Guest guest Posted March 20, 2002 Report Share Posted March 20, 2002 Hi Jan, I take T3 (tertroxin). Like you thyroid was within normal. I had symptoms of low thyroid and my mother has hypoparathyroidism, which led me to think it was worth trying. AS for the progesterone cream. I use this for PMS and it is really good. Symptoms suggested low progesterone - no tests done. I read the book called " what your dr won't tell you about menopause, " which was very informative about hormones, HRT and progesterone cream. It took about two weeks for me to feel the benefit of the T3. Good luck with it. Regards, Jan in Oz --- banitnit <skyqtee@...> wrote: > > > This maybe for the Ladies but if any of the men on > this board > has any info please reply. > > Is anyone on thyroid meds natural or synthetic and > is > anyone using progesterone cream? My TSH was one > point above > the range and my T3 was a little low but still > within the range. > My estrogen was a little high and progesterone low. > I'd like to > hear from anyone who sort of has tis profile. > Thanks > -Jan > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2004 Report Share Posted November 26, 2004 Dear Dianne, I am fused to S1 (from T6) since 94 and had revision surgery w/Dr. LaGrone, Amarillo in 99. My CD rods were removed during revision. I recovered relatively quickly I think because I had a great physical therapy program and I was in good physical and mental shape - and I was much more informed than in 94. Five years later, I have had residual muscle and nerve pain and take neurotin and oxycontin. I have botox shots every 3 months for deep muscle pain and I wear lidocaine patches which I find to be the most helpful for daytime maintenance. I've kept the oxycontin at 10 mg twice a day; just enough keep the pain level at 2-3. I don't want to sleep through my days. I want to stay active and involved in life. As w/most others, I don't bend, twist or lift. I was told that the only reason I could bend after my fusion in 94 was because of the fracture between L4 and L5. Exercise, particularly walking, is essential. If I stop walking and get lazy about exercising, my back hurts. It's that simple. I have to keep moving. I am now walking on a treadmill 30 minutes a day and doing light weights three times a week to strengthen my back and stomach muscles. I'm spending the extra $ on a personal trainer to make sure I'm doing the exercise machines properly and that I don't re-injure my back in some way. I'm not at all sure that I didn't inadvertently cause the problem that led to the revision in 99 while exercising. I think every person's perception and experience of pain after revision surgery is individual. What bothers one person may not bother another at all. Some people seem to have very little pain after surgery, and some of us have quite a bit. I don't regret having the surgery. I don't think my other option was a good one - to have my spine continue to bend? No, I decided I would have the bending stopped and corrected. I was going to have pain regardless of the choice or decision I made. And I had an good surgeon with an excellent reputation. This was just my situation and my decision. Each of us has to weigh the pros and cons based on my individual circumstances. This is really an exciting time for you - your back is like new! You will probably be able to do things you haven't been able to do in years so I hope you will let yourself enjoy the good things that are coming out of having had this surgery. I hope you will feel stronger every day and find the techniques that work for you to continue your recovery - for example, exercise, medicines, massage, hot tub, etc. ...take good care, Jennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2004 Report Share Posted November 26, 2004 Dianne, For both of my surgeries, I was told that I could live pretty much a normal life at 6 months and my fusion would be (mostly) solid at 1 year. There is some fusion continuing after that, but for all practical purposes, 1 year is the mark. My second fusion was A/P and was the one that I had PT for. I had the same " walking " advice as you have. The anterior part gave me more trouble in the first few months than I thought, but I don't think about it anymore. Right now, I'm approaching 3 years after being fused to S1. My biggest concern is my muscles. I'm supposed to do my exercises for the rest of my life but I get lazy and don't do them like I should (right now, for instance). I usually get achey (sp?) and occasionally it just plain hurts. Starting the exercises gets me back to where it doesn't hurt at all until I get lazy again. I am on Darvocet (just about the strongest stuff that my doctors want me to have) perhaps once a day, 2-3 days a week. Does this help? > ... > I'm just over four months post > revision and will be seeing the doc in a couple of weeks and was > wondering what lies ahead. I would love to hear from anyone that's > had revision and what it was like for them at this stage of the game > and further on. Anyone, not just Rand patients. So far I've been > told by the doc to keep activity to a minimum and walk as often as I > can. No bending, twisting, stretching or lifting anything over 8 > pounds. I wear the fusion stimulator four hours per day and was told > that I'm to continue this for another four months. When are we told > we're actually healed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2004 Report Share Posted November 26, 2004 Dear Dianne, I am almost two years post- op fused T-2 to the sacrum. I was told it takes six months to recover from the surgery and a year for the fusions to be solid. Sounds like your doc has told you pretty much how things should be while you recover. I was braced for six months. I resumed pretty much everything, except that I can't bend or twist. Some people in the group can bend but I can't, I think this is because how high and low I'm fused and all the hardware I have. I felt better at six months post-op than I had since I was a teenager. I have never regreted the surgery, I feel as though I got my life back. I'm pain free, and can walk where ever I want, and the thing that surprised me most is how much better I look. Plus being two and a half inches taller is cool. If you have any detailed questions that I could answer just let me know, and good luck with your recovery! Colorado Springs Anyone? Hi All, I'm a little disappointed at the lack of responses I've rec'd from my last posting, " What's Next? " . I'm just over four months post revision and will be seeing the doc in a couple of weeks and was wondering what lies ahead. I would love to hear from anyone that's had revision and what it was like for them at this stage of the game and further on. Anyone, not just Rand patients. So far I've been told by the doc