Guest guest Posted June 3, 2004 Report Share Posted June 3, 2004 Hi , I read your post and realized you asked me this before and I never did reply. I'm really sorry. I need revision because my x-rays show clear evidence of flatback. Plus I am always stubbing my toe, missing a step when I walk...clumsy-like things. I cannot lay down and get more than 2 straight hours of sleep, I cannot sit for long periods. Also, I have this thing going on with my left pinky finger. I cannot move it. The pain radiates from the cervical area tot he tip of the pinky finger. MRI shows some compression on the spinal sac up there as well as 3 bulging discs. I think it's 3. And finally, my curve has progressed 6 degrees. I'm not sure where exactly it has progressed, I think it's in the thoracic region, which is a fused area. So I'm confused about that one. But then again, I don't have my rod in any more. I've also notice my height has shortened a bit. I also cannot lean backwards nor can I stand up straight. But to look at me, I don't look bent forward. However, my knees seem to be in a slightly bent state. OH! I also cannot tolerate a car ride. It's downright unbearable. So...I'd rather get revised before permanent damage sets in. I'm real fortunate to have found out this local doc I met 4 years ago was trained by Dr. Farcy. He may even consult with Farcy about me. I feel real comfortable with this doc. He's been doing research/trials for artificial disc replacement. Which may be something for the scoliosis patient years down the road. He explained it to me, but I didn't really pay too much attention. All I could think about was my curve had progressed 6 degrees. BUMMER!!! So I'm ready to have a discogram as well as a CT Scan of the Thoracic region since the hardware will be attached in that area. My fusion will only extend down to L-3 L-4. I've learned my fusion only goes to L-2 L-3. That too confuses me as I always thought my fusion went to L-4. So now I'm trying to obtain my original operative reports. It doesn't seem conceivable that my fusion somehow vanished over the years. I'm mentally ready for this endeavor. It's taken me a few years but nonetheless I realize I'm not getting any better. And believe me when I tell you, I've worked out LOTS to stay in top physical shape. I'm getting obsessed with getting back in to shape. But that doesn't work for me. My back still hurts. Quality of life is sinking slowly for me. I do believe all the working out I've done has benefitted me by warding off nerve pain, permanent damage stuff, etc... but it does not fix the structure of things. I still have 'structure pain' and clumsiness. So I'm just gonna get my structure fixed. LOL Boy, I didn't mean to go on and on. There's just so much happening with my back stuff right now. PHEW! How are you doing? You haven't posted much lately. You OK? xoxo's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2004 Report Share Posted June 5, 2004 , have you given us the name and location of your " local " doc? Given that you've been travelling to Boston to see Dr. Rand, I'm thinking this guy may be close enough for me to see for an additional opinion. BTW, I may be wrong about this, but I suspect your surgeon will discover one or more areas of non-fusion (pseudarthrosis) within your fusion range, which could explain the progression of your curvature. Sharon Re: Revision/ Hi , I read your post and realized you asked me this before and I never did reply. I'm really sorry. I need revision because my x-rays show clear evidence of flatback. Plus I am always stubbing my toe, missing a step when I walk...clumsy-like things. I cannot lay down and get more than 2 straight hours of sleep, I cannot sit for long periods. Also, I have this thing going on with my left pinky finger. I cannot move it. The pain radiates from the cervical area tot he tip of the pinky finger. MRI shows some compression on the spinal sac up there as well as 3 bulging discs. I think it's 3. And finally, my curve has progressed 6 degrees. I'm not sure where exactly it has progressed, I think it's in the thoracic region, which is a fused area. So I'm confused about that one. But then again, I don't have my rod in any more. I've also notice my height has shortened a bit. I also cannot lean backwards nor can I stand up straight. But to look at me, I don't look bent forward. However, my knees seem to be in a slightly bent state. OH! I also cannot tolerate a car ride. It's downright unbearable. So...I'd rather get revised before permanent damage sets in. I'm real fortunate to have found out this local doc I met 4 years ago was trained by Dr. Farcy. He may even consult with Farcy about me. I feel real comfortable with this doc. He's been doing research/trials for artificial disc replacement. Which may be something for the scoliosis patient years down the road. He explained it to me, but I didn't really pay too much attention. All I could think about was my curve had progressed 6 degrees. BUMMER!!! So I'm ready to have a discogram as well as a CT Scan of the Thoracic region since the hardware will be attached in that area. My fusion will only extend down to L-3 L-4. I've learned my fusion only goes to L-2 L-3. That too confuses me as I always thought my fusion went to L-4. So now I'm trying to obtain my original operative reports. It doesn't seem conceivable that my fusion somehow vanished over the years. I'm mentally ready for this endeavor. It's taken me a few years but nonetheless I realize I'm not getting any better. And believe me when I tell you, I've worked out LOTS to stay in top physical shape. I'm getting obsessed with getting back in to shape. But that doesn't work for me. My back still hurts. Quality of life is sinking slowly for me. I do believe all the working out I've done has benefitted me by warding off nerve pain, permanent damage stuff, etc... but it does not fix the structure of things. I still have 'structure pain' and clumsiness. So I'm just gonna get my structure fixed. LOL Boy, I didn't mean to go on and on. There's just so much happening with my back stuff right now. PHEW! How are you doing? You haven't posted much lately. You OK? xoxo's 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 June 17, 2004 Report Share Posted June 17, 2004 Hi Sharon, His name is Dr. Gerard Girasole. He's in Trumbull, CT. He's not like many other doctors in that his mind goes in overdrive. He looks at all angles and at times it is hard to follow him. I believe that is only because I'm so emotional about my situation, I'll get stuck on one sentence he's related, thinking about it/mulling it over. Meanwhile he's gone on to numerous other topics. My husband graduated from USNA, therefore he's trained well at pushing aside all emotion. It's easy for hubby to remember everything said in an hour's doctor visit. (When a plebe at USNA, hubby used to have to recite the day's front page of the newspaper to upperclassmen catching him in the halls. No joking!) So anyway, make sure whomever you bring with you is attentive and willing to follow along swiftly. Dr. Girasole was trained by Dr. Farcy. xoxo's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2004 Report Share Posted June 17, 2004 Sounds good, . Thanks for the info about Dr. Girasole. Your husband's training must be a great blessing to you, as well as his willingness to do what it takes to support you through this. Please continue to keep us updated as the big day approches! Sharon Re: Revision/ Hi Sharon, His name is Dr. Gerard Girasole. He's in Trumbull, CT. He's not like many other doctors in that his mind goes in overdrive. He looks at all angles and at times it is hard to follow him. I believe that is only because I'm so emotional about my situation, I'll get stuck on one sentence he's related, thinking about it/mulling it over. Meanwhile he's gone on to numerous other topics. My husband graduated from USNA, therefore he's trained well at pushing aside all emotion. It's easy for hubby to remember everything said in an hour's doctor visit. (When a plebe at USNA, hubby used to have to recite the day's front page of the newspaper to upperclassmen catching him in the halls. No joking!) So anyway, make sure whomever you bring with you is attentive and willing to follow along swiftly. Dr. Girasole was trained by Dr. Farcy. xoxo's 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...
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