Surgery?

[Guest guest]

From reports I've heard about this lap surgery, Joy, I don't think you'd need to have an couple-day epidural to survive it.

Jo in Florida (that's who Cindi just posted an update about) is MAJORLY anti-pain (she's a nurse and wrote out a very detailed "feel no pain" plan to have in her chart!) -- when she's back to posting again, she can fill you in better than I could. (I was out of the hospital 48 hours after they stitched me up from an emergency c-section and back at work 14 days after the c-section; 20 years ago I was waterskiing three weeks after an appendectomy... so I think you don't want to hear from me! LOL)

What town are you in that is so far from Cleveland? I thought you were in the Detroit area.... are you up in the thumb area instead? (My brain has been pretty foggy lately, so I may have just remembered wrong -- ever since my son was born, I swear that he stole all my working brain cells through the umbilical cord! LOL)

Debbi in Michigan

Well, it sure is a relief to hear that the average scar is more like 1/2-3/4" and not the 3" the Dr. was motioning with his fingers. (Maybe my eyes were deceiving me and I panicked - but my husband thinks he saw the same thing). Anyway, my next question is.....pain...I don't like pain. I guess I am an all-round ninny. I want it all....swallowing, not too much scar and not too too much pain.So, the Dr. I spoke with talked about an epidural during and after for a day or so....is that generally the case? Because that sounds nice to me if it works.And, since I live about 4-5 hours from Cleveland, would I need to get a local hotel room for a day or so or does it not hurt to drive back home after release from the hospital?I suppose these are all questions I would get answers to in the long run, but I guess I am anxious.Joy

[Guest guest]

Debbi Heiser <heiser@...> wrote:

From reports I've heard about this lap surgery, Joy, I don't think you'd need to have an couple-day epidural to survive it. <cut>

I was just going by what my one consult was.

Jo in Florida (that's who Cindi just posted an update about) is MAJORLY anti-pain (she's a nurse and wrote out a very detailed "feel no pain" plan to have in her chart!) -- when she's back to posting again, she can fill you in better than I could. (I was out of the hospital 48 hours after they stitched me up from an emergency c-section and back at work 14 days after the c-section; 20 years ago I was waterskiing three weeks after an appendectomy... so I think you don't want to hear from me! LOL)

WOW!

What town are you in that is so far from Cleveland? I thought you were in the Detroit area.... <cut>

Yes, I live in Detroit area...but was just guessing Cleveland was a couple hours past Cedar Point but not as far as Akron. Plus, I am not prone to speeding.

Joy

[Guest guest]

(I was out of the hospital 48 hours after they stitched me up from an emergency c-section and back at work 14 days after the c-section; 20 years ago I was waterskiing three weeks after an appendectomy... so I think you don't want to hear from me! LOL)WOW!

Yeah, like I said, you probably don't want to take post-surgical advice from me! LOL

What town are you in that is so far from Cleveland? I thought you were in the Detroit area.... <cut>

Yes, I live in Detroit area...but was just guessing Cleveland was a couple hours past Cedar Point but not as far as Akron.

Okay, so I wasn't remembering wrong !!! To give you an idea, from the Sterling Heights area it's under 200 miles to TCC, so even at the speed limit that's right around three hours (assuming you're not trying to drive through Detroit at rush hour, of course!) It's over 250 miles for me from the Kalamazoo area, and I can make it in under 4 hours, even dealing with all those stupid toll booths in Indiana and Ohio! (Thank goodness the closest thing Michigan has to a "toll road" is the Mackinac Bridge!!!! I absolutely HATE driving on toll roads... what a waste of time, money, and resources! But that's a whole 'nother rant, so I won't go there.....)

Plus, I am not prone to speeding.