to keep activity to a minimum and walk as often as I can. No bending, twisting, stretching or lifting anything over 8 pounds. I wear the fusion stimulator four hours per day and was told that I'm to continue this for another four months. When are we told we're actually healed? My original scolio surgery was followed by eight months in a body cast, so I've just have been assuming that's how long it will take for this fusion to really set up. Generally speaking of course, I know we all heal differently, especially now that we're all a little older, ahem. Happy Thanksgiving all! Dianne in RI 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 November 26, 2004 Report Share Posted November 26, 2004 Hi , Yes, your response helps alot, thanks so much. I feel like I'm approaching a gray area ahead and hearing others' experiences is very interesting and enlightening. I know that people have posted their post-revision experiences before, but you know how it is; you tend to pay more attention to what deals with and relates to what you're going through at the time (with exceptions, of course). Maybe this is why I don't seem to remember many posts that talk a whole lot about several months or years after surgery. I start to wonder if this is because when revision is successful people move on and away from this board, when it's not they may not want to paint a grim future for already frantic sufferers debating and redebating the " to go under the knife or hang on as is " question. For example, I'd love to know why has had so many revisions, what happened there? I've never seen her surgery history in detail as far as the re-revisions, though I've only been reading this board for a year. I hope this isn't construed as a complaint, again, I'm merely curious and want to know what can happen both positive and negative. (I did try to query 's surgeries, but boards are a quagmire!) Anyway , thanks again for your post. A few questions though; were you able to return to work full time? Did you have to make adjustments to do so? What kind of exercises were you referring to, could you give me some examples? Oh, and by the way, I completely relate to falling off the exercise wagon, I really have to push myself to walk and sometimes backslide for weeks at a time! All my best, Dianne > > Dianne, > > For both of my surgeries, I was told that I could live pretty > much a normal life at 6 months and my fusion would be (mostly) solid > at 1 year. There is some fusion continuing after that, but for all > practical purposes, 1 year is the mark. My second fusion was A/P > and was the one that I had PT for. I had the same " walking " advice > as you have. The anterior part gave me more trouble in the first > few months than I thought, but I don't think about it anymore. > > Right now, I'm approaching 3 years after being fused to S1. My > biggest concern is my muscles. I'm supposed to do my exercises for > the rest of my life but I get lazy and don't do them like I should > (right now, for instance). I usually get achey (sp?) and > occasionally it just plain hurts. Starting the exercises gets me > back to where it doesn't hurt at all until I get lazy again. I am > on Darvocet (just about the strongest stuff that my doctors want me > to have) perhaps once a day, 2-3 days a week. > > Does this help? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2004 Report Share Posted November 26, 2004 Hi , Wow, what a postive outcome, I'm so happy for you! It's what I'm anticipating for myself and knowing how well you're doing really makes me feel that much easier in my mind. I was getting discouraged with the fact that some people seem to go off pain meds pretty quickly whereas I still need them more than I'd like, but it seems I'm just getting ahead of myself. Are you able to work full time? Can you sit for extended periods on a full time basis? All my best, Dianne > Dear Dianne, > > I am almost two years post- op fused T-2 to the sacrum. I was told it takes six months to recover from the surgery and a year for the fusions to be solid. Sounds like your doc has told you pretty much how things should be while you recover. I was braced for six months. I resumed pretty much everything, except that I can't bend or twist. Some people in the group can bend but I can't, I think this is because how high and low I'm fused and all the hardware I have. I felt better at six months post-op than I had since I was a teenager. I have never regreted the surgery, I feel as though I got my life back. I'm pain free, and can walk where ever I want, and the thing that surprised me most is how much better I look. Plus being two and a half inches taller is cool. If you have any detailed questions that I could answer just let me know, and good luck with your recovery! > > > Colorado Springs > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2004 Report Share Posted November 26, 2004 At 03:46 AM 11/27/2004 +0000, you wrote: > Right now, I'm approaching 3 years after being fused to S1. My >biggest concern is my muscles. I'm supposed to do my exercises for >the rest of my life but I get lazy and don't do them like I should >(right now, for instance). Are you talking about exercises the PT gave you? I wasn't given any exercises after my follow-up appt. I had PT between surgeries with UC Med Center, but no PT ordered after surgery at Kaiser, so I 'm beginning to think all the doctors say different things. in Oakland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2004 Report Share Posted November 28, 2004 Dianne, I'm not a good one to base immediate post- revision recovery on since I seem to be the only one of the Feisties that was on total bedrest for the first 3 1/2 months after my surgery. I can tell you that even now (4 1/2 years post-revision) I continue to do " exercises " to re-condition muscles that were traumatized from surgery...but the " exercise " I do is hardly what would be called physical therapy in the true medical sense of the term. My exercise routine includes walking our dog, carrying laundry up and down stairs, carrying groceries to the house from the car, running the vacuum sweeper through our split-foyer, 4 bedroom home..catch my drift here??!! I was very cautious during my first year of recovery because we weren't sure that all of my hardware was going to stay-put; so we gave the fusion mass (T10 to sacrum) time to solidify. My surgeon told me that after a year the integrity of the bone mass should be solid enough to hold the hardware in place. I still have one screw that gives me fits, mostly because it's so close to the surface of the skin. But other than that, I'm still of the school of thought that a fusion mass is considered solid after one year. My guess is that your surgeon will step up your therapy, be it conventional P.T. with a therapist or