Spinal column reduction surgery followup

[Guest guest]

Morning,

I know there where many on you interested in this type of surgery when I brought

it up a few months ago. Because of the scar tissue and damage in the area of my

tether (L3-L4) my surgeon (and two others very familiar with LMC-TC) would not

do a normal detether. There was too much of a chance of further damage. So, I

had a T12 retraction and fusion surgery. Ultimately, this surgery shortened my

overall height by 1 1/2 " .

Here were the symptoms I was having pre surgery.

1-Burning pain from the buttocks down the backs of my legs to my knees.

2-Pain in my feet despite the fact that I have no sensory perception from the

knees down (I do however have full motor function)

3-Intense pains in my legs that felt like charlie horses, but there were no

muscle contractions. I was having between 20-30 of these a day, and would last

between 30 sec to 5 min. I have been dealing with these for about 20 year.

4-Lower back pain that was getting worse by the day.

5-I couldn't sit because of an intense pain that felt like I was sitting on

softball. There was also a lot of pain in my groin area.

6-Neurogenic bladder and constipation.

The last 5 months before I had the surgery, I lost about 70% of my livelihood. I

felt I had to do something.

So, I had the surgery on June 29th. Originally, the doctor was going to remove

1/2 " -3/4 " of my T12. It turned out, that in order to put enough slack in my

spinal cord, they had to remove 1 1/2 " . I have not seen my before and after CT

scans yet, but this should have basically removed my entire T12.

I am currently in rehab and doing very well. Symptoms 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been

completely relieved. There has been a dramatic reduction in the leg cramps as

well. In fact, I have only had 10 very short and very little cramps since June

29th. The jury is still out on the bladder issue and constipation.

Up to this point, I am INCREDIBLY happy that had the surgery.

I'll keep everyone updated as my rehab progresses.

Chip

Sent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

WOW Chip! I am sooooo happy for you!!!! Continue with your speedy recovery and

yes, please keep us updated Thank you so much!

Subject: Spinal column reduction surgery followup

To: " tetheredspinalcord " <tetheredspinalcord >

Cc: " LMC-TC " <LMC-TCS >

Date: Sunday, July 11, 2010, 10:15 AM

 

Morning,

I know there where many on you interested in this type of surgery when I brought

it up a few months ago. Because of the scar tissue and damage in the area of my

tether (L3-L4) my surgeon (and two others very familiar with LMC-TC) would not

do a normal detether. There was too much of a chance of further damage. So, I

had a T12 retraction and fusion surgery. Ultimately, this surgery shortened my

overall height by 1 1/2 " .

Here were the symptoms I was having pre surgery.

1-Burning pain from the buttocks down the backs of my legs to my knees.

2-Pain in my feet despite the fact that I have no sensory perception from the

knees down (I do however have full motor function)

3-Intense pains in my legs that felt like charlie horses, but there were no

muscle contractions. I was having between 20-30 of these a day, and would last

between 30 sec to 5 min. I have been dealing with these for about 20 year.

4-Lower back pain that was getting worse by the day.

5-I couldn't sit because of an intense pain that felt like I was sitting on

softball. There was also a lot of pain in my groin area.

6-Neurogenic bladder and constipation.

The last 5 months before I had the surgery, I lost about 70% of my livelihood. I

felt I had to do something.

So, I had the surgery on June 29th. Originally, the doctor was going to remove

1/2 " -3/4 " of my T12. It turned out, that in order to put enough slack in my

spinal cord, they had to remove 1 1/2 " . I have not seen my before and after CT

scans yet, but this should have basically removed my entire T12.

I am currently in rehab and doing very well. Symptoms 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been

completely relieved. There has been a dramatic reduction in the leg cramps as

well. In fact, I have only had 10 very short and very little cramps since June

29th. The jury is still out on the bladder issue and constipation.

Up to this point, I am INCREDIBLY happy that had the surgery.

I'll keep everyone updated as my rehab progresses.

Chip

Sent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

Chip,

As one who has LMC/TC I (as I am sure everyone else is) am so happy for you! I

remember when you sent the info. to me on this. Please keep me posted as to how

you progress!

You will be in my prayers!

Spinal column reduction surgery followup

Morning,

I know there where many on you interested in this type of surgery when I

brought it up a few months ago. Because of the scar tissue and damage in the

area of my tether (L3-L4) my surgeon (and two others very familiar with LMC-TC)

would not do a normal detether. There was too much of a chance of further

damage. So, I had a T12 retraction and fusion surgery. Ultimately, this surgery

shortened my overall height by 1 1/2 " .

Here were the symptoms I was having pre surgery.

1-Burning pain from the buttocks down the backs of my legs to my knees.

