RE: Dr LaGrones Patients - KAY

[Guest guest]

Wow, Kay!! It was so great to read your message!! I'm printing it to give to my wife... Just a couple questions, how did you find Dr Flemming? Is he part of SRS? Did you speak with previous patients? I'm thrilled for you but curious because so many on here are so leary when chosing doctors!! I guess like Co. - I can put you on my list of people who have had great success!! Again, Thank you for sharing your story and I'm so glad you are doing well.... You have inspired me (and I'm sure many others)!!! Ken. Kay Stange <kaystange@...> wrote: Hi Ken (and everyone), I saw my name in your list and thought I’d chime in. My husband bought a new office chair which allows me to recline (sitting is still uncomfortable for me), and I put my feet up on a stool. These things, plus the wireless keyboard, enables me to do

some emailing. Just getting back to it but not doing too much just yet. Today marks my third week post-op and I’m doing very well. Had some ups and downs, of course. Tried to get off the pain meds too quickly. Back on them but taking them as needed. Was on oxycodone until last Friday. Doctor switched me to Vicodin then. I had requested the change so my husband wouldn’t have to drive to their office for a new Rx each time we ran out of the Oxy. They can call in a refill Rx for Vicodin but can’t for the Oxy. And the Vicodin works for me. Had excruciating leg pain a few days after I got home from the hospital. Was told to use ice packs on my legs.

I’ve always hated ice packs—hate being cold. I was shivering already (but I also do that when I’m hurting). My husband convinced me to try it, placed the packs on my legs, then bundled me up. Honestly, it was heaven (which surprised me). After about two days of that, the pain went away and hasn’t come back. Georganne, Dr. Flemming’s nurse, explained that the nerves, which were moved around during the anterior approach to get to the disks, were now settling back into place. She also explained that the heating pad I’d been using to alleviate the pain would actually make the problem worse and could even increase the possibility of infection. Went to

the brace place yesterday to have it refitted. I’ve lost about 19 lbs. (lovely!), and don’t have much of an appetite yet. I wear my brace except when I shower, sleep (or am lying down), or make a short trip to the bathroom. I love it because it helps me feel better and adds a measure of protection and alignment. Guess the hardest part, early on, was the (gulp) constipating effects of the pain meds. They wouldn’t let me leave the hospital until I had a bowel movement. The forum members’ suggestions about using a stool softener and adding fiber to the diet is crucial. For those of you with upcoming surgeries, please remember this because, quite simply, when things are “regular” you feel ever so much better! Since I’ve been home I’ve been using BeneFiber (it really isn’t gritty and it’s tasteless), doses of Milk

of Magnesia (on occasion), and dried prunes. These are just the things that have worked for me. My surgery lasted about 5 ½ hours. They did the anterior incision first. I have a somewhat diagonal incision between my naval and pubis. They scraped bone from the pelvis (to be used in the lumbar area for fusion). They removed the disks from L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1, inserted PEEK cages (they’re new, non-metal but a very hard plastic-type material) with BMP fusing compound. Then they flipped me over removed the Harrington rod, then used pedicle screws and rods to fuse the lumbar vertebrae. I was in recovery about an hour and a half (I think). Didn’t walk

the first or second day; they just got me up to sit on the side of the bed (day 1) and then to merely stand (day 2). Like ’s doc (Kumar), they wanted me resting more than anything and wanted me to feel no pain. I had a morphine drip into my spinal fluid for the first 16-20 hours post-op. After that, they gave me Oxycodone (three every three hours) and something else (can’t remember what it was but think it was something for muscle spasms) for several days. Also gave me stool softeners and laxatives. I went in on a Wednesday for the surgery (Valentine’s day) and left to go home on Monday, the 19th. Both physical therapists and occupational therapists visited me twice daily in the hospital. By the third day, I was up and walking. On day five, I was doing stairs. I don’t go down them the regular

way yet. I face the wall, place both hands on the railing, and step down the stairs sideways, taking each step one at a time. Both PT and OT cleared me to go home with no further follow-up because I was doing pretty well. A physical therapist did come to our home, however, just to make sure all was okay. He inspected our house and went through exercises and options with me and my husband. He said he wouldn’t come back unless we needed him and if so, just call and he’d set something up. My husband took such good care of me that I honestly think I got better care from him than I might have at a rehab facility following the hospital (which, in my

