Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 Hi! I broke a rod last October 2005 while bending to check the contents of my shopping cart! Turned out that I had already one broken rod and this one couldn't bear the weight/pressure of the fusion so it snapped too! I just felt a "release" in my back with no sound and no pain but later in the month pain in my lower back was real bad, felt as if my spine was slipping and pressing down! The rods were replaced with "segmental" rods that December and am do for another checkup this Friday with Dr. Errico (NYC Univ Hosp.) Haven't lost any weight and am very much under excercised cuz of more pain in my mid back. I had had radiation treatment that hit thoracic spine and damaged the vertebra thats why the rods really broke. Now I hope the pain is from overweight and lack of excercise. No more surgeries for me-I've had three fusions S1 to T10 and want no more! June-NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 > > Hi! > I broke a rod last October 2005 while bending to check the contents of my > shopping cart! > Turned out that I had already one broken rod and this one couldn't bear the > weight/pressure of the fusion so it snapped too! I just felt a " release " in > my back with no sound and no pain but later in the month pain in my lower > back was real bad, felt as if my spine was slipping and pressing down! The rods > were replaced with " segmental " rods that December and am do for another > checkup this Friday with Dr. Errico (NYC Univ Hosp.) Haven't lost any weight and > am very much under excercised cuz of more pain in my mid back. I had had Hi: My name is ie and I am now 51 years old and have had numerous scoliosis surgeries over the years with Harrington rods first by Dr. Winter in Minneapolis in 1973. In 2001 in Texas I had a very bad surgery that left me much worse than I was going into the surgery. And now honestly I am at the point in my life where I can only have THE BEST surgeon, if I am to have any chance at all at surviving the operation, at least this is what I have been told. I sure would appreciate any suggestions or advice or referrals. I did see wonderful doctor in New York by the name of Dr.Boachie last year, but since I live in Las Vegas traveling is rather difficult for me, but I am willing to do whatever is necessary. Please feel free to check out my website www.ieBush.com and thank you for any help, support or suggestions. ie (see attached) > radiation treatment that hit thoracic spine and damaged the vertebra thats why > the rods really broke. Now I hope the pain is from overweight and lack of > excercise. No more surgeries for me-I've had three fusions S1 to T10 and want > no more! > June-NJ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 I am curious who you had surgery with in Texas, ie?? My son lives in Las Vegas. I don't get to visit very often. Sponsored LinkMortgage rates near 39yr lows. $310,000 Mortgage for $999/mo - Calculate new house payment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2006 Report Share Posted November 17, 2006 June NJ,So you had broken rods also,did it hurt as bad as the other surgery's when they replaced the broken rods in dec.? So far they are fine now? I went to the Dr. yesterday and he thinks another one broke so that will make 3 broken rods.I have to have cat scan tom. to see if things are moving but he thinks they are cause the x-rays were different form the last ones he took last month.I am so bummed out about this.I don't want another surgery,I have had 7 to date and didn't want anymore but I guess that's going to change soon..Please let me know on friday when you go to the Dr. if they are stable now.Thanks for the info. Vonnie - -- In , june08816@... wrote: > > Hi! > I broke a rod last October 2005 while bending to check the contents of my > shopping cart! > Turned out that I had already one broken rod and this one couldn't bear the > weight/pressure of the fusion so it snapped too! I just felt a " release " in > my back with no sound and no pain but later in the month pain in my lower > back was real bad, felt as if my spine was slipping and pressing down! The rods > were replaced with " segmental " rods that December and am do for another > checkup this Friday with Dr. Errico (NYC Univ Hosp.) Haven't lost any weight and > am very much under excercised cuz of more pain in my mid back. I had had > radiation treatment that hit thoracic spine and damaged the vertebra thats why > the rods really broke. Now I hope the pain is from overweight and lack of > excercise. No more surgeries for me-I've had three fusions S1 to T10 and want > no more! > June-NJ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 Vonnie, Please let us know how the scan goes. I have my fingers crossed, but since my sense is DrRand is pretty cautious about saying anything that would be worrisome or upsetting, I have to believe with a potential 3rd rod breaking that he now is sadly suspecting more surgery is what has to happen. I know he would not put you through anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. Is he talking about more substantial post-op bracing too? I wouldn't be surprised. I can't remember....did you have BMP? Also, if you had a bone growth stimulator does their warranty that they pay for any further surgery if there is not a solid fusion apply?....