Re: New member - almost a Harrington original

[Guest guest]

Welcome out of the shadows, we and I am sure I speak collectively

are so glad you were able to gleen the information needed to make an

infomed decision on the type of surgeon you needed and kudo's to you

for saying no to surgeon 1 and 2 and going off to find a flatback

revision specialist. I think it takes guts to say, no, your not quite

what I am looking for, I am going in deeper and farther to find what I

need. He has had a few patients here on the site. I am sure they will

chime in. I can find you a mentor if you wish. Email me privately, if

you would like one or need more information. Thanks, C

[Guest guest]

,

I also wanted to say, that you are a perfect example of what this

website is all about. You looked for information and found it. You used

the information to give you hope, strength and determination to make

the best possible decision for yourself. I am not sure the people and

moderators of this forum could ask for anything more. Thanks for

sharing. C

[Guest guest]



Hello there !

Your post/story belongs in the Leather Bound Edition of the book not yet written!

I allowed myself to fall victim at the crossroads where you picked up the phone after your appt. with Doc #3 and took matters into your own hands - I believed what some of the professionals said thus my journey as become just that, "my journey"!

In, around, about 1999 through 2002....In seeing a Dr. (one of many, but in this instance) who, in the yellow pages, etc. his name came up in a search for scoliosis in the Charlotte NC area (I live in that viscinity). He happened to be the scoli expert at the Clinic, where I was initially diagnosed in 1966 and later had surgery in 1972.

I told him about my aches & pains, what I had read about flatback and the occurences of people with Harrington rod surgery encountering problems down the road and how those symptoms pretty much described me. I had already noticed in glimpses in the mirror that I'd be leaning forward, I've always stood straight in the past. I had also noticed that the area in the small of my back (lordosis area) started looking like that of my aging mother - I didn't know how to express this into words, except that I looked more like my mother at her age of 70 and I was age 46 (or somewhere in that range). When I read about flatback it all started making sense.

He did some x-rays. I might have had to do some standing on one foot, walk backwards on my heels, etc. but can't recall at the moment.

Here is what he had to say, aka his diagnosis, I guess:

"None of us are as young as we used to be." "Our bodies change as we age." He used to be a jock, but now simply can't do the things he used to because our bodies change when we age. He highly respected Dr. Hineg (ret. deceased Clinic scoliosis expert & surgeon) and that was why he sought him out to learn from and to work with. In regards to spinal fusion with Harrington rods, "Dr. Hineg was ahead of his time in realizing that fusing down into the lumbar area could/would cause problems down the road", that he (Hineg) did not extend fusions as far down as most surgeons were doing at that time. (think mine was through L2). He put my x-rays on the board and showed me that I didn't have flatback. It was true, there was still the inward arch in my spine when looking at the side view. Even though on the outside, that area was flat as a fritter, and I was pitched forward, the vertebra - the x-ray told a different story. So he emphatically told me that I did not have flatback - and the proof was in the x-ray. So, he talked about how so many people quit using their backs in certain ways as we get older because of pain setting in, because OUR BODIES CHANGE WHEN WE AGE. He talked about atropy that occurs that makes things worse. He talked about seeing kids playing in the park - when they pick up a ball or something from the ground, that they don't bend at the knees and squat to pick it up, they bend over to retrieve it. That I should do the same, use that back, use those muscles, keep the blood flow going. He said that the best thing anybody could do for their backs was to do the touching your toes exercise. That when I get up in the mornings, touch my toes for 10 to 20 reps, "fire those muscles up" and I'd be amazed at the improvement I'd see. So it was really a great pep-talk.

My ascertation of that visit: While he was correct in many of the things he said, and I obviously did not have flatback, I saw the films, and was all for doing the touching my toes exercises, I was still bewildered as to this ongoing pain, leg numbness, losing standing, walking, sitting abilities, etc., but this Dr. has a lot of credintials so he must know what he's talking about so I returned to work to finish the day off.

I started the touching toes routine, got really good - could do it putting the palms of my hands flat on the floor. I felt strengthing of my back, muscle tone but nothing else changed - but clearly seeing that I didn't have flatback I no longer felt that I needed to be a member of this forum since it seemed unlikely that my lumbar problems were related to scoliosis.

