Re: Harrington rod recipient

August 8, 2010

Dear Texas Nurse,

Welcome to posting and the group! Please sign your posts so we can address you properly, nice to go by names.

In Texas, the top name in the field is Dr. Lagrone in Amarillo. 806-354-4121.

He isn't local but, we have gals from all over the country go to him. He has a proven track record, and has been spoken about here often.

Also go to the Scoliosis Research Society page, just google them, there they have a doctor locator by State, even city. Look for aging spine in the doc description.

Know that most will have to travel to get to a proven experienced doc, if not in state, many have to go cross country. This is pretty danged specialized , and your local ortho generally isn't up to the task. Ask pointed questions when calling the offices of any prospective doc, if they don't have tons of experience with post Harrington rod cases or flatback, move on.

We have many very pleased patients here os Dr. LaGrone, you can use the search option on the Messages part of the site, put his name in the box and read.

Good luck on your search and let us know when you have appointments, and we will put them on the groups calendar.

Colorado Springs

On Sat, Aug 7, 2010 at 10:15 PM, texasnurse3619 <trevino3619@...> wrote:

Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like me,who have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr moved out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of yrs to check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of 14,which was 1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would take Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I do not want to take " pain meds " .My concern is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in our area to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain lately,and it doesnt seem to ever really go away.I have all the symptoms everyone describes as " Flatback Syndrome " ,but have not been diagnosed with it.I appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.

August 8, 2010

Dr LaGrone is in Amarillo. Just an hour flight with southwest airlines. He did my revision and he's one of the experts. I don't know about anyone in Houston. Sent from my iPhoneOn Aug 7, 2010, at 11:15 PM, "texasnurse3619" <trevino3619@...> wrote:

Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like me,who have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr moved out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of yrs to check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of 14,which was 1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would take Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I do not want to take "pain meds".My concern is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in our area to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain lately,and it doesnt seem to ever

really go away.I have all the symptoms everyone describes as "Flatback Syndrome",but have not been diagnosed with it.I appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.

August 8, 2010

Hi...

How about Darrell Hanson?

Also, don't expect any short term help from Celebrex. I think that any help you

get from anti-inflammatories come from taking them regularly.

--

>

> Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like me,who

have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr moved

out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of yrs to

check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of 14,which was

1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would take

Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show

degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me

Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried

Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I do not want to take " pain meds " .My concern

is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem

concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in

our area to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain

lately,and it doesnt seem to ever really go away.I have all the symptoms

everyone describes as " Flatback Syndrome " ,but have not been diagnosed with it.I

appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.

>

August 8, 2010

Dear Texas Nurse,

Dr. Hanson has been spoken about here often, I believe as of yet no one has felt comfortable enough with him in our group to have surgery with him. Go to the site, Click on " Messages " and put Dr. Hanson in the SEARCH box, there is over 100 posts concerning him. I'd also type in Houston, and see what comes up.

We had a member who recently went to LaGrone, from your area. Hopefully she will chime in.

As in all things medical, it's good to do research, get more than one opinion. Local is terrific if it's possible. I hope your search finds you with the doc you feel most comfortable with.

Let us know how things proceed.

Colorado Springs

On Sun, Aug 8, 2010 at 1:27 PM, <linda.racine@...> wrote:

Hi...How about Darrell Hanson?Also, don't expect any short term help from Celebrex. I think that any help you get from anti-inflammatories come from taking them regularly. -- >> Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like me,who have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr moved out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of yrs to check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of 14,which was 1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would take Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I do not want to take " pain meds " .My concern is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in our area to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain lately,and it doesnt seem to ever really go away.I have all the symptoms everyone describes as " Flatback Syndrome " ,but have not been diagnosed with it.I appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.

>

August 8, 2010

I do know about Dr.Hanson,he did my nieces surgery...but he is very young,and Im not sure how much experience he has with the Harrington rods since they havent been used since early 90's.I would love to find someone who's been around long enough to have experience with them.I did research thru and found a couple of Houston Dr's,but not knowing them makes me nervous.Would be nice to find someone who has had experience with a certain Dr in the area and can tell me what they thought about him/her.Thanks everyone!

Hi...How about Darrell Hanson?Also, don't expect any short term help from Celebrex. I think that any help you get from anti-inflammatories come from taking them regularly. -- >> Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like me,who have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr moved out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of yrs to check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of 14,which was 1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would take Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I

do not want to take "pain meds".My concern is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in our area to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain lately,and it doesnt seem to ever really go away.I have all the symptoms everyone describes as "Flatback Syndrome",but have not been diagnosed with it.I appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.>

August 8, 2010

Dear Texas nurse,

I have lived in Houston for nearly 40 years. I had my Harrington rod placed in 1974 and had to have it removed this past May. I looked extensively for a doctor in Houston, but unfortunately, there are NONE. I checked out Dr. Hanson, but he just didn't seem to have the experience or expertise that flatbackers MUST have. There are plenty of orthopedists out there who would probably love to try out their skills on you, but some of our group have had to do this and are on their 3rd and 4th surgeries.

IT IS WORTH IT to bite the bullet and place yourself under the expert care of Dr. O. LaGrone in Amarillo. He knows exactly what he is doing and will provide the best skill and expertise in the country. Baptist St. is a first class facility and offers the best care I have ever experienced! Amarillo is just a warm and friendly place.

