Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 So they just push them aside? That doesn't sound quite as gruesome. So, who has the *guts* to ask a surgeon? :^) [ ] just an update >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>> Dear Group, >> >> >>> >> >> >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through >> > the years >> >> >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's >> >> >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news. >> >> >>> >> >> >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. >> > On this >> >> >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth >> > plate has >> >> >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without >> > surgery, a >> >> >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear >> > the brace >> >> >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then >> > we will >> >> >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell >> > you what a >> >> >>> weight is off my shoulders. >> >> >>> >> >> >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64 >> > degree >> >> >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she >> > doesn't have >> >> >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard >> > to know >> >> >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get >> > any >> >> >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have >> > it done. >> >> >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, >> > and she and >> >> >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was >> > almost >> >> >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to >> > affirm >> >> >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did. >> > I told >> >> >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to >> > fusion to the >> >> >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her >> > to talk >> >> >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an >> > honest >> >> >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but >> > this lady >> >> >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the >> > risk of >> >> >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well, >> > I tried! >> >> >>> >> >> >>> Thanks for listening! >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision >> > candidates >> >> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 The anterior incisions are commonly made " retroperitoneal " , so that they are not actually going through the peritoneum. I do have my operative report from the anterior surgery, if anyone is interested in the specifics of the procedure. A vascular surgeon worked with Dr. Bridwell at the opening and closing of the anterior procedure. > >> >> > >> >> Well said, Bonnie. > >> >> > >> >> I met with my PCP today, and we discussed my visit with Dr. Rand > >> > and the prospect of surgery. I explained about the anterior stuff > >> > and how they take your guts out. And how that's nothing beside the > >> > thorasic anterior stuff they do in initial scoliosis operations... > >> > She seemed a little surprised, and I think it helped her understand > >> > my heel-dragging. > >> >> > >> >> Sharon > >> >> [ ] just an update > >> >> >> > >> >> >> > >> >> >>> Dear Group, > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through > >> > the years > >> >> >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's > >> >> >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news. > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. > >> > On this > >> >> >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth > >> > plate has > >> >> >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without > >> > surgery, a > >> >> >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear > >> > the brace > >> >> >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then > >> > we will > >> >> >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell > >> > you what a > >> >> >>> weight is off my shoulders. > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64 > >> > degree > >> >> >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she > >> > doesn't have > >> >> >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard > >> > to know > >> >> >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get > >> > any > >> >> >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have > >> > it done. > >> >> >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, > >> > and she and > >> >> >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was > >> > almost > >> >> >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to > >> > affirm > >> >> >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did. > >> > I told > >> >> >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to > >> > fusion to the > >> >> >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her > >> > to talk > >> >> >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an > >> > honest > >> >> >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but > >> > this lady > >> >> >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the > >> > risk of > >> >> >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well, > >> > I tried! > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> Thanks for listening! > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> > >> >> >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision > >> > candidates > >> >> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 Thanks, Martha. I'm thinking that means they get in behind the peritoneum, without actually dealing with individual organs? That makes good sense. I bet it's a tight squeeze. Sharon [ ] just an update >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>> Dear Group, >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes > through >> >> > the years >> >> >> >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter > Ceili's >> >> >> >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good > news. >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 > degrees. >> >> > On this >> >> >> >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her > growth >> >> > plate has >> >> >> >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through > without >> >> > surgery, a >> >> >> >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will > wear >> >> > the brace >> >> >> >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day > and then >> >> > we will >> >> >> >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't > tell >> >> > you what a >> >> >> >>> weight is off my shoulders. >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who > has a 64 >> >> > degree >> >> >> >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since > she >> >> > doesn't have >> >> >> >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. > It's hard >> >> > to know >> >> >> >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going > to get >> >> > any >> >> >> >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need > to have >> >> > it done. >> >> >> >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful > pain, >> >> > and she and >> >> >> >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. > It