(not that $$$ is a signifigant part of your decision). When do you see Rand again? Try to enjoy this holiday week. Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 ---VOnnie and Cam, I thought there was some sort of " warranty " with the Bone Growth Stimulator???I have used mne so, so much..never missing a day that the buckle is broken..I guess that is a good thing!!!! FYI...laptop is fixed!!!! , PA In , " cammaltby " <cammaltby@...> wrote: > > Vonnie, > > Please let us know how the scan goes. I have my fingers crossed, but > since my sense is DrRand is pretty cautious about saying anything > that would be worrisome or upsetting, I have to believe with a > potential 3rd rod breaking that he now is sadly suspecting more > surgery is what has to happen. I know he would not put you through > anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. Is he talking about more > substantial post-op bracing too? I wouldn't be surprised. > > I can't remember....did you have BMP? > > Also, if you had a bone growth stimulator does their warranty that > they pay for any further surgery if there is not a solid fusion > apply?....(not that $$$ is a signifigant part of your decision). > > When do you see Rand again? > > Try to enjoy this holiday week. > Take Care, Cam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 Sharon,How are you doing since your surgery? Are you pain free now? Glad everything worked out well for you. I don't know what's going on with me,Dr.Rand will decide after he sees the cat scan I did on saturday.I just hope if he has to go back in that it won't be as bad as the other surgery's..Who knows..It has been hard cause I feel different and am in some different pain.But I hope to get through this,even though I am really getting depressed over it,all I can think about is the pain and that dam meds, that drip,I get so so sick from.YUCK!!! But I will do what he says,of course..Keep up the good work,your doing great..Vonnie --- In , " Sharon Green " <sharon.green18@...> wrote: > > Vonnie, I am SO sorry about your broken rods. I didn't manage to say that before because I was busy with my own surgery. Life just isn't fair sometimes. I really hope it turns out that they don't need removal and your surgery will be ok as is. > > Take care. > > Sharon > > [ ] Re: Vonnie...Broken rods > > > June NJ,So you had broken rods also,did it hurt as bad as the other > surgery's when they replaced the broken rods in dec.? So far they are > fine now? I went to the Dr. yesterday and he thinks another one broke > so that will make 3 broken rods.I have to have cat scan tom. to see > if things are moving but he thinks they are cause the x-rays were > different form the last ones he took last month.I am so bummed out > about this.I don't want another surgery,I have had 7 to date and > didn't want anymore but I guess that's going to change soon..Please > let me know on friday when you go to the Dr. if they are stable > now.Thanks for the info. Vonnie - > -- In , june08816@ wrote: > > > > Hi! > > I broke a rod last October 2005 while bending to check the contents > of my > > shopping cart! > > Turned out that I had already one broken rod and this one couldn't > bear the > > weight/pressure of the fusion so it snapped too! I just felt > a " release " in > > my back with no sound and no pain but later in the month pain in > my lower > > back was real bad, felt as if my spine was slipping and pressing > down! The rods > > were replaced with " segmental " rods that December and am do for > another > > checkup this Friday with Dr. Errico (NYC Univ Hosp.) Haven't lost > any weight and > > am very much under excercised cuz of more pain in my mid back. I > had had > > radiation treatment that hit thoracic spine and damaged the > vertebra thats why > > the rods really broke. Now I hope the pain is from overweight and > lack of > > excercise. No more surgeries for me-I've had three fusions S1 to > T10 and want > > no more! > > June-NJ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 Cam,Hi I had the cat scan on sat. so I hope to hear results this week cause my appt. is not till dec 21 and I don't want to wait that long for results.He saw that things were different is what he told me and asked if I felt different and I do.So it's not looking too good for me right now. I didn't have BMP and I always wondered why I didn't have one and when I asked him he didn't say much about that..Would that have helped? Who knows..I just hope it won't be as bad if they have to replace some rods..I'll let you all know when I hear from him..Thanks,Vonnie --- In , " cammaltby " <cammaltby@...> wrote: > > Vonnie, > > Please let us know how the scan goes. I have my fingers crossed, but > since my sense is DrRand is pretty cautious about saying anything > that would be worrisome or upsetting, I have to believe with a > potential 3rd rod breaking that he now is sadly suspecting more > surgery is what has to happen. I know he would not put you through > anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. Is he talking about more > substantial post-op bracing too? I wouldn't be surprised. > > I can't remember....did you have BMP? > > Also, if you had a bone growth stimulator does their warranty that > they pay for any further surgery if there is not a solid fusion > apply?....