he'll give you some strengthening exercises you can do at home. Be kind to yourself though, Dianne!! Don't push it...especially now at holiday time. We all tend to put too much pressure on ourselves this time of year and anyone who is less than one year post-revision should TAKE CARE NOT TO DO TOO MUCH!! As hard as it might be to put the brakes on, you'll be glad that you did. Someone else said this but it's worth repeating...WE ARE NOT AS YOUNG AS WE WERE WHEN WE HAD OUR ORIGINAL SCOLIOSIS FUSIONS!! And believe me when I tell you...if you over-do it you'll regret it!! These revision procedures we put ourselves (and our families!) through are pretty rough and the recovery takes some time. Even at 4 yrs post-revision, I can tell when I've done too much...my throbbing legs are my first clue! And from there the pain just works it way up until I have no choice but to lie down for a while. Just yesterday I went to our mall for a few hours and by the time I got home it was all could do to get myself out of the car, pop a couple OxyIR's and get into my vibrating Lazy-Boy with my heating pad!! Enjoy this holiday season...just don't over-do it! And keep the heating pad handy! All the best, Beth A -------------- Original message -------------- > > > Dianne, > > For both of my surgeries, I was told that I could live pretty > much a normal life at 6 months and my fusion would be (mostly) solid > at 1 year. There is some fusion continuing after that, but for all > practical purposes, 1 year is the mark. My second fusion was A/P > and was the one that I had PT for. I had the same " walking " advice > as you have. The anterior part gave me more trouble in the first > few months than I thought, but I don't think about it anymore. > > Right now, I'm approaching 3 years after being fused to S1. My > biggest concern is my muscles. I'm supposed to do my exercises for > the rest of my life but I get lazy and don't do them like I should > (right now, for instance). I usually get achey (sp?) and > occasionally it just plain hurts. Starting the exercises gets me > back to where it doesn't hurt at all until I get lazy again. I am > on Darvocet (just about the strongest stuff that my doctors want me > to have) perhaps once a day, 2-3 days a week. > > Does this help? > > > > > > ... > > I'm just over four months post > > revision and will be seeing the doc in a couple of weeks and was > > wondering what lies ahead. I would love to hear from anyone that's > > had revision and what it was like for them at this stage of the > game > > and further on. Anyone, not just Rand patients. So far I've been > > told by the doc to keep activity to a minimum and walk as often as > I > > can. No bending, twisting, stretching or lifting anything over 8 > > pounds. I wear the fusion stimulator four hours per day and was > told > > that I'm to continue this for another four months. When are we > told > > we're actually healed? > > > > > > > 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 November 28, 2004 Report Share Posted November 28, 2004 At 07:43 PM 11/28/2004 +0000, you wrote: >Like you, I believe that different doctors say different things, but >also because different surgeries require different types of >recovery. (I believe that when I still had L4-S1 unfused, I could >stretch and bend enough that the stuff I *should* be doing daily >wasn't an issue. I don't want to speak for the docs, though.) > > I, too, couldn't even put on my socks with the hardware/fusions to S1. But now that the hardware is out, I can. I have a lot more movement. So some day, if you get the hardware removed, you may still get more mobility. My doc said it was the hardware, not the fusions, that limited my mobility. Plus the Yoga helps! Did a headstand last week, using 2 chairs with arms (head not on floor)! Amazing! But I'll still have to have the fusion that didnt fuse fixed--it causes me such pain! in Oakland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 29, 2004 Report Share Posted November 29, 2004 Hi Dianne, I was able to work fulltime after both surgeries. I was out of work for 3 months (1st fusion) and 7 months (2nd fusion). I am a programmer, though, which involves a lot of sitting. Talking about exercises, remember that your doctor and/or PT folks are the ones to ask for this advice, but I can tell you that I was given modified stomach crunches (not situps), wall slides, a few forms of leg lifts, bridging, quad and hamstring stretches, and a few others. I also do some upper body work with light weights. Stationary cycling is good and walking is the best. (I am not advising that others do exercises that I was given. Check with your doctor/PT for exercises that are for your own situation.) As a side issue, my wife and I went on the South Beach diet this past February. I lost about 25 pounds and have regained 7 (business trip to CA :-). I want to go back to the beginning in order to lose around 13 pounds. This should take a lot of pressure off my back and other joints. (I tend to snack when under work pressure. We'll see if I can get good eating habits.) Having your spine fused is major surgery, as you well know. Amongst us, though, there are more complex cases than others. is one of those. There are others on this site that whose situation is more complex than the usual fusion, but I'd like to believe that they are rare in the overall population. Because we are members of a support group, we see a greater percentage than you might see elsewhere. You can probably gleen 's history elsewhere in the site archives. I don't know it offhand. (My own feelings on this, but if you've had more than spinal procedures, you're in the " complex " catagory.) > > I start to wonder if this is > because when revision is successful people move on and away from > this board, when it's not they may not want to paint a grim future > for already frantic sufferers debating and > redebating the " to go under the knife or hang on as is " question. > For example, I'd love to know why has > had so many revisions, what happened there? I've never seen her > surgery history in detail as far as the re-revisions, though I've > only been reading this board for a year. I hope this isn't construed > as a complaint, again, I'm merely curious and want to know what can > happen both positive and negative. (I did try to query 's > surgeries, but boards are a quagmire!) > Anyway , thanks again for your post. A few questions though; > were you able to return to work full time? Did you have to make > adjustments to do so? What kind of exercises > were you referring to, could you give me some examples? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 30, 2004 Report Share Posted November 30, 2004 Hi Diane I'm not sure why a fracture, but I was told that a fracture between L4 and L5 was the reason I needed a revision. The fusion was good at one and two years so in trying to figure out what happened, I thought it might have had something to do w/the type of exercise I did which was high impact aerobics, weight machines and jogging. I don't know if I used the machines properly or not - I didn't have any physical therapy or rehab after the first surgery, and the surgeon said I could do anything I felt like I could do - Dr. LG said pretty much the same thing, so I think that's pretty standard. Your experience could be completely different from mine, and I hope you'll ask as many questions as possible about what you can and can't do post surgery. And if you don't get an answer, ask again! I'm 57 so my original surgery was at 47, so I was older than you are now. I returned to work within two months part-time, and after 2-3 more weeks, full-time. After revision surgery, I was retired, so that was a different experience, but I recouped even faster than from the first surgery. I attribute that to being better prepared physically and mentally. Although my scoliosis was diagnosis was at age 13, it was considered a " mild " curvature so surgery wasn't mentioned - it was 26 degrees. It worsened over the years to 46 degrees at age 47 - that is the # of degrees at which surgery is recommended (this may have changed now that techniques have become so much less invasive). I was on meds after revision surgery during the recovery period - Vicodin and Skelaxin, and then I dropped the Vicodin and took only Skelaxin and Celebrex and OTC meds which continued for a few years. Meanwhile, I had retired early from the state - medical retirement - and in 2000, I went on SSD. Gradually, the muscles and nerves in my back grew more painful - a condition that has been mentioned frequently on the board. I avoided narcotics as long as possible not because I have any fears of them or anything against using them, but because I'm sensitive to drugs and didn't want to take anything that would put me to sleep and affect my quality of life. But finally the pain was too much. I didn't feel like getting together w/friends, walking for exercise, going out w/my husband - doing any of the things that made life worthwhile - so I knew something had to be done. I went to a pain mgmt specialist and ended up my present pain regimen: oxycontin 10 mg. 2x day neurontin 2 300 mg 2x day lidocaine patches .05 % and now I'm going to a gym and walking a 20 min. mile on the treadmill at 3.1 mph. I'm doing an ex ercise program w/weights - 5 lbs at this point hoping that this isn't too much for my back. Although I have chronic pain problems I don't regret having revision surgery. I was going to be in pain regardless. The muscle/nerve pain is just a problem I have to manage. And I'm happy just to have it managed on as small amount of meds as possible for as long as possible. I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to be able to go back to work after a reasonable recovery period (what's reasonable for you will depend on many things, including what your doctor has to say and how you feel) - my job after my first surgery was a sitting job (most of the time - I was a trainer/curriculum developer) so my employer bought me a very nice chair. It's important to sit in the chair yourself to select it - after your surgery because your back may change between now and then so what feels good now may change. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need because it's to your employer's benefit to help you be and stay on the job - and yours, too. Well, I talk too much, but if I helped at all, then it's worth it. Take good care, and I'm glad so many people responded. If you have any more questions, please let me know. Jennie Hi Jennie, Thanks so much for your post and info, I really appreciate it. I have so many questions, though! First, I'm really taken aback that you had revision so soon after your original surgery, what happened a there? Was the fracture the reason you had to have revision, is that what you were referring to when you mentioned using the exercise machines properly? Also, I hope you don't mind me asking, but how old are you? I ask because of the date of your original surgery and if you had the initial surgery as an older person (I'm 44, had original at 17), or if you're a young'un that needed revision for reasons other than the long term effects of harrington rod type extension rods. Not that it matters as far as how you're doing post revision, just interested. Also, just a clarification here, were you painfree after your revision UNTIL five years later and then you had to go back on pain meds? Are you able to work full time and if so, do you require any special considerations or conditions? I've been asking this question often because I'm worried about endurance levels; if I'll be able to carry off a full-time job and if others are able to. I do office type work that requires alot of sitting. Before my back became unbearable I had to get up and walk regularly, and even then more than four hours was pushing it pain and stiffness wise. I'm so glad to hear you're happy with your decsion and doing well. All my best, Dianne > Dear Dianne, > > I am fused to S1 (from T6) since 94 and had revision surgery w/Dr. LaGrone, > Amarillo in 99. My CD rods were removed during revision. I recovered > relatively quickly I think because I had a great physical therapy program and I was > in good physical and mental shape - and I was much more informed than in 94. > > Five years later, I have had residual muscle and nerve pain and take > neurotin and oxycontin. I have botox shots every 3 months for deep muscle pain and > I wear lidocaine patches which I find to be the most helpful for daytime > maintenance. I've kept the oxycontin at 10 mg twice a day; just enough keep the > pain level at 2-3. I don't want to sleep through my days. I want to stay > active and involved in life. As w/most others, I don't bend, twist or lift. I was > told that the only reason I could bend after my fusion in 94 was because of > the fracture between L4 and L5. > > Exercise, particularly walking, is essential. If I stop walking and get lazy > about exercising, my back hurts. It's that simple. I have to keep moving. I > am now walking on a treadmill 30 minutes a day and doing light weights three > times a week to strengthen my back and stomach muscles. I'm spending the extra > $ on a personal trainer to make sure I'm doing the exercise machines > properly and that I don't re-injure my back in some way. I'm not at all sure that I > didn't inadvertently cause the problem that led to the revision in 99 while > exercising. > > I think every person's perception and experience of pain after revision > surgery is individual. What bothers one person may not bother another at all. > Some