The pain intensifying and continued loss of mobility...limited standing, walking, sitting is what kept me seeking a doctor who could help or at least diagnose what was going on with my body - and during all of this, the disstortion of my body continued - as if it were dormant for so many years and then kicked back in.

No doctor that I had seen would seem to think that it was related to scoloisis or the corrective surgery.

So, that's about 3 or 4 surgeries and a bunch of guinea pig procedures ago.

You're doing your homework right. Wish I had done the same. Congratulations for doing it smart and for staying in charge of your own body!

G - in NC

[ ] New member - almost a Harrington original

Hello everyone,

I have been lurking for quite sometime. I'm now coming out of the closet to share my story. I had my Harrington rod surgery in 1969 at the age of 20. My curve was 57degrees. Dr. Harrington was scheduled to do the surgery. He had a heart attack and retired before the deed was done. I was referred to a Dr. Earle at Wilford Hall Hospital in San , Texas . This is an Air Force Hospital and my father was retired military so it worked for us. I lived in Florida at the time and the military picked up all of the transport. (a story for another time!). I was fused in 1969 from T9-L4. In 1971 I had the rod removed. They decided that that was the best protocol at the time. I did pretty well for a while and then the pain returned in 1978. At that time I was living in California and found one of the top spine guys of the era at UCLA, Dr. Edgar Dawson. I was a patient of his for 25 years until his death in 2004. He did a pseudoarthrosis repair in 1979. I was OK for a while and then had to have L4-L5 fused with pedical screw instrumentation in 1994 due to a degenerative disk.

After Dr. Dawson passed I knew I would need a new doctor sooner or later and began my search. That is when I discovered all of you. I am so thankful for all of the knowledge, information, and support that is given on a daily basis. Initially I was doing well and just reading posts and making notes for the future. Well "the future" presented itself to me last winter. I went from practicing yoga 5-6 times a week and skiiing black diamond powder runs (with the help of lots of NSAIDS) to not being able to walk around the block. I had known that the L5-S1 disk was beginning to go. Well..... it went. I now have spondylolisthesis below my fusion and a mild case of flatback. I am tilted foreword as a result of the two problems.

I began my search for a surgeon armed with the info gained from all of you. I now live in Northern Idaho so I began with two local docs believing that they would refer me to a flatback specialist that they felt was the best in the country. I was very clear on my request. They both ignored the big picture. Doc #1 said he could fuse me L5-S1 so what was the problem. Doc #2 said that he would fuse me when I couldn't stand it anymore. He felt that "the thing that unites these surgeries is disappointment". So then I went on to Doc #3, a spine specialist in Boise who finally recognized that I couldn't stand up straight, that I did have flatback and who was willing do revision surgery. Again, not willing to refer me. From there I picked up the phone and made appointments with Dr. Koski in Chicago and Dr. Bridwell in St. Louis. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ME KNOW WHAT DOCTORS ARE OUT THERE FOR US!!!!!!! The difference is amazing. I now realize that it is not only the quality of the surgeon, but also the hospital, the anesthesiologists, the vascular surgeons, the nurses, and all of the support staff that know how to deal with these complex spine cases that make a huge difference as well. I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Bridwell on December 9th and 11th. I have another appointment on Nov. 3rd. to go over all of the details. At this point I know that I will be fused to the sacrum and with osteotomies on L1 and L2. I am looking foreword to getting on with my life. This new surgery will be almost 40 years from the time of my first one. It has been quite a ride! I can't express enough how comforting it is to know that there is such a group of caring individuals who can relate to what I am going through. THANK YOU!!!!

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you for coming out of the shadows and telling your story. It is

wonderful to hear that you think some of our info has had a positive

impact on your life choices. Of course we always hope we point people

in the direction of good information but believe me, sometimes

us " oldies " feel like we are talking to ourselves. Same stuff different

day. I really want to encourage you, and others, to participate here as

much as you can. Its the only way to keep the support and info fresh

and new.

Of course with your pending surgery I know you will be plenty busy

getting ready for the big days...as well as the travle that is involved.

How are you getting to and from STL? I imagine you will fly?

Can you tell us a little more about the experiences with both DrKoski

and Bridwell and explain what or why you chose one over the other? I

know that would be useful insight for others planning to seek opinions

from one or the other.

