Update about my back

[Guest guest]

Hello; I don't post too often on here. Just a reminder of who I am:

Deanna near Edmonton, AB Canada. Operation at the University of SK in

1986 - 1bharrington rod. Now: 33 years old with broken Harrington rod.

I found this out in January from some X-rays. I was told that I would

have a specialist appointment in March sometime, well, I went back in

to my doctor to find out what was happening in early March.

The good news is I have a specialist appointment, but the bad news is

that it's not until LATE 2006! My doctor kept reassuring me that I'll

be okay, but I feel very stressed out about this. That means I won't

have the broken rod removed until 2007. Sigh...

I know to the doctors my condition is labeled not too serious, but to

me, it's pretty serious! I often get a pinching feeling in my lower

back, and I'm scared to lift my daughter. Am I over reacting?!

Anyways, I was told in January to cease all activity. 5lbs later, I'm

able to resume activity. Yay! And physiotherapy too. Now, finding

the time to go in.

Just to let you all know...

[Guest guest]

Hi Deanna,

My name is Llweyn and I live on Vancouver Island, BC. I started the Scoliosis Association of BC about 3 years ago now and have great support from a surgeon at the BC Children's Hospital. I just had my initial appointment at the Vancouver Spine Clinic, after waiting 3 years, and I get to go back next Tuesday when the surgeon reviews the X-rays that he had ordered.

Some people, I've been told, live for years with a broken rod and sometimes they don't even realize it is broken. It mainly depends on what caused the rod to break, in the first place. Fear, though, will play a big part in how you react. How did you feel before you discovered you had a broken rod? If you were having no problems before in lifting your daughter, then using safe back methods, you should be OK now. But fear will severely restrict you, if you let it. Educate yourself while you are waiting for your appointment and get yourself in as good as health shape as possible, especially if you are required to have surgery. I have also taken a course, and have become a leader, in Chronic Disease/Conditions Self-Management Program. It gives you techniques to live the best possible healthy life within your Condition's limits, but mainly it helps you in your attitude towards the condition. How old is your daughter? If she is old enough to walk and climb, then you can get her to do things herself without you having to lift her all the time. Mine are young adults now, but they quickly learn to do things for themselves when Mommy couldn't always do it, as little ones. They are very compassionate, caring people, still helping me when I need it.

When you first discover something serious, or what you perceive as serious though the doctors do not, you first reaction may very well be over-reaction until you learn more. It is very common, but that's when you start doing your own research to discover what your options may be. Support groups, like this one, is a great resource because they are people in your situation, but also their own unique situation, that share their experiences and knowledge that they have gained.

Be sure to get copies of all your medical records, since they may be destroyed after 7 years, under the Freedom of Information Act. And take your copies with you when you see your specialist/surgeon, physical therapist, etc. just in case they don't have all the necessary information to evaluate and prescribed the proper treatment. Also, interview them to be sure that they have the actual knowledge/experience of fused back and not just the academics (especially when you go for physical therapy, since most only know how to deal with a "normal" back, not fused). You have to learn to be the Manager of your health team and be sure that everyone works together.

If you would like to e-mail me privately, mad.monk@..., I can give you the Canadian information that I have discovered, along with the other Canadian association in Ontario. I have corresponded with one other Canadian lady, who has a broken rod. She did go back to work, after some physical therapy.

Fellow Canadian,

Llweyn

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of frottolaSent: March 20, 2006 10:55 AM Subject: Update about my backHello; I don't post too often on here. Just a reminder of who I am:Deanna near Edmonton, AB Canada. Operation at the University of SK in1986 - 1bharrington rod. Now: 33 years old with broken Harrington rod.I found this out in January from some X-rays. I was told that I wouldhave a specialist appointment in March sometime, well, I went back into my doctor to find out what was happening in early March. The good news is I have a specialist appointment, but the bad news isthat it's not until LATE 2006! My doctor kept reassuring me that I'llbe okay, but I feel very stressed out about this. That means I won'thave the broken rod removed until 2007. Sigh...I know to the doctors my condition is labeled not too serious, but tome, it's pretty serious! I often get a pinching feeling in my lowerback, and I'm scared to lift my daughter. Am I over reacting?!Anyways, I was told in January to cease all activity. 5lbs later, I'mable to resume activity. Yay! And physiotherapy too. Now, findingthe time to go in.Just to let you all know...