Then you're not gonna want to ride with me -- Poor Sandi can attest to that! LOL I picked her up at the airport in Toledo and then we drove to TCC in April for the medical conference. Sandi's a California girl, and she got a lesson in "this is how people drive when the freeways aren't packed bumper-to-bumper like they are in California"!!! )

Debbi in Michigan

[Guest guest]

Glenn,

My son is a patient of Shriners in Utah and we love it there. We actually travel from California and I have a PPO so I could go anywhere I want but choose to travel for this treatment. I think going to Shriners would be a very smart choice, was at 60 degrees and we get his cast changed every 3 months, currently he is at 25 degrees. Anyways...good luck and I would definately see our Dr. as he has had great results casting our little ones.

Crista

[Guest guest]

Hi Glenn and

Wow, that is a lot of casts. Did he start August 04? How often is he casted?

My dd started casting last June with a curve of 62* and has just been fitted with her 4th cast. We have also plateaued at about the mid-30s (36, 35, 34 to be be precise) with the last 3 casts after an initial great correction. While the doctor says they are certainly not considering an alternative treatment and are not ready to give up on casting, we may have to consider that it won't work with . However, he won't consider surgery until much much further down the line. I would rather have in a brace throughout her childhood keeping her curve at mid-30s until she is fully grown and can have a fusion, rather than have rods or fusion now. Is this something that perhaps you could look at - using casting as a method of maintaining the curve until he is fully grown?

I would definitely get a second opinion. It can do no harm. I do think he has been in a lot of casts in such a short period of time and can't understand why if corrections have not been gained. Most of the children here have new casts every 3 months or so.

Don't think I've been much help, but your story sounded familiar so i thought I'd reply.

glennmesske <glennmesske@...> wrote:

Hi everyone, this is one of the most helpful listerv sites I know. Here is our dilemma. Casey, our 3 1/2 yr old son (who has a twin) is beginning to plateau on his serial casting. He started in August at 76 degrees and is currently around 50 degrees after about 9 casts. the doctor is concerned about rib disformity if they continue to push more, and believes it is time to look at the next step. He has discussed growth rods, Halo, and rib prosthesis. As you an guess I do not relish surgery or for that matter multiples (growth rods) for him. He is being seen at Denver Children's Hospital and we are considering getting a second opinion at Shriner's (where he is already in their system). I have dropped a couple pictures of him in the photo area of the site. Any advice, help or information would be greatly appreciated. I am

reading all about Olivia's story and was wondering what follow on treatment their was and how she is doing. Thanks, Glenn and

ALL-NEW Messenger - all new features - even more fun!

[Guest guest]

Hello Glenn and ,

Thanks for joining CAST.

Olivia is doing well. She is in a POP jacket right now, and will be placed

in another on Feb 25th. Out of the cast her spine is approx 90, and in it

she's holding at 70.

I would like to combine both treatments within the next year. First, the

halo, then a series of POP jackets. Im aware of what the combo of both

treatments can do, and am sure Olivia will benefit from this.

It was done to a 7 yr old w/ a 110 degree curve, after the halo she was at

50..then immediately into a series of POP jackets. Her curve is now at 25,

in a cast.

Im realistic, and know that Olivia will never be straight....But I also know

that she will be a lot better if we prolong surgical intervention, and fight

the good fight with casts/POP jackets. Thats what my maternal instinct is

telling me, anyway....

Im not sure if ISOP has ever provided you with the video on POP jackets done

by Dr. Min Mehta FCRS.....(?) If you are interested, I can send the

video/info immediately. Free, of course. If you decide that after viewing,

you would like to keep the video for future reference, its yours....Justs

send ISOP $15.00.....If you dont want it, please send back to me, so I can

cirsulate to other interested parents.

Thanks for asking about Olivia. She is doing great! She can do anything a

typical child can do, except a sommersault (in her cast) Im sure she'll

master that soon, too!

I do recemmend that you see the video. It will show you the difference

between the casts that you are familiar with, and the series of POP jackets

that we are advocating.

Best to leave no stone unturned,

Sincerely,

HRH

Surgery?

>

>

> Hi everyone, this is one of the most helpful listerv sites I know.

> Here is our dilemma. Casey, our 3 1/2 yr old son (who has a twin) is

> beginning to plateau on his serial casting. He started in August at

> 76 degrees and is currently around 50 degrees after about 9 casts.

