hi There Kimi, > Congratulations on your good operation results. I hope when I go in > for my operation on the 12th november it won't be as bad as well. > It's really good to hear that things have gone well in your > operation. Now that there's no Ctoma hopefully you can continue with > your reconstruction. > Evie > > > > > Hello !! > > > > I want to wish everyone good luck in their upcoming > > surgeries!! > > I want to say a giant THANK YOU to this group for all the > > support, info, & e-mails I have received since joining!! > > My surgery yesterday results yesterday were super & the > best > > ever to date. > > My surgeon said it was nothing short of a miracle!!! When > he > > went in he was literally amazed that I was c-toma free this time!!! > > The intent was a tympanoplasty w/ossicular reconstruction > & > > a mastoidectomy. > > He went first into the ear canal & what he found was a > mass > > that thru all testing prior to surgery indicated c-toma. > > NO C-TOMA!!!!!!!!!! It was just a huge mass that had > started > > from a previous infection. > > I have had countless infections that I had been able to > > manage just w/ my family doctor. > > I blundered this time by not heading off to my specialist. > > My fault entirely. > > The mass was loaded w/ nasty infection, lots of blood & I > > guess loads of scar tissue. > > This had been all the discharge I had. So all the > incisions > > are in the ear canal. > > My previous prothesis's were in great shape all but one & > > there is only a tiny bit of eroision on that one. Not bad enough > to > > replace because it still is doing its job!!!!!!!!! > > The mass was attached to the eardrum. The surgeon said the > > eardrum was extra thick but all in all in good shape !! > > I can hear better already!!! So far just minimal drainage. > I > > really feel pretty good. Some dizziness but not bad. Some swelling > > but I have had alot more in the past. > > The surgery was only 1 1/2 hrs. The best time ever for > me!! > > But I want to say thank you to all the advice & encouagrment from > > you all! This is a great site indeed !!! > > My prayers are w/ you all facing surgeries & to all the > > families coping w/ c-toma & their loved ones. > > I would like to stay in the group....you are all great!!! > > > > Thanks buches!! > > > > kimi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2003 Report Share Posted December 1, 2003 Betty, I, personally, have not used this man, but know of many *exotic* dancers who have...his name is Tucker in Charlotte. Maybe give him a call and see? Also, I'm not sure of this, but have heard we should wait one full year after the weight loss slows almost completely before having PS. I could be wrong. Best wishes and I hope you find work soon! Patty H 8/25/03 Stsvl 5'4 " , 253/215/??? >From: " Betty " <Betty@...> >Reply- >< > >Subject: Surgery >Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2003 09:38:27 -0500 > >Hi All, > >Just came in to pick a few knowledgeable brains. I will probably be out of >a job due to a merger in March 2004. My surgery was August 2003. Will it >be too early to have a tummy tuck in say February? I have to use insurance >for this procedure since I wiped out my regular savings for the MGB and my >insurance will be gone after March. > >Also does anyone know a SUPER PS in the Statesville, Charlotte, >Winston-Salem area that takes insurance? > >Betty >8/18/03 > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Gift-shop online from the comfort of home at MSN Shopping! No crowds, free parking. http://shopping.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2003 Report Share Posted December 1, 2003 Betty, I am having a lower body lift on Dec 17th in Charlotte with Dr. ph Hunstad. He DOES take insurance....they are paying for mine. He has done a lot of PS on WLS patients and is very kind and seems very knowledgeable. Give him a call....hope it all works out for you! Hugs, C from VA 12/20/01 375/162 Surgery > Hi All, > > Just came in to pick a few knowledgeable brains. I will probably be out of > a job due to a merger in March 2004. My surgery was August 2003. Will it > be too early to have a tummy tuck in say February? I have to use insurance > for this procedure since I wiped out my regular savings for the MGB and my > insurance will be gone after March. > > Also does anyone know a SUPER PS in the Statesville, Charlotte, > Winston-Salem area that takes insurance? > > Betty > 8/18/03 > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2003 Report Share Posted December 2, 2003 Betty, during the clinics in High Point, a plastic surgery group usually speaks, it's Piedmont Plastic surgery (I think) Debbie in the office would know. I'm sure they take insurance if it's approved. They have a great reputation and their costs are a little lower as they don't do it at the hospital, they have their own operating room. Dr. Virgil is one name, possibly Dr. Reid is the