New member

Report post · July 13, 2009

Hi and welcome!

I too am looking for a surgeon in the same area and was about to call Emory. I wish I could help you with a surgeon. I do hope the surgeon is a goo one. Hope you feel better soon!!!

Much Peace,

Robin

On Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 7:26 PM, ilovemyrotts <ilovemyrotts@...> wrote:

Hi everyone-I recently discovered this group and I am excited about communicating with others who have similar problems. My original surgery was done by Dr. in 1983 at University Hospital in Augusta Georgia. I was diagnosed with flatback last fall. Since then, I have been researching flatback and revision surgery. I have an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Horton at Emory University on August 10th. I would love to hear from anyone who has had experience with Dr. Horton. There are limited revision specialists in this area of the country.

Looking forward to being part of this group!Tonya

-- Live the life you have imagined!HD ThoreauThings do not change. We change. HD ThoreauThere is life after PTSD!!! Life is what you make of it!Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you

Report post · July 17, 2009

Thanks so much for your post. I'm glad you feel free to vent here! That's one

important aspect of this site I have tried to preserve, the freedom all of us

should feel (because we do need this freedom somewhere in our lives) to unload a

little when things get too frustrating or overwhelming. I am always touched by

the empathy and support that so often come from various group members when one

of us feels the need to go ballistic!

I'm glad that you, and possibly others, are staying on top of the FDA situation.

Please keep us posted on that if you can . . .

Best,

>

> Robin,

>

> Welcome to the group. This is a great place for scoliosis patients. You can

ask questions and everyone is very helpful. Once in a while when I get

particularly frustrated it's a good place to vent. Nobody else really

understands what we live with every day.

>

> , I am keeping up with the news about the FDA possibly limiting the

use of pain medications. It's scary. Next time I see Dr. Long I will ask her if

she knows what's going on.

>

Report post · July 17, 2009

Hi again, Tonya --

I had to chuckle at myself just now as I was browsing the posts and saw yours

again. I noticed your handle is " ilovemyrotts. " For just a split second I was

misreading it as a typo. I was going, " WHAT? She LOVES her RODS? Wow, that's a

new one . . . "

Of course I realized immediately that you must be the fond owner of some

adorable Rottweilers.

Best,

>

> Hi everyone-

>

> I recently discovered this group and I am excited about communicating with

others who have similar problems. My original surgery was done by Dr.

in 1983 at University Hospital in Augusta Georgia. I was diagnosed with

flatback last fall. Since then, I have been researching flatback and revision

surgery. I have an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Horton at

Emory University on August 10th. I would love to hear from anyone who has had

experience with Dr. Horton. There are limited revision specialists in this area

of the country.

>

> Looking forward to being part of this group!

>

> Tonya

>

Report post · July 17, 2009

Hi, Robin --

I'm afraid the answer to your question is pretty complex. I don't want to sound

as if I'm evading it, but it's just awfully hard to summarize all of our

surgical outcomes in a coherent and definitive way. Some people were definitely

not helped, or were actually hurt by the surgery. There is an estimated 30% rate

of complications, although that includes both major and minor complications. In

one or two cases we have had complications which were not reversible, or the

surgery seemed to make the person worse in some way.

Also, I wish I knew how many of us actually did feel it substantially helped

their pain. I know that some members definitely feel this way, but others of us

-- and I include myself --- have gotten relief of everything BUT pain.

Thankfully I now have an implanted pump which keeps me relatively pain free by

infusing pain medication into my spinal canal 24/7. (That pump has had some

problems too, however.)

