Re: Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

While I'm out west and so is my surgeon, the three names you have listed are all excellent choices for consults. I think it's always best to get three consults if you can so you can compare notes, and then make your decision. Since you will have to travel anyways, good to look at any of these three. All these doc's have patients that have been active here at one time or another, so as always it's good to go to the search box, type in Consult with either, Boachie, Bridwell, or Errico, and past conversations will pop up, over 40 for Errico alone.

Something I will say about the group, while we have around 400 members, active at one time I'd say maybe thirty to forty, and many more read but don't chime in. The group is as active as participants make it, but it does ebb and flow. Activity will get busier when we have new members, people are asking pointed questions, or in the run up to surgery, or post op. There is a core of us, that are here daily, and a good many of us that do this work are a few years down the road from our revisions. We try to make sure people get answered in a timely manner, and the site runs fairly smoothly. Most of us have been with the group since it conception, when Cam started this group when we splintered off from another Flatback group. So there will be a core of names that you will see often answering questions, Bonnie, Cam, Sharon, the two 's, and myself, , and a few others. Some of us are moderators, and help Cam. So sometimes, answers don't come quickly, like those you posed about Errico, as none of us may have had surgery with him or even have consulted him, so it's best to go to the search box and see what was previously said. Bridwell and Boachie have many patients here amoung us, but you have to know not all of his patients are active here all the time, and only check in every once and awhile. You can look at that as a good thing, that those patients are doing well, and are back at life, and not feeling the need to be here often. Life does return. Cam and I and others have been very blessed with excellent outcomes, and have chosen to stay here and help those who go down this path after us. I think all of us feel while we are needed, we will be here, but we do get why others just plain move on. So I wanted to express to you that sometimes the answers you want will take time, and sometimes you will have to consult past conversations to get answers. I think there is very little that could be asked, that we haven't gone through at least once in our years here.

As to the doc's you asked about, all have been spoken about here often, Errico a bit less, but Boachie and Bridwell are big names in the Flatback Community, do a lot of these surgeries. My doc here in my neck of the woods, Dr. Anant Kumar, consulted both Dr. Bridwell and Dr. Lenke( in the same practice) on my case, before my revision at a SRS meeting. Kumar and O'Brien( he's the second surgeon on my case) think of these two doc's as " go to guys for consults on their difficult cases". So know, these three you have listed to consult are good doc's with good reps, and we have either seen or spoken with their patients.

So I'd go see them after hearing what others here have to say, I'd use the search box, and read past conversations about them, and then go for an opinion, and believe me, when you have found your doc, you will know it, something will click, and you'll know.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

Hi there,I'm in the process of getting opinions, and was considering Dr.Errico. I'm going to see Dr.Bridwell and have seen Dr.Boachie. Can anyone giveme some feedback, please? I'd appreciate any info. you would be willingto share with me.thanks so much!...lauren

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I can't thank you enough for your response. It really helps while going through all of this doctor searching and decision making, all the while in a great deal of pain! I have plans to see Dr.Bridwell on March 16th, and after all that I've read on here, I'm very excited to meet with him. It was so nice hearing a solution from Dr.Boachie, but quite dissapointing once the reality of insurance and payment set in!!! However, because of this forum, I feel that I have comparable options within my network!!!

Before this appt with Dr.Bridwell, he's requesting a bone density test. I've never done that. Have you? What's involved? In addition, he'd like a lumbar/thoracic MRI & CAT scan, and would like it all sent to him ahead of time. Sounds like a good plan...and I guess in the mean time, I should also schedule an appt with Dr.Errico.

Again, thank you for all of your wonderful feedback...it is truly so supportive for me!!!

with much thanks,

lauren

From: Kirkaldie <..Kirkaldie@...> Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 2:14:16 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

Dear ,

While I'm out west and so is my surgeon, the three names you have listed are all excellent choices for consults. I think it's always best to get three consults if you can so you can compare notes, and then make your decision. Since you will have to travel anyways, good to look at any of these three. All these doc's have patients that have been active here at one time or another, so as always it's good to go to the search box, type in Consult with either, Boachie, Bridwell, or Errico, and past conversations will pop up, over 40 for Errico alone.