I am sorry that you have had such a quick downhill slide...no pun

intended. I sort of wish I realized that the last time I skiied that it

would be my last....sigh. I suppose it would be possible to still do it

now 4 years out...but I honestly just feel too fragile. Just falling

last winter on X-country skis and hitting the snow from almost standing

still seemed like more than I should ask this fused body to endure!

I put you on the calendar and will look forward to hearing how things

go on the 3rd.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I live 3 hours north of St. Louis. I am one of Dr. Lenke's (Dr.

Bridwell's partner)patients. If you are arriving into St. Louis on

Sunday, November 2nd and think you would like to meet a warm body from

this forum, I would eagerly make the trip to meet you. As I have yet to

have the revision surgery, I regret I wouldn't have any words of wisdom

for you, but I would be a comrade in compassion (my Harrington Rod

surgery was also done at age 20 but in 1972). Let me know if that

appeals to you and is doable. What time is your appointment on Monday,

November 3rd?

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm sorry to hear that you had such a nightmare. I truly believed before I started my latest quest that doctors want to do the best for their patients. I was shocked that no one would refer me to a specialist. In some cases I'm sure that it is ego, in other cases ignorance of our unique situation. Regardless, they are willing to subject us to surgeries that are the best they are capable of performing but ones that will not help us in the long run. While discussing this with my husband he came up with a great line................"when you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail".I am fortunate that my parents were also proactive. When I was diagnosed with scoliosis in the early 60's at age 11, my parents went on a search to find the best possible doctors to treat me. I lived in Florida but we drove to Milwaukee to see Dr. Blount the originator of the Milwaukee brace. By that time I had worn a brace made in Florida for a year, it wasn't working, and I wasn't even interested in wearing a new humiliating brace. At that time my father decided he would rather have a cripple than a mental case for a daughter and we left things alone for a while. The pain increased so I was packed up and taken to Texas to see Dr. Harrington. The rest has been posted.

All that being said, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would let any of these doctors so surgery on me. I just wanted them to give me direction and guidance.....HAH! Thank goodness that we live in an Internet age and do research on our own to find the answers that we need. Again I need to express my gratitude to everyone that has already been down this path and that shared their stories which enabled me to make an informed decision.

D

Re: [ ] New member - almost a Harrington original

 Hello there !

Your post/story belongs in the Leather Bound Edition of the book not yet written!

I allowed myself to fall victim at the crossroads where you picked up the phone after your appt. with Doc #3 and took matters into your own hands - I believed what some of the professionals said thus my journey as become just that, "my journey"!

In, around, about 1999 through 2002....In seeing a Dr. (one of many, but in this instance) who, in the yellow pages, etc. his name came up in a search for scoliosis in the Charlotte NC area (I live in that viscinity). He happened to be the scoli expert at the Clinic, where I was initially diagnosed in 1966 and later had surgery in 1972.

I told him about my aches & pains, what I had read about flatback and the occurences of people with Harrington rod surgery encountering problems down the road and how those symptoms pretty much described me. I had already noticed in glimpses in the mirror that I'd be leaning forward, I've always stood straight in the past. I had also noticed that the area in the small of my back (lordosis area) started looking like that of my aging mother - I didn't know how to express this into words, except that I looked more like my mother at her age of 70 and I was age 46 (or somewhere in that range). When I read about flatback it all started making sense.

He did some x-rays. I might have had to do some standing on one foot, walk backwards on my heels, etc. but can't recall at the moment.

Here is what he had to say, aka his diagnosis, I guess:

"None of us are as young as we used to be." "Our bodies change as we age." He used to be a jock, but now simply can't do the things he used to because our bodies change when we age. He highly respected Dr. Hineg (ret. deceased Clinic scoliosis expert & surgeon) and that was why he sought him out to learn from and to work with. In regards to spinal fusion with Harrington rods, "Dr. Hineg was ahead of his time in realizing that fusing down into the lumbar area could/would cause problems down the road", that he (Hineg) did not extend fusions as far down as most surgeons were doing at that time. (think mine was through L2). He put my x-rays on the board and showed me that I didn't have flatback. It was true, there was still the inward arch in my spine when looking at the side view. Even though on the outside, that area was flat as a fritter, and I was pitched forward, the vertebra - the x-ray told a different story. So he emphatically told me that I did not have flatback - and the proof was in the x-ray. So, he talked about how so many people quit using their backs in certain ways as we get older because of pain setting in, because OUR BODIES CHANGE WHEN WE AGE. He talked about atropy that occurs that makes things worse. He talked about seeing kids playing in the park - when they pick up a ball or something from the ground, that they don't bend at the knees and squat to pick it up, they bend over to retrieve it. That I should do the same, use that back, use those muscles, keep the blood flow going. He said that the best thing anybody could do for their backs was to do the touching your toes exercise. That when I get up in the mornings, touch my toes for 10 to 20 reps, "fire those muscles up" and I'd be amazed at the improvement I'd see. So it was really a great pep-talk.

My ascertation of that visit: While he was correct in many of the things he said, and I obviously did not have flatback, I saw the films, and was all for doing the touching my toes exercises, I was still bewildered as to this ongoing pain, leg numbness, losing standing, walking, sitting abilities, etc., but this Dr. has a lot of credintials so he must know what he's talking about so I returned to work to finish the day off.

I started the touching toes routine, got really good - could do it putting the palms of my hands flat on the floor. I felt strengthing of my back, muscle tone but nothing else changed - but clearly seeing that I didn't have flatback I no longer felt that I needed to be a member of this forum since it seemed unlikely that my lumbar problems were related to scoliosis.

The pain intensifying and continued loss of mobility...limited standing, walking, sitting is what kept me seeking a doctor who could help or at least diagnose what was going on with my body - and during all of this, the disstortion of my body continued - as if it were dormant for so many years and then kicked back in.

No doctor that I had seen would seem to think that it was related to scoloisis or the corrective surgery.

So, that's about 3 or 4 surgeries and a bunch of guinea pig procedures ago.

You're doing your homework right. Wish I had done the same. Congratulations for doing it smart and for staying in charge of your own body!

G - in NC

[ ] New member - almost a Harrington original

Hello everyone,

I have been lurking for quite sometime. I'm now coming out of the closet to share my story. I had my Harrington rod surgery in 1969 at the age of 20. My curve was 57degrees. Dr. Harrington was scheduled to do the surgery. He had a heart attack and retired before the deed was done. I was referred to a Dr. Earle at Wilford Hall Hospital in San , Texas . This is an Air Force Hospital and my father was retired military so it worked for us. I lived in Florida at the time and the military picked up all of the transport. (a story for another time!). I was fused in 1969 from T9-L4. In 1971 I had the rod removed. They decided that that was the best protocol at the time. I did pretty well for a while and then the pain returned in 1978. At that time I was living in California and found one of the top spine guys of the era at UCLA, Dr. Edgar Dawson. I was a patient of his for 25 years until his death in 2004. He did a pseudoarthrosis repair in 1979. I was OK for a while and then had to have L4-L5 fused with pedical screw instrumentation in 1994 due to a degenerative disk.

After Dr. Dawson passed I knew I would need a new doctor sooner or later and began my search. That is when I discovered all of you. I am so thankful for all of the knowledge, information, and support that is given on a daily basis. Initially I was doing well and just reading posts and making notes for the future. Well "the future" presented itself to me last winter. I went from practicing yoga 5-6 times a week and skiiing black diamond powder runs (with the help of lots of NSAIDS) to not being able to walk around the block. I had known that the L5-S1 disk was beginning to go. Well..... it went. I now have spondylolisthesis below my fusion and a mild case of flatback. I am tilted foreword as a result of the two problems.