Then there are interim pains and problems that people tend to have for some time

after the surgery. Some of us felt we did not reach our maximum improvement for

up to three years. Many of us were not able to go back to regular jobs. We have

had many different kinds of post-op effects, some of them kind of

anxiety-provoking or extremely irritating. To give you one example, it is very

common to have numbness and tingling in various parts of your body as severed

nerves regenerate over time. It is also not that rare to have more acute

problems, such as ill effects from extremely prolonged general anesthesia or

unexpected bad reactions to other medications administered in the hospital. I am

not saying any of this to alarm you or worry you; all in all, I suspect that the

majority of us have no regrets. But I would never underestimate the seriousness

of the decision to have this surgery and the importance of finding the most

experienced and qualified flatback revision surgeon one can possibly find --

even if this requires a long trip to get to the surgeon. (For my initial

revision surgeries, I traveled 1,000 miles with the help of my brother, who

rented a van that allowed me to recline and then just kept driving till we got

there! -- I will always be profoundly grateful to him for making the whole thing

possible, since I had not really been able to manage car trips for several years

by then, and taking a flight was unthinkable in my condition. I also had very

little money and almost failed completely at arranging the needed insurance

coverage despite four years of appeals. My carrier kept wanting to send me to a

quack, if you will excuse the expression, in my own city, rather than paying for

a qualified specialist in another jurisdiction. As I look back on the whole

thing, getting to the surgeon and actually having the surgery were improbable

bordering on impossible, but as I wrote before, I had come to feel I had no

other choice by the time I had deteriorated to that extent. In the end, some

unknown constellation of factors --gritty determination, divine intervention,

dumb luck, the moon in Pisces? -- got us all to it and through it.

One consideration that might help you: My second revision surgeon, Dr.

Ondra in Chicago (but now in Washington serving in Veterans Affairs at the

request of President Obama) told me the last time I saw him here that it does

not seem to make a big difference whether you postpone the revision surgery or

get it earlier. That's just anecdotal and conversational, of course -- I don't

know if there are any formal studies in that area as yet. We used to feel that

it might be best to get it sooner rather than later, but in fact, that may not

matter as much as we thought. Still, when it comes to many issues surrounding

flatback syndrome and its correction, we are all -- doctors and patients --

still pretty much learning as we go.

I hope and trust that you will get plenty of opinions and personal narratives

from other members of this group. (You can also browse others' comments in the

archives, which span the whole nine years this group has been online.) Ideally

we will not be leaving you " wandering in the wilderness. " Ultimately, of course,

the decision is totally personal -- only you can decide when, where, if, etc.

And even when (if) you decide yes, it's a go, you will be taking a bit of a

gamble. You are doing the best possible thing you can by ensuring that you have

as much information as possible before you make this very major commitment. I

know what you must be going through, and so do a whole bunch of other Feisty

members . . . hang in there.

Best,

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > Just joined the group and wanted to say Hi.

> > >

> > > I had 2 failed back surgeries as well as serious spasms....I was recently

> > dx with flatback. My clothes don't fit, I find it hard to stand for 5

> > minutes at the most and have terrible spasms. I guess you can relate. Has

> > anyone had corrective surgery and did it help??

> > >

> > > Any info would be great!

> > >

> > > Peace,

> > >

> > > Robin

> > >

> >

>

> --

> Live the life you have imagined!

> HD Thoreau

>

> Things do not change. We change.

> HD Thoreau

>

> There is life after PTSD!!!

>

> Life is what you make of it!

> Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you

>

Report post · July 17, 2009

Hi ,

Thank you so much for the information, I really appreciated it.

At the moment, I am just thinking of it as I have had 2 failed surgeries though an wonder if the revision would help. I can take pain but not this amount without medication. They have spoken with me about a stimulator to stop some of the pain but I am hesitant because

I have other problems such as foot drop, total non feeling in my leg at times and I almost fall or often even with my cane. The spasms really get me an I can only stand about 5 minutes at a time. What concerns me is the tilt of my body which makes me feel I will fall face first. There are a host of other symptoms but I am sure you know what they are.

I have been to many doctors who have given me the diagnosis; my pain doctors do not know much about flat back so if they have not studied up on it, I will give them some notes to look at.

Thanks for giving me such good information!

I am just waking so I hope I am making sense!

Much Peace,

Robin

On Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 4:25 AM, Rasche <elizabethrgonzalez@...> wrote:

Hi, Robin --I'm afraid the answer to your question is pretty complex. I don't want to sound as if I'm evading it, but it's just awfully hard to summarize all of our surgical outcomes in a coherent and definitive way. Some people were definitely not helped, or were actually hurt by the surgery. There is an estimated 30% rate of complications, although that includes both major and minor complications. In one or two cases we have had complications which were not reversible, or the surgery seemed to make the person worse in some way.

Also, I wish I knew how many of us actually did feel it substantially helped their pain. I know that some members definitely feel this way, but others of us -- and I include myself --- have gotten relief of everything BUT pain. Thankfully I now have an implanted pump which keeps me relatively pain free by infusing pain medication into my spinal canal 24/7. (That pump has had some problems too, however.)