case, I didn’t need). Today is the first day he’s not with me; he’s returned to work. I think we’re both suffering a bit of separation anxiety, too. My son is here with me. When he leaves for work, I’ll only be on my own for a few hours until my husband gets home from work. My neighbors are looking in on me and are also just a phone call away if I need them. Sorry to go into such detail, but I wanted to give you the information because those of you in the forum who have already undergone your revision surgeries, and explained in detail what you experienced, really helped me prior to my own surgery. Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes,

too. I am so blessed in so many ways and so thankful for you, for my friends, family and loved ones. By the way, if anyone in the Northwest (Oregon, Washington) is contemplating this surgery, I cannot recommend highly enough, Dr. Flemming. He is, in a word, WONDERFUL. Very personable, patient, funny, and a good listener. Georganne, his nurse, is equally so. She has made herself available to me via phone calls (questions, etc.). And there’s been no difference in her behavior post-op than pre-op. Sometimes, I think doctors are done with you after the surgery, you know? But I surely haven’t gotten that feeling at all from either Georganne or Dr. F. If anything, they both seem more familiar—like we’ve developed a special bond. I’ll stop here (enough already, Kay!) From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Ken LeonardSent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 3:38 PM Subject: [ ] Dr LaGrones Patients - Please chime in.. Hello

again.... Hope you don't mind but here's the list I gathered today, some I'm not sure of so I will add a question mark... Did I miss anyone? Those who are listed, if you read this - Please feel free to chime in with any updates on how you are doing - etc - etc, There are a few of us making our surgical plans and intend to see Dr. LaGrone... Thanks in advance!! 1) ette 2) H ? 3) Joann H 4) Eileen F 5) Martha

? 6) ? 7) Terry J 8) Alpine 9) Martha G 10) C 11) Kay Stange Many thanks, Ken. Don't get soaked. Take a quick peek at the forecast with the Search weather shortcut.

Need Mail bonding?Go to the Q&A for great tips from Answers users.

[Guest guest]

Dear Ken,

I have cautioned you before, and will again,about being very careful to understand that outcomes both good and bad, come with this surgery, even though you go with a very experienced doc( many spoken about here) or one not so talked about. I always tell new members, when looking for a consult, it's best to go to a very experienced doc, ones spoken about here, the odds then will always be in your favor when you do that. Leary, everyone should be, this is a VERY complicated surgery, going with a doc that has a proven track record, that can provided you with many names you can call to check how their patients have progressed after the surgery, not just right after, but years down the road. Sucess with this surgery has it's immediate signs, like being upright, and less pain, but you truly want to see these signs last, not just the month after surgery, but for years, then you can really judge the sucess of the surgery. With these proven doc's, you'll find voices on these boards who are years out and doing well. Always remember that complications can and do show up during the healing period, sometimes months out. While you use me to support your feeling that going with a less known name is prudent too, you might find my answer surprising. Kumar and O'Brien are excellent surgeons, have truly given me my life back. Would I recommend anyone to do what I did going with a less known name, NO. You need to have all your ducks in a row while attempting this surgery, and I went with my gut, knew these guys would get me to the promised land, and they did, but I took a path full of A LOT of surgery, two full revisions, and a very painful decompression. Would a more experienced doc have gotten me through with less surgery, maybe, I'll never know since I didn't go to see one. Kumar did discuss my case at a SRS meeting with Lenke and Bridwell. Would a doc like LaGrone or Boachie seen that maybe instead of doing my revision only in my lumbar spine, that going up into my thorasic would have been good too, seeing that I cracked my Harrington Rod fusion mass months after my first revision, I'll never know if that could have been forseen by a more experienced eye in revision surgery. I'm blessed to have an excellent outcome from my second revision, Kumar and O'Brien did a beautiful job, and maybe I shouldn't reflect so much, but lessons can always be learned. So Ken, learning from me, I say, since your doc's have varing opinions, it's a must you go see La Grone, so you get the skinny on his thoughts and weigh them. Well known names are that way for a reason, they have a proven track record and results, not for just a few, but many. Kay is doing terrific, and I hope she continues too, but as I've said to her in phone calls, it takes a year to judge just how sucessful this surgery is. She and I went with less known local names, and for me it worked out, and hopefully her too. There will be new names that will develope a reputation for this work too, otherwise we'd be in trouble once all the others retire, but you should always be a name with these surgeons down the list instead of on the top. Experience is important, odds are in your favor, and know doing this all twice isn't fun, and while probably my fusion crack was just dumb bad luck, and not preventable or able to be forseen, I'll never know. Do I think on it much, no, I'm just soooo grateful for my excellent outcome and my doc's, but when I read how varing your doc's ideas are, I think getting La Grones and maybe another doc's opinion is key for you no matter the cost, have all your ducks in a row so you don't have any regrets even the tiniest ones.