I began my search for a surgeon armed with the info gained from all of you. I now live in Northern Idaho so I began with two local docs believing that they would refer me to a flatback specialist that they felt was the best in the country. I was very clear on my request. They both ignored the big picture. Doc #1 said he could fuse me L5-S1 so what was the problem. Doc #2 said that he would fuse me when I couldn't stand it anymore. He felt that "the thing that unites these surgeries is disappointment". So then I went on to Doc #3, a spine specialist in Boise who finally recognized that I couldn't stand up straight, that I did have flatback and who was willing do revision surgery. Again, not willing to refer me. From there I picked up the phone and made appointments with Dr. Koski in Chicago and Dr. Bridwell in St. Louis. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ME KNOW WHAT DOCTORS ARE OUT THERE FOR US!!!!!!! The difference is amazing. I now realize that it is not only the quality of the surgeon, but also the hospital, the anesthesiologists, the vascular surgeons, the nurses, and all of the support staff that know how to deal with these complex spine cases that make a huge difference as well. I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Bridwell on December 9th and 11th. I have another appointment on Nov. 3rd. to go over all of the details. At this point I know that I will be fused to the sacrum and with osteotomies on L1 and L2. I am looking foreword to getting on with my life. This new surgery will be almost 40 years from the time of my first one. It has been quite a ride! I can't express enough how comforting it is to know that there is such a group of caring individuals who can relate to what I am going through. THANK YOU!!!!________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Cam,

Pease never feel that you guys are just talking to yourselves. I bet I'm not the only one that is out there in the shadows trying to piece their life together. It is so comforting to know that there are others who can relate. The first time I came across another Harrington rod patient was in an article in The Yoga Journal about a women who had revision surgery with Dr. Boache. She talked about the pain and feelings of isolation she had experienced in her search for a better quality of life. I just read it and reread it....and cried. I couldn't believe that someone else had similar feelings. This forum has just magnified all of that. How wonderful to know that there is a network out there that will support us and know what we are going through on so many levels.

As to my decision of Koski vs. Bridwell, I liked them both. Thankfully my insurance covered both of them. I feel they both would do an excellent job. I liked the facilities in Chicago better. I just had more of a rapport with Dr. Bridwell. He seems to be interested in the person as well as in the patient. It's pretty frightening to spend only 30-45 minutes with either one and then put your future in their hands. I like that he wants to see me for another visit before my surgery. Truly, I feel they would both do an excellent job. I would be comfortable with either one.

As to how I'm getting to and from STL, My husband and I are flying there. We haven't decided how we'll get home. I'd love any suggestions from those that have sone this. The flight is gruelling. It is at least 6 hours with a change of planes and then a two hour drive from the airport to our home. It will be over Christmas vacatiion I can't even think about how awful that will be. We are considering driving to Chicago and then taking a train to Idaho. We can get a sleeper room with a shower, toilet, and sink. That will be about 40 hours on the train but I could sleep through a lot of it, walk in the halls, have meals brought to the room. Has anyone out there attempted a train? We are also looking into renting a motor home and driving. The downside of that is the chance of really bad winter roads. I'm sure we'll come up with a solution. It is also difficult not knowing exactly when I will be able to go home. My second surgery is on December 11th. They are saying a week in the hospital and then an additional week in St. Louis to be sure I'm doing OK and to be sure the pain is under control. That puts the release date on Christmas day if all goes well. Wouldn't that be the best Christmas present imaginable?!?!

D

[ ] Re: New member - almost a Harrington original

Hi ,Thank you for coming out of the shadows and telling your story. It is wonderful to hear that you think some of our info has had a positive impact on your life choices. Of course we always hope we point people in the direction of good information but believe me, sometimes us "oldies" feel like we are talking to ourselves. Same stuff different day. I really want to encourage you, and others, to participate here as much as you can. Its the only way to keep the support and info fresh and new.Of course with your pending surgery I know you will be plenty busy getting ready for the big days...as well as the travle that is involved.How are you getting to and from STL? I imagine you will fly?Can you tell us a little more about the experiences with both DrKoski and Bridwell and explain what or why you chose one over the other? I know that would be useful insight for others planning to seek opinions from one or the other.I am sorry that you have had such a quick downhill slide...no pun intended. I sort of wish I realized that the last time I skiied that it would be my last....sigh. I suppose it would be possible to still do it now 4 years out...but I honestly just feel too fragile. Just falling last winter on X-country skis and hitting the snow from almost standing still seemed like more than I should ask this fused body to endure!I put you on the calendar and will look forward to hearing how things go on the 3rd.Take Care, Cam

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

[Guest guest]