Then there are interim pains and problems that people tend to have for some time after the surgery. Some of us felt we did not reach our maximum improvement for up to three years. Many of us were not able to go back to regular jobs. We have had many different kinds of post-op effects, some of them kind of anxiety-provoking or extremely irritating. To give you one example, it is very common to have numbness and tingling in various parts of your body as severed nerves regenerate over time. It is also not that rare to have more acute problems, such as ill effects from extremely prolonged general anesthesia or unexpected bad reactions to other medications administered in the hospital. I am not saying any of this to alarm you or worry you; all in all, I suspect that the majority of us have no regrets. But I would never underestimate the seriousness of the decision to have this surgery and the importance of finding the most experienced and qualified flatback revision surgeon one can possibly find -- even if this requires a long trip to get to the surgeon. (For my initial revision surgeries, I traveled 1,000 miles with the help of my brother, who rented a van that allowed me to recline and then just kept driving till we got there! -- I will always be profoundly grateful to him for making the whole thing possible, since I had not really been able to manage car trips for several years by then, and taking a flight was unthinkable in my condition. I also had very little money and almost failed completely at arranging the needed insurance coverage despite four years of appeals. My carrier kept wanting to send me to a quack, if you will excuse the expression, in my own city, rather than paying for a qualified specialist in another jurisdiction. As I look back on the whole thing, getting to the surgeon and actually having the surgery were improbable bordering on impossible, but as I wrote before, I had come to feel I had no other choice by the time I had deteriorated to that extent. In the end, some unknown constellation of factors --gritty determination, divine intervention, dumb luck, the moon in Pisces? -- got us all to it and through it.

One consideration that might help you: My second revision surgeon, Dr. Ondra in Chicago (but now in Washington serving in Veterans Affairs at the request of President Obama) told me the last time I saw him here that it does not seem to make a big difference whether you postpone the revision surgery or get it earlier. That's just anecdotal and conversational, of course -- I don't know if there are any formal studies in that area as yet. We used to feel that it might be best to get it sooner rather than later, but in fact, that may not matter as much as we thought. Still, when it comes to many issues surrounding flatback syndrome and its correction, we are all -- doctors and patients -- still pretty much learning as we go.

I hope and trust that you will get plenty of opinions and personal narratives from other members of this group. (You can also browse others' comments in the archives, which span the whole nine years this group has been online.) Ideally we will not be leaving you " wandering in the wilderness. " Ultimately, of course, the decision is totally personal -- only you can decide when, where, if, etc. And even when (if) you decide yes, it's a go, you will be taking a bit of a gamble. You are doing the best possible thing you can by ensuring that you have as much information as possible before you make this very major commitment. I know what you must be going through, and so do a whole bunch of other Feisty members . . . hang in there.

Best, > > >> > > Hi,> > >> > > Just joined the group and wanted to say Hi.> > >

> > > I had 2 failed back surgeries as well as serious spasms....I was recently> > dx with flatback. My clothes don't fit, I find it hard to stand for 5> > minutes at the most and have terrible spasms. I guess you can relate. Has

> > anyone had corrective surgery and did it help??> > >> > > Any info would be great!> > >> > > Peace,> > >> > > Robin> > >

> >> > > >> > >

> -- > Live the life you have imagined!> HD Thoreau> > Things do not change. We change.> HD Thoreau> > There is life after PTSD!!!> > Life is what you make of it!

> Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you>

-- Live the life you have imagined!HD ThoreauThings do not change. We change. HD ThoreauThere is life after PTSD!!! Life is what you make of it!Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you

Report post · July 18, 2009

Yes, I am! Sable and Diezel are my sweet rotties!

Tonya

From: Rasche <elizabethrgonzalez@...>Subject: Re: New Member Date: Friday, July 17, 2009, 7:45 AM

Hi again, Tonya --I had to chuckle at myself just now as I was browsing the posts and saw yours again. I noticed your handle is "ilovemyrotts. " For just a split second I was misreading it as a typo. I was going, "WHAT? She LOVES her RODS? Wow, that's a new one . . ."Of course I realized immediately that you must be the fond owner of some adorable Rottweilers. Best,>> Hi everyone-> > I recently discovered this group and I am excited about communicating with others who have similar problems. My original surgery was done by Dr. in 1983 at University Hospital in Augusta Georgia. I was

diagnosed with flatback last fall. Since then, I have been researching flatback and revision surgery. I have an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Horton at Emory University on August 10th. I would love to hear from anyone who has had experience with Dr. Horton. There are limited revision specialists in this area of the country.> > Looking forward to being part of this group!> > Tonya>

Report post · July 19, 2009

My pleasure, Robin.