was >> >> > almost >> >> >> >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do > it, or to >> >> > affirm >> >> >> >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what > I did. >> >> > I told >> >> >> >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to >> >> > fusion to the >> >> >> >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that > for her >> >> > to talk >> >> >> >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can > have an >> >> > honest >> >> >> >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the > sacrum, but >> >> > this lady >> >> >> >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't > worth the >> >> > risk of >> >> >> >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. > Oh well, >> >> > I tried! >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> Thanks for listening! >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >> >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision >> >> > candidates >> >> >> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 -Yikes Sharon..can you imagine..oh god the thought just sends me off the reservation@@No movie for me also,that would be enough to change my mind,,,they don;t ask you to watch one do they? Please tell me no!!!!,PA -- In , " Sharon Green " <sharon.green18@v...> wrote: > > Sorry, . > > I can be awfully blunt. Well they do need to get at the anterior side of > your vertebrae, and there are quite a few organs in the way... > > I honestly don't know. I suppose they pull stuff aside for the most part, > but intestines are all curled up in there so they can... I don't know... lay > them aside in some careful, hygenic manner and return them exactly as they > found them. That's what I prefer to think, and I'm not about to watch the > video! > > Sharon > > > [ ] just an update > >> >> > >> >> > >> >>> Dear Group, > >> >>> > >> >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through > > the years > >> >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's > >> >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news. > >> >>> > >> >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. > > On this > >> >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth > > plate has > >> >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without > > surgery, a > >> >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear > > the brace > >> >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then > > we will > >> >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell > > you what a > >> >>> weight is off my shoulders. > >> >>> > >> >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64 > > degree > >> >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she > > doesn't have > >> >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard > > to know > >> >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get > > any > >> >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have > > it done. > >> >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, > > and she and > >> >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was > > almost > >> >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to > > affirm > >> >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did. > > I told > >> >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to > > fusion to the > >> >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her > > to talk > >> >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an > > honest > >> >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but > > this lady > >> >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the > > risk of > >> >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well, > > I tried! > >> >>> > >> >>> Thanks for listening! > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision > > candidates > >> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 No, I'm sure they don't! If you haven't already, read Martha's explanation. The organs are in the peritoneum, and the whole thing gets moved aside somehow. Doesn't sound quite as gross that way, to me, at least. I think it's healthy to want to know what is being done, to a degree, but I don't think I could stomach seeing it. Sharon [ ] just an update >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>> Dear Group, >> >> >>> >> >> >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes > through >> > the years >> >> >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter > Ceili's >> >> >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good > news. >> >> >>> >> >> >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. >> > On this >> >> >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth >> > plate has >> >> >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without >> > surgery, a >> >> >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear >> > the brace >> >> >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and > then >> > we will >> >> >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell >> > you what a >> >> >>> weight is off my shoulders. >> >> >>> >> >> >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a > 64 >> > degree >> >> >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she >> > doesn't have >> >> >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's > hard >> > to know >> >> >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to > get >> > any >> >> >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to > have >> > it done. >> >> >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, >> > and she and >> >> >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was >> > almost >> >> >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or > to >> > affirm >> >> >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I > did. >> > I told >> >> >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to >> > fusion to the >> >> >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for > her >> > to talk >> >> >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an >> > honest >> >> >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, > but >> > this lady >> >> >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the >> > risk of >> >> >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh > well, >> > I tried! >> >> >>> >> >> >>> Thanks for listening! >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> >> >> >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision >> > candidates >> >> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 Ken - my revision, as you'll probably have gathered from the other message I just sent to your more questions thread, was posterior only. Some of it comes down to surgeon preference - where I had my revision done, they are increasingly going posterior only when it's a case that a typical surgery would involve a lumbar anterior procedure. It's technically a lot more difficult to do a PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion) than an ALIF (anterior), but they reckon it's a lot easier on the patient if they can avoid that second surgery. I'm one of the ones they practiced