> the doctor is concerned about rib disformity if they continue to

> push more, and believes it is time to look at the next step. He has

> discussed growth rods, Halo, and rib prosthesis. As you an guess I

> do not relish surgery or for that matter multiples (growth rods) for

> him. He is being seen at Denver Children's Hospital and we are

> considering getting a second opinion at Shriner's (where he is

> already in their system).

>

> I have dropped a couple pictures of him in the photo area of the

> site. Any advice, help or information would be greatly appreciated.

> I am reading all about Olivia's story and was wondering what follow

> on treatment their was and how she is doing.

>

> Thanks, Glenn and

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

At 08:26 PM 7/16/2008, you wrote:

>I looked over the files and went back aways in the messages and couldn't

>find much info about surgery for low back problems. I have a severe bulge

>at l5/s1 and had a discectomy 5 years ago at l4/5. I'm looking for

>experiences with different types of surgery. I'm not " keen " about having

>fusion surgery but if it will help and that's my only choice then maybe

>I'll consider it.

If you go to the home page of the group, then files, then members

stories, then read Dave's story you'll get my result. I've had 4

surgeries. 3 lower back 1 neck. ! lower back was a total failure,

the second with Fusion was great for 13 years, the third with fusion

was so so, the Neck surgery with fusion was / is a total

failure. Your results may vary. Please check out my story and

others for a more in depth report. Welcome, Dave

BTW, I forgot about bees. I has seen that on 20/20 or something. It

works for some people.

[Guest guest]

A poet is, after all, to see

>I looked over the files and went back aways in the messages and

couldn't

>find much info about surgery for low back problems. I have a severe bulge

>at l5/s1 and had a discectomy 5 years ago at l4/5. I'm looking for

>experiences with different types of surgery. I'm not " keen "

about having

>fusion surgery but if it will help and that's my only choice then maybe

>I'll consider it.

If you go to the home page of the group, then files, then members

stories, then read Dave's story you'll get my result. I've had 4

surgeries. 3 lower back 1 neck. ! lower back was a total failure,

the second with Fusion was great for 13 years, the third with fusion

was so so, the Neck surgery with fusion was / is a total

failure. Your results may vary. Please check out my story and

others for a more in depth report. Welcome, Dave

BTW, I forgot about bees. I has seen that on 20/20 or something. It

works for some people.

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann have you checked into a spinal stimulator??? I am not sure if

you have nerve pain or lower back pain only. But I had one implanted

for a year and a half and it worked great for my back pain and

sciatic nerve pain all the way down my left leg to my foot.

Unfortunately my back got worse and it no longer helped me so I had

to have a double fusion from L4-L5 and L5-S1. That was 2 yrs ago and

although it has helped some I will never be 100% again. But after 4

surgeries I honestly did not expect that. Anyway if you need more

info check on the links section or let me know I'd be glad to help if

I can. Best wishes Sharon Group Owner

In neck pain , Ann Wood Fuller

<gatorma1@...> wrote:

>

>

>

> A poet is, after all, to see

>

>

>

> >I looked over the files and went back aways in the messages and

> couldn't

> >find much info about surgery for low back problems. I have a

severe bulge

> >at l5/s1 and had a discectomy 5 years ago at l4/5. I'm looking for

> >experiences with different types of surgery. I'm not " keen "

> about having

> >fusion surgery but if it will help and that's my only choice then

maybe

> >I'll consider it.

>

> If you go to the home page of the group, then files, then members

> stories, then read Dave's story you'll get my result. I've had 4

> surgeries. 3 lower back 1 neck. ! lower back was a total failure,

> the second with Fusion was great for 13 years, the third with

fusion

> was so so, the Neck surgery with fusion was / is a total

> failure. Your results may vary. Please check out my story and

> others for a more in depth report. Welcome, Dave

>

> BTW, I forgot about bees. I has seen that on 20/20 or something.

It

> works for some people.

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann have you checked into a spinal stimulator??? I am not sure if

you have nerve pain or lower back pain only. But I had one implanted

for a year and a half and it worked great for my back pain and

sciatic nerve pain all the way down my left leg to my foot.