2-Pain in my feet despite the fact that I have no sensory perception from the

knees down (I do however have full motor function)

3-Intense pains in my legs that felt like charlie horses, but there were no

muscle contractions. I was having between 20-30 of these a day, and would last

between 30 sec to 5 min. I have been dealing with these for about 20 year.

4-Lower back pain that was getting worse by the day.

5-I couldn't sit because of an intense pain that felt like I was sitting on

softball. There was also a lot of pain in my groin area.

6-Neurogenic bladder and constipation.

The last 5 months before I had the surgery, I lost about 70% of my livelihood.

I felt I had to do something.

So, I had the surgery on June 29th. Originally, the doctor was going to remove

1/2 " -3/4 " of my T12. It turned out, that in order to put enough slack in my

spinal cord, they had to remove 1 1/2 " . I have not seen my before and after CT

scans yet, but this should have basically removed my entire T12.

I am currently in rehab and doing very well. Symptoms 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been

completely relieved. There has been a dramatic reduction in the leg cramps as

well. In fact, I have only had 10 very short and very little cramps since June

29th. The jury is still out on the bladder issue and constipation.

Up to this point, I am INCREDIBLY happy that had the surgery.

I'll keep everyone updated as my rehab progresses.

Chip

Sent from my iPad

[Guest guest]

Hey Chip

First. So jealous you have an iPad. I am writing from an iPhone witha smashed

glass. (2nd time I've done this now).

Congratulations on the surgical outcome. I didn't see a post from u saying you

were having it done ... How long in rehab? How painful was the the surgery

compared to an untethering?

As you know we share many of the same symptoms and surgical damage.

I hope you continue to heal and that symptoms stay away. Will write more when I

get home (on way home from GA).

Congrats again!

Kathy

Sent from my iPhone

> Morning,

> I know there where many on you interested in this type of surgery when I

brought it up a few months ago. Because of the scar tissue and damage in the

area of my tether (L3-L4) my surgeon (and two others very familiar with LMC-TC)

would not do a normal detether. There was too much of a chance of further

damage. So, I had a T12 retraction and fusion surgery. Ultimately, this surgery

shortened my overall height by 1 1/2 " .

> Here were the symptoms I was having pre surgery.

> 1-Burning pain from the buttocks down the backs of my legs to my knees.

> 2-Pain in my feet despite the fact that I have no sensory perception from the

knees down (I do however have full motor function)

> 3-Intense pains in my legs that felt like charlie horses, but there were no

muscle contractions. I was having between 20-30 of these a day, and would last

between 30 sec to 5 min. I have been dealing with these for about 20 year.

> 4-Lower back pain that was getting worse by the day.

> 5-I couldn't sit because of an intense pain that felt like I was sitting on

softball. There was also a lot of pain in my groin area.

> 6-Neurogenic bladder and constipation.

> The last 5 months before I had the surgery, I lost about 70% of my livelihood.

I felt I had to do something.

> So, I had the surgery on June 29th. Originally, the doctor was going to remove

1/2 " -3/4 " of my T12. It turned out, that in order to put enough slack in my

spinal cord, they had to remove 1 1/2 " . I have not seen my before and after CT

scans yet, but this should have basically removed my entire T12.

> I am currently in rehab and doing very well. Symptoms 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been

completely relieved. There has been a dramatic reduction in the leg cramps as

well. In fact, I have only had 10 very short and very little cramps since June

29th. The jury is still out on the bladder issue and constipation.

> Up to this point, I am INCREDIBLY happy that had the surgery.

> I'll keep everyone updated as my rehab progresses.

>

> Chip

>

> Sent from my iPad

>

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

I would say the pain was no different than a normal detether surgery. I was in

the ICU for two days and discharged from the hospital after seven days. The one

thing that is different from my other surgeries is the brace. I have a " turtle

shell " brace that I have to wear anytime I get out of bed. Helps hold

everything together.

My ns would like to see 3 weeks of rehab, but because of the insurance company I

will more than likely only get about a week and a half.

Chip

Sent from my iPad

Hey Chip

First. So jealous you have an iPad. I am writing from an iPhone witha smashed

glass. (2nd time I've done this now).

Congratulations on the surgical outcome. I didn't see a post from u saying you

were having it done ... How long in rehab? How painful was the the surgery

compared to an untethering?

As you know we share many of the same symptoms and surgical damage.

I hope you continue to heal and that symptoms stay away. Will write more when I

get home (on way home from GA).

Congrats again!

Kathy

Sent from my iPhone

> Morning,

> I know there where many on you interested in this type of surgery when I

brought it up a few months ago. Because of the scar tissue and damage in the

area of my tether (L3-L4) my surgeon (and two others very familiar with LMC-TC)

would not do a normal detether. There was too much of a chance of further

damage. So, I had a T12 retraction and fusion surgery. Ultimately, this surgery

shortened my overall height by 1 1/2 " .