Something I will say about the group, while we have around 400 members, active at one time I'd say maybe thirty to forty, and many more read but don't chime in. The group is as active as participants make it, but it does ebb and flow. Activity will get busier when we have new members, people are asking pointed questions, or in the run up to surgery, or post op. There is a core of us, that are here daily, and a good many of us that do this work are a few years down the road from our revisions. We try to make sure people get answered in a timely manner, and the site runs fairly smoothly. Most of us have been with the group since it conception, when Cam started this group when we splintered off from another Flatback group. So there will be a core of names that you will see often answering questions, Bonnie, Cam, Sharon, the two 's, and myself, , and a few others. Some of us are moderators, and help Cam. So sometimes,

answers don't come quickly, like those you posed about Errico, as none of us may have had surgery with him or even have consulted him, so it's best to go to the search box and see what was previously said. Bridwell and Boachie have many patients here amoung us, but you have to know not all of his patients are active here all the time, and only check in every once and awhile. You can look at that as a good thing, that those patients are doing well, and are back at life, and not feeling the need to be here often. Life does return. Cam and I and others have been very blessed with excellent outcomes, and have chosen to stay here and help those who go down this path after us. I think all of us feel while we are needed, we will be here, but we do get why others just plain move on. So I wanted to express to you that sometimes the answers you want will take time, and sometimes you will have to consult past conversations to get answers. I

think there is very little that could be asked, that we haven't gone through at least once in our years here.

As to the doc's you asked about, all have been spoken about here often, Errico a bit less, but Boachie and Bridwell are big names in the Flatback Community, do a lot of these surgeries. My doc here in my neck of the woods, Dr. Anant Kumar, consulted both Dr. Bridwell and Dr. Lenke( in the same practice) on my case, before my revision at a SRS meeting. Kumar and O'Brien( he's the second surgeon on my case) think of these two doc's as " go to guys for consults on their difficult cases". So know, these three you have listed to consult are good doc's with good reps, and we have either seen or spoken with their patients.

So I'd go see them after hearing what others here have to say, I'd use the search box, and read past conversations about them, and then go for an opinion, and believe me, when you have found your doc, you will know it, something will click, and you'll know.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

Hi there,I'm in the process of getting opinions, and was considering Dr.Errico. I'm going to see Dr.Bridwell and have seen Dr.Boachie. Can anyone giveme some feedback, please? I'd appreciate any info. you would be willingto share with me.thanks so much!...lauren

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had my surgery with Dr. Errico and I'm pleased. I also had a

consult with Dr. Boachie who said the same thing about my back as Dr.

Errico. The only difference in their approach is that Dr. Boachie

wanted me to wear a brace after the surgery; Dr. Errico did not. Dr.

Errico performed my surgery with Dr. Schwab, who's also an

expert in scoliosis and flatback. I went with Dr. Errico because he

was able to schedule me for surgery last September; with Dr. Boachie

I would've had to wait until January. I wasn't willing to do that!!

Take care and good luck,

Caren

>

>

> Hi there,

>

> I'm in the process of getting opinions, and was considering

Dr.Errico.

> I'm going to see Dr.Bridwell and have seen Dr.Boachie. Can anyone

give

> me some feedback, please? I'd appreciate any info. you would be

willing

> to share with me.

>

> thanks so much!...lauren

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Caren,

Thanks for your response! I wonder why some of them go with the brace and some do not. I read that Dr.Bridwell does not brace either! I'm glad you had a good exoerience with Dr.Errico. I think I'll call his office tomorrow for a consult. DId you get the two opinions, and then decide? It's quite draining going through all of this pre-surgery stuff!! Is it hard to get an appt with him? I, too, would've gone with the September date as opposed to January!!

thanks again for your info,

lauren

From: ckoslov <ckoslov@...> Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 5:12:58 PMSubject: [ ] Re: Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

Hi ,I had my surgery with Dr.. Errico and I'm pleased. I also had a consult with Dr. Boachie who said the same thing about my back as Dr. Errico. The only difference in their approach is that Dr. Boachie wanted me to wear a brace after the surgery; Dr. Errico did not. Dr. Errico performed my surgery with Dr. Schwab, who's also an expert in scoliosis and flatback. I went with Dr. Errico because he was able to schedule me for surgery last September; with Dr. Boachie I would've had to wait until January. I wasn't willing to do that!!Take care and good luck,Caren>> > Hi there,> > I'm in the process of getting opinions, and was considering

Dr.Errico. > I'm going to see Dr.Bridwell and have seen Dr.Boachie. Can anyone give> me some feedback, please? I'd appreciate any info. you would be willing> to share with me.> > thanks so much!...lauren>

[Guest guest]

Also,

What did you have done?

thanks, lauren

> >

> >

> > Hi there,

> >

> > I'm in the process of getting opinions, and was considering

> Dr.Errico.

> > I'm going to see Dr.Bridwell and have seen Dr.Boachie. Can anyone

> give

> > me some feedback, please? I'd appreciate any info. you would be

> willing

> > to share with me.

> >

> > thanks so much!...lauren

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

I saw Dr. Errico at NYU Hospital and didn't wait long for an

appointment. The surgery, however, was performed at Hospital for

Joint Disease. I also didn't wait long to see Dr. Schwab who

performed the surgery with Dr. Errico.