people seem to have very little pain after surgery, and some of us have > quite a bit. I don't regret having the surgery. I don't think my other option > was a good one - to have my spine continue to bend? No, I decided I would have > the bending stopped and corrected. I was going to have pain regardless of the > choice or decision I made. And I had an good surgeon with an excellent > reputation. This was just my situation and my decision. Each of us has to weigh > the pros and cons based on my individual circumstances. > > This is really an exciting time for you - your back is like new! You will > probably be able to do things you haven't been able to do in years so I hope you > will let yourself enjoy the good things that are coming out of having had > this surgery. I hope you will feel stronger every day and find the techniques > that work for you to continue your recovery - for example, exercise, > medicines, massage, hot tub, etc. ...take good care, Jennie > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Dianne, Jennie, et al -- (A thought while proofing the following post: I must become less chatty and more succinct. I wonder if both legs are " asleep " at this point . . . ) I see I am reaching my limit as to how long I can sit -- actually semi-recline -- with my laptop (one of the heavier models) in my lap. Am still looking for some kind of rolling " stand " for notebook PCs which I saw advertised in a Sunday supplement from Office Max. I would love to reply in detail to all the interesting posts here; for now, let me just chime in on the " age " discussion and remind everyone that I was born in 1949. I had two revisions (technically, one two-part revision) in 2001, and four more (including emergency repair of a stress fracture at T-10) in 2004. I am in good general health and found the operations in my 50s easier than my initial fusion at age 13. Just one qualifying comment, though: I have (reportedly)had two post- op deliriums (deliria?), and I am not the only such case I have heard about. Each occurred when I needed very lengthy surgery which was performed in two installments separated by about one week -- i.e., following the second eight or ten hours of anesthesia. I'm not quite sure which was worse -- being sick to my stomach in 1961, or out of my head some forty years later. Of course I have total amnesia for the delirious times, but it is a little unnerving to hear how loopy you were from various bystanders. Antibiotics, like anesthetics, have presumably become more plentiful and powerful since my youth. Thus, this past year, I also had the fun of discovering that I am wildly allergic to vancomycin. :-) > > Dear Dianne, > > > > I am fused to S1 (from T6) since 94 and had revision surgery > w/Dr. LaGrone, > > Amarillo in 99. My CD rods were removed during revision. I > recovered > > relatively quickly I think because I had a great physical therapy > program and I was > > in good physical and mental shape - and I was much more informed > than in 94. > > > > Five years later, I have had residual muscle and nerve pain and > take > > neurotin and oxycontin. I have botox shots every 3 months for > deep muscle pain and > > I wear lidocaine patches which I find to be the most helpful for > daytime > > maintenance. I've kept the oxycontin at 10 mg twice a day; just > enough keep the > > pain level at 2-3. I don't want to sleep through my days. I want > to stay > > active and involved in life. As w/most others, I don't bend, > twist or lift. I was > > told that the only reason I could bend after my fusion in 94 was > because of > > the fracture between L4 and L5. > > > > Exercise, particularly walking, is essential. If I stop walking > and get lazy > > about exercising, my back hurts. It's that simple. I have to keep > moving. I > > am now walking on a treadmill 30 minutes a day and doing light > weights three > > times a week to strengthen my back and stomach muscles. I'm > spending the extra > > $ on a personal trainer to make sure I'm doing the exercise > machines > > properly and that I don't re-injure my back in some way. I'm not > at all sure that I > > didn't inadvertently cause the problem that led to the revision in > 99 while > > exercising. > > > > I think every person's perception and experience of pain after > revision > > surgery is individual. What bothers one person may not bother > another at all. > > Some people seem to have very little pain after surgery, and some > of us have > > quite a bit. I don't regret having the surgery. I don't think my > other option > > was a good one - to have my spine continue to bend? No, I decided > I would have > > the bending stopped and corrected. I was going to have pain > regardless of the > > choice or decision I made. And I had an good surgeon with an > excellent > > reputation. This was just my situation and my decision. Each of us > has to weigh > > the pros and cons based on my individual circumstances. > > > > This is really an exciting time for you - your back is like new! > You will > > probably be able to do things you haven't been able to do in years > so I hope you > > will let yourself enjoy the good things that are coming out of > having had > > this surgery. I hope you will feel stronger every day and find > the techniques > > that work for you to continue your recovery - for example, > exercise, > > medicines, massage, hot tub, etc. ...take good care, Jennie > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 We've all been there -- after my second surgery, my father tells me that I greeted Dr. Glazer by calling him a " beady eyed gnome with a butcher knife, " yet I'm usually very nice and mild -- and I have no recollection of this at all! I also took a phone call from a parent (I was a teacher, and my students' parents had no problem calling me at home, or in the hospital) and told her that if she bothered to parent her child and enforce homework at home we would have no issues. Oops! Carolyn Quoting " Rasche , JD " <poetryperson@...