You have an absolute right to adequate pain medication. Whether or not you feel

the neurostimulator is right for you (and I can understand your reservations),

you need a pain management regimen that will keep you as comfortable as

possible. If you current docs are not coming through for you, keep at it and

don't give up no matter what. Despite the ongoing " drug scares, " the most solid

studies show that the hundreds of thousands of us with chronic pain are

undertreated (at least here in the US). Many of us have had to fight repeatedly

for the help we need -- as hard as it is to summon much " fight " when you are in

grueling, relentless pain.

The neuro symptoms you mention put things in a little different light for me. Do

your doctors think that these are a result of your flatback syndrome? If so,

maybe you WILL want to arrange your revision surgery ASAP. A foot drop sounds

fairly serious.

I can sympathize with your fear of falling. Especially if your fusion is on the

long side, a fall is potentially serious because you can not easily " break it. "

I have fallen three times over the years, each time landing pretty much flat on

my face. The first time, I literally gave myself a black eye on the sidewalk. I

am glad you have a cane, although it doesn't sound as if that completely sets

your mind at ease. This might sound dreadful, but at some point you might want

to consider a walker. I had one with wheels and a shopping-cart-type basket

under a seat that I could plop down on if I ever got too exhausted from holding

myself upright (say, in a long line at the supermarket). I even used it for a

little while after my revision surgery, till I finally got it clear in my head

that I was no longer bent over and in no further need of something to hang onto!

Do you know if revision surgery is expected to relieve the nonfeeling in your

leg and the foot drop? Can you tell if your flatback is getting worse? If so,

are these neurologic problems also worsening?

Best,

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi,

> > > > >

> > > > > Just joined the group and wanted to say Hi.

> > > > >

> > > > > I had 2 failed back surgeries as well as serious spasms....I was

> > recently

> > > > dx with flatback. My clothes don't fit, I find it hard to stand for 5

> > > > minutes at the most and have terrible spasms. I guess you can relate.

> > Has

> > > > anyone had corrective surgery and did it help??

> > > > >

> > > > > Any info would be great!

> > > > >

> > > > > Peace,

> > > > >

> > > > > Robin

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > > --

> > > Live the life you have imagined!

> > > HD Thoreau

> > >

> > > Things do not change. We change.

> > > HD Thoreau

> > >

> > > There is life after PTSD!!!

> > >

> > > Life is what you make of it!

> > > Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you

> > >

> >

>

> --

> Live the life you have imagined!

> HD Thoreau

>

> Things do not change. We change.

> HD Thoreau

>

> There is life after PTSD!!!

>

> Life is what you make of it!

> Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you

>

Report post · July 20, 2009

Hi,

I am on my way to visit my pain doctor but I wanted at least to acknowledge your email.

My pain is worsening and the left side is involved now too. My pain med doctors don't really know what flat back is; I think they may know it as failed back surgery. I am going to ask them to look at the way I walk an to see the curve. I wear very loose fitting clothing due to the way the butt and gut look and they see me sitting down for the most part. The curve has become more noticeable it seems overnight but at it's been a short duration. I don't enjoy looking at the ground. Listing to the side happens more and I fell just a few days ago; I am glad I landed on the sofa!

I'll write more later.

I hope your day goes well! Thanks again for the info, I appreciate it!

Much Peace,

Robin

On Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 11:48 AM, Rasche <elizabethrgonzalez@...> wrote:

My pleasure, Robin.You have an absolute right to adequate pain medication. Whether or not you feel the neurostimulator is right for you (and I can understand your reservations), you need a pain management regimen that will keep you as comfortable as possible. If you current docs are not coming through for you, keep at it and don't give up no matter what. Despite the ongoing " drug scares, " the most solid studies show that the hundreds of thousands of us with chronic pain are undertreated (at least here in the US). Many of us have had to fight repeatedly for the help we need -- as hard as it is to summon much " fight " when you are in grueling, relentless pain.

The neuro symptoms you mention put things in a little different light for me. Do your doctors think that these are a result of your flatback syndrome? If so, maybe you WILL want to arrange your revision surgery ASAP. A foot drop sounds fairly serious.