My fusion was extended down to the sacrum and up 2 vertebrae to T2.

An osteotomy was performed to correct the flatback and decompression

was performed in the lower back where the vertebrae had collapsed

onto the nerve root. I already had 2 Harrington rods in my back

(hence, the flatback) and the surgeons removed the lower one. They

were going to remove the upper one but it was too encased in bone so

they decided to leave it in. All of this surgery was performed thru

the back. A plastic surgeon closed the wound.

Again, good luck and let us know how your visit with Dr. Errico goes.

Caren

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi there,

> > >

> > > I'm in the process of getting opinions, and was considering

> > Dr.Errico.

> > > I'm going to see Dr.Bridwell and have seen Dr.Boachie. Can

anyone

> > give

> > > me some feedback, please? I'd appreciate any info. you would be

> > willing

> > > to share with me.

> > >

> > > thanks so much!...lauren

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dr. Errico has done two revisions on my spine. The first failed due to broken rods - his error and he apologized-and the second is failing - again his error. He wants to do a third on my and my next appt is 3/6. His office keeps postponing appts due to his schedule. I'm not having a third by him and his Fellows. I had heard that he does not do the surgeries but oversees them. I have every intention of questioning this when I see him again. If I do really need a third revision I will go to Dr. Boachie even if he doesn't take my Medicare HMO. Or there is another very good doc in NYC who is some kind of associate of Dr. Errico's. His name is

Dr. Schwab,

NYU - Hospital for Joint Diseases

303 Second Avenue, Suite 19

New York, NY 10013

Telephone: (212) 460-0180

Website: www.orthospine.com

I'm just very frustrated with my inability to stand up straight and my pain levels. I'm tired of pain meds and I really want my life back and its way too late for me to start over and skip the surgeries all together!

Thanks for letting me vent!

June - NJ Need a job? Find an employment agency near you.

[Guest guest]

,

I had surgery with Dr. Errico exactly one year ago in January at NYU.

I am doing fine and I highly recommend him. When I was " investigating "

surgeons, I too had an appointment with Dr. Boachie, but cancelled it

after meeting Dr. Errico. Dr. Errico was my " second " opinion in that I

had a diagnosis/consult with an orthopedist in NJ, and I was extremely

pleased with him and his experience/credentials. I did not feel the

need to spend $650 for consult with Dr. Boachie. I had my original

Harrington rod fusion done at Hosp for Special Surgery in 1975 with Dr.

Doherty (who has since passed). I'm sure all of these doctors are

qualified, but money also does matter in the scheme of things, and in

addition to everything else, Dr. Errico participated with my insurance

plan, as did the hospital and everyone else involved. I had minimal

out of pocket expenses.

I recommend you visit with him and make your own decision. I'd be

happy to answer any more questions you might have. Feel free to email

me at dturovac at dot com.

Donna T.

>

>

> Hi there,

>

> I'm in the process of getting opinions, and was considering

Dr.Errico.

> I'm going to see Dr.Bridwell and have seen Dr.Boachie. Can anyone

give

> me some feedback, please? I'd appreciate any info. you would be

willing

> to share with me.

>

> thanks so much!...lauren

>

[Guest guest]

Dear June,

I am so sorry. How difficult for you! I would be so frustrated! You have my prayers.

Diane VDW

Michigan

Dr. Errico has done two revisions on my spine. The first failed due to broken rods - his error and he apologized-and the second is failing - again his error. He wants to do a third on my and my next appt is 3/6. His office keeps postponing appts due to his schedule. I'm not having a third by him and his Fellows. I had heard that he does not do the surgeries but oversees them. I have every intention of questioning this when I see him again. If I do really need a third revision I will go to Dr. Boachie even if he doesn't take my Medicare HMO. Or there is another very good doc in NYC who is some kind of associate of Dr. Errico's. His name is

Dr. Schwab,

NYU - Hospital for Joint Diseases

303 Second Avenue, Suite 19

New York, NY 10013

Telephone: (212) 460-0180

Website: www.orthospine.com

I'm just very frustrated with my inability to stand up straight and my pain levels. I'm tired of pain meds and I really want my life back and its way too late for me to start over and skip the surgeries all together!

Thanks for letting me vent!

June - NJ

____________________________________________________________

Villanova Six Sigma Certification 100% online program - Free info.

[Guest guest]

Hi June,

I am so sorry for what you're going through! I hope things will get worked for you soon. I have read in this forum that Dr.Errico sometimes operates with Dr.Schwab.