(not that $$$ is a signifigant part of your decision). > > When do you see Rand again? > > Try to enjoy this holiday week. > Take Care, Cam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 Hi Vonnie, I am not sure about the BMP, but for some reason I am thinking it has to be approved by your insurance....so maybe they didn't? Same with the bone growth stimulator, I think. In any event...hopefully if you are to have more surgery you and DrRand will talk about all the choices that might enhance your fusion. I suppose if it comes to it you can offer to pay for any of the things that he recommends that insurance might not cover....probably not cheap...but neither is another surgery. Speaking of which, you didn't say if you had a bone growth stimulator...but I just pulled out my box to see what my " terms and conditions " guarantee were... " Orthofix guarantees bone grafted lumbar spinal fusion, as determined radiographically, will occur when the Spinal-Stim fusion system is used in accordance with the eligibility requirements " ...or they will refund 50% of the cost of the stim unit...I recall mine was around 5K... It doesn't say that BMP had to be used to bring the warranty into play. I know at this point it isn't about dollars, it is about getting you well. I am very sorry you are facing this again. Please know that I am thinking of you and anxious to hear what develops for you after the scan is read. I know it must be very hard, but try not to get too down. Take Care, Cam > > > > Vonnie, > > > > Please let us know how the scan goes. I have my fingers crossed, > but > > since my sense is DrRand is pretty cautious about saying anything > > that would be worrisome or upsetting, I have to believe with a > > potential 3rd rod breaking that he now is sadly suspecting more > > surgery is what has to happen. I know he would not put you through > > anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. Is he talking about more > > substantial post-op bracing too? I wouldn't be surprised. > > > > I can't remember....did you have BMP? > > > > Also, if you had a bone growth stimulator does their warranty that > > they pay for any further surgery if there is not a solid fusion > > apply?....(not that $$$ is a signifigant part of your decision). > > > > When do you see Rand again? > > > > Try to enjoy this holiday week. > > Take Care, Cam > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 If BMP is not routine, then how can they even do the surgery? When I asked Dr. Hu about it, she said there wasn't enough " extra " bone in a person's body to do the fusion with the cages without it, so I don't understand how they could even do the revision surgery without it???? Makes no sense to me. Carol V. (CA) > > > Cam,Hi I had the cat scan on sat. so I hope to hear results this week > > cause my appt. is not till dec 21 and I don't want to wait that long > > for results.He saw that things were different is what he told me and > > asked if I felt different and I do.So it's not looking too good for > > me right now. I didn't have BMP and I always wondered why I didn't > > have one and when I asked him he didn't say much about that..Would > > that have helped? Who knows..I just hope it won't be as bad if they > > have to replace some rods..I'll let you all know when I hear from > > him..Thanks,Vonnie -- - > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 Pa,It is great to have you back online..LOL.. You are funny..I think your going to miss your stimulator,it's like your support blanket now...LOL...You even wore your's out,you were good at obeying the Dr. He never told me to get one..Who knows he's the Dr. and he knows what he's doing..Good to hear form you,Vonnie - -- In , " heatherbenjaminnicholas " <heatherbenjaminnicholas@...> wrote: > > ---VOnnie and Cam, > > I thought there was some sort of " warranty " with > the Bone Growth Stimulator???I have used mne so, so much..never > missing a day that the buckle is broken..I guess that is a good > thing!!!! > FYI...laptop is fixed!!!! > > , PA > > In , " cammaltby " <cammaltby@> > wrote: > > > > Vonnie, > > > > Please let us know how the scan goes. I have my fingers crossed, > but > > since my sense is DrRand is pretty cautious about saying anything > > that would be worrisome or upsetting, I have to believe with a > > potential 3rd rod breaking that he now is sadly suspecting more > > surgery is what has to happen. I know he would not put you through > > anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. Is he talking about more > > substantial post-op bracing too? I wouldn't be surprised. > > > > I can't remember....did you have BMP? > > > > Also, if you had a bone growth stimulator does their warranty that > > they pay for any further surgery if there is not a solid fusion > > apply?....