Re: New to group and need advice.

[Guest guest]

Pat, I don't know how far you are from Amarillo, but Dr. LaGrone has an outstanding reputation as a revision surgeon. He operates at Baptist St. . He's had people travel to him from places like Alaska, and was kind enough to take a look at my x-rays and send me an opinion by mail, though I ended up finding an excellent surgeon closer to home (Boston).

Of course we can't tell you for sure if you have flatback, but if you're fused to the sacrum and walk bent over, it's a pretty good possibility. How awful that your first surgeon left you so messed up! And your case worker sounds like a beaut! Perhaps you can warn doctors ahead of time that she might mis-inform them? Do I understand correctly that you now have Medicare and worker's comp? Maybe you can get in to see the doc with just Medicare, and once you've been evaluated they can contact worker's comp.

I'd definitely contact Dr. LaGrone first. He might not be able to help you, but he'd be a great place to start.

Sharon

[ ] New to group and need advice.

Hi everyone,Diane B. recommended I join this group and ask if anyone knows of a good revision surgeon in Texas. I have an appointment, Jan 4th, with a spine surgeon that does micro surgery. He has 20 yrs experience, and he has a clean record with the state medical board. Other than that I don't know how to check a doctor to see if he is what I need. Also I'm not sure if I have flatback. I walk very bent over and can't lean back or lay down as my back is very sensitive to touch and my feet and legs hurt more when not planted on the floor. I sleep sitting on the edge of my couch, leaning forward on the coffee table. I'm lucky to get 3-4 good hours of sleep.I had fusion surgery in 1998 from L4-S1, but had a doctor that performed several procedures that I didn't need, but he wanted to learn how to do. He really butchered my back. He has since lost his license to practice in Texas and is now doing surgery in West Virginia. I had 3 mri's done a couple months ago from my neck to my tail bone and it looks like I have about 6-7 bulging disk in all three areas and slight scoliosis in my lower back. I have Lifetime Benefits from Workers' Comp, but they have screwed me over for so long, that other than pain management with a pump, I haven't been able to find a doctor that will take me. Now I have Medicare so maybe I can now fine a doctor that will help me stand up straight again.I also have Adhesive Arachnoiditis in my lower back and RSD in my legs and feet that causes them to burn 24/7. I can't tolerate the least bit of cold without escalating my pain level. I think these conditions are what keeps doctor from wanting to take my case, although my case worker lies whenever a doctor tries to get approval to see me. The last time she told a doctor I have had 5 spinal surgeries, so he refused me. I have only had one.Diane said it took her almost two years to fully recover from her revision surgery. Is this about a average time? I'm 65 and very healthy, except with the above problems. Would my age stop me from having revision surgery? As you can guess, I'm really new at possibly having flatback and I'm full of questions. I would appreciate any and all advice you can share with me.ThanksPat E. from Texas

[Guest guest]

-

Oh my gosh - your description of your symptoms is so vivid...Diane B. knew what she was doing when she recommended you to this forum. All I can think of to say is "bless your heart" - you've got a lot going on.

Of the gazillion things I want to say, I will stick to one thing - you mentioned workman's comp. coverage. From other's (not necessarily from this forum) back problems, once you mention workman's comp to a doctor's office - you're going to get some type of immediate response - like, we don't take workman's comp cases -

Did you get injured on the job? If this happens to be the case (whether or not you had something else going one with your back but an injury caused you to make your first Dr.'s visit) some of the best of the best doctors will decline to see or treat you - so just keep that in mind when seeking for a good Dr.

I know I'm leaving out a lot of detail here, and also don't know the details of your point of "origin" of initially getting medical treatment for your back - but I do know that many of the Doctors/Surgeons will reject someone who phones in for an appointment when "Workman's Comp" or on-the-job injury is mentioned.

Just a vague F.Y.I. -

G

[ ] New to group and need advice.