RE: [ ] Dr LaGrones Patients - KAY

Wow, Kay!! It was so great to read your message!! I'm printing it to give to my wife...

Just a couple questions, how did you find Dr Flemming? Is he part of SRS? Did you speak with previous patients?

I'm thrilled for you but curious because so many on here are so leary when chosing doctors!! I guess like Co. - I can put you on my list of people who have had great success!!

Again, Thank you for sharing your story and I'm so glad you are doing well....

You have inspired me (and I'm sure many others)!!! Ken. Kay Stange <kaystangecomcast (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi Ken (and everyone),

I saw my name in your list and thought I’d chime in. My husband bought a new office chair which allows me to recline (sitting is still uncomfortable for me), and I put my feet up on a stool. These things, plus the wireless keyboard, enables me to do some emailing. Just getting back to it but not doing too much just yet.

Today marks my third week post-op and I’m doing very well. Had some ups and downs, of course. Tried to get off the pain meds too quickly. Back on them but taking them as needed. Was on oxycodone until last Friday. Doctor switched me to Vicodin then. I had requested the change so my husband wouldn’t have to drive to their office for a new Rx each time we ran out of the Oxy. They can call in a refill Rx for Vicodin but can’t for the Oxy. And the Vicodin works for me.

Had excruciating leg pain a few days after I got home from the hospital. Was told to use ice packs on my legs. I’ve always hated ice packs—hate being cold. I was shivering already (but I also do that when I’m hurting). My husband convinced me to try it, placed the packs on my legs, then bundled me up. Honestly, it was heaven (which surprised me). After about two days of that, the pain went away and hasn’t come back.

Georganne, Dr. Flemming’s nurse, explained that the nerves, which were moved around during the anterior approach to get to the disks, were now settling back into place. She also explained that the heating pad I’d been using to alleviate the pain would actually make the problem worse and could even increase the possibility of infection.

Went to the brace place yesterday to have it refitted. I’ve lost about 19 lbs. (lovely!), and don’t have much of an appetite yet. I wear my brace except when I shower, sleep (or am lying down), or make a short trip to the bathroom. I love it because it helps me feel better and adds a measure of protection and alignment.

Guess the hardest part, early on, was the (gulp) constipating effects of the pain meds. They wouldn’t let me leave the hospital until I had a bowel movement. The forum members’ suggestions about using a stool softener and adding fiber to the diet is crucial. For those of you with upcoming surgeries, please remember this because, quite simply, when things are “regular” you feel ever so much better! Since I’ve been home I’ve been using BeneFiber (it really isn’t gritty and it’s tasteless), doses of Milk of Magnesia (on occasion), and dried prunes. These are just the things that have worked for me.

My surgery lasted about 5 ½ hours. They did the anterior incision first. I have a somewhat diagonal incision between my naval and pubis. They scraped bone from the pelvis (to be used in the lumbar area for fusion). They removed the disks from L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1, inserted PEEK cages (they’re new, non-metal but a very hard plastic-type material) with BMP fusing compound. Then they flipped me over removed the Harrington rod, then used pedicle screws and rods to fuse the lumbar vertebrae. I was in recovery about an hour and a half (I think).