Unfortunately my back got worse and it no longer helped me so I had

to have a double fusion from L4-L5 and L5-S1. That was 2 yrs ago and

although it has helped some I will never be 100% again. But after 4

surgeries I honestly did not expect that. Anyway if you need more

info check on the links section or let me know I'd be glad to help if

I can. Best wishes Sharon Group Owner

In neck pain , Ann Wood Fuller

<gatorma1@...> wrote:

>

>

>

> A poet is, after all, to see

>

>

>

> >I looked over the files and went back aways in the messages and

> couldn't

> >find much info about surgery for low back problems. I have a

severe bulge

> >at l5/s1 and had a discectomy 5 years ago at l4/5. I'm looking for

> >experiences with different types of surgery. I'm not " keen "

> about having

> >fusion surgery but if it will help and that's my only choice then

maybe

> >I'll consider it.

>

> If you go to the home page of the group, then files, then members

> stories, then read Dave's story you'll get my result. I've had 4

> surgeries. 3 lower back 1 neck. ! lower back was a total failure,

> the second with Fusion was great for 13 years, the third with

fusion

> was so so, the Neck surgery with fusion was / is a total

> failure. Your results may vary. Please check out my story and

> others for a more in depth report. Welcome, Dave

>

> BTW, I forgot about bees. I has seen that on 20/20 or something.

It

> works for some people.

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I felt I just had to reply to your post, as you seem in such dismay. In this group we have one single thing in common - we all understand the scary terms such as scoliosis, fusion, rods and flatback from first hand experience. However, everyone of us have had different experiences and even different results from sometimes even the same procedure. I get the impression (possibly wrongly) that you are floundering a little and are totally unsure what to do next? Maybe you are hopeing that someone in this group will tell you how to choose a path? maybe even make the decision for you? It would be nice if life could work like that but in my experience it doesn't. What step you make next is and has to be your own choice as only you will have to live with the concequences. What this group will offer you instead is a group of willing listeners, a group of people who understand and possibly a few new friends. and her team of

lovely ladies have also compiled a fairly comprehensive database of related information which you may like to sift through - you may understand whats happening to you, what may happen to you in the future and from that possibly which path is right for you (of course you will have to discuss this all, along with the possible outcomes with your surgeon, who i'm sure will not carry out any procedure without you being 100% happy that you knoiw whats going on)

best wishes

Judith

From: Cornelison <rcornelison041288@...> Sent: Sat, October 31, 2009 1:10:06 AMSubject: Surgery?

Do not know what to do. I take very little pain medication and just have to lay down to relieve the pain. I had surgery when I was in 3rd grade. Spinal fusion and herrington rods, worked well for most of my life. I am know 47 and in constant pain and looking at my feet. Worked since I was 15 years old in various jobs as a child, got married in 1982 and we have 2 children. Worked as a banker and lender until I had to stop. No one gets it. do not know whether to have the surgery or not, lots of different outcomes. HELP!

[Guest guest]

Just looking for a little bit of advice, would rather not have yours.

From: Judith <highs_and_lows08@...>Subject: Re: Surgery? Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 2:03 PM

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. I felt I just had to reply to your post, as you seem in such dismay. In this group we have one single thing in common - we all understand the scary terms such as scoliosis, fusion, rods and flatback from first hand experience. However, everyone of us have had different experiences and even different results from sometimes even the same procedure. I get the impression (possibly wrongly) that you are floundering a little and are totally unsure what to do next? Maybe you are hopeing that someone in this group will tell you how to choose a path? maybe even make the decision for you? It would be nice if life could work like that but in my experience it doesn't. What step you make next is and has to be your own choice as only you will have to live with the concequences. What this group will offer you instead is a group of willing listeners, a group of people who understand and possibly a few new friends. and her team of

lovely ladies have also compiled a fairly comprehensive database of related information which you may like to sift through - you may understand whats happening to you, what may happen to you in the future and from that possibly which path is right for you (of course you will have to discuss this all, along with the possible outcomes with your surgeon, who i'm sure will not carry out any procedure without you being 100% happy that you knoiw whats going on)

best wishes

Judith

From: Cornelison <rcornelison041288>FeistyScolioFlatbac kers@groups .comSent: Sat, October 31, 2009 1:10:06 AMSubject: Surgery?