I can sympathize with your fear of falling. Especially if your fusion is on the long side, a fall is potentially serious because you can not easily " break it. " I have fallen three times over the years, each time landing pretty much flat on my face. The first time, I literally gave myself a black eye on the sidewalk. I am glad you have a cane, although it doesn't sound as if that completely sets your mind at ease. This might sound dreadful, but at some point you might want to consider a walker. I had one with wheels and a shopping-cart-type basket under a seat that I could plop down on if I ever got too exhausted from holding myself upright (say, in a long line at the supermarket). I even used it for a little while after my revision surgery, till I finally got it clear in my head that I was no longer bent over and in no further need of something to hang onto!

Do you know if revision surgery is expected to relieve the nonfeeling in your leg and the foot drop? Can you tell if your flatback is getting worse? If so, are these neurologic problems also worsening? Best,> > > > >

> > > > > Hi,> > > > >> > > > > Just joined the group and wanted to say Hi.> > > > >> > > > > I had 2 failed back surgeries as well as serious spasms....I was

> > recently> > > > dx with flatback. My clothes don't fit, I find it hard to stand for 5> > > > minutes at the most and have terrible spasms. I guess you can relate.> > Has

> > > > anyone had corrective surgery and did it help??> > > > >> > > > > Any info would be great!> > > > >> > > > > Peace,> > > > >

> > > > > Robin> > > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > >> > > --> > > Live the life you have imagined!

> > > HD Thoreau> > >> > > Things do not change. We change.> > > HD Thoreau> > >> > > There is life after PTSD!!!> > >> > > Life is what you make of it!

> > > Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you> > >> >> > > >> > > > -- > Live the life you have imagined!> HD Thoreau

> > Things do not change. We change.> HD Thoreau> > There is life after PTSD!!!> > Life is what you make of it!> Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you>

-- Live the life you have imagined!HD ThoreauThings do not change. We change. HD ThoreauThere is life after PTSD!!! Life is what you make of it!Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you

Report post · July 28, 2009

Welcome to the group!

I'm so sorry you've had such a tough time but know that you are amongst friends and we can all empathise with your struggles.

Scoliosis has caused havoc in different ways for all of us but I count myself so much luckier because of this group - I, too, no longer feel alone with this and am very grateful for the support this group has offered me.

best wishes

Judith

From: pauline_teague <pauline_teague@...> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 9:47:15 PMSubject: New member

I am so happy I found this s group, I cant tell everyone how alone I have felt for the last 30 years. My name is ine I am 47. I was 16 when I had my first scolosis surgery for a severe s curve . At Columbia presb. in NYC by Dr. Hugo Keim. I was in a scolosis ward for 21 days and came home in a plaster body cast for 9 months an awful experience at that age. I only had moderate back pain for the next 15 years. But in 1995 I was in severe pain and I was told that my Harrington rod had cracked along with some fusion. I had my rod removed and some fusion repaired and had a rod put in my lower spine by Dr. Spira in NYC. My pain has been increasing through out the last few years. I have since moved to Austin Texas. I found Dr. Lowenstein from Spine Austin and was diagnosed with severe flatback syndrome. I am scheduled for my first out of two surgeries on August 5th and scared to death. Dr Lowenstein will be removing discs L4-L5,L5-S1 and using

cages,and spacers and going in from my belly, then from the back fixing some fractures. Crazy..... Hoping that all goes well my second surgery will repair fractures to my thoracic spine were the origional Harrington rod was connected but that fusion never healed correctly. I appreciate everyones support, information & prayers. I dont feel all alone anymore.But scared to death.

Report post · July 28, 2009

Thanks I live in town Texas.---

In , " advokam " <advokam@...> wrote:

>

> You are in the right spot. There are many who can relate to your

> story. Where do you live?

>

Report post · July 28, 2009

Thanks to all who responded I'm ctying reading all of the responses,

Thanks to all. Seven days and counting.......scared to death. Prayers are

welcome. ine

>

> Welcome to the group!

>

> I'm so sorry you've had such a tough time but know that you are amongst

friends and we can all empathise with your struggles.

>

> Scoliosis has caused havoc in different ways for all of us but I count myself

so much luckier because of this group - I, too, no longer feel alone with this

and am very grateful for the support this group has offered me.