I will keep you in my prayers...

lauren

From: "june08816@..." <june08816@...> Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 4:46:16 PMSubject: [ ] Re: Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

Dr. Errico has done two revisions on my spine. The first failed due to broken rods - his error and he apologized-and the second is failing - again his error. He wants to do a third on my and my next appt is 3/6. His office keeps postponing appts due to his schedule. I'm not having a third by him and his Fellows. I had heard that he does not do the surgeries but oversees them. I have every intention of questioning this when I see him again. If I do really need a third revision I will go to Dr. Boachie even if he doesn't take my Medicare HMO. Or there is another very good doc in NYC who is some kind of associate of Dr. Errico's. His name is

Dr. Schwab,

NYU - Hospital for Joint Diseases

303 Second Avenue, Suite 19

New York, NY 10013

Telephone: (212) 460-0180

Website: www.orthospine. com

I'm just very frustrated with my inability to stand up straight and my pain levels. I'm tired of pain meds and I really want my life back and its way too late for me to start over and skip the surgeries all together!

Thanks for letting me vent!

June - NJ

Need a job? Find an employment agency near you.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

It seemed like I had every test in the book before my surgery with Dr. Bridwell.

I had a

bone density test and also MRI, CTs, myelogram, plus several heart tests since I

have a

mitral valve prolapse. I can't remember that much about the bone density test

except that

it didn't hurt....I think it was another imaging test....it's different from the

regular bone

density test that most women have. Dr. Bridwell also wanted all of the MRI and

CT scans

printed on film instead of on a CD....you might ask about this ahead of time. I

had to ask

to have them printed, and they would complain about it, but all did it free of

charge, so

don't let them tell you that they can't do it!!! No, Dr. Bridwell doesn't

brace....I'm not sure

why, but it worked out fine, and maybe my muscles are stronger in the long

run...

keep us posted,

>

> Hi ,

> I can't thank you enough for your response.  It really helps while going

through all of

this doctor searching and decision making, all the while in a great deal of

pain!  I have

plans to see Dr.Bridwell on March 16th, and after all that I've read on here,

I'm very excited

to meet with him.  It was so nice hearing a solution from Dr.Boachie, but quite

dissapointing once the reality of insurance and payment set in!!!  However,

because of this

forum, I feel that I have comparable options within my network!!! 

> Before this appt with Dr.Bridwell, he's requesting a bone density test.  I've

never done

that.  Have you?  What's involved? In addition, he'd like a lumbar/thoracic MRI

& CAT scan,

and would like it all sent to him ahead of time.  Sounds like a good plan...and

I guess in

the mean time, I should also schedule an appt with Dr.Errico. 

> Again, thank you for all of your wonderful feedback...it is truly so

supportive for me!!!

> with much thanks,

> lauren

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: Kirkaldie <.Kirkaldie@...>

>

> Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 2:14:16 PM

> Subject: Re: [ ] Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

>

>

> Dear ,

>  

> While I'm out west and so is my surgeon, the three names you have listed are

all

excellent choices for consults. I think it's always best to get three consults

if you can so

you can compare notes, and then make your decision. Since you will have to

travel

anyways, good to look at any of these three. All these doc's have patients that

have been

active here at one time or another, so as always it's good to go to the search

box, type in

Consult with either, Boachie, Bridwell, or Errico, and past conversations will

pop up, over

40 for Errico alone.

>  

> Something I will say about the group, while we have around 400 members, active

at one

time I'd say maybe thirty to forty, and many more read but don't chime in. The

group is as

active as participants make it, but it does ebb and flow. Activity will get

busier when we

have new members, people are asking pointed questions, or in the run up to

surgery, or

post op. There is a core of us, that are here daily, and a good many of us that

do this work

are a few years down the road from our revisions. We try to make sure people get

answered in a timely manner, and the site runs fairly smoothly. Most of us have

been with

the group since it conception, when Cam started this group when we splintered

off from

another Flatback group. So there will be a core of names that you will see often

answering

questions, Bonnie, Cam, Sharon, the two 's, and myself, , and a few

others.

Some of us are moderators, and help Cam.. So sometimes, answers don't come

quickly,

> like those you posed about Errico, as none of us may have had surgery with

him or even

have consulted him, so it's best to go to the search box and see what was

previously said.

Bridwell and Boachie have many  patients here amoung us, but you have to know

not all of

his patients are active here all the time, and only check in every once and

awhile. You can

look at that as a good thing, that those patients are doing well, and are back

at life, and

not feeling the need to be here often. Life does return. Cam and I and

others have been

very blessed with excellent outcomes, and have chosen to stay here and help

those who

go down this path after us. I think all of us feel while we are needed, we will

be here, but

we do get why others just plain move on. So I wanted to express to you that

sometimes

the answers you want will take time, and sometimes you will have to consult past

conversations to get answers. I think there is very little that could be

> asked, that we haven't gone through at least once in our years here.