>: > > <html><body> > > > <tt> > <BR> > Dianne, Jennie, et al --<BR> > <BR> > (A thought while proofing the following post: & nbsp; I must become > less <BR> > chatty and more succinct. I wonder if both legs are > & quot;asleep & quot; at this <BR> > point . . . )<BR> > <BR> > I see I am reaching my limit as to how long I can sit -- actually > <BR> > semi-recline -- with my laptop (one of the heavier models) in my lap. > <BR> > Am still looking for some kind of rolling & quot;stand & quot; for > notebook PCs <BR> > which I saw advertised in a Sunday supplement from Office Max. <BR> > <BR> > I would love to reply in detail to all the interesting posts here; > <BR> > for now, let me just chime in on the & quot;age & quot; discussion and > remind <BR> > everyone that I was born in 1949. I had two revisions (technically, > <BR> > one two-part revision) in 2001, and four more (including emergency > <BR> > repair of a stress fracture at T-10) in 2004. I am in good general > <BR> > health and found the operations in my 50s easier than my initial > <BR> > fusion at age 13. <BR> > <BR> > Just one qualifying comment, though: I have (reportedly)had two > post-<BR> > op deliriums (deliria?), and I am not the only such case I have heard > <BR> > about. Each occurred when I needed very lengthy surgery which was > <BR> > performed in two installments separated by about one week -- i.e., > <BR> > following the second eight or ten hours of anesthesia. I'm not quite > <BR> > sure which was worse -- being sick to my stomach in 1961, or out of > <BR> > my head some forty years later. Of course I have total amnesia for > <BR> > the delirious times, but it is a little unnerving to hear how loopy > <BR> > you were from various bystanders.<BR> > <BR> > Antibiotics, like anesthetics, have presumably become more plentiful > <BR> > and powerful since my youth. Thus, this past year, I also had the fun > <BR> > of discovering that I am wildly allergic to vancomycin. :-) <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > & gt; & gt; Dear & nbsp; Dianne,<BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; I am fused to S1 (from T6) since 94 & nbsp; and had & nbsp; > revision surgery <BR> > & gt; w/Dr. & nbsp; LaGrone, <BR> > & gt; & gt; Amarillo in 99. My CD rods & nbsp; were removed during > revision. I <BR> > & gt; recovered & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; relatively quickly & nbsp; I think because I had a great > physical <BR> > therapy <BR> > & gt; program and I & nbsp; was & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; in good physical and mental shape - and I was much more > informed & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; than in & nbsp; 94.<BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; Five years later, I have had & nbsp; residual muscle and > nerve pain and <BR> > & gt; take & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; neurotin and & nbsp; oxycontin. & nbsp; I have botox shots > every 3 months for <BR> > & gt; deep & nbsp; muscle & nbsp; pain and <BR> > & gt; & gt; I wear lidocaine patches which I find to be the > most & nbsp; & nbsp; helpful <BR> > for <BR> > & gt; daytime <BR> > & gt; & gt; maintenance. I've kept the oxycontin at 10 & nbsp; mg & nbsp; > twice a day; just <BR> > & gt; enough keep the <BR> > & gt; & gt; pain level at 2-3. I & nbsp; don't want to sleep & nbsp; > through my days. I <BR> > want <BR> > & gt; to stay <BR> > & gt; & gt; active & nbsp; and involved in life. As w/most & nbsp; others, > I don't bend, <BR> > & gt; twist or lift. I & nbsp; was <BR> > & gt; & gt; told that the only reason I & nbsp; could bend after my > fusion in 94 & nbsp; <BR> > was <BR> > & gt; because of <BR> > & gt; & gt; the fracture between L4 and & nbsp; L5.<BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; Exercise, particularly walking, is essential. If I stop > walking <BR> > & gt; and & nbsp; get & nbsp; lazy <BR> > & gt; & gt; about exercising, my back hurts. It's that simple. I & nbsp; > have to <BR> > keep <BR> > & gt; moving. I & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; am now walking on a treadmill 30 & nbsp; minutes a day and > doing light <BR> > & gt; weights three & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; times a week to & nbsp; strengthen my back and stomach > muscles. I'm <BR> > & gt; spending the extra & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; $ on a personal trainer to make sure I'm doing the > exercise & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; machines & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; properly and that I don't re-injure my back in some & nbsp; > way. I'm not <BR> > & gt; at all sure & nbsp; that I <BR> > & gt; & gt; didn't inadvertently cause & nbsp; the problem that led to > the revision <BR> > in <BR> > & gt; 99 & nbsp; while <BR> > & gt; & gt; exercising. & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; I think every person's perception and experience of > pain & nbsp; after <BR> > & gt; revision & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; surgery is individual. What bothers one person & nbsp; may > not bother <BR> > & gt; another at & nbsp; all. <BR> > & gt; & gt; Some people seem to have very & nbsp; little pain after > surgery, and <BR> > some <BR> > & gt; of us & nbsp; have <BR> > & gt; & gt; quite a bit. I & nbsp; don't regret having the surgery. I > don't think my <BR> > & gt; other & nbsp; option & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; was a good one - to have my spine continue to bend? No, I > decided <BR> > & gt; I & nbsp; would & nbsp; have <BR> > & gt; & gt; the bending stopped and corrected. I was going to > have & nbsp; pain <BR> > & gt; regardless of & nbsp; the <BR> > & gt; & gt; choice or decision I made. And I had & nbsp; an good surgeon > with an <BR> > & gt; excellent & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; reputation. This was just & nbsp; my situation and my > decision. Each of <BR> > us <BR> > & gt; has to weigh & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; the & nbsp; pros and cons based on my individual > circumstances. <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; This & nbsp; is really an exciting time for you - your back > is like new! <BR> > & gt; You will & nbsp; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; probably be able to do things you haven't been able to do > in <BR> > years & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; so I hope you <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; will let yourself enjoy the good things that & nbsp; > are coming out of <BR> > & gt; having had <BR> > & gt; & gt; this & nbsp; surgery. I hope you will & nbsp; feel stronger > every day and find <BR> > & gt; the techniques <BR> > & gt; & gt; that & nbsp; work for & nbsp; you to continue your recovery - > for example, <BR> > & gt; exercise, <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; medicines, & nbsp; massage, hot tub, etc. ...take good > care, Jennie<BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; <BR> > & gt; & gt; [Non-text portions of this message have been & nbsp; > removed]<BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 We've all been there -- after my second surgery, my father tells me that I greeted Dr. Glazer by calling him a " beady eyed gnome with a butcher knife, " yet I'm usually very nice and mild -- and I have no recollection of this at all! I also took a phone call from a parent (I was a teacher, and my students' parents had no problem calling me at home, or in the hospital) and told her that if she bothered to parent her child and enforce homework at home we would have no issues. Oops! Carolyn Quoting " Rasche , JD " <poetryperson@...