>

> best wishes

>

> Judith

>

> ________________________________

> From: pauline_teague <pauline_teague@...>

>

> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 9:47:15 PM

> Subject: New member

>

> I am so happy I found this s group, I cant tell everyone how alone I have felt

for the last 30 years. My name is ine I am 47. I was 16 when I had my first

scolosis surgery for a severe s curve . At Columbia presb. in NYC by Dr. Hugo

Keim. I was in a scolosis ward for 21 days and came home in a plaster body cast

for 9 months an awful experience at that age. I only had moderate back pain for

the next 15 years. But in 1995 I was in severe pain and I was told that my

Harrington rod had cracked along with some fusion. I had my rod removed and some

fusion repaired and had a rod put in my lower spine by Dr. Spira in NYC. My pain

has been increasing through out the last few years. I have since moved to Austin

Texas. I found Dr. Lowenstein from Spine Austin and was diagnosed with

severe flatback syndrome. I am scheduled for my first out of two surgeries on

August 5th and scared to death. Dr Lowenstein will be removing discs L4-L5,L5-S1

and using

> cages,and spacers and going in from my belly, then from the back fixing some

fractures. Crazy..... Hoping that all goes well my second surgery will repair

fractures to my thoracic spine were the origional Harrington rod was connected

but that fusion never healed correctly. I appreciate everyones support,

information & prayers. I dont feel all alone anymore.

> But scared to death.

>

Report post · July 29, 2009

Hi,

I am rather new here....I guess it's between really new and being around for a few months. It's nice to meet you.

I wanted to wish you a successful surgery with great healing time.

You will be in my thoughts.

Much Peace,

Robin

On Sun, Jul 26, 2009 at 4:47 PM, pauline_teague <pauline_teague@...> wrote:

I am so happy I found this s group, I cant tell everyone how alone I have felt for the last 30 years. My name is ine I am 47. I was 16 when I had my first scolosis surgery for a severe s curve . At Columbia presb. in NYC by Dr. Hugo Keim. I was in a scolosis ward for 21 days and came home in a plaster body cast for 9 months an awful experience at that age. I only had moderate back pain for the next 15 years. But in 1995 I was in severe pain and I was told that my Harrington rod had cracked along with some fusion. I had my rod removed and some fusion repaired and had a rod put in my lower spine by Dr. Spira in NYC. My pain has been increasing through out the last few years. I have since moved to Austin Texas. I found Dr. Lowenstein from Spine Austin and was diagnosed with severe flatback syndrome. I am scheduled for my first out of two surgeries on August 5th and scared to death. Dr Lowenstein will be removing discs L4-L5,L5-S1 and using cages,and spacers and going in from my belly, then from the back fixing some fractures. Crazy..... Hoping that all goes well my second surgery will repair fractures to my thoracic spine were the origional Harrington rod was connected but that fusion never healed correctly. I appreciate everyones support, information & prayers. I dont feel all alone anymore.

But scared to death.

-- Live the life you have imagined!HD ThoreauThings do not change. We change. HD ThoreauThere is life after PTSD!!! Life is what you make of it!Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you

Report post · July 29, 2009

Hi Judith,

I am trying to say hi to more people; it's nice to meet you.

I don't feel so alone either. I have never met or known anyone with all this stuff going on. My pain management doctors don't really know what flat back is. Those who diagnosed me with it said they would send info to them. I know it's getting worse an the spasms make me cry at time, and I can take a lot of pain.

I believe I read a post where someone was going to Emory hospital. I live on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, so it's not far from home. I think there is only one Emory.

Sorry I rambled on; pain and catching naps when I can makes me goofy.

I hope your day is going well.

Peace,

Robin

On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 6:56 AM, Judith <highs_and_lows08@...> wrote:

Welcome to the group!

I'm so sorry you've had such a tough time but know that you are amongst friends and we can all empathise with your struggles.

Scoliosis has caused havoc in different ways for all of us but I count myself so much luckier because of this group - I, too, no longer feel alone with this and am very grateful for the support this group has offered me.

best wishes

Judith

From: pauline_teague <pauline_teague@...>

Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 9:47:15 PMSubject: New member