Dear ,

My extended family is all in Idaho, Nampa and Boise, and I have done that drive from the chicago area, and I'd beware of trying to get through Wyoming that time of year. I'm a very experienced snow driver, have lived in Chicagoland, Oregon, and now Colorado, and Wyoming from Oct to April is truly not worth it, I got in a ice storm there once in October which was the worst storm I have ever been in. On Halloween, with my kids, without my hubby, took me five hours to go about 50 miles, they shut down the road just behind us, and if not for getting into the tracks of a big wheel who knows what would have happened to us. Also they have gates on 80 going through the state, and they just close the road at the hint of a bad storm, and if it's truly bad, you can be stuck for days( had a friend stuck there for five days on her way to Missouri). I myself just don't drive that way from Colorado Springs from the Nov time frame till spring, just not worth it. I can't imagine driving that in a motor home that time of the year. I think the train is an option, but I think too bumpy, I'd fly if it were me, one tough day versus a lot more. Depends on how many flights it would take you.

I was lucky and had my revision 20 miles down the road from my home when we were up in Denver, so I did no traveling afterwards. Hopefully those who have taken planes will chime in. A group member had surgery with my doc in Denver and flew home 10 days out from rehab to West Virginia, was tough, but Delta was just fabulous with boarding and very helpful during the flight. It's doable just tough.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Re: New member - almost a Harrington original

Hi ,Thank you for coming out of the shadows and telling your story. It is wonderful to hear that you think some of our info has had a positive impact on your life choices. Of course we always hope we point people in the direction of good information but believe me, sometimes us "oldies" feel like we are talking to ourselves. Same stuff different day. I really want to encourage you, and others, to participate here as much as you can. Its the only way to keep the support and info fresh and new.Of course with your pending surgery I know you will be plenty busy getting ready for the big days...as well as the travle that is involved.How are you getting to and from STL? I imagine you will fly?Can you tell us a little more about the experiences with both DrKoski and Bridwell and explain what or why you chose one over the other? I know that would be useful insight for others planning to seek opinions from one or the other.I am sorry that you have had such a quick downhill slide...no pun intended. I sort of wish I realized that the last time I skiied that it would be my last....sigh. I suppose it would be possible to still do it now 4 years out...but I honestly just feel too fragile. Just falling last winter on X-country skis and hitting the snow from almost standing still seemed like more than I should ask this fused body to endure!I put you on the calendar and will look forward to hearing how things go on the 3rd.Take Care, Cam

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

[Guest guest]

With no experience in long-distance travel right after revision, my

opinion would be that a flight would probably be the easiest of your

difficult options to get home. Just be aware that no matter what

your choice is - you would be travelling during a HUGELY busy time

when people's patience is worn quite thin. Would maybe waiting

things out in St. Louis an extra week make your return trip less

stressful?

>

> Dear ,

>

> My extended family is all in Idaho, Nampa and Boise, and I have

done that drive from the chicago area, and I'd beware of trying to

get through Wyoming that time of year. I'm a very experienced snow

driver, have lived in Chicagoland, Oregon, and now Colorado, and

Wyoming from Oct to April is truly not worth it, I got in a ice storm

there once in October which was the worst storm I have ever been in.

On Halloween, with my kids, without my hubby, took me five hours to

go about 50 miles, they shut down the road just behind us, and if not

for getting into the tracks of a big wheel who knows what would have

happened to us. Also they have gates on 80 going through the state,

and they just close the road at the hint of a bad storm, and if it's

truly bad, you can be stuck for days( had a friend stuck there for

five days on her way to Missouri). I myself just don't drive that way

from Colorado Springs from the Nov time frame till spring, just not

worth it. I can't imagine driving that in a motor home that time of

the year. I think the train is an option, but I think too bumpy, I'd

fly if it were me, one tough day versus a lot more. Depends on how

many flights it would take you.

>

> I was lucky and had my revision 20 miles down the road from my home

when we were up in Denver, so I did no traveling afterwards.

Hopefully those who have taken planes will chime in. A group member

had surgery with my doc in Denver and flew home 10 days out from

rehab to West Virginia, was tough, but Delta was just fabulous with

boarding and very helpful during the flight. It's doable just tough.

>

>

> Colorado Springs

> [ ] Re: New member - almost a Harrington

original

>

>

>

>

> Hi ,

>

> Thank you for coming out of the shadows and telling your story.