Do not know what to do. I take very little pain medication and just have to lay down to relieve the pain. I had surgery when I was in 3rd grade. Spinal fusion and herrington rods, worked well for most of my life. I am know 47 and in constant pain and looking at my feet. Worked since I was 15 years old in various jobs as a child, got married in 1982 and we have 2 children. Worked as a banker and lender until I had to stop. No one gets it. do not know whether to have the surgery or not, lots of different outcomes. HELP!

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

Welcome to Feisty. I’m so sorry to

hear about your worsening condition.

It sounds like you’ve developed

Flatback Syndrome. I discovered in 2002 that I did, too. I went to a consult

because I was in ever-worsening pain – sciatica and referred pain –

mostly in my legs. I was told that if I didn’t have revision surgery (I’d

had a fusion with a Harrington rod in the 1970’s to correct a 56 degree

lumbar curvature), I would eventually need a wheelchair. But I decided to have

the surgery more because of my pain. I was taking 2 Ultram about 6 times a day

and the pain still wasn’t well-controlled. I was a psychotherapist at the

time and if the medication wore off during a session, I would break out in a

sweat and start shivering. When the client left the room, I’d get down on

the floor and do deep breathing. I was a mess.

I had my revision in 2003 (NYC, Dr.

Boachie). I was scared to death – because I vividly remembered the

surgery I’d had as a teenager (and the 9 months recuperation in a

25-pound plaster cast). But it was actually less horrible than I anticipated –

mainly because I was on morphine after my surgery and then insisted I be sent

home with it. I actually stayed on it for three months (I’d taken a Leave

from my job). When I came off of it, I had no pain. I was able to drive while

taking it and to begin warm-water pool therapy.

It’s been almost 7 years since then

and I’ve had a lot of rough patches. My second fusion was much more

extensive – and much stronger – than my first and it became evident

that the areas that were not fused (my tailbone and above my shoulder blades) were

more stressed than they’d ever been. Consequently I developed pain in

those areas for which I underwent all kinds of physical therapy. I also

developed scar tissue pain that is easily activated. So, I don’t exercise

anymore – instead I do isometric stretching which entails a very, very

small range of motion. I also take a little bit of Percocet once or twice a day

and sometimes not at all. I don’t have side effects, thank goodness. I’ve

also become one with my heating pad (hahaha).

Overall, the revision surgery was worth

it. I’m in less pain and the pain I have is manageable. My activities are

limited and that’s a bummer, but I can live with it. And I no longer have

Flatback.

My suggestion to you is to seek out a

reputable revision surgeon and start getting tests – an MRI, a myelogram –

and also start psyching yourself for your next surgery. Maybe others won’t

agree – and after all I’m not a doctor – but it sounds like

it might be time.

Best of luck,

Andy (Andra) Stanton

Boulder CO

[Guest guest]

Thanks Andy, I know its time, just have to do it. Nov 6th is the date to decide after yet another ct scan on a flat cold whatever they call it. At my end with this pain, I hope that I make the correct choice.

From: Andy Stanton <andystanton@...>Subject: RE: Surgery? Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 10:22 PM

Hello ,

Welcome to Feisty. I’m so sorry to hear about your worsening condition.

It sounds like you’ve developed Flatback Syndrome. I discovered in 2002 that I did, too. I went to a consult because I was in ever-worsening pain – sciatica and referred pain – mostly in my legs. I was told that if I didn’t have revision surgery (I’d had a fusion with a Harrington rod in the 1970’s to correct a 56 degree lumbar curvature), I would eventually need a wheelchair. But I decided to have the surgery more because of my pain. I was taking 2 Ultram about 6 times a day and the pain still wasn’t well-controlled. I was a psychotherapist at the time and if the medication wore off during a session, I would break out in a sweat and start shivering. When the client left the room, I’d get down on the floor and do deep breathing. I was a mess.

