Re: NY Times Article 12/31/03

[Guest guest]

Carole...

If I have one problem with orthopaedic surgeons in general, it's that

I rarely hear them tell patients that they'll almost certainly never

be pain free. I do know people who have had scoliosis surgeries, who

claim to be 100% pain free, but it's certainly not common. I think if

patients had more realistic expectations, we'd actually feel better

about our outcomes.

Regards,

[Guest guest]

I couldn't agree more, !

Re: NY Times Article 12/31/03

Carole...

If I have one problem with orthopaedic surgeons in general, it's that

I rarely hear them tell patients that they'll almost certainly never

be pain free. I do know people who have had scoliosis surgeries, who

claim to be 100% pain free, but it's certainly not common. I think if

patients had more realistic expectations, we'd actually feel better

about our outcomes.

Regards,

Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment

Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any

advertised products.

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[Guest guest]

Hi, !

Thank you for your recent reply to my post! As usual, you are right on

target! I think that, sometimes, our doctors tell us about other things in

order

not to have to tell us what the major problem really is, don't you? That

doesn't make them " bad guys, " just inept guys.

I do know now that I will probably take care of my hands, thinking that that

is the least I can do. This decision is, definitely, the lesser of two evils.

After this surgery has healed, I will certainly look at the advantages of

having my back perfected and, then, go on from there.

I am sure that I cannot tell you how valuable are your posts! So many of us

are " out here " and looking for that " grounded " decision process. Certainly,

you are there when we process the available information.

Thank you, !

Sincerely,

Carole

[Guest guest]

Hello, txbluebell!

Thank you for your " spunky " letter! Yes, balance certainly is a major

problem for me. I get the impression that it is for you, as well? My primary

physician tests me regularly (with my cane) and tells me that I would always

flunk

the " roadside sobriety test " ! So, what to do with that information?

Actually, he had put limits on where I should drive. I was very used to going

wherever and whenever (including 4-5 hour trips) I wished, and he did clip my

wings.

I do understand why, and it has turned out to be more helpful than hindering,

believe it or not!

I say that because I have not been really good at telling my family/grown

children that I am actually having problems, etc., and this situation has helped

them to understand my limitations. I, mostly, deny limitations, but there are

times when they become startlingly obvious.

I must say that I do appreciate your bringing this up in our chat! Perhaps

there are many more people " out there " who are struggling with the problem of

balance!

Thank you for bringing this up!

Sincerely,

Carole

[Guest guest]

I finally had the time to read the NY Times article and found it

interesting. The author certainly makes a valid argument. However, I

know of no industry, other than government, where sales people don't

buy gifts or perks for their customers. I hope that the doctors we

choose are smart enough, and moral enough, to use products because

they're appropriate, and not because of the perks.

I'm certain that some people who have fusion surgery don't actually

need it. But, laminectomies are definitely not always the best

choice. My ex-father-in-law had a disc problem several years ago. He

suffered with it a long time, and finally gave in to the thought of

having surgery. He went to see a neurosurgeon, who wanted to do a

laminectomy. Since I had read a lot of bad things about

laminectomies, I convinced him to see an orthopaedist in San Diego,

who told him that he needed a fusion. When my FIL balked, the doctor

told him that he'd do a laminectomy if he insisted on it, but felt

almost certain that it would not relieve his pain. My FIL finally

decided to have just the laminectomy done by the neurosurgeon. The

surgery was tough on him, and he was much worse off afterward.

Unfortunately, he spent the last months of his life completely

debilitated by his back pain.

I think since fusion is the usual choice of orthopaedists, and

laminectomy is the usual choice of neurosurgeons, the debate and

rivalry will go on for some time.

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