Didn’t walk the first or second day; they just got me up to sit on the side of the bed (day 1) and then to merely stand (day 2). Like ’s doc (Kumar), they wanted me resting more than anything and wanted me to feel no pain. I had a morphine drip into my spinal fluid for the first 16-20 hours post-op. After that, they gave me Oxycodone (three every three hours) and something else (can’t remember what it was but think it was something for muscle spasms) for several days. Also gave me stool softeners and laxatives. I went in on a Wednesday for the surgery (Valentine’s day) and left to go home on Monday, the 19th.

Both physical therapists and occupational therapists visited me twice daily in the hospital. By the third day, I was up and walking. On day five, I was doing stairs. I don’t go down them the regular way yet. I face the wall, place both hands on the railing, and step down the stairs sideways, taking each step one at a time.

Both PT and OT cleared me to go home with no further follow-up because I was doing pretty well. A physical therapist did come to our home, however, just to make sure all was okay. He inspected our house and went through exercises and options with me and my husband. He said he wouldn’t come back unless we needed him and if so, just call and he’d set something up.

My husband took such good care of me that I honestly think I got better care from him than I might have at a rehab facility following the hospital (which, in my case, I didn’t need). Today is the first day he’s not with me; he’s returned to work. I think we’re both suffering a bit of separation anxiety, too. My son is here with me. When he leaves for work, I’ll only be on my own for a few hours until my husband gets home from work. My neighbors are looking in on me and are also just a phone call away if I need them.

Sorry to go into such detail, but I wanted to give you the information because those of you in the forum who have already undergone your revision surgeries, and explained in detail what you experienced, really helped me prior to my own surgery.

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes, too. I am so blessed in so many ways and so thankful for you, for my friends, family and loved ones.

By the way, if anyone in the Northwest (Oregon, Washington) is contemplating this surgery, I cannot recommend highly enough, Dr. Flemming. He is, in a word, WONDERFUL. Very personable, patient, funny, and a good listener. Georganne, his nurse, is equally so. She has made herself available to me via phone calls (questions, etc.). And there’s been no difference in her behavior post-op than pre-op. Sometimes, I think doctors are done with you after the surgery, you know? But I surely haven’t gotten that feeling at all from either Georganne or Dr. F. If anything, they both seem more familiar—like we’ve developed a special bond.

I’ll stop here (enough already, Kay!)

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Ken LeonardSent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 3:38 PM Subject: [ ] Dr LaGrones Patients - Please chime in..

Hello again....

Hope you don't mind but here's the list I gathered today, some I'm not sure of so I will add a question mark...

Did I miss anyone? Those who are listed, if you read this - Please feel free to chime in with any updates on how you are doing - etc - etc,

There are a few of us making our surgical plans and intend to see Dr. LaGrone... Thanks in advance!!

1) ette

2) H ?

3) Joann H

4) Eileen F

5) Martha ?

6) ?

7) Terry J

8) Alpine

9) Martha G

10) C

11) Kay Stange

Many thanks, Ken.

Don't get soaked. Take a quick peek at the forecast with the Search weather shortcut.

Need Mail bonding?Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users.

[Guest guest]

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Ken Leonard

Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007

10:51 PM

To:

Subject: RE: [ ] Dr

LaGrones Patients - KAY

Wow, Kay!! It was so great to read your message!! I'm printing it to

give to my wife...

Just a couple questions, how did you find Dr Flemming? Is he part of

SRS? Did you speak with previous patients?

I'm thrilled for you but curious because so many on here are so

leary when chosing doctors!! I guess like Co. - I can put you on my

list of people who have had great success!!

Again, Thank you for sharing your story and I'm so glad you

are doing well....

You have inspired me (and I'm sure many others)!!! Ken.

Kay Stange

<kaystangecomcast (DOT) net> wrote:

Hi Ken (and

everyone),

I saw my

name in your list and thought I’d chime in. My husband bought a new

office chair which allows me to recline (sitting is still uncomfortable for

me), and I put my feet up on a stool. These things, plus the wireless keyboard,

enables me to do some emailing. Just getting back to it but not doing too much

just yet.