>: > > <html><body> > > > <tt> > <BR> > Dianne, Jennie, et al --<BR> > <BR> > (A thought while proofing the following post: & nbsp; I must become > less <BR> > chatty and more succinct. I wonder if both legs are > & quot;asleep & quot; at this <BR> > point . . . )<BR> > <BR> > I see I am reaching my limit as to how long I can sit -- actually > <BR> > semi-recline -- with my laptop (one of the heavier models) in my lap. > <BR> > Am still looking for some kind of rolling & quot;stand & quot; for > notebook PCs <BR> > which I saw advertised in a Sunday supplement from Office Max. <BR> > <BR> > I would love to reply in detail to all the interesting posts here; > <BR> > for now, let me just chime in on the & quot;age & quot; discussion and > remind <BR> > everyone that I was born in 1949. I had two revisions (technically, > <BR> > one two-part revision) in 2001, and four more (including emergency > <BR> > repair of a stress fracture at T-10) in 2004. I am in good general > <BR> > health and found the operations in my 50s easier than my initial > <BR> > fusion at age 13. <BR> > <BR> > Just one qualifying comment, though: I have (reportedly)had two > post-<BR> > op deliriums (deliria?), and I am not the only such case I have heard > <BR> > about. Each occurred when I needed very lengthy surgery which was > <BR> > performed in two installments separated by about one week -- i.e., > <BR> > following the second eight or ten hours of anesthesia. I'm not quite > <BR> > sure which was worse -- being sick to my stomach in 1961, or out of > <BR> > my head some forty years later. Of course I have total amnesia for > <BR> > the delirious times, but it is a little unnerving to hear how loopy > <BR> > you were from various bystanders.<BR> > <BR> > Antibiotics, like anesthetics, have presumably become more plentiful > <BR> > and powerful since my youth. Thus, this past year, I also had the fun > <BR> > of discovering that I am wildly allergic to vancomycin. :-) <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > <BR> > & gt; & gt; Dear & nbsp; Dianne,<BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; I am fused to S1 (from T6) since 94 & nbsp; and had & nbsp; > revision surgery <BR> > & gt; w/Dr. & nbsp; LaGrone, <BR> > & gt; & gt; Amarillo in 99. My CD rods & nbsp; were removed during > revision. I <BR> > & gt; recovered & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; relatively quickly & nbsp; I think because I had a great > physical <BR> > therapy <BR> > & gt; program and I & nbsp; was & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; in good physical and mental shape - and I was much more > informed & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; than in & nbsp; 94.<BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; Five years later, I have had & nbsp; residual muscle and > nerve pain and <BR> > & gt; take & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; neurotin and & nbsp; oxycontin. & nbsp; I have botox shots > every 3 months for <BR> > & gt; deep & nbsp; muscle & nbsp; pain and <BR> > & gt; & gt; I wear lidocaine patches which I find to be the > most & nbsp; & nbsp; helpful <BR> > for <BR> > & gt; daytime <BR> > & gt; & gt; maintenance. I've kept the oxycontin at 10 & nbsp; mg & nbsp; > twice a day; just <BR> > & gt; enough keep the <BR> > & gt; & gt; pain level at 2-3. I & nbsp; don't want to sleep & nbsp; > through my days. I <BR> > want <BR> > & gt; to stay <BR> > & gt; & gt; active & nbsp; and involved in life. As w/most & nbsp; others, > I don't bend, <BR> > & gt; twist or lift. I & nbsp; was <BR> > & gt; & gt; told that the only reason I & nbsp; could bend after my > fusion in 94 & nbsp; <BR> > was <BR> > & gt; because of <BR> > & gt; & gt; the fracture between L4 and & nbsp; L5.<BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; Exercise, particularly walking, is essential. If I stop > walking <BR> > & gt; and & nbsp; get & nbsp; lazy <BR> > & gt; & gt; about exercising, my back hurts. It's that simple. I & nbsp; > have to <BR> > keep <BR> > & gt; moving. I & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; am now walking on a treadmill 30 & nbsp; minutes a day and > doing light <BR> > & gt; weights three & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; times a week to & nbsp; strengthen my back and stomach > muscles. I'm <BR> > & gt; spending the extra & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; $ on a personal trainer to make sure I'm doing the > exercise & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; machines & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; properly and that I don't re-injure my back in some & nbsp; > way. I'm not <BR> > & gt; at all sure & nbsp; that I <BR> > & gt; & gt; didn't inadvertently cause & nbsp; the problem that led to > the revision <BR> > in <BR> > & gt; 99 & nbsp; while <BR> > & gt; & gt; exercising. & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; I think every person's perception and experience of > pain & nbsp; after <BR> > & gt; revision & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; surgery is individual. What bothers one person & nbsp; may > not bother <BR> > & gt; another at & nbsp; all. <BR> > & gt; & gt; Some people seem to have very & nbsp; little pain after > surgery, and <BR> > some <BR> > & gt; of us & nbsp; have <BR> > & gt; & gt; quite a bit. I & nbsp; don't regret having the surgery. I > don't think my <BR> > & gt; other & nbsp; option & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; was a good one - to have my spine continue to bend? No, I > decided <BR> > & gt; I & nbsp; would & nbsp; have <BR> > & gt; & gt; the bending stopped and corrected. I was going to > have & nbsp; pain <BR> > & gt; regardless of & nbsp; the <BR> > & gt; & gt; choice or decision I made. And I had & nbsp; an good surgeon > with an <BR> > & gt; excellent & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; reputation. This was just & nbsp; my situation and my > decision. Each of <BR> > us <BR> > & gt; has to weigh & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; the & nbsp; pros and cons based on my individual > circumstances. <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; This & nbsp; is really an exciting time for you - your back > is like new! <BR> > & gt; You will & nbsp; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; probably be able to do things you haven't been able to do > in <BR> > years & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; so I hope you <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; will let yourself enjoy the good things that & nbsp; > are coming out of <BR> > & gt; having had <BR> > & gt; & gt; this & nbsp; surgery. I hope you will & nbsp; feel stronger > every day and find <BR> > & gt; the techniques <BR> > & gt; & gt; that & nbsp; work for & nbsp; you to continue your recovery - > for example, <BR> > & gt; exercise, <BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; medicines, & nbsp; massage, hot tub, etc. ...take good > care, Jennie<BR> > & gt; & gt; & nbsp; <BR> > & gt; & gt; <BR> > & gt; & gt; [Non-text portions of this message have been & nbsp; > removed]<BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; <BR> > & gt; Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2004 Report Share Posted December 7, 2004 Dianne, My apologies for being online so little these days as I try to deal with my pain. I hope by now you have received some helpful responses. As you said, each of us is different, and each revision is different. I had four more surgeries this year (in Chicago, with Dr. Ondra) and am also wondering what comes next! My surgeon did tell me to " give it a year. " Following my initial revision with Dr. Rand in 2001, I remember I thought I had hit a plateau around 10 months post-op, then suddenly I got much better in terms of lessened pain and greater mobility. I had further improvement in Year 2. > > > Hi All, > > I'm a little disappointed at the lack of responses I've rec'd from > my last posting, " What's Next? " . I'm just over four months post > revision and will be seeing the doc in a couple of weeks and was > wondering what lies ahead. I would love to hear from anyone that's > had revision and what it was like for them at this stage of the game > and further on. Anyone, not just Rand patients. So far I've been > told by the doc to keep activity to a minimum and walk as often as I > can. No bending, twisting, stretching or lifting anything over 8 > pounds. I wear the fusion stimulator four hours per day and was told > that I'm to continue this for another four months. When are we told > we're actually healed? My original scolio surgery was followed by > eight months in a body cast, so I've just have been assuming that's > how long it will take for this fusion to really set up. Generally > speaking of course, I know we all heal differently, especially now > that we're all a little older, ahem. > > Happy Thanksgiving all! > > Dianne in RI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2004 Report Share Posted December 13, 2004 Hi to All, Happy Holidays! Is anyone going down to see Nina and Dr. Aceves in January? I am planning on going down there sometime that month. Thanks Christa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2009 Report Share Posted April 22, 2009 > > Anyone have experience using TKO, or kleen free in their laundry? Also has anyone tried taking D'Limonene capsules? They say they are anti parasitic. > I need a laundry additive that is a sure thing. The RP is the best thing i have used so far, but it is about 95%. I cant afford for anything to slip by when we move. > I plan on trashing all cotton, and using RP, and menthol crystals in bags. > What is Kleen Free? If it's enzyme cleaner, I used that in laundry but borax/ammonia was much cheaper for synthetics. Any cottons, I just bleached the hell out of them. Thank goodness it seems to work, I love cotton shirts and blue jeans. I am in Oregon, jeans are kind of a uniform here. I just read a thread a week or so ago that said BioKleen detergent got them out of her clothes, and kept them out. I haven't tried it, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2009 Report Share Posted April 22, 2009 Holly - I clean with TKO or Citrasolv (cheaper than TKO) and love them. Never tried it in the laundry, but then again I'm no longer having a problem with clothes. Bessie > > Anyone have experience using TKO, or kleen free in their laundry? Also has anyone tried taking D'Limonene capsules? They say they are anti parasitic. > I need a laundry additive that is a sure thing. The RP is the best thing i have used so far, but it is about 95%. I cant afford for anything to slip by when we move. > I plan on trashing all cotton, and using RP, and menthol crystals in bags. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2009 Report Share Posted April 22, 2009 Oh - in that case, I recommend BugArrest - same thing at about half the price. It doesn't have the Peppermint Oil in it, although I imagine you could put a few drops in. I like the enzymes too - the problem is that to be effective, you have to use a lot, and it's kind of expensive. > > > > > > Anyone have experience using TKO, or kleen free in their laundry? Also has anyone tried taking D'Limonene capsules? They say they are anti parasitic. > > > I need a laundry additive that is a sure thing. The RP is the best thing i have used so far, but it is about 95%. I cant afford for anything to slip by when we move. > > > I plan on trashing all cotton, and using RP, and menthol crystals in bags. > > > > > > > What is Kleen Free? If it's enzyme cleaner, I used that in laundry but borax/ammonia was much cheaper for synthetics. Any cottons, I just bleached the hell out of them. Thank goodness it seems to work, I love cotton shirts and blue jeans. I am in Oregon, jeans are kind of a uniform here. > > > > I just read a thread a week or so ago that said BioKleen detergent got them out of her clothes, and kept them out. I haven't tried it, though. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2009 Report Share Posted April 22, 2009 I don't add anything to the BioKleen Premium Plus Laundry Detergent. Concerned that even Borax might destroy the enzymes & such in the Bio-Kleen. Might try a load with only the BioKleen & see if it works for you as it has for me. Since the search engine on the forum isn't working properly, anyone who may want to read my latest post on BioKleen & laundry day can find it here: bird mites/message/15272 Best wishes, Sue Anyone have experience using TKO, or kleen free in their laundry? Also has anyone tried taking D'Limonene capsules? They say they are anti parasitic. I need a laundry additive that is a sure thing. The RP is the best thing i have used so far, but it is about 95%. I cant afford for anything to slip by when we move. I plan on trashing all cotton, and using RP, and menthol crystals in bags. What is Kleen Free? If it's enzyme cleaner, I used that in laundry but borax/ammonia was much cheaper for synthetics. Any cottons, I just bleached the hell out of them. Thank goodness it seems to work, I love cotton shirts and blue jeans. I am in Oregon, jeans are kind of a uniform here. I just read a thread a week or so ago that said BioKleen detergent got them out of her clothes, and kept them out. I haven't tried it, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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