on ;o) In my case they didn't actually do anterior fusion, but they did use the posterior incision to reach around and smash up the anterior fusion, leaving the anterior rod in situ - it's actually quite amazing to look at how different the positioning of the rod is now, the screws are all at different angles and the rod has a different tilt. Very groovy! On a different subject, sorry to all who I haven't replied to in other threads and thanks for the good wishes ) There seem to be a ton of last minute worries, most of which I don't think are worth worrying about, but people helpfully want me to be concerned about..... I'm sure everyone else is a lot more flapped out than I am about the whole thing! titch -- Something unknown is doing we don't know what Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 HI Sharon, Ken, My revision surgery was 8 years ago. It was posterior only, because I was very well balanced top to bottom and side to side. I'm not sure how I got that way, but I was. So, they did posterior only. Now to get graphic - Dr. Boachie and goodness knows how many others, managed to shove their hands through my body from the back to the front, literally, to get access to the four lowest lumbar discs in the front and replace them with metal cages filled with bone chips. Yuck. It was an eight hour surgery. They removed the Harrington Rod, broke up most of the old fusion which had been to L-4, reconstructed the spine, inserted two isola rods, eight pedicle screws and those cages. I don't know if anyone is still doing that kind of surgery. I think anterior-posterior is much more common. Bonnie [ ] just an update>>>>>>> Dear Group,>>>>>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through the years>>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's>>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news.>>>>>> Ceili has a "C" type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. On this>>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth plate has>>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without surgery, a>>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear the brace>>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then we will>>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell you what a>>> weight is off my shoulders.>>>>>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64 degree>>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she doesn't have>>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard to know>>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get any>>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have it done.>>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, and she and>>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was almost>>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to affirm>>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did. I told>>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to fusion to the>>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her to talk>>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an honest>>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but this lady>>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the risk of>>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well, I tried!>>>>>> Thanks for listening!>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 , Sharon, Thank goodness for anesthesia! Bonnie [ ] just an update>> >>>> >>>> >>> Dear Group,>> >>>>> >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through> the years>> >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's>> >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news.>> >>>>> >>> Ceili has a "C" type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees.> On this>> >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth> plate has>> >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without> surgery, a>> >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear> the brace>> >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then> we will>> >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell> you what a>> >>> weight is off my shoulders.>> >>>>> >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64> degree>> >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she> doesn't have>> >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard> to know>> >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get> any>> >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have> it done.>> >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain,> and she and>> >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was> almost>> >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to> affirm>> >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did.> I told>> >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to> fusion to the>> >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her> to talk>> >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an> honest>> >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but> this lady>> >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the> risk of>> >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well,> I tried!>> >>>>> >>> Thanks for listening!>> >>>>> >>> >> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision> candidates>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 Uh, yeah!!! These surgeries really wouldn't be possible without it. [ ] just an update>> >>>> >>>> >>> Dear Group,>> >>>>> >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through> the years>> >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's>> >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news.>> >>>>> >>> Ceili has a "C" type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees.> On this>> >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth> plate has>> >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without> surgery, a>> >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear> the brace>> >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then> we will>> >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell> you what a>> >>> weight is off my shoulders.>> >>>>> >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64> degree>> >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she> doesn't have>> >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard> to know>> >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get> any>> >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have> it done.>> >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain,> and she and>> >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was> almost>> >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to> affirm>> >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did.> I told>> >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to> fusion to the>> >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her> to talk>> >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an> honest>> >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but> this lady>> >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the> risk of>> >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well,> I tried!