Today marks my

third week post-op and I’m doing very well. Had some ups and downs, of

course. Tried to get off the pain meds too quickly. Back on them but taking

them as needed. Was on oxycodone until last Friday. Doctor switched me to

Vicodin then. I had requested the change so my husband wouldn’t have to

drive to their office for a new Rx each time we ran out of the Oxy. They can

call in a refill Rx for Vicodin but can’t for the Oxy. And the Vicodin

works for me.

Had excruciating

leg pain a few days after I got home from the hospital. Was told to use ice

packs on my legs. I’ve always hated ice packs—hate being cold. I

was shivering already (but I also do that when I’m hurting). My husband convinced

me to try it, placed the packs on my legs, then bundled me up. Honestly, it was

heaven (which surprised me). After about two days of that, the pain went away

and hasn’t come back.

Georganne, Dr.

Flemming’s nurse, explained that the nerves, which were moved around

during the anterior approach to get to the disks, were now settling back into

place. She also explained that the heating pad I’d been using to

alleviate the pain would actually make the problem worse and could even

increase the possibility of infection.

Went to the

brace place yesterday to have it refitted. I’ve lost about 19 lbs.

(lovely!), and don’t have much of an appetite yet. I wear my brace except

when I shower, sleep (or am lying down), or make a short trip to the bathroom.

I love it because it helps me feel better and adds a measure of protection and

alignment.

Guess the

hardest part, early on, was the (gulp) constipating effects of the pain meds.

They wouldn’t let me leave the hospital until I had a bowel movement. The

forum members’ suggestions about using a stool softener and adding fiber

to the diet is crucial. For those of you with upcoming surgeries, please

remember this because, quite simply, when things are “regular” you

feel ever so much better! Since I’ve been home I’ve been using

BeneFiber (it really isn’t gritty and it’s tasteless), doses of

Milk of Magnesia (on occasion), and dried prunes. These are just the things

that have worked for me.

My surgery

lasted about 5 ½ hours. They did the anterior incision first. I have a somewhat

diagonal incision between my naval and pubis. They scraped bone from the pelvis

(to be used in the lumbar area for fusion). They removed the disks from L3-L4,

L4-L5, and L5-S1, inserted PEEK cages (they’re new, non-metal but a very

hard plastic-type material) with BMP fusing compound. Then they flipped me over

removed the Harrington rod, then used pedicle screws and rods to fuse the

lumbar vertebrae. I was in recovery about an hour and a half (I think).

Didn’t

walk the first or second day; they just got me up to sit on the side of the bed

(day 1) and then to merely stand (day 2). Like ’s doc (Kumar), they

wanted me resting more than anything and wanted me to feel no pain. I had a

morphine drip into my spinal fluid for the first 16-20 hours post-op. After

that, they gave me Oxycodone (three every three hours) and something else

(can’t remember what it was but think it was something for muscle spasms)

for several days. Also gave me stool softeners and laxatives. I went in on a

Wednesday for the surgery (Valentine’s day) and left to go home on

Monday, the 19th.

Both physical

therapists and occupational therapists visited me twice daily in the hospital.

By the third day, I was up and walking. On day five, I was doing stairs. I

don’t go down them the regular way yet. I face the wall, place both hands

on the railing, and step down the stairs sideways, taking each step one at a

time.

Both PT and OT

cleared me to go home with no further follow-up because I was doing pretty

well. A physical therapist did come to our home, however, just to make sure all

was okay. He inspected our house and went through exercises and options with me

and my husband. He said he wouldn’t come back unless we needed him and if

so, just call and he’d set something up.

My husband took

such good care of me that I honestly think I got better care from him than I

might have at a rehab facility following the hospital (which, in my case, I

didn’t need). Today is the first day he’s not with me; he’s

returned to work. I think we’re both suffering a bit of separation

anxiety, too. My son is here with me. When he leaves for work, I’ll only

be on my own for a few hours until my husband gets home from work. My neighbors

are looking in on me and are also just a phone call away if I need them.

Sorry to go into

such detail, but I wanted to give you the information because those of you in

the forum who have already undergone your revision surgeries, and explained in

detail what you experienced, really helped me prior to my own surgery.

Thank you all

for your prayers and good wishes, too. I am so blessed in so many ways and so

thankful for you, for my friends, family and loved ones.