(not that $$$ is a signifigant part of your decision). > > > > When do you see Rand again? > > > > Try to enjoy this holiday week. > > Take Care, Cam > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 ---Vonnie, It just seems odd to me but as you said, he's the doctor , not me!! Do you think your insurance would not cover it?? , PA In , " Vonnie " <vonniec20032000@...> wrote: > > Pa,It is great to have you back online..LOL.. You are funny..I > think your going to miss your stimulator,it's like your support > blanket now...LOL...You even wore your's out,you were good at obeying > the Dr. He never told me to get one..Who knows he's the Dr. and he > knows what he's doing..Good to hear form you,Vonnie - > -- In , " heatherbenjaminnicholas " > <heatherbenjaminnicholas@> wrote: > > > > ---VOnnie and Cam, > > > > I thought there was some sort of " warranty " > with > > the Bone Growth Stimulator???I have used mne so, so much..never > > missing a day that the buckle is broken..I guess that is a good > > thing!!!! > > FYI...laptop is fixed!!!! > > > > , PA > > > > In , " cammaltby " <cammaltby@> > > wrote: > > > > > > Vonnie, > > > > > > Please let us know how the scan goes. I have my fingers crossed, > > but > > > since my sense is DrRand is pretty cautious about saying anything > > > that would be worrisome or upsetting, I have to believe with a > > > potential 3rd rod breaking that he now is sadly suspecting more > > > surgery is what has to happen. I know he would not put you > through > > > anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. Is he talking about > more > > > substantial post-op bracing too? I wouldn't be surprised. > > > > > > I can't remember....did you have BMP? > > > > > > Also, if you had a bone growth stimulator does their warranty > that > > > they pay for any further surgery if there is not a solid fusion > > > apply?....(not that $$$ is a signifigant part of your decision). > > > > > > When do you see Rand again? > > > > > > Try to enjoy this holiday week. > > > Take Care, Cam > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 Dr Bridwell told me that he doesn't prescribe the bone stimulators anymore because he didn't think they made much difference -- at least not enough to justify the cost and the complaints of patients who didn't like them. > > Pa,It is great to have you back online..LOL.. You are funny..I > think your going to miss your stimulator,it's like your support > blanket now...LOL...You even wore your's out,you were good at obeying > the Dr. He never told me to get one..Who knows he's the Dr. and he > knows what he's doing..Good to hear form you,Vonnie - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 Vonnie, You are probably right...I really have no idea how or why certain protocols apply to one patient and not the other....I am not a doctor! And I have no idea how, or even if, insurance might have played a part....I am just speculating. Regardless....if BMP and a Bone-Stim are things you want, and you have to fight your insurance company for them...now is the time to find out. I guess I would ask about a hard brace too, if you are not adverse to wearing one. I am thinking you will get one whether you like it or not. I hope you hear something soon. Take Care, Cam In , " Vonnie " <vonniec20032000@...> wrote: > > Cam,I'll let you know the results when I hear from him..I would think > that someone would have told me my insurance said they weren't going > to pay for one.Thanks for the support...Vonnie - > -- In , " cammaltby " <cammaltby@> > wrote: > > > > Hi Vonnie, > > > > I am not sure about the BMP, but for some reason I am thinking it > > has to be approved by your insurance....so maybe they didn't? Same > > with the bone growth stimulator, I think. In any event...hopefully > > if you are to have more surgery you and DrRand will talk about all > > the choices that might enhance your fusion. > > > > I suppose if it comes to it you can offer to pay for any of the > > things that he recommends that insurance might not > cover....probably > > not cheap...but neither is another surgery. > > > > Speaking of which, you didn't say if you had a bone growth > > stimulator...but I just pulled out my box to see what my " terms and > > conditions " guarantee were... " Orthofix guarantees bone grafted > > lumbar spinal fusion, as determined radiographically, will occur > > when the Spinal-Stim fusion system is used in accordance with the > > eligibility requirements " ...or they will refund 50% of the cost of > > the stim unit...I recall mine was around 5K... > > > > It doesn't say that BMP had to be used to bring the warranty into > > play. > > > > I know at this point it isn't about dollars, it is about getting > you > > well. I am very sorry you are facing this again. Please know that I > > am thinking of you and anxious to hear what develops for you after > > the scan is read. > > > > I know it must be very hard, but try not to get too down. > > > > Take Care, Cam > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Vonnie, > > > > > > > > Please let us know how the scan goes. I have my fingers > crossed, > > > but > > > > since my sense is DrRand is pretty cautious about saying > > anything > > > > that would be worrisome or upsetting, I have to believe with a > > > > potential 3rd rod breaking that he now is sadly suspecting more > > > > surgery is what has to happen. I know he would not put you > > through > > > > anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. Is he talking about > > more > > > > substantial post-op bracing too? I wouldn't be surprised. > > > > > > > > I can't remember....did you have BMP? > > > > > > > > Also, if you had a bone growth stimulator does their warranty > > that > > > > they pay for any further surgery if there is not a solid fusion > > > > apply?....