other. High Point is only 2o mins from Winston. Barb Dudley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2003 Report Share Posted December 2, 2003 Betty you should be able to continue on your insurance by using COBRA. That is what I am currently doing. You have 18 months. You have to pay the monthly charge for the insurance but it's a lot better than not having the insurance. Especially after surgery. gretchen ************************ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2004 Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 Hi and welcome to the group ....... I totally agree, I was diagnosed with " A " in June of last year and had lap surgery in August and things have worked out great for me. Is your name Jen? Calgary, Canada jenmunoz2000 wrote: > Hi I am new and I really edentify with everyone. > > I was diagnosed with Achalasia in Oct of 2002 and had Lap surgery in > Feb 2003. Turned out great! Wanted to let anyone who is delaying > surgery know I think it is easier to do it right away and not wait > until you are really weak. > > Anyone in Ohio out there? > > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2004 Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 Welcome to our group! I’m glad to hear that your surgery was so successful. I agree that having surgery is best not being delayed, but also from the standpoint that hopefully the results from the surgery will be longer lasting. How long did you have your symptoms before being diagnosed? I started having my first symptoms in May of 1995, and had my surgery in May of 2002. I believe my surgery has been very successful, but I still require a lot of water to help push the food through. Welcome again, and Happy New Year! Holt- surgery Hi I am new and I really edentify with everyone. I was diagnosed with Achalasia in Oct of 2002 and had Lap surgery in Feb 2003. Turned out great! Wanted to let anyone who is delaying surgery know I think it is easier to do it right away and not wait until you are really weak. Anyone in Ohio out there? Groups Links · To visit your group on the web, go to: achalasia/ · Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2004 Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 Hi again, My name is Jenifer. I am so happy to have people to talk to about this. My first symptoms appeared in the summer of 2001. It started as a specific pain in my chest when I swallowed. Then a couple months later I was standing in line at a store and I had a really bad spasm. I didn't know what was happening so I told my husband I thought I may be having a heart attack even though I am just in my early 30's. By the time we got on the road it felt better and I told him to go home. Soon the spasms were frequent and harder and harder to eat. My family doctor said I was having spasms and it was probably caused by reflux. I didn't think so but I took the medicine any way. Obviously that didn't work. Saw a few GI's then went to the Cleveland Clinic. He diagnosed me with Achalasia in Oct of 2002. So I had symptoms approx 1 year before diagnosis. He wanted to do balloon procedure. Did some research and decided on surgery instead. I had operation at OSU hospital Feb 2003. So far so good. Maybe get spasm once a month and when I eat something like doughnuts or pizza need liquid to help wash down. Other than that I don't even think about it much, amazing because before surgery it controlled my life. I would love to keep in touch with some people in case I ever have any questions or just even to vent to someone who under- stands. Jenifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2004 Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 Welcome to the group . I had lap surgery which included the myotomy and Dor funduplication in 1999 and still doing well. I was diagnosed in ApriI of 1999 and had the surgery in November 1999....so I agree the surgery works well if you do not linger and probably more importantly have a qualified surgeon to do the job. I too drink water or milk with meals too. Usually one glass does it for me. I have the odd spasm only once in a while and handle it well with Gaviscon. Hope all continues to go well for you . All the best in 2004 to you and all fellow achalasians. , Vancouver Canada re:surgery Hi again,My name is Jenifer. I am so happy to have people to talk to about this. My first symptoms appeared in the summer of 2001. It started as aspecific pain in my chest when I swallowed. Then a couplemonths later I was standing in line at a store and I had areally bad spasm. I didn't know what was happening so I toldmy husband I thought I may be having a heart attack even though Iam just in my early 30's. By the time we got on the road itfelt better and I told him to go home.Soon the spasms were frequent and harder and harder to eat. My family doctor said I was having spasms and it was probablycaused by reflux. I didn't think so but I took the medicine