Guest guest Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 Hi Peggy, I am not sure I understand your question. Is a doctor proposing this surgery for you? If you search back in the archives under Edie Scratch's posts you will probably find several discussions and updates from her as to the procedure she had done to address just the nerve compression that was occurring as a result of DDD and flatback (laminectomy). K. also had similar surgery and later went on to have full revision. When I posed the same question to Rand and Boachie reference my own situation they both said it was possible for me to go this route but that revision with fusion to the sacrum was still going to have to take place eventually and though the initial recovery, at 6-8 weeks was a little shorter, I would still then face the matter of addressing the underlying problem. I also understood that the spine was less stable after this procedure and the need for more surgery could come up much more suddenly, so I am not sure we are talking apples and apples! Maybe you can fill us in a little more? Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 Peggy, I think you'll find that people with flatback have had decompression surgery. comes to mind, and I imagine she will reply to your question. Dr. Rand plans to decompress my L5/S1 joint as part of my revision. (It's the only unfused joint below my fusion.) Decompression often is part of revision, as people with flatback usually do have degenerated joints. Assuming you have flatback, you may still end up needing revision. For myself, I would not consider it because I know I will need revision eventually. My flatback has me so bent over that it creates incredible muscle fatigue. Everyone's case is different; maybe a decompression will buy you some time, but I hope you'll get at least one opinion from a surgeon who is very experienced with flatback revision. Sharon [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 Dear Peggy, I had decompression surgery before my two revisions. The option of decompression verses revision was spelled out plainly by my two doc's, Dr. Anant Kumar and Dr. O'Brien. Both doc's thought decompression was a good option for me since at the time I was relatively young, 41, and they thought keeping L-4 and L-5 open so I could bend, a good idea, and we could always go back in later and fuse me to the sacrum if necessary. Kumar was a little hesitant, I really believed he would of prefered fusion to the sacrum first. I had the choice, it was mine to make. I had kids in Grammar school, a husband that traveled a lot, and worked a ton of overtime, and a daughter who was in Highschool. I had a ton on my plate, and a easier surgery that might buy me a few years till revision sounded good to me, and I was well aware it was a crapshoot at best so I took the gamble. I also had become a member in some scoliosis groups, and revision just plain scared the crap out of me, so I felt the longer I put it off till my kids were more able to handle it the better. While following the surgery my AWFUL hip/leg pain was gone, such a relief, I then found I had to deal with the pain caused by me being so far cast forward, a really bad low back pain that I didn't notice till the hip pain was gone. I plugged along for a year, using a cane, and taking Celebrex and Vioxx, till I found out it caused heart problems ( from a doc not related to my back problems, and way before the warnings were put out), So since those drugs were no longer something I wanted to use, I told Kumar I was done, and what was plan "B". He said fusion to the sacrum, and I said lets go! Would I do it again, given my circumstances at the time, probably. Edie has gone longer than me with her decompression, manages her pain well, and is totally into exercise, swimming, and is doing well more than a year later. I just didn't get as much time. Sure would have loved it if I did! Please know that you will need revision later if you have Flatback, this procedure is just a stop gap measure to buy some time. It also isn't the first stage of a revision, tho it may help things go a little faster during revision. Both my revisions were done in one day each,10-12 plus hours. My first revision still required the same anterior/ posterior approaches as everyone else here, cages, screws and bolts and small rods. So before you choose this idea, know that is what I call my EXTRA surgery, but if it had given me more time than it did, I would have been tickled pink. Edie is still trucking along and glad she went the way she did. Personal choice, and should be an informed choice, and in no way should it be presented as an alternative to revision if you have Flatback, just something to buy you time till revision. Colorado Springs [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 It's been proposed that I go to a neurosurgeon for possible fusion from L4 to S1 if needed. Peggy [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 I do have flatback but it is what I would call a mild case. I am able to stand up straight without leaning forward and without pain in my knees, etc. So I'm not sure I would ever need full revision surgery. I just need to