Re: NOT MEDICAL ADVICE Re: NOT MEDICAL ADVICE Flatback

[Guest guest]

Eliana,

I had revision surgery Jan. 2001 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital with Dr.

Ondra. He is a neurosurgeon with an ortho background that does

numerous revision surgeries. Educated at Walter Army Hospital in the

80's, he is currently Associate Professor of Neurologocial Surgery, Vice

Chair & Residency Program Director of the Dept. of Neurological Surgery, and

Medical Director of the Neuro Spine Intensive Care Unit at Northwestern. He

lectures extensively worldwide on spinal reconstruction. Shortly before my

surgery, he performed the same procedure on the Chinese prime minister's

daughter. I know several of his previous patients and all are extremely

satisfied with his results. I myself feel I owe my life to him. I was unable

to work, had difficulty walking any distance, was in constant, unremitting

pain before surgery. My surgery was two-stage, posterior/anterior/posterior

to remove old hardware, etc. I suffered NO complications and had a wonderful

recovery, although long and difficult by nature of the surgery.

I have been basically poo-pood on other sites by people who do not believe

that he is qualified and experienced enough for this complex surgery, but I

can't help that people only believe what THEY know. I was told, and had

verified by hospital staff, that he performs 2-3 surgeries similar to mine

weekly. He does not belong to SRS for whatever reason, I have never asked

why. I, quite frankly, don't care why. I do know that it is possible to have

a qualified revision surgeon who does not belong to SRS. Now, if no one

wants to avail themselves of his expertise, that is their loss, not mine. I

can only offer what I know to be true, and my own experience. That is what

these support sites are for, I thought.

I sound a bit bitter, Eliana, but it is not directed at you. Please don't

think that it is. I get frustrated with these support sites in that they can

be dangerous places where people who think they have all the answers mislead

those in search of them.

Donna

>From: " elianarefaya <poetryperson@...> " <poetryperson@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: NOT MEDICAL ADVICE Re: NOT MEDICAL

>ADVICE Flatback Revision Surgery: Hard

>Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2002 02:22:02 -0000

>

>Thank you for your letter, Donna. I am wondering if we corresponded

>in the past?

>

>I live in Chicago, Illinois. There is no dearth of topnotch scolosis

>surgeons, affiliated with fine teaching institutions, in the Chicago

>m.

>..the hands

>.

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