(not that $$$ is a signifigant part of your decision). > > > > > > > > When do you see Rand again? > > > > > > > > Try to enjoy this holiday week. > > > > Take Care, Cam > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 Suzanne, Hey, I have no medical training...so I won't second guess anybody's doctors advice. My insurance company didn't squawk but maybe Vonnies did. Anyway, it seems in Vonnie's case whatever extra margin or edge the stim might give her certainly seems worth asking about. Not being happy about wearing one doesn't really rise to the level of reasons for, or against, using one, in my book. I found it very unobtrusive, just slept with it on. It wasn't like it was interferring with an active sex life back then! Take Care, Cam > > Dr Bridwell told me that he doesn't prescribe the bone stimulators > anymore because he didn't think they made much difference -- at least > not enough to justify the cost and the complaints of patients who > didn't like them. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2006 Report Share Posted November 20, 2006 Pa, I wouldn't know if insurance wouldn't pay for it cause he never asked me to get one..Maybe my case is different,who knows? Vonnie -- - In , " heatherbenjaminnicholas " <heatherbenjaminnicholas@...> wrote: > > ---Vonnie, > It just seems odd to me but as you said, he's the doctor , not me!! > Do you think your insurance would not cover it?? , PA > > In , " Vonnie " <vonniec20032000@> > wrote: > > > > Pa,It is great to have you back online..LOL.. You are funny..I > > think your going to miss your stimulator,it's like your support > > blanket now...LOL...You even wore your's out,you were good at > obeying > > the Dr. He never told me to get one..Who knows he's the Dr. and he > > knows what he's doing..Good to hear form > you,Vonnie - > > -- In , " heatherbenjaminnicholas " > > <heatherbenjaminnicholas@> wrote: > > > > > > ---VOnnie and Cam, > > > > > > I thought there was some sort of " warranty " > > with > > > the Bone Growth Stimulator???I have used mne so, so much..never > > > missing a day that the buckle is broken..I guess that is a good > > > thing!!!! > > > FYI...laptop is fixed!!!! > > > > > > , PA > > > > > > In , " cammaltby " <cammaltby@> > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > Vonnie, > > > > > > > > Please let us know how the scan goes. I have my fingers > crossed, > > > but > > > > since my sense is DrRand is pretty cautious about saying > anything > > > > that would be worrisome or upsetting, I have to believe with a > > > > potential 3rd rod breaking that he now is sadly suspecting more > > > > surgery is what has to happen. I know he would not put you > > through > > > > anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. Is he talking about > > more > > > > substantial post-op bracing too? I wouldn't be surprised. > > > > > > > > I can't remember....did you have BMP? > > > > > > > > Also, if you had a bone growth stimulator does their warranty > > that > > > > they pay for any further surgery if there is not a solid fusion > > > > apply?....(not that $$$ is a signifigant part of your decision). > > > > > > > > When do you see Rand again? > > > > > > > > Try to enjoy this holiday week. > > > > Take Care, Cam > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2006 Report Share Posted November 20, 2006 Sharon,Hi my phone # is 781-396-1432 and I get home from work about 3:00 if I don't have water therapy and 4:30 if I do so the best time to get me is either weekends or about 6:00 evenings.But call anytime you want to chat, Vonnie --- In , " Sharon Green " <sharon.green18@...> wrote: > > Thanks, Vonnie. I'm hanging in there with the help of my pain meds (and, of course, my long-suffering hubby -- 16 loving years as of yesterday -- YAY!). > > Email me with your phone number if you like. I'd love to chat. > > Vonnie, I really feel for you because I went through 3 ops in a little over a month's time and that waking-up period is no picnic. And that first wake-up, when I learned I would have 3 ops instead of 2 was certainly hard. Did you have Dilaudid (sp?) in the drip too? I had that stuff by pill for a while as well, and I think it was the cause of some entertaining but scary delirium. > > I really wish you the best through all this. I'm a tad lonely right now, so I'd love to chat by phone for my sake as well as yours. > > Take care, > > Sharon > > > [ ] Re: Vonnie...Broken rods > > > > > > June NJ,So you had broken rods also,did it hurt as bad as the > other > > surgery's when they replaced the broken rods in dec.? So far they > are > > fine now? I