prevent the nerves from being compressed. Peggy [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 Peggy, if your current fusion extends to L4 and you are going to have the fusion extended to the sacrum, I believe "revision" is the appropriate term for the proposed surgery. Not every revision necessarily involves removal of the old instrumentation. I would still caution that this type of surgery should be handled by a surgeon with a lot of scoliosis revision experience (and good outcomes!). You want someone who is an expert at leaving you with the best possible sagittal balance. A revision in the wrong hands could actually make your flatback worse. Sharon [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 " I would still caution that this type of surgery should be handled by a surgeon with a lot of scoliosis revision experience (and good outcomes!). You want someone who is an expert at leaving you with the best possible sagittal balance. A revision in the wrong hands could actually make your flatback worse. " A can surely attest to that Sharon! I agree 100%. I would advise ANYONE who is thinking of having this surgery to at least get an opinion from one of the revision specialists! ~CA ~ > > Peggy, if your current fusion extends to L4 and you are going to have the fusion extended to the sacrum, I believe " revision " is the appropriate term for the proposed surgery. Not every revision necessarily involves removal of the old instrumentation. I would still caution that this type of surgery should be handled by a surgeon with a lot of scoliosis revision experience (and good outcomes!). You want someone who is an expert at leaving you with the best possible sagittal balance. A revision in the wrong hands could actually make your flatback worse. > > Sharon > > [ ] nerve compression > > > I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? > > Peggy > > > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 Peggy - You can rest assured that a " mild case " of flatback will likely only worsen with time, and will almost assuredly necessitate revision surgery from a scoliosis specialist. We've all been where you are now, and truly won't want to see you go down the wrong road. I did back in 2001, and paid for it with 5 years of pain and another full revision to correct my flatback 2 months ago. Please get several opinions before you do anything! My best, > > I do have flatback but it is what I would call a mild case. I am able to stand up straight without leaning forward and without pain in my knees, etc. So I'm not sure I would ever need full revision surgery. I just need to prevent the nerves from being compressed. > > Peggy > > [ ] nerve compression > > > I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? > > Peggy > > > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2006 Report Share Posted May 29, 2006 Peggy - You can rest assured that a " mild case " of flatback will likely only worsen with time, and will almost assuredly necessitate revision surgery from a scoliosis specialist. We've all been where you are now, and truly won't want to see you go down the wrong road. I did back in 2001, and paid for it with 5 years of pain and another full revision to correct my flatback 2 months ago. Please get several opinions before you do anything! My best, > > I do have flatback but it is what I would call a mild case. I am able to stand up straight without leaning forward and without pain in my knees, etc. So I'm not sure I would ever need full revision surgery. I just need to prevent the nerves from being compressed. > > Peggy > > [ ] nerve compression > > > I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? > > Peggy > > > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Peggy, Curious as to who suggested a neurosurgeon. A PCP, an ortho, a scoliosis revision surgeon? It's highly unusual, I think. So that leads to my next question. Why a neurosurgeon and not a scoliosis revision surgeon? I agree with everyone else who's responded to you so far. Please do not do anything without first seeing at least one of the revision specialists. Bonnie [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 One revision specialist that I know of actually is a neurosurgeon, Dr. Ondra. , on the old forum, had surgery with him, and thinks very highly of him. But scoliosis specialists are for the most part orthopedic surgeons. Sharon [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 I am partial to orthopedic surgeons, too. I view the problem as one involving bone; however, given that discs are involved, I guess that neurosurgeons could do it, too. My friend used to work with a prominent neurosurgeon, Dr. Woodard, who is at the New England Baptist Hospital where Dr. Rand practices. My friend thought that his boss could walk on water and insisted that he could do revision surgery better than anyone. I once asked Dr. Rand about him, and he agreed that Woodard "was like an orthopedic surgeon." I guess that there is some overlap, but again, my preference would be or an orthopedic surgeon, especially one with lots of experience in revision surgery. In a message dated 5/30/06 2:05:57 PM, bonnie@... writes: Peggy,  Curious as to who suggested a neurosurgeon. A PCP, an ortho, a scoliosis revision surgeon? It's highly unusual, I think. So that leads to my next question. Why a neurosurgeon and not a scoliosis revision surgeon? I agree with everyone else who's responded to you so far. Please do not do anything without first seeing at least one of the revision specialists.  Bonnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Very interesting, Kim! Dr. Woodard will be doing the neurosurgical part of my revision (de-tethering my spinal cord). That is, he will, if Hillary can ever come up with a date when the 2 of them can be in the OR. Sharon Re: [ ] nerve compression I am partial to orthopedic surgeons, too. I view the problem as one involving bone; however, given that discs are involved, I guess that neurosurgeons could do it, too. My friend used to work with a prominent neurosurgeon, Dr. Woodard, who is at the New England Baptist Hospital where Dr. Rand practices. My friend thought that his boss could walk on water and insisted that he could do revision surgery better than anyone. I once asked Dr. Rand about him, and he agreed that Woodard "was like an orthopedic surgeon." I guess that there is some overlap, but again, my preference would be or an orthopedic surgeon, especially one with lots of experience in revision surgery.In a message dated 5/30/06 2:05:57 PM, bonnie@... writes: Peggy, Curious as to who suggested a neurosurgeon. A PCP, an ortho, a scoliosis revision surgeon? It's highly unusual, I think. So that leads to my next question. Why a neurosurgeon and not a scoliosis revision surgeon? I agree with everyone else who's responded to you so far. Please do not do anything without first seeing at least one of the revision specialists. Bonnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Sharon....Well then, sounds like you will have a top notch team! Cam > Very interesting, Kim! Dr. Woodard will be doing the neurosurgical part of my revision (de-tethering my spinal cord). That is, he will, if Hillary can ever come up with a date when the 2 of them can be in the OR. > > Sharon > Re: [ ] nerve compression > > > I am partial to orthopedic surgeons, too. I view the problem as one involving bone; however, given that discs are involved, I guess that neurosurgeons could do it, too. My friend used to work with a prominent neurosurgeon, Dr. Woodard, who is at the New England Baptist Hospital where Dr. Rand practices. My friend thought that his boss could walk on water and insisted that he could do revision surgery better than anyone. I once asked Dr. Rand about him, and he agreed that Woodard " was like an orthopedic surgeon. " I guess that there is some overlap, but again, my preference would be or an orthopedic surgeon, especially one with lots of experience in revision surgery. > > In a message dated 5/30/06 2:05:57 PM, bonnie@... writes: > > > > Peggy, > > Curious as to who suggested a neurosurgeon. A PCP, an ortho, a scoliosis revision surgeon? It's highly unusual, I think. So that leads to my next question. Why a neurosurgeon and not a scoliosis revision surgeon? I agree with everyone else who's responded to you so far. Please do not do anything without first seeing at least one of the revision specialists. > > Bonnie > > > > > > > > > > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 First of all, and I hope I don't get kicked out of the group for this, I am seeing a chiropractor who I do some work for. He is not doing any kind of adjustments. However, he is doing very gentle decompression to lubricate the discs and open the space to decompress the nerves. He is helping me to work as long as possible until the inevitable occurs (being unable to work due to chronic pain). The treatments have helped as well as wearing a support brace throughout the day so that I am able to stand at work and file charts, etc. Where I live most fusions are done by neurosurgeons. He has chosen the one that is the most conservative with surgery and isn't "just slap happy to be using the knife" if you get my drift. A neurosurgeon because my case involves limiting damage to the nerves not just fusing the vertebrae. I cannot afford to travel for surgery. We are very close to filing for bankruptcy and I do not have the means to travel to a revision specialist. Down the road I would do so if my case warrants it. My daughter had surgery for scoliosis 2 years ago with the orthopedic surgeon at the Center for Scoliosis and Spinal Surgery in Greenville, NC. That is another option for me if I am uncomfortable with the neurosurgeon. Right now my main goal is to keep working, thus the chiropractor for temporary relief. Each treatment keeps me going for about 2 weeks before I need to see him again. He also works with fibromyalgia and works to release the trigger points in my muscles and is less expensive than a massage therapist. At this time I have to keep working. My husband has been unemployed since June 24 of last year. He does have "promised" work in August but for now he won't even go to Wal-mart or Food Lion to help out. I am working at a doctor's office 40+ hours per week, come home and do medical transcription for a couple hours at