>

> As to the doc's you asked about, all have been spoken about here often, Errico

a bit

less, but Boachie and Bridwell are big names in the Flatback Community, do a lot

of these

surgeries. My doc here in my neck of the woods, Dr. Anant Kumar, consulted both

Dr.

Bridwell and Dr. Lenke( in the same practice) on my case, before my revision at

a SRS

meeting. Kumar and O'Brien( he's the second surgeon on my case) think of these

two doc's

as  " go to guys for consults on their difficult cases " . So know, these three you

have listed

to consult are good doc's with good reps, and we have either seen or spoken with

their

patients.

>

> So I'd go see them after hearing what others here have to say, I'd use the

search box,

and read past conversations about them, and then go for an opinion, and believe

me, when

you have found your doc, you will know it, something will click, and you'll

know.

>

>

> Colorado Springs 

> [ ] Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

>

>

> Hi there,

>

> I'm in the process of getting opinions, and was considering Dr.Errico.

> I'm going to see Dr.Bridwell and have seen Dr.Boachie. Can anyone give

> me some feedback, please? I'd appreciate any info. you would be willing

> to share with me.

>

> thanks so much!...lauren

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

You sure had a lot of testing done! I guess that's par for the course with this disease...when I think about how many xrays alone I've had in my life I loose count! For now I need to have an MRI that required pre-certification, which Jackie promptly got for me! I've also ordered copies of my xrays from my appt with Dr.Boachie. I think I'm waiting on the CAT scan & bone density for now, but I'm not sure. I'll have to ask Jackie...

I am so happy for you that you're having a great recovery. I've read so many posts, did you say exactly what he did in your surgery? and I wonder what arrangements I'll be making for post-surgery, since I'm a plane ride away.. Sounds like I'd need to stick around for a while...

looking forward to hearing back...feel well...lauren

From: Emrie <cemrie@...> Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2009 11:16:51 AMSubject: [ ] Re: Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr..Boachie?

Hi ,It seemed like I had every test in the book before my surgery with Dr. Bridwell. I had a bone density test and also MRI, CTs, myelogram, plus several heart tests since I have a mitral valve prolapse. I can't remember that much about the bone density test except that it didn't hurt....I think it was another imaging test....it's different from the regular bone density test that most women have. Dr. Bridwell also wanted all of the MRI and CT scans printed on film instead of on a CD....you might ask about this ahead of time. I had to ask to have them printed, and they would complain about it, but all did it free of charge, so don't let them tell you that they can't do it!!! No, Dr.. Bridwell doesn't brace....I'm not sure why, but it worked out fine, and maybe my muscles are stronger in the long run...keep us posted,>> Hi ,> I can't thank you enough for your response. It really helps while going through all of this doctor searching and decision making, all the while in a great deal of pain! I have plans to see Dr.Bridwell on March 16th, and after all that I've read on here, I'm very excited to meet with him. It was so nice hearing a solution from Dr.Boachie, but quite dissapointing once the reality of insurance and payment set in!!! However, because of this forum, I feel that I have comparable options within my network!!! > Before this appt with Dr.Bridwell, he's requesting a bone density test. I've never done that. Have you? What's involved? In addition, he'd like a lumbar/thoracic MRI & CAT

scan, and would like it all sent to him ahead of time. Sounds like a good plan...and I guess in the mean time, I should also schedule an appt with Dr.Errico. > Again, thank you for all of your wonderful feedback...it is truly so supportive for me!!!> with much thanks,> lauren> > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __> From: Kirkaldie <.Kirkaldie@ ....>> > Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 2:14:16 PM> Subject: Re: [ ] Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?> > > Dear ,> > While I'm out west and so is my surgeon, the three names you have listed are all excellent choices for consults. I think it's always

best to get three consults if you can so you can compare notes, and then make your decision. Since you will have to travel anyways, good to look at any of these three. All these doc's have patients that have been active here at one time or another, so as always it's good to go to the search box, type in Consult with either, Boachie, Bridwell, or Errico, and past conversations will pop up, over 40 for Errico alone.> > Something I will say about the group, while we have around 400 members, active at one time I'd say maybe thirty to forty, and many more read but don't chime in. The group is as active as participants make it, but it does ebb and flow. Activity will get busier when we have new members, people are asking pointed questions, or in the run up to surgery, or post op. There is a core of us, that are here daily, and a good many of us that do this work are a few years down the road from our

revisions. We try to make sure people get answered in a timely manner, and the site runs fairly smoothly. Most of us have been with the group since it conception, when Cam started this group when we splintered off from another Flatback group. So there will be a core of names that you will see often answering questions, Bonnie, Cam, Sharon, the two 's, and myself, , and a few others. Some of us are moderators, and help Cam.. So sometimes, answers don't come quickly,> like those you posed about Errico, as none of us may have had surgery with him or even have consulted him, so it's best to go to the search box and see what was previously said. Bridwell and Boachie have many patients here amoung us, but you have to know not all of his patients are active here all the time, and only check in every once and awhile. You can look at that as a good thing, that those patients are doing well, and are