went to the Dr. yesterday and he thinks another one > broke > > so that will make 3 broken rods.I have to have cat scan tom. to > see > > if things are moving but he thinks they are cause the x-rays were > > different form the last ones he took last month.I am so bummed > out > > about this.I don't want another surgery,I have had 7 to date and > > didn't want anymore but I guess that's going to change > soon..Please > > let me know on friday when you go to the Dr. if they are stable > > now.Thanks for the info. Vonnie - > > -- In , june08816@ wrote: > > > > > > Hi! > > > I broke a rod last October 2005 while bending to check the > contents > > of my > > > shopping cart! > > > Turned out that I had already one broken rod and this one > couldn't > > bear the > > > weight/pressure of the fusion so it snapped too! I just felt > > a " release " in > > > my back with no sound and no pain but later in the month pain > in > > my lower > > > back was real bad, felt as if my spine was slipping and > pressing > > down! The rods > > > were replaced with " segmental " rods that December and am do for > > another > > > checkup this Friday with Dr. Errico (NYC Univ Hosp.) Haven't > lost > > any weight and > > > am very much under excercised cuz of more pain in my mid back. > I > > had had > > > radiation treatment that hit thoracic spine and damaged the > > vertebra thats why > > > the rods really broke. Now I hope the pain is from overweight > and > > lack of > > > excercise. No more surgeries for me-I've had three fusions S1 > to > > T10 and want > > > no more! > > > June-NJ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 June Hi, did you go to the Dr. on friday? I was wondering how you did,and are your rods alright?I too have the broken rods that need to be done again and wanted to know if it was as bad as the revision surgery and how much time did you need to recover again.Hope everything came out well for you.Vonnie - -- In , june08816@... wrote: > > Hi! > I broke a rod last October 2005 while bending to check the contents of my > shopping cart! > Turned out that I had already one broken rod and this one couldn't bear the > weight/pressure of the fusion so it snapped too! I just felt a " release " in > my back with no sound and no pain but later in the month pain in my lower > back was real bad, felt as if my spine was slipping and pressing down! The rods > were replaced with " segmental " rods that December and am do for another > checkup this Friday with Dr. Errico (NYC Univ Hosp.) Haven't lost any weight and > am very much under excercised cuz of more pain in my mid back. I had had > radiation treatment that hit thoracic spine and damaged the vertebra thats why > the rods really broke. Now I hope the pain is from overweight and lack of > excercise. No more surgeries for me-I've had three fusions S1 to T10 and want > no more! > June-NJ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 I can't recall Dr. Hu saying how many cages she was going to give me, but I asked her if she could take my bottom ribs off, grind them up and use them for the cage(s?), and she said something to the effect of " there isn't enough extra bone in your body to use for that " . So, I don't know. She did make me feel more comfortable about using the BMP, though. I'm not a doctor, but I guess this would take some further questions because the other thing I'm wondering about is: why would they " remove " bone from your old fusion? Doesn't it still need to be fused? Then we're back to the " not enough bone in your body " thing again.???????????? ????????????? Carol > > > > If BMP is not routine, then how can they even do the surgery? When I > asked Dr. Hu about it, she said there wasn't enough " extra " bone in a > person's body to do the fusion with the cages without it, so I don't > understand how they could even do the revision surgery without it???? > > Makes no sense to me. > > Carol V. (CA) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 2006 Report Share Posted November 22, 2006 Sorry for the delay in answering! The surgery to replace the broken rods was 12/12/05.I don't think I have to go into what was done during the 10 hour surgery suffice to say that mine was a grueling recovery. But please don't think yours will be the same! I did everything wrong from the day I got home from the hospital...including staying in bed for more than a month after the surgery. I had a serious problem with dizziness for that time and it prevented me from moving around. Still don't know what caused it but my bet would be on the oxycontin and other pain meds cuz I was getting better as soon as I cut out the oxy. I had my almost year checkup this past Friday and yes, I must lose weight(about 60 lbs to start) and get PT and additional excercise. My doc said that the weight gain and lack of aerobic excercise will certainly cause most of my back pain today and that the spasms are from lack of excercise! So please follow the suggestions of this group and don't do what I did....... and thank you for posting the site for Sparkpeople! June-NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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