By the way, if

anyone in the Northwest (Oregon, Washington)

is contemplating this surgery, I cannot recommend highly enough, Dr.

Flemming. He is, in a word, WONDERFUL. Very personable, patient, funny, and a

good listener. Georganne, his nurse, is equally so. She has made herself

available to me via phone calls (questions, etc.). And there’s been no

difference in her behavior post-op than pre-op. Sometimes, I think doctors are

done with you after the surgery, you know? But I surely haven’t gotten

that feeling at all from either Georganne or Dr. F. If anything, they both seem

more familiar—like we’ve developed a special bond.

I’ll stop

here (enough already, Kay!)

size=2 width="100%" align=center tabIndex=-1>

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Ken Leonard

Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 3:38

PM

Subject: [ ] Dr

LaGrones Patients - Please chime in..

Hello again....

Hope you don't mind but here's the list I gathered today, some

I'm not sure of so I will add a question mark...

Did I miss anyone? Those who are listed, if you read this -

Please feel free to chime in with any updates on how you are doing - etc - etc,

There

are a few of us making our surgical plans and intend to see Dr. LaGrone...

Thanks in advance!!

1) ette

2) H ?

3) Joann H

4) Eileen F

5) Martha ?

6) ?

7) Terry J

8) Alpine

9) Martha G

10) C

11) Kay Stange

Many thanks, Ken.

Don't get soaked. Take a

quick peek at the forecast

with the

Search weather shortcut.

 

Need Mail bonding?

Go to the

Mail Q & A for great

tips from Answers users.

[Guest guest]

Ken, I didn’t

know anything about “flatback syndrome” until Dr. Flemming

described it to me. I actually saw him four years ago when I went to him for a

second opinion. The original doctor I went to because of pain, inability to

stand erect, etc. (all the things that usually drives us in to seek help),

Treible, urged me to seek a second opinion after discussing the

surgical procedure he would follow (he didn’t mention “flatback”).

Since I was unfamiliar with any ortho doctor—or even the gravity of the

situation (which I now understand)—I asked him to suggest a doctor. He

suggested Flemming. I went to see Dr. Flemming, and liked him, but the surgical

procedure sounded so major that I just wasn’t up to facing it at the

time. Kept insisting to myself that I could delay/avoid it if I just did

[this], or just did [that]. I also thought that I’d still have Dr.

Treible do the procedure if I decided to have it. I was still pretty ignorant

of the whole situation.

Dr. Treible did

perform shoulder surgery on me in 2002. That’s a tough one, I’m

told, because often it never quite feels right again. But Dr. T is skilled in shoulder,

knee, and etc., surgeries and today I have full movement and NO pain in my

shoulder.

Still, there was

something about the whole back thing that kept me dragging my feet, in spite of

the pain and ever-increasing limitations I faced. Also, I began to sense that

Dr. T was reluctant to perform the surgery. He kept telling me that it was “major,

major surgery” and not one to take lightly. Also, his body language and

comments seemed to be “communicating” to me his discomfort at doing

the procedure.

Finally, in my

last effort to get relief, I started going to physical therapy. the PT

manager that worked with me, was wonderful. When I discussed the surgery with

her and asked her opinion, she told me that “hands down” Flemming

was the “best” spine man in the region. (Now that still didn’t

guarantee that he was also gifted at doing flatback revision surgery, but I was

to find out more about that.) That led me on my journey to find out more about

him. I went to see him again and he actually remembered me from my original

appointment with him four years earlier. It was then he went over flatback

syndrome again, why I had it, about the Harrington rod, etc. He didn’t

push me toward surgery, just gave me a lot of information and suggested I do

some research before deciding. And ultimately, that led me to you all in the

flatback_revision forum. Something for which I’m extremely grateful.

I did further

checking on him and was pleased by everything I heard. You only had to mention

his name to see faces light up and stories emerge about how he helped with this

or did that, etc. Further, I discovered that he specialized in spinal

deformities and “revisions”. Learned that he’s also the

doctor folks end up going to when seeking relief for something another surgeon

has botched in one of their previous surgeries. In short, he has a wonderful

reputation.