night, and work at my church for 6 hours on Saturday doing the secretarial duties. Right now I have to keep working and surgery isn't an option for me unless it becomes absolutely necessary. Peggy [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Dear Peggy, I know travel to doc's out of state would probably been too expensive for my family too, but I was lucky to find my doc in state. Have you looked into Angel Flights, given your financial situation they might be an option for you to travel to see a revision specialist. I don't know the name of the other group who gets donated tickets on commercial flights, but that is how Carla Kay from our group got a flight out from West Virginia to see my surgeon Dr. Kumar here in the Denver area. I hope she'll chime in with the info for you. Worth a call to see if you qualify, would love to see you get to the best possible doc with experience with Flatback. If your chiropractor is helping you stay functioning and working while your family is going through a job loss, I can't imagine anyone saying anything about it. You have a lot on your plate, so sorry your are in pain with the job loss and a child having surgery. I hope the job later this year pans out, sounds like you sure could use a good break! Colorado Springs [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2006 Report Share Posted May 31, 2006 If the chiro works for you, as a temporary relief, then that's great for you. Others use pilates, yoga, massage or the andra techniques, to name a few, so whatever works for you during this time period. Do look into some of the charities for transportation, like Angel Flight, to see if you qualify for out of area appointments. Given your present situation, you might be a good candidate. You don't want to overdo things to the point of permanent damage. It is a fine balancing act. Take care. Llweyn From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Peggy GreeneSent: May 30, 2006 7:54 PM Subject: Re: [ ] nerve compression First of all, and I hope I don't get kicked out of the group for this, I am seeing a chiropractor who I do some work for. He is not doing any kind of adjustments. However, he is doing very gentle decompression to lubricate the discs and open the space to decompress the nerves. He is helping me to work as long as possible until the inevitable occurs (being unable to work due to chronic pain). The treatments have helped as well as wearing a support brace throughout the day so that I am able to stand at work and file charts, etc. Where I live most fusions are done by neurosurgeons. He has chosen the one that is the most conservative with surgery and isn't "just slap happy to be using the knife" if you get my drift. A neurosurgeon because my case involves limiting damage to the nerves not just fusing the vertebrae. I cannot afford to travel for surgery. We are very close to filing for bankruptcy and I do not have the means to travel to a revision specialist. Down the road I would do so if my case warrants it. My daughter had surgery for scoliosis 2 years ago with the orthopedic surgeon at the Center for Scoliosis and Spinal Surgery in Greenville, NC. That is another option for me if I am uncomfortable with the neurosurgeon. Right now my main goal is to keep working, thus the chiropractor for temporary relief. Each treatment keeps me going for about 2 weeks before I need to see him again. He also works with fibromyalgia and works to release the trigger points in my muscles and is less expensive than a massage therapist. At this time I have to keep working. My husband has been unemployed since June 24 of last year. He does have "promised" work in August but for now he won't even go to Wal-mart or Food Lion to help out. I am working at a doctor's office 40+ hours per week, come home and do medical transcription for a couple hours at night, and work at my church for 6 hours on Saturday doing the secretarial duties. Right now I have to keep working and surgery isn't an option for me unless it becomes absolutely necessary. Peggy [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2006 Report Share Posted May 31, 2006 <<<<<<my case involves limiting damage to the nerves not just fusing the vertebrae>>>> Peggy, You said that's why a neurosurgeon was suggested, rather than an orthopedist. But, "limiting damage to the nerves and not just fusing vertebrae" is a part of all scoliosis revision surgeries. Also, there is a major difference between "fusions" and "fusions related to revising previous scoliosis surgeries with long fusions". Many doctors who are well equipped and experienced with general fusions nonetheless have very little experience or knowledge about operating on patients like us. So, if you do see the neurosurgeon, please ask him how many scoliosis revision surgeries he has done. He should have no qualms in telling you. My other suggestion is to ask your daughter's surgeon if he knows of a revision specialist in your state. He should know if there is one, I would think, either there in Greenville, NC or perhaps at Duke or UNC Chapel Hill. Best of luck to you. Sounds like you need it. Bonnie [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2006 Report Share Posted May 31, 2006 Peggy, Bonnie said it very well. Sharon [ ] nerve compression I'm curious if anyone here has had to have surgery due to nerve compression. My DDD has become so severe that the nerves are begin compressed between L4/L5 and L5/S1. Has anyone had surgery to stabilize their spine to prevent nerve damage instead of having reconstructive surgery? Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 I did not know that he and Rand worked together on cases. My friend thinks the world of him and only left because he did not like working at the Baptist. Do they often work together, or is this related to your spina bifida? So you will have a lot of doctors--Rand, Woodard, anesthesiologist, and vascular surgeon. In a message dated 5/30/06 10:28:01 PM, sharon.green18@... writes: Very interesting, Kim! Dr. Woodard will be doing the neurosurgical part of my revision (de-tethering my spinal cord). That is, he will, if Hillary can ever come up with a date when the 2 of them can be in the OR.  Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Kim, Ann told me that during her last operation she got a dural tear, and Rand grabbed Woodard out of the next OR to fix it. He didn't even bill her. So while I don't know how often they collaborate, I assume they get along. And yes, Woodard will be there because of my spina bifida, or more exactly, the little anomaly that caused my spinal cord to split. It appears that is the only site of tethering, and Rand wants it de-tethered so he doesn't cause any damage stretching when he re-arranges my bones. Sharon Re: [ ] nerve compression I did not know that he and Rand worked together on cases. My friend thinks the world of him and only left because he did not like working at the Baptist. Do they often work together, or is this related to your spina bifida? So you will have a lot of doctors--Rand, Woodard, anesthesiologist, and vascular surgeon. In a message dated 5/30/06 10:28:01 PM, sharon.green18@... writes: Very interesting, Kim! Dr. Woodard will be doing the neurosurgical part of my revision (de-tethering my spinal cord). That is, he will, if Hillary can ever come up with a date when the 2 of them can be in the OR. Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Sharon, I stumbled across this tonight while I was looking up " post-surgical depression " (turns out this is a bona fide condition...more on that later). I thought it might interest you. Its on the subject of ortho vs. neuro surgeons...I suspect it won't be news...but still...here it is: http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article2471.html Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Thanks, Cam. That's an interesting article. I had wondered initially if Dr. Rand would handle the tethered cord stuff, but it looks like he went right by the book in bringing Dr. Woodard into it Sharo [ ] Re: nerve compression > Sharon, > > I stumbled across this tonight while I was looking up " post-surgical > depression " (turns out this is a bona fide condition...more on that > later). I thought it might interest you. Its on the subject of ortho > vs. neuro surgeons...I suspect it won't be news...but still...here it > is: > > http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article2471.html > > Cam > > > > > > > > > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2006 Report Share Posted June 3, 2006 I guess it pays to read past the first sentence. I was pretty excited to read about depression :-) > > Sharon, > > I stumbled across this tonight while I was looking up " post-surgical > depression " (turns out this is a bona fide condition...more on that > later). I thought it might interest you. Its on the subject of ortho > vs. neuro surgeons...I suspect it won't be news...but still...here it > is: > > http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article2471.html > > Cam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 4, 2006 Report Share Posted June 4, 2006 The first time that I saw Rand was in December 2004, after Woodard had been there for only a few months. I mentioned the Bob--my friend who used to be Woodard's physician assistant--connection, and he said great things about Woodard. Actually, Bob used to say that I should go to Woodard for my revision because he felt that Woodard walked on water and could do anything. I always viewed it as an orthopedic problem to be handled by orthopedic surgeons. As I recall, Rand made some sort of comment to the effect that Woodard was one of them. In a message dated 6/2/06 9:50:56 PM, sharon.green18@... writes: Kim, Ann told me that during her last operation she got a dural tear, and Rand grabbed Woodard out of the next OR to fix it. He didn't even bill her. So while I don't know how often they collaborate, I assume they get along.  And yes, Woodard will be there because of my spina bifida, or more exactly, the little anomaly that caused my spinal cord to split. It appears that is the only site of tethering, and Rand wants it de-tethered so he doesn't cause any damage stretching when he re-arranges my bones.  Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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