It is

> wonderful to hear that you think some of our info has had a

positive

> impact on your life choices. Of course we always hope we point

people

> in the direction of good information but believe me, sometimes

> us " oldies " feel like we are talking to ourselves. Same stuff

different

> day. I really want to encourage you, and others, to participate

here as

> much as you can. Its the only way to keep the support and info

fresh

> and new.

>

> Of course with your pending surgery I know you will be plenty

busy

> getting ready for the big days...as well as the travle that is

involved.

>

> How are you getting to and from STL? I imagine you will fly?

>

> Can you tell us a little more about the experiences with both

DrKoski

> and Bridwell and explain what or why you chose one over the

other? I

> know that would be useful insight for others planning to seek

opinions

> from one or the other.

>

> I am sorry that you have had such a quick downhill slide...no pun

> intended. I sort of wish I realized that the last time I skiied

that it

> would be my last....sigh. I suppose it would be possible to still

do it

> now 4 years out...but I honestly just feel too fragile. Just

falling

> last winter on X-country skis and hitting the snow from almost

standing

> still seemed like more than I should ask this fused body to

endure!

>

> I put you on the calendar and will look forward to hearing how

things

> go on the 3rd.

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________________

> PeoplePC Online

> A better way to Internet

> http://www.peoplepc.com

>

[Guest guest]

,

That is an option that we have considered. We will be renting an apartment when I visit Dr. Bridwell on Nov., 3rd. I'll know better what our options are at that time!

[ ] Re: New member - almost a Harrington original

With no experience in long-distance travel right after revision, my opinion would be that a flight would probably be the easiest of your difficult options to get home. Just be aware that no matter what your choice is - you would be travelling during a HUGELY busy time when people's patience is worn quite thin. Would maybe waiting things out in St. Louis an extra week make your return trip less stressful?>> Dear ,> > My extended family is all in Idaho, Nampa and Boise, and I have done that drive from the chicago area, and I'd beware of trying to get through Wyoming that time of year. I'm a very experienced snow driver, have lived in Chicagoland, Oregon, and now Colorado, and Wyoming from Oct to April is truly not worth it, I got in a ice storm there once in October which was the worst storm I have ever been in. On Halloween, with my kids, without my hubby, took me five hours to go about 50 miles, they shut down the road just behind us, and if not for getting into the tracks of a big wheel who knows what would have happened to us. Also they have gates on 80 going through the state, and they just close the road at the hint of a bad storm, and if it's truly bad, you can be stuck for days( had a friend stuck there for five days on her way to Missouri). I myself just don't drive that way from Colorado Springs from the Nov time frame till spring, just not worth it. I can't imagine driving that in a motor home that time of the year. I think the train is an option, but I think too bumpy, I'd fly if it were me, one tough day versus a lot more. Depends on how many flights it would take you.> > I was lucky and had my revision 20 miles down the road from my home when we were up in Denver, so I did no traveling afterwards. Hopefully those who have taken planes will chime in. A group member had surgery with my doc in Denver and flew home 10 days out from rehab to West Virginia, was tough, but Delta was just fabulous with boarding and very helpful during the flight. It's doable just tough.> > > Colorado Springs> [ ] Re: New member - almost a Harrington original > > > > > Hi ,> > Thank you for coming out of the shadows and telling your story. It is > wonderful to hear that you think some of our info has had a positive > impact on your life choices. Of course we always hope we point people > in the direction of good information but believe me, sometimes > us "oldies" feel like we are talking to ourselves. Same stuff different > day. I really want to encourage you, and others, to participate here as > much as you can. Its the only way to keep the support and info fresh > and new.> > Of course with your pending surgery I know you will be plenty busy > getting ready for the big days...as well as the travle that is involved.> > How are you getting to and from STL? I imagine you will fly?> > Can you tell us a little more about the experiences with both DrKoski > and Bridwell and explain what or why you chose one over the other? I > know that would be useful insight for others planning to seek opinions > from one or the other.> > I am sorry that you have had such a quick downhill slide...no pun > intended. I sort of wish I realized that the last time I skiied that it > would be my last....sigh. I suppose it would be possible to still do it > now 4 years out...but I honestly just feel too fragile. Just falling > last winter on X-country skis and hitting the snow from almost standing > still seemed like more than I should ask this fused body to endure!> > I put you on the calendar and will look forward to hearing how things > go on the 3rd.> > Take Care, Cam> > > > > > ________________________________________> PeoplePC Online> A better way to Internet> http://www.peoplepc.com>

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I know you are correct about winter roads. We had pretty much ruled out that option but thanks for the reinforcement! I guess now I can say that we HAVE ruled out that option.