My surgery went very well (I'm 63) and I am recovering wonderfully! I admit I am very biased, but when it comes to spinal correction, I sought the very best! It is a hassle to have to go to Amarillo for help, but again IT IS WORTH IT!!!

I pray you will be able to get the help you need. If you have any questions, I will be happy to correspond with you at my email address.

Best wishes,

Tyra

From: texasnurse3619 <trevino3619@...>Subject: [ ] Harrington rod recipient Date: Saturday, August 7, 2010, 11:15 PM

Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like me,who have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr moved out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of yrs to check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of 14,which was 1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would take Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I do not want to take "pain meds".My concern is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in our area to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain lately,and it doesnt seem to ever really go

away.I have all the symptoms everyone describes as "Flatback Syndrome",but have not been diagnosed with it.I appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.

August 8, 2010

Hi ...

All you really need to know is if he has experience taking the Harrington rods

OUT. If he has good training (and he does), his age is irrelevant. Dr.

Hanson did a fellowship at WashU in St. Louis (with Bridwell).

Regards,

> >

> > Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like

me,who have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr

moved out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of

yrs to check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of

14,which was 1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would

take Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show

degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me

Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried

Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I do not want to take " pain meds " .My concern

is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem

concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in

our area to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain

lately,and it doesnt seem to ever really go

> away.I have all the symptoms everyone describes as " Flatback Syndrome " ,but

have not been diagnosed with it.I appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.

> >

>

August 9, 2010

Maybe I am misunderstanding what is saying, but I am very thankful that my surgeon was skilled enough to remove my Harrington rod but to ALSO place cages, perform a proper osteotomy to restore lordosis, and place screws accurately to cause a strong fusion. My 35 year fusion had stayed strong, but as a classic flatbacker, I needed lots more than just the rod removed.

Tyra

From: <linda.racine@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Harrington rod recipient Date: Sunday, August 8, 2010, 10:30 PM

Hi ...All you really need to know is if he has experience taking the Harrington rods OUT. If he has good training (and he does), his age is irrelevant. Dr. Hanson did a fellowship at WashU in St. Louis (with Bridwell).Regards,> >> > Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like me,who have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr moved out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of yrs to check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of 14,which was 1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would take Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I do not want to take "pain meds".My concern is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in our area

to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain lately,and it doesnt seem to ever really go> away.I have all the symptoms everyone describes as "Flatback Syndrome",but have not been diagnosed with it.I appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.> >>

August 9, 2010

I had decided last night to go ahead and make an appt with Dr Hanson to see what he thinks.He's the closest one,and he did my nieces scoliosis surg a couple of yrs ago,and we all thought the was very caring and sweet.Thanks for yalls input!

From: <linda.racine@ att.net>Subject: [ ] Re: Harrington rod recipient Date: Sunday, August 8, 2010, 10:30 PM

Hi ...All you really need to know is if he has experience taking the Harrington rods OUT. If he has good training (and he does), his age is irrelevant. Dr. Hanson did a fellowship at WashU in St. Louis (with Bridwell).Regards,>

>> > Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like me,who have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr moved out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of yrs to check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of 14,which was 1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would take Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I do not want to take "pain meds".My concern is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in our area to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain lately,and it doesnt seem to

ever really go> away.I have all the symptoms everyone describes as "Flatback Syndrome",but have not been diagnosed with it.I appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.> >>

August 9, 2010

How hard was that tho?I mean,your all the way in Amarillo in hosp.I have 2 small kids,so I dont know that I would be able to do that.Trust me,I would love to see someone with lots of experience in this,but I do have to take into consideration my kids.My husband works full time,and so do immediate fam members.I'll have to see what Dr Hanson says first and go from there...thanks!

From: texasnurse3619 <trevino3619>Subject: [ ] Harrington rod recipient Date: Saturday, August 7, 2010, 11:15 PM

Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like me,who have Harrington rods?It is very difficult to find someone.My original Dr moved out of state,so my fam Dr has ordered studies(per my req) every couple of yrs to check on the rods.I am 33yrs old,and had my rods placed at age of 14,which was 1990.I have done fine all these yrs,just had usual aches,and would take Ibuprofin and be fine.My most recent x rays(because of increased pain) show degeneration in lumbar area and bulging disk in my neck at c-4.My Dr gave me Celebrex to take to help with pain,so I took one this morning.I have tried Voltaren before,but it didnt help.I do not want to take "pain meds".My concern is that these findings are new since previous exam,and he didnt seem concerned(Im guessing cause he's just a fam. Dr).I would like to find someone in our area to see,to stay on top of things.I have been having alot of pain lately,and it doesnt seem to ever really go

away.I have all the symptoms everyone describes as "Flatback Syndrome",but have not been diagnosed with it.I appreciate any Dr's names you can give me.

August 9, 2010

Hi ,

I doubt you will have any success in being treated by a doc who has

had experience implanting Harrington Rods as they have been out of

favor for a long time now, mostly because of the flatback damage they

caused. What you need is a doc who has had a lot of experience

revising old Harrington Rod surgeries.

Bonnie

August 9, 2010

Sorry, you said you wanted to know how much experience he had with Harrington

rods, and I was trying to be a little humerous. Apparently it didn't work.

> > >

> > > Does anyone know of a Dr in Houston,or setx area who will see pt's like