back at life, and not feeling the need to be here often. Life does return. Cam and I and others have been very blessed with excellent outcomes, and have chosen to stay here and help those who go down this path after us. I think all of us feel while we are needed, we will be here, but we do get why others just plain move on. So I wanted to express to you that sometimes the answers you want will take time, and sometimes you will have to consult past conversations to get answers. I think there is very little that could be> asked, that we haven't gone through at least once in our years here.> > As to the doc's you asked about, all have been spoken about here often, Errico a bit less, but Boachie and Bridwell are big names in the Flatback Community, do a lot of these surgeries. My doc here in my neck of the woods, Dr. Anant Kumar, consulted both Dr. Bridwell and Dr. Lenke( in

the same practice) on my case, before my revision at a SRS meeting. Kumar and O'Brien( he's the second surgeon on my case) think of these two doc's as " go to guys for consults on their difficult cases". So know, these three you have listed to consult are good doc's with good reps, and we have either seen or spoken with their patients.> > So I'd go see them after hearing what others here have to say, I'd use the search box, and read past conversations about them, and then go for an opinion, and believe me, when you have found your doc, you will know it, something will click, and you'll know.> > > Colorado Springs > [ ] Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?> > > Hi

there,> > I'm in the process of getting opinions, and was considering Dr.Errico. > I'm going to see Dr.Bridwell and have seen Dr..Boachie. Can anyone give> me some feedback, please? I'd appreciate any info. you would be willing> to share with me.> > thanks so much!...lauren>

[Guest guest]

,

Be sure to ask DrBoachies office for copies of any notes they made

regarding your office visit...sometimes you will be surprised at what

you didn't hear or remember. It also helps because sometimes the

doctors use " lay " language, but if you want to research you might want

to have the more technical jargon available to search with.

You should also ask for copies of any reports that were done by the

radiologist(s) that red your imaging studies. DrBoachies office may

have them if they were done at HSS...or just contact the place that

did them.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi Cam,

It's funny that you're suggesting this because I just received the summary of my office visit in the mail! I also have already ordered copies of the xrays I had taken while at Dr.Boachie's office. The visit summary includes information that I definately did not write down during my appt, so I was glad to get that!

Also, this is the first time a doctor has picked up retrolisthesis on my MRI from 2007! I've had 2 orthopedic docs look at my studies for my leg pain these past few years, and this was the most elaborate review of the films! It states I have signicant disc deg..,along with lumbar foraminal stenosis at multiple levels. (which I knew.) Also, my main curve is 73 degrees, and had previously been measured at 60 degrees. I've been feeling like it's progressing for a while.

Anyway, thank you for the good advice...my appt is on March 16th with Dr.Bridwell. We'll see what happens...

take care, lauren

From: cammaltby <cammaltby@...> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 11:14:35 AMSubject: [ ] Re: Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

,Be sure to ask DrBoachies office for copies of any notes they maderegarding your office visit...sometimes you will be surprised at whatyou didn't hear or remember. It also helps because sometimes thedoctors use "lay" language, but if you want to research you might wantto have the more technical jargon available to search with.You should also ask for copies of any reports that were done by theradiologist( s) that red your imaging studies. DrBoachies office mayhave them if they were done at HSS...or just contact the place thatdid them.Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

,

You said " this is the first time a doctor has picked up retrolisthesis

on my MRI from 2007! "

This may be an indication of the kind of detail that you can expect

from one of the top spine teams in the country.  Sometimes I feel like

I am a broken record when I offer the opinion that getting this kind

of information can be critical to the outcome of your surgery.

Repairing flatback just ain't your brother in laws bad back...and the

kind of detail that someone who deals in our " population " every day is

going to be at a distinct advantage when evaluating us....and doing

surgery on us!

Its not a mistake that people who specialize in anything are usually

heads and shoulders above their peers. Docs that specialize in hip or

knees....or people like myself....specialing in a paticular type of

air raffic control...what you end up with is people who don't have to

devote their brain power to the whole problem when they crop

up....they can focus on what really needs looking after.