In order to fly it requires 1 hour at the airport before the flight, 3 hours in the air to Salt Lake City. Those planes are small commuter jets so I can't even go first class and the seats are really uncomfortable. . Then there is an hour and a half layover in Salt Lake, an hour flight to Spokane and then a two hour drive home. It seems like this is a more insurmountable challenge than the surgery itself. If we do fly I think that I would like to break it up and spend the night in Salt Lake and then go home the next day. That should help. I've got some time to ponder the solution. I'm sure it will work out!Thanks for your reply!

D

Re: [ ] Re: New member - almost a Harrington original

 Dear ,

My extended family is all in Idaho, Nampa and Boise, and I have done that drive from the chicago area, and I'd beware of trying to get through Wyoming that time of year. I'm a very experienced snow driver, have lived in Chicagoland, Oregon, and now Colorado, and Wyoming from Oct to April is truly not worth it, I got in a ice storm there once in October which was the worst storm I have ever been in. On Halloween, with my kids, without my hubby, took me five hours to go about 50 miles, they shut down the road just behind us, and if not for getting into the tracks of a big wheel who knows what would have happened to us. Also they have gates on 80 going through the state, and they just close the road at the hint of a bad storm, and if it's truly bad, you can be stuck for days( had a friend stuck there for five days on her way to Missouri). I myself just don't drive that way from Colorado Springs from the Nov time frame till spring, just not worth it. I can't imagine driving that in a motor home that time of the year. I think the train is an option, but I think too bumpy, I'd fly if it were me, one tough day versus a lot more. Depends on how many flights it would take you.

I was lucky and had my revision 20 miles down the road from my home when we were up in Denver, so I did no traveling afterwards. Hopefully those who have taken planes will chime in. A group member had surgery with my doc in Denver and flew home 10 days out from rehab to West Virginia, was tough, but Delta was just fabulous with boarding and very helpful during the flight. It's doable just tough.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Re: New member - almost a Harrington original

Hi ,Thank you for coming out of the shadows and telling your story. It is wonderful to hear that you think some of our info has had a positive impact on your life choices. Of course we always hope we point people in the direction of good information but believe me, sometimes us "oldies" feel like we are talking to ourselves. Same stuff different day. I really want to encourage you, and others, to participate here as much as you can. Its the only way to keep the support and info fresh and new.Of course with your pending surgery I know you will be plenty busy getting ready for the big days...as well as the travle that is involved.How are you getting to and from STL? I imagine you will fly?Can you tell us a little more about the experiences with both DrKoski and Bridwell and explain what or why you chose one over the other? I know that would be useful insight for others planning to seek opinions from one or the other.I am sorry that you have had such a quick downhill slide...no pun intended. I sort of wish I realized that the last time I skiied that it would be my last....sigh. I suppose it would be possible to still do it now 4 years out...but I honestly just feel too fragile. Just falling last winter on X-country skis and hitting the snow from almost standing still seemed like more than I should ask this fused body to endure!I put you on the calendar and will look forward to hearing how things go on the 3rd.Take Care, Cam

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

[Guest guest]

HI D.

Well, I didn't face long distance travel when I had my revision surgery. Lucky for me, I lived only an hour from Dr. Boachie. However, I would like to put my 2 cents in about your long distance travel home. It will be winter time and the possibility of bad roads is very real. Hubby may be a very good driver, but you can never count on the other guy. I would stay off the roads. As for the train, before making arrangements to go that way, I suggest you ask your surgeon whether he has any concerns about the vibrations a train would put you through. I have no idea whether that's an issue, but I think some docs are even concerned about the vibrations on a treadmill. As awful as a plane ride seems, at least it's the fastest method. Whichever way you go, make sure the hospital gives you enough pain meds to get you through the trip.

Good luck!

Bonnie