Hi everyone,Diane B. recommended I join this group and ask if anyone knows of a good revision surgeon in Texas. I have an appointment, Jan 4th, with a spine surgeon that does micro surgery. He has 20 yrs experience, and he has a clean record with the state medical board. Other than that I don't know how to check a doctor to see if he is what I need. Also I'm not sure if I have flatback. I walk very bent over and can't lean back or lay down as my back is very sensitive to touch and my feet and legs hurt more when not planted on the floor. I sleep sitting on the edge of my couch, leaning forward on the coffee table. I'm lucky to get 3-4 good hours of sleep.I had fusion surgery in 1998 from L4-S1, but had a doctor that performed several procedures that I didn't need, but he wanted to learn how to do. He really butchered my back. He has since lost his license to practice in Texas and is now doing surgery in West Virginia. I had 3 mri's done a couple months ago from my neck to my tail bone and it looks like I have about 6-7 bulging disk in all three areas and slight scoliosis in my lower back. I have Lifetime Benefits from Workers' Comp, but they have screwed me over for so long, that other than pain management with a pump, I haven't been able to find a doctor that will take me. Now I have Medicare so maybe I can now fine a doctor that will help me stand up straight again.I also have Adhesive Arachnoiditis in my lower back and RSD in my legs and feet that causes them to burn 24/7. I can't tolerate the least bit of cold without escalating my pain level. I think these conditions are what keeps doctor from wanting to take my case, although my case worker lies whenever a doctor tries to get approval to see me. The last time she told a doctor I have had 5 spinal surgeries, so he refused me. I have only had one.Diane said it took her almost two years to fully recover from her revision surgery. Is this about a average time? I'm 65 and very healthy, except with the above problems. Would my age stop me from having revision surgery? As you can guess, I'm really new at possibly having flatback and I'm full of questions. I would appreciate any and all advice you can share with me.ThanksPat E. from Texas

[Guest guest]

I believe that Dr Bridwell in St Louis does take workman's comp

cases. I am pretty sure I have overheard patients checking in at the

front desk with workman's comp.

>

> -

> Of the gazillion things I want to say, I will stick to one thing -

you mentioned workman's comp. coverage. From other's (not

necessarily from this forum) back problems, once you mention

workman's comp to a doctor's office - you're going to get some type

of immediate response - like, we don't take workman's comp cases -

>

> Did you get injured on the job? If this happens to be the case

(whether or not you had something else going one with your back but

an injury caused you to make your first Dr.'s visit) some of the best

of the best doctors will decline to see or treat you - so just keep

that in mind when seeking for a good Dr.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The workers' comp laws have been changed even more to favor the insurance companies here in Texas and doctor are bailing out of the system. Any doctor that does take WC, will only take new injuries. I went for almost 2 years between doctors before I finally found one that would agree to take me just for pain management. He has been trying to refer me to another spine specialist for over 3 months and every doctor has declined. I wish I had never reported my injury and gone on with WC, as I may have done well with just time and conservative treatment instead of fusion surgery. I had to learn the hard way not to trust that all doctors are truthful and honest. At the time of the fusion surgery I trusted the doctor when he said this was my only option and that he would fix my back and guaranteed I would be 100% cured. Yaw right. He should be in jail, as he killed one man and maimed 13 others besides me. It took the state 7 years after my surgery before they took his license. I don't know of any other profession that can get away with murder and maiming people and he got paid big money to do it. So now I try to check into doctors past and keep records of everything, including phone calls. I know there are some really good doctors and it is a shame that the bad ones rub off on the good ones.

Thanks for replying

Trisha

-

Oh my gosh - your description of your symptoms is so vivid...Diane B. knew what she was doing when she recommended you to this forum. All I can think of to say is "bless your heart" - you've got a lot going on.

Of the gazillion things I want to say, I will stick to one thing - you mentioned workman's comp. coverage. From other's (not necessarily from this forum) back problems, once you mention workman's comp to a doctor's office - you're going to get some type of immediate response - like, we don't take workman's comp cases -

Did you get injured on the job? If this happens to be the case (whether or not you had something else going one with your back but an injury caused you to make your first Dr.'s visit) some of the best of the best doctors will decline to see or treat you - so just keep that in mind when seeking for a good Dr.

I know I'm leaving out a lot of detail here, and also don't know the details of your point of "origin" of initially getting medical treatment for your back - but I do know that many of the Doctors/Surgeons will reject someone who phones in for an appointment when "Workman's Comp" or on-the-job injury is mentioned.