I know we will all be interested to learn how things go at your

Bridwell consult. As said, when you find the team that you feel

right about...you will just know it.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Thanks Cam,

I'll keep you posted!!! Tomorrow I go for my lumbar & thoracic MRI's with contrast. My MRI from 2007 was ordered only for the lumbar region. When I scheduled the tests, they asked me what my rod is made of...I was always told steel. Is this correct? My Harrington rod is from 1983. Well, we've all had MRI's so I'm figuring it's fine! I'm also wondering why up until now, the drs. I have seen have only requested lumbar MRI's.??? Perhaps this just reinforces your point!!!

have a great day,

lauren

From: cammaltby <cammaltby@...> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 6:50:53 PMSubject: [ ] Re: Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

,You said "this is the first time a doctor has picked up retrolisthesison my MRI from 2007!"This may be an indication of the kind of detail that you can expectfrom one of the top spine teams in the country. Sometimes I feel likeI am a broken record when I offer the opinion that getting this kindof information can be critical to the outcome of your surgery.Repairing flatback just ain't your brother in laws bad back...and thekind of detail that someone who deals in our "population" every day isgoing to be at a distinct advantage when evaluating us....and doingsurgery on us!Its not a mistake that people who specialize in anything are usuallyheads and shoulders above their peers. Docs that specialize in hip orknees....or people like myself....specialin g in a paticular type ofair raffic control...what you end up with is people who don't have todevote their brain power to

the whole problem when they cropup....they can focus on what really needs looking after.I know we will all be interested to learn how things go at yourBridwell consult. As said, when you find the team that you feelright about...you will just know it.Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi June~

I was so sad to see your post! I too am looking at another revision surgery..Dr Errico did my last one in 2005...he only came to see me 1 time in the 44 days I was in the hospital.

I ended up with two infections in the back and had to have emergency surgery to clean me out, never saw him! Please feel free to write me. I am looking for a new doctor to do my next surgery..keep me posted on how things are going with you!!

I will keep you in my prayers!

SuzieQ

From: june08816@... <june08816@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie? Date: Friday, February 20, 2009, 4:46 PM

Dr. Errico has done two revisions on my spine. The first failed due to broken rods - his error and he apologized-and the second is failing - again his error. He wants to do a third on my and my next appt is 3/6. His office keeps postponing appts due to his schedule. I'm not having a third by him and his Fellows. I had heard that he does not do the surgeries but oversees them. I have every intention of questioning this when I see him again. If I do really need a third revision I will go to Dr. Boachie even if he doesn't take my Medicare HMO. Or there is another very good doc in NYC who is some kind of associate of Dr. Errico's. His name is

Dr. Schwab,

NYU - Hospital for Joint Diseases

303 Second Avenue, Suite 19

New York, NY 10013

Telephone: (212) 460-0180

Website: www.orthospine. com

I'm just very frustrated with my inability to stand up straight and my pain levels. I'm tired of pain meds and I really want my life back and its way too late for me to start over and skip the surgeries all together!

Thanks for letting me vent!

June - NJ

Need a job? Find an employment agency near you.

[Guest guest]

HI June,

I am so sorry you have had such problems. An apology from Dr. Errico is nice and all, but doesn't make you feel better. Did Dr. Errico ever explain what went wrong? What did he do that he shouldn't have done or what did he omit that he should have done? What are your options now? Is there any way we can help you?

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Back in the " day " I believe all Harrington rods were made of stainless

steel. Since then new materials have been used in implants....I guess

techinically they are not really even Harrington rods...but there are

rods made of titanium used today. I understand the tend to be a bit

more brittle, but as I understand it there are good reasons to use

them in some cases. And of course differents instrumentation systems

all together have been used to address scoliosis....but I digress.

Many of us have had MRIs safely. Depite what you might hear, the

magnet wont rip the rod out of your back, although not long ago there

was an interesting coversation about a member who felt distinct heat

arising from her rods during her MRI...and someone went a step further

and after researching did find that to be an uncommon, but possible,

event. My MRI's have all been uneventful.

As I understand it, the rod somehow distorts or overwhelms the imaging

and it can sometimes be difficult for the docs to read where there are

a lot of implants. I also am under the impression that the newest

generation MRIs used in the bigger hospitals deal with this problem

better than from some smaller imaging centers....so that might be

something to check on if you aren't to sure about where ou are going

for your work ups.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Thanks Cam! I've also had lumbar MRI's in the past and don't remember any heated sensations in my back. I don't recall any other doctors I've seen in the past order a thoracic MRI. The rod is in both regions so I'm glad Dr.Bridwell will have both views. I am really looking forward to my appt. This site has been helping tremendously for this whole process. I continuously look forward to getting new info and comments/answers to questions I have proposed. It's sad, too, to read how many people are hurting.

I appreciate your input!

take care,

lauren

From: cammaltby <cammaltby@...> Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 7:51:22 PMSubject: [ ] Re: Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie?