I had my revision in 2003 (NYC, Dr. Boachie). I was scared to death – because I vividly remembered the surgery I’d had as a teenager (and the 9 months recuperation in a 25-pound plaster cast). But it was actually less horrible than I anticipated – mainly because I was on morphine after my surgery and then insisted I be sent home with it. I actually stayed on it for three months (I’d taken a Leave from my job). When I came off of it, I had no pain. I was able to drive while taking it and to begin warm-water pool therapy.

It’s been almost 7 years since then and I’ve had a lot of rough patches. My second fusion was much more extensive – and much stronger – than my first and it became evident that the areas that were not fused (my tailbone and above my shoulder blades) were more stressed than they’d ever been. Consequently I developed pain in those areas for which I underwent all kinds of physical therapy. I also developed scar tissue pain that is easily activated. So, I don’t exercise anymore – instead I do isometric stretching which entails a very, very small range of motion. I also take a little bit of Percocet once or twice a day and sometimes not at all. I don’t have side effects, thank goodness. I’ve also become one with my heating pad (hahaha).

Overall, the revision surgery was worth it. I’m in less pain and the pain I have is manageable. My activities are limited and that’s a bummer, but I can live with it. And I no longer have Flatback.

My suggestion to you is to seek out a reputable revision surgeon and start getting tests – an MRI, a myelogram – and also start psyching yourself for your next surgery. Maybe others won’t agree – and after all I’m not a doctor – but it sounds like it might be time.

Best of luck,

Andy (Andra) Stanton

Boulder CO

[Guest guest]

>

> Do not know what to do.  I take very little pain medication and just have to

lay down to relieve the pain.  I had surgery when I was in 3rd grade.  Spinal

fusion and herrington rods, worked well for most of my life.  I am know 47 and

in constant pain and looking at my feet.  Worked since I was 15 years old in

various jobs as a child, got married in 1982 and we have 2 children.  Worked as

a banker and lender until I had to stop.  No one gets it.  do not know whether

to have the surgery or not, lots of different outcomes.  HELP!

Hi .

I am sorry to hear of your troubles. I definitely get it about your worsening

condition. I had my first Scolio surgery at 17. Lasted pretty good for about 12

years then I started going downhill over the next 2 decades. It was a very

painful disabling, frustrating and humiliating time for me. So many questions

and not so many good answers at the time. I was popping pain pills like Dr

" House " on the TV series. And that barely took the edge off of the

excruciating pain I was going through. It was a sad and depressing time for me.

I was diagnosed with flatback in 2001. Still I waited another 7 years to

actually go through with the revision. The pain and disability it causes is

progressive as you are finding out. For most of us surgery is the only way to

fix this secondary deformity(Flatback syndrome).

I had ir done in February 2008 in NYC at NYU. Drs Dryer and Dr Errico. They did

the whole thing in one day(14 hour surgery). Yes it was painful but the pain

management is much better these days and actually it wasn't as horrific as I had

imagined it. Of course it's not a walk in the park either. It is major surgery

but it is definitely bearable.

I am now about a year and a half out from my Revision surgery and I feel

fantastic. No more pain meds. I am very functional now, and I believe life is

worth living again. I feel like I have been given a second chance at life again.

Only you can decide when it is best for you to get the surgery done. But if you

do all your research and visit doctors till you feel comfortable with one, then

by all means consider the surgery that might very well get you back to

reasonably good health again.

Good luck to you. And believe me, we can all relate to the anxiety, dread, and

confusion that you are experiencing due to worsening flatback. It is an awful

place to be. I just wanted to let you know that their is hope that you will come

out on the other side of this eventually and their is a future.

Maybe I am just lucky, but for now, I am counting my blessings for the great

outcome I have had after my surgery. Sometimes I want to pinch myself that I

feel this good. Of course I am not as flexible due to the long fusion but I

really don't care so much about that. It is a minor inconvenience. The trade off

turned out fantastic for me. I never dreamed it possible but I am the living

proof of it.