>> >>>>> >>> Thanks for listening!>> >>>>> >>> >> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision> candidates>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 That's interesting, Bonnie. I'm not sure if I'm remembering correctly, but didn't someone (?) have posterior-only surgery with Dr. Farcy? Perhaps being older, he was more comfortable doing it this way? I would certainly prefer not to have my abdomen cut into. I have tight, sore muscles all over my body, but my abs are pretty good. I really hate the thought of having them cut, especially since I've heard the surgeons don't tend to be careful about how the scar looks in the end. But of course the important thing is how good I end up feeling when all is said and done. Sharon [ ] just an update>>>>>>> Dear Group,>>>>>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through the years>>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's>>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news.>>>>>> Ceili has a "C" type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. On this>>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth plate has>>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without surgery, a>>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear the brace>>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then we will>>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell you what a>>> weight is off my shoulders.>>>>>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64 degree>>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she doesn't have>>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard to know>>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get any>>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have it done.>>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, and she and>>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was almost>>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to affirm>>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did. I told>>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to fusion to the>>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her to talk>>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an honest>>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but this lady>>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the risk of>>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well, I tried!>>>>>> Thanks for listening!>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 Sharon... Depending on what needs to be done, and the expertise of the surgeon, sometimes the surgeon can get away with a PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion) or TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion). The more experienced spine surgeons are doing this routinely to avoid cutting on the front if possible. -- > Well said, Bonnie. > > I met with my PCP today, and we discussed my visit with Dr. Rand and the prospect of surgery. I explained about the anterior stuff and how they take your guts out. And how that's nothing beside the thorasic anterior stuff they do in initial scoliosis operations... She seemed a little surprised, and I think it helped her understand my heel-dragging. > > Sharon > [ ] just an update > >> > >> > >>> Dear Group, > >>> > >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through the years > >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's > >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news. > >>> > >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. On this > >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth plate has > >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without surgery, a > >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear the brace > >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then we will > >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell you what a > >>> weight is off my shoulders. > >>> > >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64 degree > >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she doesn't have > >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard to know > >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get any > >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have it done. > >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, and she and > >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was almost > >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to affirm > >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did. I told > >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to fusion to the > >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her to talk > >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an honest > >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but this lady > >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the risk of > >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well, I tried! > >>> > >>> Thanks for listening! > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2005 Report Share Posted December 13, 2005 Thanks for that info, . That's definite question list material! Sharon [ ] just an update > >> > >> > >>> Dear Group, > >>> > >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through the years > >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's > >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news. > >>> > >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. On this > >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth plate has > >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without surgery, a > >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear the brace > >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then we will > >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell you what a > >>> weight is off my shoulders. > >>> > >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64 degree > >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she doesn't have > >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard to know > >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get any > >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have it done. > >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, and she and > >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was almost > >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to affirm > >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did. I told > >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to fusion to the > >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her to talk > >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an honest > >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but this lady > >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the risk of > >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well, I tried! > >>> > >>> Thanks for listening! > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2005 