Back in the "day" I believe all Harrington rods were made of stainlesssteel. Since then new materials have been used in implants.... I guesstechinically they are not really even Harrington rods...but there arerods made of titanium used today. I understand the tend to be a bitmore brittle, but as I understand it there are good reasons to usethem in some cases. And of course differents instrumentation systemsall together have been used to address scoliosis... .but I digress.Many of us have had MRIs safely. Depite what you might hear, themagnet wont rip the rod out of your back, although not long ago therewas an interesting coversation about a member who felt distinct heatarising from her rods during her MRI...and someone went a step furtherand after researching did find that to be an uncommon, but possible,event. My MRI's have all been uneventful.As I understand it, the rod

somehow distorts or overwhelms the imagingand it can sometimes be difficult for the docs to read where there area lot of implants. I also am under the impression that the newestgeneration MRIs used in the bigger hospitals deal with this problembetter than from some smaller imaging centers....so that might besomething to check on if you aren't to sure about where ou are goingfor your work ups.Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

,

Goodness! count your blessings you have three revision specialist to

make a choice from. Some are lucky to get to one. I guess, if I had to

make a choice between three, I would consider all the basics such as,

approach, hardware used, number of surgeries, locations, expertise, bed

side manner, hospital used, my goodness, how overwhelming but mostly I

would try to quiet my inner self and decide which one brings me peace.

Which one am I able to say unequivocally that this is the man I trust

with the essence of my being? In my most vunerable state which is the

man I trust will make the best decision possible and will put forth the

best effort possible to restore my spine? That is the one I would use.

[Guest guest]

June,

Sorry to hear of your failed revisions. Did Dr. Errico ever explain

why the rods broke or why the second is failing? I can see rods

breaking, actually, it is not that unusual, especially with the

torque, pressure and twisting on our spines but did he explain, the

first or the second? I am just curious. Is he a part of a teaching

hospital? I think there it is not unusual for fellows to do some of

the work. Mine had a fellow, I was sure to ask what part if any of th

e surgery he would partake in. I hope your next Thanks,

>

> Dr. Errico has done two revisions on my spine. The first failed

due to

> broken rods - his error and he apologized-and the second is

failing - again his

> error. He wants to do a third on my and my next appt is 3/6. His

office keeps

> postponing appts due to his schedule. I'm not having a third by

him and his

> Fellows. I had heard that he does not do the surgeries but

oversees them.

> I have every intention of questioning this when I see him again.

If I do

> really need a third revision I will go to Dr. Boachie even if he

doesn't take my

> Medicare HMO. Or there is another very good doc in NYC who is some

kind of

> associate of Dr. Errico's. His name is

> Dr. Schwab,

>

> NYU - Hospital for Joint Diseases

>

> 303 Second Avenue, Suite 19

> New York, NY 10013

>

>

>

> Telephone: (212) 460-0180

> Website: _www.orthospine.com_ (http://www.orthospine.com)

>

> I'm just very frustrated with my inability to stand up straight

and my pain

> levels. I'm tired of pain meds and I really want my life back and

its way

> too late for me to start over and skip the surgeries all together!

> Thanks for letting me vent!

> June - NJ

>

>

> **************Need a job? Find an employment agency near you.

> (http://yellowpages.aol.com/search?

query=employment_agencies & ncid=emlcntusyelp00000003)

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks ! Its tough to be further away from the best guys...I couldn't find one doctor to see me after my last revision because they didn't want to get involved with someone elses surgery/recovery. Since my doc was in NYC and I was in SC.

I am having terrible anxiety, severe pain, and not sleeping nothing seems to help either situation. I am seeing Dr Horton on 4/20 so hopefully I will get some feeling of where I go from here.

Thanks for the prayers they help!

SuzieQ

From: june08816aol (DOT) com <june08816aol (DOT) com>Subject: [ ] Re: Dr.Errico? Dr.Bridwell? Dr.Boachie? Date: Friday, February 20, 2009, 4:46 PM

Dr. Errico has done two revisions on my spine. The first failed due to broken rods - his error and he apologized-and the second is failing - again his error. He wants to do a third on my and my next appt is 3/6. His office keeps postponing appts due to his schedule. I'm not having a third by him and his Fellows. I had heard that he does not do the surgeries but oversees them. I have every intention of questioning this when I see him again. If I do really need a third revision I will go to Dr. Boachie even if he doesn't take my Medicare HMO. Or there is another very good doc in NYC who is some kind of associate of Dr. Errico's. His name is

Dr. Schwab,

NYU - Hospital for Joint Diseases

303 Second Avenue, Suite 19

New York, NY 10013

Telephone: (212) 460-0180

Website: www.orthospine. com

I'm just very frustrated with my inability to stand up straight and my pain levels. I'm tired of pain meds and I really want my life back and its way too late for me to start over and skip the surgeries all together!

Thanks for letting me vent!

June - NJ

Need a job? Find an employment agency near you.