I also checked

his record with the medical board. All this the forum members recommended I do.

Since I’m not used to “questioning” (almost feels a bit

invasive, you know?) so much about a doctor, it was hard for me to do so much

detailed examining of the man. But one forum member described it beautifully

when she told me that I’d certainly research a vehicle before placing any

money down for purchasing it. Also said that no matter what, Dr. F would walk

away from the surgery, but I would live with the results of it (good or bad)

for the rest of my life and didn’t it make sense to check out someone in

whose hands I placed my life?

Best advice I

ever got and it prompted me to stop being a weenie. Besides, I reasoned, if Dr.

F was truly who I thought he was, he would understand my need to find out about

him. And if he had nothing to hide, why should he get upset?

Bottom line, he

never did and he knew I checked him out. When I went into subsequent meetings

with him, he always patiently answered my myriad questions (sometimes teasing

me by asking, “How many pages of questions do you have there?!).

I hope you’re

finding some peace about your own surgery. I’ve been reading the postings

and know you’ve wavered somewhat on who to finally go to. It’s a

big decision. But once all the facts are in, the research is done, and all your

ducks are in a row, you have all the answers you can have before the fact.

After that, it’s a leap of faith—also based on the pros and cons of

what you’ve researched. And then, there’s your “gut”

feeling.

When my husband

and I left for the hospital early that Wednesday morning, I can truly say I was

at peace about my decision to go through with the surgery and my choice of Dr.

Flemming to do it. I was being covered in prayer by loved ones and strangers

who cared (something very important to me), I’d done my research, and the

rest was in God’s hands. I was ready!

So far, I’m

doing very well. Should something come up or problems arise, I’ll take it

one day at a time and deal with it then. In the meantime, guess that’s

what I’m still doing.

Sure hope your

quest leads you to some peace of mind about the choice of doctors, the

procedure, and all of it. There will always be some “unknowns”, but

you will hopefully get to a place where, after all is said and done, those

unknowns won’t cause you concern—because you can be assured that

ultimately, they’ll be worked out appropriately.

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Ken Leonard

Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007

10:51 PM

Subject: RE: [ ] Dr

LaGrones Patients - KAY

Wow, Kay!! It was so great to read your message!! I'm printing it to

give to my wife...

Just a couple questions, how did you find Dr Flemming? Is he part of

SRS? Did you speak with previous patients?

I'm thrilled for you but curious because so many on here are so

leary when chosing doctors!! I guess like Co. - I can put you on my

list of people who have had great success!!

Again, Thank you for sharing your story and I'm so glad you

are doing well....

You have inspired me (and I'm sure many others)!!! Ken.

[Guest guest]

Hi Kay, You could almost be describing Dr. Akbarnia - Very well respected in the community!! Is a deformity specialist... He's even been listed as a doctor other doctors would go to.... A few other feathers in his cap... He put in harrington rods so he knows how they work, Either 05 or 06 he was the president of SRS, he has excellent training, his practice involves mostly revisions (though not mostly all with harrington rods), he is working with Dr Boachi (sp ck) on research, he speaks worldwide on scoliosis.... I could go on and on - all I need know are some darn patient referrals..... =) Btw Kay, I couldn't be happier for you, Congrats!!! Ken.Kay Stange <kaystange@...> wrote: Ken, I didn’t know anything about “flatback syndrome” until Dr. Flemming described it to me. I actually saw him four years ago when I went to him for a second opinion. The original doctor I went to because of pain, inability to stand erect, etc. (all the things that usually drives us in to seek help), Treible, urged me to seek a second opinion after discussing the surgical procedure he would follow (he didn’t mention “flatback”). Since I was unfamiliar with any ortho doctor—or

