Re: Did anyone become taller after revision?-Kim

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim,

I just wanted to say that based very generally on what you are saying the your

doctors are telling you about the limitations post fusion to the sacrum, you may

want to follow up. And I would also suggest you consider a follow-up with a

second opinion as well.

Many of us in this group have been fused to the sacrum (what you think of as the

pelvis) and while we may not be the most fluid dancers...I can assure you that

we are able to drive, walk, garden, get things off the floor etc.. Its not the

body of a supple ballet dancer, but I find mine to be pretty darned functional.

That is not to say that there may be other reasons your team is recommending

delay in considering more fusion...I just dont want your statement to frighten

people away from understanding what typical permanent limitations will follow

extension of the fusion.

Many of us also had the experience of being told we just had to live with pain

and inability to walk or function by doctors that appeared to be " up to date " .

Revision surgery following long fusion has changed ALOT in the last 5 years, so

an doctor that is not devoted to the treatment of deformity my have missed some

of the more recent information as well as techniques. In any event, prior to

having to spend my days as a recluse on the couch as a 33 year old...in serious

pain...please make sure you have gotten the very best advice!

You stated that " Science KNOWS trying to fuse to an already fused areas has been

unsuccessful " . Please know that that statement is simply untrue. For example, a

dear friend of mine, fused T-4 to the sacrum close to your age, just had babies.

I can hike the highest mountains and drive wherever I please. There is lots more

life ahead for you...please try to explore all your alternatives!

Take Care,Cam

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> From: J HANLEY <campbetty@...>

> Subject: RE: [ ] Re: Did anyone become taller after revision?

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> Date: Sunday, December 5, 2010, 7:50 AM

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> I seem to have lost 3/4 of an inch in this last several months.

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> Within the same time frame my neck has been nonstop aching. This is not a

pinched nerve pain but a deep, intense, constant ache. I massage my neck with

my hands about 20 times a day...it's worse when I have to raise my head. Does

anyone know how this is related to my lumbar issues? I am pre-revision and have

a long rod for an S curve  that has been in 33 years.  Does revision take

care of neck pain too? Or is there surgery to the neck area in addition to

lower back . 

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> Pamela

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> From: cammaltby@...

> Date: Sun, 5 Dec 2010 12:58:16 +0000

> Subject: [ ] Re: Did anyone become taller after revision?

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> Pamela,

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> After revision I was back up to my height as an earlier adult. When measured

prior to revision I was 5'11 " ...after 6'1 " (or a little under). I think most of

the height came as a result of the cages that are placed when they remove the

discs that had pretty much collapsed!

> Of course, I was also able to stand up much better too.

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> Naturally, your milage may vary!

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> Take Care, Cam

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