Just a vague F.Y.I. -

G

[ ] New to group and need advice.

Hi everyone,Diane B. recommended I join this group and ask if anyone knows of a good revision surgeon in Texas. I have an appointment, Jan 4th, with a spine surgeon that does micro surgery. He has 20 yrs experience, and he has a clean record with the state medical board. Other than that I don't know how to check a doctor to see if he is what I need. Also I'm not sure if I have flatback. I walk very bent over and can't lean back or lay down as my back is very sensitive to touch and my feet and legs hurt more when not planted on the floor. I sleep sitting on the edge of my couch, leaning forward on the coffee table. I'm lucky to get 3-4 good hours of sleep.I had fusion surgery in 1998 from L4-S1, but had a doctor that performed several procedures that I didn't need, but he wanted to learn how to do. He really butchered my back. He has since lost his license to practice in Texas and is now doing surgery in West Virginia. I had 3 mri's done a couple months ago from my neck to my tail bone and it looks like I have about 6-7 bulging disk in all three areas and slight scoliosis in my lower back. I have Lifetime Benefits from Workers' Comp, but they have screwed me over for so long, that other than pain management with a pump, I haven't been able to find a doctor that will take me. Now I have Medicare so maybe I can now fine a doctor that will help me stand up straight again.I also have Adhesive Arachnoiditis in my lower back and RSD in my legs and feet that causes them to burn 24/7. I can't tolerate the least bit of cold without escalating my pain level. I think these conditions are what keeps doctor from wanting to take my case, although my case worker lies whenever a doctor tries to get approval to see me. The last time she told a doctor I have had 5 spinal surgeries, so he refused me. I have only had one.Diane said it took her almost two years to fully recover from her revision surgery. Is this about a average time? I'm 65 and very healthy, except with the above problems. Would my age stop me from having revision surgery? As you can guess, I'm really new at possibly having flatback and I'm full of questions. I would appreciate any and all advice you can share with me.ThanksPat E. from Texas

[Guest guest]

Hi Melinda,

Yes, I know about Dr. LaGrone. I sent him my mri's and records, but he declined as he doesn't take Workers' Comp anymore. Since WC is responsible for my lower back, I can't use Medicare. I can for my middle back and neck because WC won't pay on anything above my waist. I have fallen so many times over the years, several times hitting my head to where I ended up in ER, that I know my whole back and neck is linked to my injury that started all my problems. I would give anything to be able to see Dr. LaGrone, as I understand he trained along with Dr. Boachie. Do you know of any other doctors in or around Texas? Where do you live in Texas?

Thanks for trying to help me.

Trisha

Hi Pat,

Dr. LaGrone, Amarillo, Tx. 1-866-351-2529. I had revision surgery with him July of 2007. I also live in Texas. I'm doing well after surgery and even went back to work full time. I really liked Dr. LaGrone and he is a patient advocate. Please let me know if you have any questions. Welcome! Melinda <PatElysuddenlink (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi everyone,Diane B. recommended I join this group and ask if anyone knows of a good revision surgeon in Texas. I have an appointment, Jan 4th, with a spine surgeon that does micro surgery. He has 20 yrs experience, and he has a clean record with the state medical board. Other than that I don't know how to check a doctor to see if he is what I need. Also I'm not sure if I have flatback. I walk very bent over and can't lean back or lay down as my back is very sensitive to touch and my feet and legs hurt more when not planted on the floor. I sleep sitting on the edge of my couch, leaning forward on the coffee table. I'm lucky to get 3-4 good hours of sleep.I had fusion surgery in 1998 from L4-S1, but had a doctor that performed several procedures that I didn't need, but he wanted to learn how to do. He really butchered my back. He has since lost his license to practice in Texas and is now doing surgery in West Virginia. I had 3 mri's done a couple months ago from my neck to my tail bone and it looks like I have about 6-7 bulging disk in all three areas and slight scoliosis in my lower back. I have Lifetime Benefits from Workers' Comp, but they have screwed me over for so long, that other than pain management with a pump, I haven't been able to find a doctor that will take me. Now I have Medicare so maybe I can now fine a doctor that will help me stand up straight again.I also have Adhesive Arachnoiditis in my lower back and RSD in my legs and feet that causes them to burn 24/7. I can't tolerate the least bit of cold without escalating my pain level. I think these conditions are what keeps doctor from wanting to take my case, although my case worker lies whenever a doctor tries to get approval to see me. The last time she told a doctor I have had 5 spinal surgeries, so he refused me. I have only had one.Diane said it took her almost two years to fully recover from her revision surgery. Is this about a average time? I'm 65 and very healthy, except with the above problems. Would my age stop me from having revision surgery? As you can guess, I'm really new at possibly having flatback and I'm full of questions. I would appreciate any and all advice you can share with me.ThanksPat E. from Texas