Report Share Posted December 14, 2005 , I just read some articles on both the PLIF and TLIF fusion approaches, and came across information on minimally invasive PLIF surgery. Do you know if the minimally invasive approach has been tried in any revision operations? Sharon [ ] just an update > >> > >> > >>> Dear Group, > >>> > >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through the years > >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's > >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news. > >>> > >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. On this > >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth plate has > >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without surgery, a > >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear the brace > >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then we will > >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell you what a > >>> weight is off my shoulders. > >>> > >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64 degree > >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she doesn't have > >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard to know > >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get any > >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have it done. > >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, and she and > >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was almost > >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to affirm > >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did. I told > >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to fusion to the > >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her to talk > >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an honest > >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but this lady > >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the risk of > >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well, I tried! > >>> > >>> Thanks for listening! > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2005 Report Share Posted December 14, 2005 > Well said, Bonnie. > > I met with my PCP today, and we discussed my visit with Dr. Rand and the prospect of surgery. I explained about the anterior stuff and how they take your guts out. And how that's nothing beside the thorasic anterior stuff they do in initial scoliosis operations... She seemed a little surprised, and I think it helped her understand my heel-dragging. > > Sharon > [ ] just an update > >> > >> > >>> Dear Group, > >>> > >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes through the years > >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter Ceili's > >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news. > >>> > >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 degrees. On this > >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her growth plate has > >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through without surgery, a > >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will wear the brace > >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and then we will > >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't tell you what a > >>> weight is off my shoulders. > >>> > >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has a 64 degree > >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she doesn't have > >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's hard to know > >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going to get any > >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to have it done. > >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful pain, and she and > >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It was almost > >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, or to affirm > >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I did. I told > >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to fusion to the > >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for her to talk > >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have an honest > >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, but this lady > >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth the risk of > >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh well, I tried! > >>> > >>> Thanks for listening! > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2005 Report Share Posted December 14, 2005 Hi Sharon... I don't know, but scoliosis revisions usually involve a lot more than 1-2 interbody fusions. I doubt, at this time at least, that anyone would consider performing an osteotomy through a scope. -- > > Well said, Bonnie. > > > > I met with my PCP today, and we discussed my visit with Dr. > Rand and the prospect of surgery. I explained about the anterior > stuff and how they take your guts out. And how that's nothing beside > the thorasic anterior stuff they do in initial scoliosis operations... > She seemed a little surprised, and I think it helped her understand > my heel-dragging. > > > > Sharon > > [ ] just an update > > >> > > >> > > >>> Dear Group, > > >>> > > >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes > through the years > > >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter > Ceili's > > >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good news. > > >>> > > >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 > degrees. On this > > >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her > growth plate has > > >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through > without surgery, a > > >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will > wear the brace > > >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and > then we will > > >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't > tell you what a > > >>> weight is off my shoulders. > > >>> > > >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has > a 64 degree > > >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she > doesn't have > > >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's > hard to know > > >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going > to get any > > >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to > have it done. > > >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful > pain, and she and > > >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It > was almost > > >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, > or to affirm > > >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I > did. I told > > >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to > fusion to the > > >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for > her to talk > > >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have > an honest > > >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, > but this lady > > >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth > the risk of > > >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh > well, I tried! > > >>> > > >>> Thanks for listening! > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision > candidates > > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2005 Report Share Posted December 14, 2005 Right, , and I should have included the link. There was no mention of osteotomy. http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1972.html Sharon [ ] just an update >> > >> >> > >> >> > >>> Dear Group, >> > >>> >> > >>> Many of you have been so nice with your kind wishes >> through the years >> > >>> ( in this group and the last) about how my daughter >> Ceili's >> > >>> scoliosis was going that I thought I'd share my good > news. >> > >>> >> > >>> Ceili has a " C " type curve, and is braced, at 30 >> degrees. On this >> > >>> visit the curve went down to 28 degrees, and her >> growth plate has >> > >>> closed, so it looks like we have made it through >> without surgery, a >> > >>> huge relief after all I have been through. She will >> wear the brace >> > >>> for another 4 months, but only twelve hours a day and >> then we will >> > >>> wean her off of it. This is such a relief, I can't >> tell you what a >> > >>> weight is off my shoulders. >> > >>> >> > >>> Spent today with one of Dr. Kumar's patients who has >> a 64 degree >> > >>> curve and is facing her first surgery at 54. Since she >> doesn't have >> > >>> a ton of pain she keeps putting the surgery off. It's >> hard to know >> > >>> what to say to her besides that her bone isn't going >> to get any >> > >>> better, and since she is progressing, she does need to >> have it done. >> > >>> I think the decision is easier if you are in awful >> pain, and she and >> > >>> her husband have been mulling it over for 5 years. It >> was almost >> > >>> like she was looking for me to tell her not to do it, >> or to affirm >> > >>> her concerns. Hard to know what to say besides what I >> did. I told >> > >>> her to talk with someone who wasn't driven by pain to >> fusion to the >> > >>> sacrum, hopefully Kumar can find someone like that for >> her to talk >> > >>> to. I talk to these people for Kumar so they can have >> an honest >> > >>> Knowledge of what it's like to be fused to the sacrum, >> but this lady >> > >>> was looking I think for someone to say it isn't worth >> the risk of >> > >>> coming out of it worse. Felt like I wasn't a help. Oh >> well, I tried! >> > >>> >> > >>> Thanks for listening! >> > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision >> candidates >> > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 Hi Ken! Sorry for the delay in responding. Today is my first day checking my flatback messages in quite a while. It is my understand that with revision surgery for flatback, there are always anterior and posterior surgeries involved. I was told it was because the fusions are extended quite low (i.e., to the sacrum) and that the front and back approaches together get a better outcome in terms of fusion. Kim In a message dated 12/12/05 7:37:29 PM, kclnt777@... writes: Thought I'd chime in with a question... Do some doctors only go Posterior or do they Always go Posterior and Anterior? Thank you! >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 As I said before I am back on MTX 8 Pills. Well I went to the poditist 2nd visit. I defenitly have damage on my left foot. He said the bones are spreading from the inflammation. I had a cortisone shot, The pain has pretty much subsided except when I push myself to hard at work. I returned to my primary she is awesome. She did a full work up no lupus, gout and ra but my bad cholestrol shot up 124 and my blood sugar was at 106. My white blood cells were high and she thinks it was because of my upper respitory infection. Just what I needed more problems. So I go see the rhumey 2/22/07 and I am going to confront him about not keeping me on humria or getting enbrel. Also what can I do about fatigue I swear I could sleep for about 3 days right now. I think my boss is getting annoyed with the fatigue. I work close shift at mc donald's 3 nights a week for our extra's money. I am so wiped out come 12:00 that I just finish my area and ask if I can go. I actually thing that the other workers are getting upset because they have to stay. But I now use the spoon theory to explain it but I think that these people just don't get it. I will keep you updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2009 Report Share Posted July 31, 2009 Couldn't agree more, Ron... Ellen Ellen Garber Bronfeld egskb@... Just an Update A couple of members have asked " how things are going. " I'm never really sure, but here's where I think we are. We have " choices. " (1) Reduce Luke's program by 18% (2) Contribute to transportation expenses As long as we can, we'll go with option 2. At a minimum, this means $100/WEEK!!!! We don't know how long the ol' retirement dollars can take this, but SHIT, this is where we are. I know I should have gone to a " Senior Services " expo today sponsored by my Senator (burzynski) and Representative (pritchard). But they were just going to have their " representatives " there (maybe they were on vacation --- Hey, don't laugh, we had ONE 21 years ago) and I didn't feel like wasting my time. Besides, the real purpose was to get their names in front of us seniors because we vote. (Ahhhh the lure of re-election!) It make me think how cool it would be if people with DD voted in mass. Can't you envision our legislators sponsoring a DD expo???? Wouldn't that be great?! Hey, maybe I should set up a donation bucket in front of their offices to raise dollars for Luke's transportation. That sounds kinda neat to me. Such is life in the land of Lincoln. We need to BEG for what should be rightfully given. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2009 Report Share Posted July 31, 2009 Couldn't agree more, Ron... Ellen Ellen Garber Bronfeld egskb@... Just an Update A couple of members have asked " how things are going. " I'm never really sure, but here's where I think we are. We have " choices. " (1) Reduce Luke's program by 18% (2) Contribute to transportation expenses As long as we can, we'll go with option 2. At a minimum, this means $100/WEEK!!!! We don't know how long the ol' retirement dollars can take this, but SHIT, this is where we are. I know I should have gone to a " Senior Services " expo today sponsored by my Senator (burzynski) and Representative (pritchard). But they were just going to have their " representatives " there (maybe they were on vacation --- Hey, don't laugh, we had ONE 21 years ago) and I didn't feel like wasting my time. Besides, the real purpose was to get their names in front of us seniors because we vote. (Ahhhh the lure of re-election!) It make me think how cool it would be if people with DD voted in mass. Can't you envision our legislators sponsoring a DD expo???? Wouldn't that be great?! Hey, maybe I should set up a donation bucket in front of their offices to raise dollars for Luke's transportation. That sounds kinda neat to me. Such is life in the land of Lincoln. We need to BEG for what should be rightfully given. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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