anyway. Obviously that didn't work. Saw a few GI's then went tothe Cleveland Clinic. He diagnosed me with Achalasia in Oct of2002. So I had symptoms approx 1 year before diagnosis. Hewanted to do balloon procedure. Did some research and decidedon surgery instead. I had operation at OSU hospital Feb 2003.So far so good. Maybe get spasm once a month and when I eatsomething like doughnuts or pizza need liquid to help wash down.Other than that I don't even think about it much, amazing becausebefore surgery it controlled my life.I would love to keep in touch with some people in case I everhave any questions or just even to vent to someone who under-stands.Jenifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2004 Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 Hi Jen, I am curious as to where in Ohio you are from. I use to live in Mansfield but am in Texas now. I also have achalasia. I was diagnosed in July of 2003, had surgery Aug., 2003 and am scheduled to have a balloon dialation on Jan. 19, 2004. Not sure I want to have this done. I had hoped the surgery would correct it all. And yes I know I will have achalasia the rest of my life I just meant I had hoped it would get better. It did for a short time but getting worse again. I throw up alot again. Blessings, Ann -- surgery Hi I am new and I really edentify with everyone.I was diagnosed with Achalasia in Oct of 2002 and had Lap surgery in Feb 2003. Turned out great! Wanted to let anyone who is delaying surgery know I think it is easier to do it right away and not wait until you are really weak.Anyone in Ohio out there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 2, 2004 Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 > > Hi Jen, I am curious as to where in Ohio you are from. I use to live in > Mansfield but am in Texas now. I also have achalasia. I was diagnosed in > July of 2003, had surgery Aug., 2003 and am scheduled to have a balloon > dialation on Jan. 19, 2004. Not sure I want to have this done. I had hoped > the surgery would correct it all. And yes I know I will have achalasia the > rest of my life I just meant I had hoped it would get better. It did for a > short time but getting worse again. I throw up alot again. > Blessings, Ann > -- surgery > > Hi I am new and I really edentify with everyone. > > I was diagnosed with Achalasia in Oct of 2002 and had Lap surgery in > Feb 2003. Turned out great! Wanted to let anyone who is delaying > surgery know I think it is easier to do it right away and not wait > until you are really weak. > > Anyone in Ohio out there? > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2004 Report Share Posted January 3, 2004 Hi, Glad to hear your surgery has been so successful. I am originally from Columbus, Ohio, and now reside in Northern Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. If you don't mind my asking, where did you have your surgery done, and what is the surgeons name? Jan from Northern KY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2004 Report Share Posted January 3, 2004 hi...i'm from mansfield ohio...where are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2004 Report Share Posted January 3, 2004 By the way, Jenifer, I saw in some of your other posts that you live in Westerville, Ohio. Amazingly, I grew up in Westerville and graduated from W. High School in 1971. I'm sure it has changed tremendously and is not the same small cozy community I remember! Thanks for passing on your doctor's name. Jan in NKY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2004 Report Share Posted January 3, 2004 > Hi, > Glad to hear your surgery has been so successful. > I am originally from Columbus, Ohio, and now reside in Northern Kentucky, > just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. > If you don't mind my asking, where did you have your surgery done, and what > is the surgeons name? > Jan from Northern KY. Hi, I had my surgery at Ohio State University Hospital. My Surgeons name is Melvin. Didn't really care for the hospital room etc. but my doctors were awesome. Jenifer from Ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2004 Report Share Posted January 4, 2004 > hi...i'm from mansfield ohio...where are you? I'm originally from Columbus, Ohio. Have lived in Westerville (suburb of Columbus) for 3 years now. Where are you? Jenifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2004 Report Share Posted January 4, 2004 > By the way, Jenifer, I saw in some of your other posts that you live in > Westerville, Ohio. > Amazingly, I grew up in Westerville and graduated from W. High School in 1971. > I'm sure it has changed tremendously and is not the same small cozy community > I remember! > Thanks for passing on your doctor's name. > Jan in NKY Jan, Westerville has grown a lot. Now has 3 high schools. It is very large but still has that close feel of community. Good luck! Jenifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.