Now what happens in 10 years from now with it is anyones guess. I am hoping for

the best. But I figure I will cross that bridge when I get to it. So for me, the

surgery was a resounding success. It is different for everyone, but I do believe

they are making tremendous strides in this particular surgical technique. That's

why I waited so long but in my particular case it turned out to be a great

decision. I took a lot of heat from family and friends for waiting, but I am so

glad I did. It is best to go with your gut feeling. You will know when it's time

for you.

Good luck to you and I am hoping for all good things for you.

Carol (NY)

>

[Guest guest]

apparently wrote several posts on October 31 which did not pop up

in the new mail until today. I regret the delay in posting if that

happened at our end.

I tried to do something I can not recall doing before as a moderator --

approving a message for posting, but adding an " editorial " comment to

the post. I am not sure my comment appeared anywhere, however -- I can

see the start of it in the heading to this message at the site, but I do

not see it with the post.

Well, at the risk of repeating myself, I was very hesitant to approve

this post at all, . I only hope I read it wrong. We need to take

great care at a group like this one not to misread each other and not to

fire off any inflammatory or provocative replies to anyone whose post we

may have misunderstood. Email is rife with the potential for

misunderstandings, and so many discussions at some groups readily

degenerate into flame wars that just make everyone feel bad. I will not

let that happen here.

>

>

> From: Judith highs_and_lows08@...

> Subject: Re: Surgery?

>

> Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 2:03 PM

>

>

> �

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi ,

> �

> Welcome to the group. I felt I just had to reply to your post, as you

seem in such dismay. In this group we have one single thing in common -

we all understand the scary terms such as scoliosis, fusion, rods and

flatback from first hand experience. However, everyone of us have had

different experiences and even different results from sometimes even the

same procedure. I get the impression (possibly wrongly) that you are

floundering a little and are totally unsure what to do next? Maybe you

are hopeing that someone in this group will tell you how to choose a

path? maybe even make the decision for you? It would be nice if life

could work like that but in my experience it doesn't. What step you make

next is and has to be your own choice as only you will have to live with

the concequences. What this group will offer you instead is a group of

willing listeners, a group of people who understand and possibly a few

new friends. and her team of lovely

> ladies have also compiled a fairly comprehensive database of related

information which you may like to sift through - you may understand

whats happening to you, what may happen to you in the future and from

that possibly which path is right for you (of course you will have to

discuss this all, along with the possible outcomes with your surgeon,

who i'm sure will not carry out any procedure without you being 100%

happy that you knoiw whats going on)

> �

> best wishes

> �

> Judith

>

>

>

>

>

> From: Cornelison <rcornelison041288>

> FeistyScolioFlatbac kers@groups .com

> Sent: Sat, October 31, 2009 1:10:06 AM

> Subject: Surgery?

>

> �

>

>

>

>

>

> Do not know what to do.� I take very little pain medication and

just have to lay down to relieve the pain.� I had surgery when I

was in 3rd grade.� Spinal fusion and herrington rods, worked well

for most of my life.� I am know 47 and in constant pain and looking

at my feet.� Worked since I was 15 years old in various jobs as a

child, got married in 1982 and we have 2 children.� Worked as a

banker and lender until I had to stop.� No one gets it.��do

not know whether to have the surgery or not, lots of different

outcomes.� HELP!

>

[Guest guest]

Guess I didnt end my sentence correctly. ...wish someone could tell me what to do, but I know it is my decision. Meant no disrespect. Regret the misunderstanding,