> Here were the symptoms I was having pre surgery.

> 1-Burning pain from the buttocks down the backs of my legs to my knees.

> 2-Pain in my feet despite the fact that I have no sensory perception from the

knees down (I do however have full motor function)

> 3-Intense pains in my legs that felt like charlie horses, but there were no

muscle contractions. I was having between 20-30 of these a day, and would last

between 30 sec to 5 min. I have been dealing with these for about 20 year.

> 4-Lower back pain that was getting worse by the day.

> 5-I couldn't sit because of an intense pain that felt like I was sitting on

softball. There was also a lot of pain in my groin area.

> 6-Neurogenic bladder and constipation.

> The last 5 months before I had the surgery, I lost about 70% of my livelihood.

I felt I had to do something.

> So, I had the surgery on June 29th. Originally, the doctor was going to remove

1/2 " -3/4 " of my T12. It turned out, that in order to put enough slack in my

spinal cord, they had to remove 1 1/2 " . I have not seen my before and after CT

scans yet, but this should have basically removed my entire T12.

> I am currently in rehab and doing very well. Symptoms 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been

completely relieved. There has been a dramatic reduction in the leg cramps as

well. In fact, I have only had 10 very short and very little cramps since June

29th. The jury is still out on the bladder issue and constipation.

> Up to this point, I am INCREDIBLY happy that had the surgery.

> I'll keep everyone updated as my rehab progresses.

>

> Chip

>

> Sent from my iPad

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Well, I am 16 days post op now. I have been in rehab for 8 days, and I am

headed home tomorrow!!!! I feel great. For the past couple of days, I have had

a pain level of no higher than 4. Most of the time it's a 0-1. It is just an

unfamiliar feeling to not have pain.

The only bad thing is that the leg cramps are coming back a little bit more.

But they are still way, way below the frequency and intensity compared to pre

surgery. B/B are still unchanged so I am hoping that with a little more change,

they will improve.

Chip

Sent from my iPad

Kathy,

I would say the pain was no different than a normal detether surgery. I was in

the ICU for two days and discharged from the hospital after seven days. The one

thing that is different from my other surgeries is the brace. I have a " turtle

shell " brace that I have to wear anytime I get out of bed. Helps hold everything

together.

My ns would like to see 3 weeks of rehab, but because of the insurance company I

will more than likely only get about a week and a half.

Chip

Sent from my iPad

Hey Chip

First. So jealous you have an iPad. I am writing from an iPhone witha smashed

glass. (2nd time I've done this now).

Congratulations on the surgical outcome. I didn't see a post from u saying you

were having it done ... How long in rehab? How painful was the the surgery

compared to an untethering?

As you know we share many of the same symptoms and surgical damage.

I hope you continue to heal and that symptoms stay away. Will write more when I

get home (on way home from GA).

Congrats again!

Kathy

Sent from my iPhone

> Morning,

> I know there where many on you interested in this type of surgery when I

brought it up a few months ago. Because of the scar tissue and damage in the

area of my tether (L3-L4) my surgeon (and two others very familiar with LMC-TC)

would not do a normal detether. There was too much of a chance of further

damage. So, I had a T12 retraction and fusion surgery. Ultimately, this surgery

shortened my overall height by 1 1/2 " .

> Here were the symptoms I was having pre surgery.

> 1-Burning pain from the buttocks down the backs of my legs to my knees.

> 2-Pain in my feet despite the fact that I have no sensory perception from the

knees down (I do however have full motor function)

> 3-Intense pains in my legs that felt like charlie horses, but there were no

muscle contractions. I was having between 20-30 of these a day, and would last

between 30 sec to 5 min. I have been dealing with these for about 20 year.

> 4-Lower back pain that was getting worse by the day.

> 5-I couldn't sit because of an intense pain that felt like I was sitting on

softball. There was also a lot of pain in my groin area.

> 6-Neurogenic bladder and constipation.

> The last 5 months before I had the surgery, I lost about 70% of my livelihood.

I felt I had to do something.

> So, I had the surgery on June 29th. Originally, the doctor was going to remove

1/2 " -3/4 " of my T12. It turned out, that in order to put enough slack in my

spinal cord, they had to remove 1 1/2 " . I have not seen my before and after CT

scans yet, but this should have basically removed my entire T12.

> I am currently in rehab and doing very well. Symptoms 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been

completely relieved. There has been a dramatic reduction in the leg cramps as

well. In fact, I have only had 10 very short and very little cramps since June

29th. The jury is still out on the bladder issue and constipation.

> Up to this point, I am INCREDIBLY happy that had the surgery.

> I'll keep everyone updated as my rehab progresses.

>

> Chip

>

> Sent from my iPad

>