even the gravity of the situation (which I now understand)—I asked him to suggest a doctor. He suggested Flemming. I went to see Dr. Flemming, and liked him, but the surgical procedure sounded so major that I just wasn’t up to facing it at the time. Kept insisting to myself that I could delay/avoid it if I just did [this], or just did [that]. I also thought that I’d still have Dr. Treible do the procedure if I decided to have it. I was still pretty ignorant of the whole situation. Dr. Treible did perform shoulder surgery on me in 2002. That’s a tough one, I’m told, because often it never quite feels right again. But Dr. T is skilled in shoulder, knee, and etc., surgeries and today I have full movement and NO pain in my shoulder. Still, there was something about the whole back thing that kept me dragging my feet, in spite of the pain and ever-increasing limitations I faced. Also, I began to sense that Dr. T was reluctant to perform the surgery. He kept telling me that it was “major, major surgery” and not one to take lightly. Also, his body language and comments seemed to be “communicating” to me his discomfort at doing the procedure. Finally, in my last effort to get relief, I started going to physical therapy. the PT manager that worked with me, was wonderful. When I discussed the surgery with her and asked her opinion, she told me that “hands down” Flemming was the “best” spine man in the region. (Now that still didn’t guarantee that he

was also gifted at doing flatback revision surgery, but I was to find out more about that.) That led me on my journey to find out more about him. I went to see him again and he actually remembered me from my original appointment with him four years earlier. It was then he went over flatback syndrome again, why I had it, about the Harrington rod, etc. He didn’t push me toward surgery, just gave me a lot of information and suggested I do some research before deciding. And ultimately, that led me to you all in the flatback_revision forum. Something for which I’m extremely grateful. I did further checking on him and was pleased by everything I heard. You only had to mention his name to see faces light up and stories emerge about how he helped with this or did that, etc. Further, I discovered that he specialized in

spinal deformities and “revisions”. Learned that he’s also the doctor folks end up going to when seeking relief for something another surgeon has botched in one of their previous surgeries. In short, he has a wonderful reputation. I also checked his record with the medical board. All this the forum members recommended I do. Since I’m not used to “questioning” (almost feels a bit invasive, you know?) so much about a doctor, it was hard for me to do so much detailed examining of the man. But one forum member described it beautifully when she told me that I’d certainly research a vehicle before placing any money down for purchasing it. Also said that no matter what, Dr. F would walk away from the surgery, but I would live with the results of it (good or bad) for the rest of my life and didn’t it make sense

to check out someone in whose hands I placed my life? Best advice I ever got and it prompted me to stop being a weenie. Besides, I reasoned, if Dr. F was truly who I thought he was, he would understand my need to find out about him. And if he had nothing to hide, why should he get upset? Bottom line, he never did and he knew I checked him out. When I went into subsequent meetings with him, he always patiently answered my myriad questions (sometimes teasing me by asking, “How many pages of questions do you have there?!). I hope you’re finding some peace about your own surgery. I’ve been reading the postings and know you’ve wavered somewhat on who to finally go to. It’s a big decision. But once all the facts are in, the research is done, and all your ducks are in a row, you have all the answers you can have before the fact. After that, it’s a leap of faith—also based on the pros and cons of what you’ve researched. And then, there’s your “gut” feeling. When my husband and I left for the hospital early that Wednesday morning, I can truly say I was at peace about my decision to go through with the surgery and my choice of Dr. Flemming to do it. I was being covered in prayer by loved ones and strangers who cared (something very important to me), I’d done my research, and the rest was in God’s

hands. I was ready! So far, I’m doing very well. Should something come up or problems arise, I’ll take it one day at a time and deal with it then. In the meantime, guess that’s what I’m still doing. Sure hope your quest leads you to some peace of mind about the choice of doctors, the procedure, and all of it. There will always be some “unknowns”, but you will hopefully get to a place where, after all is said and done, those unknowns won’t cause you concern—because you can be assured that ultimately, they’ll be worked out appropriately. From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Ken LeonardSent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 10:51 PM Subject: RE: [ ] Dr LaGrones Patients - KAY Wow, Kay!! It was so great to read your message!! I'm printing it to give to my wife... Just a couple questions, how did you find Dr Flemming? Is he part of SRS? Did you speak with previous patients?

I'm thrilled for you but curious because so many on here are so leary when chosing doctors!! I guess like Co. - I can put you on my list of people who have had great success!! Again, Thank you for sharing your story and I'm so glad you are doing well.... You have inspired me (and I'm sure many others)!!! Ken.

Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debatein the Answers Food Drink Q&A.