I am so happy I found this s group, I cant tell everyone how alone I have felt for the last 30 years. My name is ine I am 47. I was 16 when I had my first scolosis surgery for a severe s curve . At Columbia presb. in NYC by Dr. Hugo Keim. I was in a scolosis ward for 21 days and came home in a plaster body cast for 9 months an awful experience at that age. I only had moderate back pain for the next 15 years. But in 1995 I was in severe pain and I was told that my Harrington rod had cracked along with some fusion. I had my rod removed and some fusion repaired and had a rod put in my lower spine by Dr. Spira in NYC. My pain has been increasing through out the last few years. I have since moved to Austin Texas. I found Dr. Lowenstein from Spine Austin and was diagnosed with severe flatback syndrome. I am scheduled for my first out of two surgeries on August 5th and scared to death. Dr Lowenstein will be removing discs L4-L5,L5-S1 and using cages,and spacers and going in from my belly, then from the back fixing some fractures. Crazy..... Hoping that all goes well my second surgery will repair fractures to my thoracic spine were the origional Harrington rod was connected but that fusion never healed correctly. I appreciate everyones support, information & prayers. I dont feel all alone anymore.

But scared to death.

-- Live the life you have imagined!HD ThoreauThings do not change. We change. HD ThoreauThere is life after PTSD!!! Life is what you make of it!Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you

Report post · July 29, 2009

ine,

My thoughts and prayers are with you! It is so helpful that there are so many people here at this site who can share their experiences and help you better prepare for this incredible surgery you will be undergoing. I think everyone here is mentally squeezing your hand to help you be strong - hang on!

Wishing you the very best,

Jeanne

New member> > > I am so happy I found this s group, I cant tell everyone how alone I have felt for the last 30 years. My name is ine I am 47. I was 16 when I had my first scolosis surgery for a severe s curve . At Columbia presb. in NYC by Dr. Hugo Keim. I was in a scolosis ward for 21 days and came home in a plaster body cast for 9 months an awful experience at that age. I only had moderate back pain for the next 15 years. But in 1995 I was in severe pain and I was told that my Harrington rod had cracked along with some fusion. I had my rod removed and some fusion repaired and had a rod put in my lower spine by Dr. Spira in NYC. My pain has been increasing through out the last few years. I have since moved to Austin Texas. I found Dr. Lowenstein from Spine Austin and was diagnosed with severe flatback syndrome. I am scheduled for my first out of two surgeries on August 5th and scared to death. Dr Lowenstein will be removing discs L4-L5,L5-S1 and using> cages,and spacers and going in from my belly, then from the back fixing some fractures. Crazy..... Hoping that all goes well my second surgery will repair fractures to my thoracic spine were the origional Harrington rod was connected but that fusion never healed correctly. I appreciate everyones support, information & prayers. I dont feel all alone anymore.> But scared to death.>

Report post · July 29, 2009

ineI wish for you the best of results and easiest of recoveries. You will be in my thoughts & prayers. PaSent from my iPhoneOn Jul 29, 2009, at 3:32 PM, "robinfallentine@..." <robinfallentine@...> wrote:

Hi,

I am rather new here....I guess it's between really new and being around for a few months. It's nice to meet you.

I wanted to wish you a successful surgery with great healing time.

You will be in my thoughts.

Much Peace,

Robin

On Sun, Jul 26, 2009 at 4:47 PM, pauline_teague <pauline_teague > wrote:

I am so happy I found this s group, I cant tell everyone how alone I have felt for the last 30 years. My name is ine I am 47. I was 16 when I had my first scolosis surgery for a severe s curve . At Columbia presb. in NYC by Dr. Hugo Keim. I was in a scolosis ward for 21 days and came home in a plaster body cast for 9 months an awful experience at that age. I only had moderate back pain for the next 15 years. But in 1995 I was in severe pain and I was told that my Harrington rod had cracked along with some fusion. I had my rod removed and some fusion repaired and had a rod put in my lower spine by Dr. Spira in NYC. My pain has been increasing through out the last few years. I have since moved to Austin Texas. I found Dr. Lowenstein from Spine Austin and was diagnosed with severe flatback syndrome. I am scheduled for my first out of two surgeries on August 5th and scared to death. Dr Lowenstein will be removing discs L4-L5,L5-S1 and using

cages,and spacers and going in from my belly, then from the back fixing some fractures. Crazy..... Hoping that all goes well my second surgery will repair fractures to my thoracic spine were the origional Harrington rod was connected but that fusion never healed correctly. I appreciate everyones support, information & prayers. I dont feel all alone anymore.

But scared to death.

-- Live the life you have imagined!HD ThoreauThings do not change. We change. HD ThoreauThere is life after PTSD!!! Life is what you make of it!Waneeshee.......may the way be beautiful for you

Report post · July 30, 2009

Hi ine,

The best of luck to you next week!