..

[Guest guest]

Hi SB,

Do you have a phone number and address? I will probably have to go to court to get WC to pay, especially out of state. But I'm at the point I'll do whatever I have to do to get help.

Thanks for your help

Trisha

I believe that Dr Bridwell in St Louis does take workman's comp cases. I am pretty sure I have overheard patients checking in at the front desk with workman's comp.>> - > Of the gazillion things I want to say, I will stick to one thing - you mentioned workman's comp. coverage. From other's (not necessarily from this forum) back problems, once you mention workman's comp to a doctor's office - you're going to get some type of immediate response - like, we don't take workman's comp cases - > > Did you get injured on the job? If this happens to be the case (whether or not you had something else going one with your back but an injury caused you to make your first Dr.'s visit) some of the best of the best doctors will decline to see or treat you - so just keep that in mind when seeking for a good Dr. > _._,_.___

..

[Guest guest]

Dear Pat E.,

Welcome to the group, and so sorry you have so much going on right now. I looked up RSD as I wasn't familiar with that, ugh, sounds a lot like what My Mom deals with with her diabetes, neuropathy, she has those same feelings in her feet, and doesn't sleep because of the burning pain. We are here to support, and complicated as you are there should be someone to help out there. I know getting to a doc is half the battle, but good to know as Suzanne says that Bridwell takes Workman's comp, but I know it's tough to jump through hoops to get there, getting out of state approvals can be tough, hopefully many will chime in that traveled for surgery and can tell you how they got their approvals.

As for Texas doc's, La Grone is the main name heard here, for that matter nationally, as he has worked on a great deal of our members. I wish there were tons of names that do this work, there just isn't, as this is complex surgery, and you want to get to a doc that does this work often. You have already had a very bad experience, so getting to someone top notch is key, wether or not you have Flatback, you still have big problems and need to find out just what is possible for you.

Time recovering from revision is slow, it's a big surgery, and it just takes time. Recovery comes in stages, for me it took about eighteen months before I was back energy wise. Age and the surgery, well that all depends on the persons health otherwise, and the quality of their bone. We loose bone as we age, and as a work up to surgery they will do bone scans to see just where you are at bone wise. So you say you are in good health, excellent, that makes it more doable, as with this surgery you will be under for hours, blood loss, and heart health is key. I'm not a doc, but I err on the side of getting it done before I developed any illnesses age brings on, or my bone quality went south, as this surgery requires a lot of screws and hardware that has to be placed into bone. My doc has had to deny surgery as an option to patients because of bone quality, and also because of health reasons. At 65 if it was me I'd do it sooner rather than later, but that is me. I was 43 at my last revision, and bone quality issues were found during the surgery, surprising, but had to be addressed with Aredia and Fosamax. What age you are and wether you doc finds you a good candidate would be a decision for both of you. Lets hope you can get to a couple of good doc's for opinions, see what their plans are and weigh them.

