Re: Re: Physiatrists-Sharon

[Guest guest]

Cam, I imagine you must miss the horses, though not the lifting and the jostling.

I've always been a carts and dollies gal. Well before I knew about the issues surrounding Harrington rods and flatback, I was warning my big, strong younger brother not to lift with his back. Now he suffers with DDD and is in worse pain than mine. Lots of people hurt their backs, so I figure my scoliosis has to some extent protected me.

You were smart to just call Rand's office and say the magic words, but I do remember other people with flatback had been cross-examined by the office staff about referrals and given hurdles to jump. Maybe they didn't think to say "Harrington rod" and "flatback", or maybe the staff had not yet been told to let us in around the ropes. But by the time I got up the nerve to call, it was quite easy to get an appointment, and I never had to mention my visit to the Spine Center.

Here's what the BSG website currently asks for before making an appointment:

How Do I Make an Appointment?Back to Top

If you have not gone through a conservative spine care program or have not had extensive radiographic imaging (MRI & /or a CAT Scan) performed then contact Dr. Sullivan or Dr. Mark Finno at (508-481-4700) to schedule an appointment in our Southboro office. If it is more convenient to be seen in Boston, then call The Spine Center physiatrists at 617-754-5800.

If you have previously received conservative spine care and have a recent MRI, please have your Primary Care physician send the following information to a Boston Spine Group physician at 125 Hill Ave., Boston, MA 02120:

Copies of Initial and recent Office note(s)

Copy of MRI films and/or the report

Copy of CAT Scan films and/or the report

If previously you had surgery on your spine, then include a copy of the Operative Report(s).

If you do not have a PCP or you are not familiar with a particular member of The Boston Spine Group you may call our Intake Center at 617-754-5454. One of our staff will explain how you can schedule an appointment.

http://www.bostonspinegroup.org/faq/index.html

I think you're right that Rand won't think it necessary for me to see a physiatrist or have PT before scheduling surgery. If anything he seemed to think I underestimate my disability, as evidenced by his suggestion that I need a cane and a handicapped parking permit.

I'm glad to learn that you only had to wait 8 weeks to get back in the pool. I'm sure I'll miss that, but it should be nice to be able to walk again!

Last time I saw my internist I mentioned that when I'm exercising regularly and my pain is well-controlled by medications I get to thinking I might just give the surgeons another year or so to improve their techniques. She was shaking her head "no" as I said it. (Like seeing a flatback specialist was HER idea, LOL.) She has something of an old-fashioned "doctor knows best" attitude, but she's a sweetie and easy to talk to, so I take it with a smile. She's probably right, though. 5 years may have made a difference, but I've got to consider the quality-of-life loss of yet another year, and factor that into the equation as well.

Sharon

[ ] Re: Physiatrists-Sharon

> Sharon,> > No...my horse days are behind me. It was always a challenge to keep > a good "seat"...and now I understand more than ever why that was. > None-the-less there, was the pleasure of having them and the > strength of the core muscles that probably helped in some > ways...probably a wash with the heavy lifting.> > Dr Rand never suggested I see a physiatrist. In fact, as you said > earlier...it was easy to get an appointment with him without going > through other steps once Priscilla saw my record of having had a HR > installed in the 70's. I think we pre-qualify automatically....which > was great...at least there was no "hoop jumping" there!> > In the post-op climate I think most of his patients are permitted to > start a structured PT type therapy around 6 months...I think he is > very conservative in this regard, but hey, he knows what he put in > there and how well it is attached so who and I to question! He did > let me start back in the pool somewhere around 8 weeks.> > You have been amazingly active and sound like you have managed to > keep yourself in good shape despite your challenges. Just look at > your garden! I will be very surprised if you are asked or > recommended to do any more than you already are. Cam> > > > > > > > scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates >

[Guest guest]

Cam, you make very good points, largely echoing what I am feeling inside

about risk/pain/quality of life.

I am very sorry about your friend's daughter. We can never be too kind to

those we love.

I too have been feeling sad for a death, different yet similar. My

next-door neighbors lost their parrot. Same species as mine, a sweet little

sun conure, 2 or 3 years old. I had tried to offer important tips and

resources, but they're raising 2 young children and don't seem like the " do

your research " type. I don't think they had any experience with wood

stoves. They installed a pellet stove but didn't move the bird far enough

away. I tried to tell them it was dangerous, but didn't want to be too

pushy as we don't know each other extremely well. I'm quite sure the

radiant heat finally did him in. And she was planning to move him to a

different room the next day.

So don't apologise, Cam, and we can be morbid together.

:^(

Sharon

[ ] Re: Physiatrists-Sharon

> Sharon,

>

> The way I looked at it, I flat out asked Rand what was on the

> horizon that would be worth waiting for...and he offered nothing.

> You should ask him too. Since I had decided to go with him...all

> another year would have gotten me was a surgeon and a patient a year

> older...and I didn't think he was going back to school. There is

> ADR, but I don't think that was a realistic option to wait for...not

> under a long fusion. So, for me....why wait? I had enough sick leave

> to be out for 3 months...life wan't getting any more fun...that was

> for sure. So I did it...and you know the rest. It was a good

> decision.

>

> Don't wait any longer than you have to. This life we have been given

> is not a dress rehersal. There are no " do overs " .

>

> I am sorry to sound morbid...I just recieved word that a business

> aquaintence/friends daughter was killed Christmas Eve in a car

> accident. I am so sad for them.

>

> Cam

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis veterans * flatback sufferers * revision candidates

>

[Guest guest]

Cam, my sympathy goes out to you! It is always so hard to imagine a young life being over. I'll say a prayer for her and one for you.

Carole