Know while there are some Crappy doc's out there, but there are far more good ones, especially the doc's spoken about often here are great, and do this amazing work. I was fed up with ortho's through my years of knowing something was awfully wrong and getting told I had to live with it, till I got to my surgeon Dr. Kumar, and got my diagnosis and plan to address it. I could have given up, but something inside me just said there had to be a fix, so I kept persuing help. Part of anything worthwhile, and getting results is sticking to the battle. I refer to my Scoliosis as the beast, and my surgeries as my battle with the beast. Took a lot of work on my part and my surgeons part, but I'm doing well, am upright, level, and painfree, and living a full life. I know I'm lucky, and I'm about as thankful as any one person can be, but I do believe a positive attitude and seeing yourself well plays a part in it. My first revision failed( a crack developed in my old fusion mass) and a second was necessary, but I just knew it had to be done and drummed up the strength to get on with it. You will too, it sucks that surgery will probably have to happen for you again, and that your past surgeon did a bad job, but know it's possible to comeback from a let down and have things come out well, it happens!

I'm sorry you find yourself needing us, but it's good to be among friends while going through it!

Colorado Springs

Re: [ ] New to group and need advice.

Hi Melinda,

Yes, I know about Dr. LaGrone. I sent him my mri's and records, but he declined as he doesn't take Workers' Comp anymore. Since WC is responsible for my lower back, I can't use Medicare. I can for my middle back and neck because WC won't pay on anything above my waist. I have fallen so many times over the years, several times hitting my head to where I ended up in ER, that I know my whole back and neck is linked to my injury that started all my problems. I would give anything to be able to see Dr. LaGrone, as I understand he trained along with Dr. Boachie. Do you know of any other doctors in or around Texas? Where do you live in Texas?

Thanks for trying to help me.

Trisha

Hi Pat,

Dr. LaGrone, Amarillo, Tx. 1-866-351-2529. I had revision surgery with him July of 2007. I also live in Texas. I'm doing well after surgery and even went back to work full time. I really liked Dr. LaGrone and he is a patient advocate. Please let me know if you have any questions. Welcome! Melinda <PatElysuddenlink (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi everyone,Diane B. recommended I join this group and ask if anyone knows of a good revision surgeon in Texas. I have an appointment, Jan 4th, with a spine surgeon that does micro surgery. He has 20 yrs experience, and he has a clean record with the state medical board. Other than that I don't know how to check a doctor to see if he is what I need. Also I'm not sure if I have flatback. I walk very bent over and can't lean back or lay down as my back is very sensitive to touch and my feet and legs hurt more when not planted on the floor. I sleep sitting on the edge of my couch, leaning forward on the coffee table. I'm lucky to get 3-4 good hours of sleep.I had fusion surgery in 1998 from L4-S1, but had a doctor that performed several procedures that I didn't need, but he wanted to learn how to do. He really butchered my back. He has since lost his license to practice in Texas and is now doing surgery in West Virginia. I had 3 mri's done a couple months ago from my neck to my tail bone and it looks like I have about 6-7 bulging disk in all three areas and slight scoliosis in my lower back. I have Lifetime Benefits from Workers' Comp, but they have screwed me over for so long, that other than pain management with a pump, I haven't been able to find a doctor that will take me. Now I have Medicare so maybe I can now fine a doctor that will help me stand up straight again.I also have Adhesive Arachnoiditis in my lower back and RSD in my legs and feet that causes them to burn 24/7. I can't tolerate the least bit of cold without escalating my pain level. I think these conditions are what keeps doctor from wanting to take my case, although my case worker lies whenever a doctor tries to get approval to see me. The last time she told a doctor I have had 5 spinal surgeries, so he refused me. I have only had one.Diane said it took her almost two years to fully recover from her revision surgery. Is this about a average time? I'm 65 and very healthy, except with the above problems. Would my age stop me from having revision surgery? As you can guess, I'm really new at possibly having flatback and I'm full of questions. I would appreciate any and all advice you can share with me.ThanksPat E. from Texas

..

[Guest guest]

Another doctor I saw in Texas for an initial consultation was Barton

Sachs at the Texas Back Institute in Plano. He seemed very

knowledgable, but I felt more comfortable having the surgery with a

doctor with a proven track record.

>

> As for Texas doc's, La Grone is the main name heard here, for that

matter nationally, as he has worked on a great deal of our members. I

wish there were tons of names that do this work, there just isn't, as

this is complex surgery, and you want to get to a doc that does this

work often. You have already had a very bad experience, so getting to

someone top notch is key, wether or not you have Flatback, you still

have big problems and need to find out just what is possible for you.