From: <elizabethrgonzalez@...>Subject: Re: Surgery? Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 4:57 PM

apparently wrote several posts on October 31 which did not pop upin the new mail until today. I regret the delay in posting if thathappened at our end.I tried to do something I can not recall doing before as a moderator --approving a message for posting, but adding an "editorial" comment tothe post. I am not sure my comment appeared anywhere, however -- I cansee the start of it in the heading to this message at the site, but I donot see it with the post.Well, at the risk of repeating myself, I was very hesitant to approvethis post at all, . I only hope I read it wrong. We need to takegreat care at a group like this one not to misread each other and not tofire off any inflammatory or provocative replies to anyone whose post wemay have misunderstood. Email is rife with the potential formisunderstandings, and so many discussions at some groups readilydegenerate into flame wars

that just make everyone feel bad. I will notlet that happen here.>>> From: Judith highs_and_lows08@ ...> Subject: Re: Surgery?> FeistyScolioFlatbac kers@groups .com> Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 2:03 PM>>> �>>>>>> Hi ,> �> Welcome to the group. I felt I just had to reply to your post, as youseem in such dismay. In this group we have one single thing in common -we all understand the scary terms such as scoliosis, fusion, rods andflatback from first

hand experience. However, everyone of us have haddifferent experiences and even different results from sometimes even thesame procedure. I get the impression (possibly wrongly) that you arefloundering a little and are totally unsure what to do next? Maybe youare hopeing that someone in this group will tell you how to choose apath? maybe even make the decision for you? It would be nice if lifecould work like that but in my experience it doesn't. What step you makenext is and has to be your own choice as only you will have to live withthe concequences. What this group will offer you instead is a group ofwilling listeners, a group of people who understand and possibly a fewnew friends. and her team of lovely> ladies have also compiled a fairly comprehensive database of relatedinformation which you may like to sift through - you may understandwhats happening to you, what may happen to you in

the future and fromthat possibly which path is right for you (of course you will have todiscuss this all, along with the possible outcomes with your surgeon,who i'm sure will not carry out any procedure without you being 100%happy that you knoiw whats going on)> �> best wishes> �> Judith>>>>>> From: Cornelison <rcornelison041288>> FeistyScolioFlatbac kers@groups .com> Sent: Sat, October 31, 2009 1:10:06 AM> Subject: Surgery?>> �>>>>>> Do not know what to do.� I take very little pain medication andjust have to lay down to relieve the pain.� I had surgery when Iwas in 3rd grade.� Spinal fusion and herrington rods, worked wellfor most of my life.� I am know 47 and in constant pain and lookingat my

feet.� Worked since I was 15 years old in various jobs as achild, got married in 1982 and we have 2 children.� Worked as abanker and lender until I had to stop.� No one gets it.��donot know whether to have the surgery or not, lots of differentoutcomes.� HELP!>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the clarification, . I didn't really think you meant to say

what you seemed to be saying. Sorry I doubted you, but since you are a new

member, I just was not sure.

You have elicited a strong response (at least for this group -- we don't always

have too many posts, though we have plenty of quiet " lurkers " ) from concerned

members who feel for you and would like to be helpful. I hope you feel you have

gotten some useful recommendations, at least so far Please keep posting and

letting us know about your progress I know how hugely difficult and stressful

this stage of the journey must be for you, and I can truly commiserate. If

nothing else, it might console you a little to know that so many of us have gone

through something similar.

Best,

> >

> >

> > From: Judith highs_and_lows08@ ...

> > Subject: Re: Surgery?

> > FeistyScolioFlatbac kers@groups .com

> > Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 2:03 PM

> >

> >

> > �

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi ,

> > �

> > Welcome to the group. I felt I just had to reply to your post, as you

> seem in such dismay. In this group we have one single thing in common -

> we all understand the scary terms such as scoliosis, fusion, rods and

> flatback from first hand experience. However, everyone of us have had

> different experiences and even different results from sometimes even the

> same procedure. I get the impression (possibly wrongly) that you are

> floundering a little and are totally unsure what to do next? Maybe you

> are hopeing that someone in this group will tell you how to choose a

> path? maybe even make the decision for you? It would be nice if life

> could work like that but in my experience it doesn't. What step you make

> next is and has to be your own choice as only you will have to live with

> the concequences. What this group will offer you instead is a group of

> willing listeners, a group of people who understand and possibly a few

> new friends. and her team of lovely

> > ladies have also compiled a fairly comprehensive database of related

> information which you may like to sift through - you may understand

> whats happening to you, what may happen to you in the future and from

> that possibly which path is right for you (of course you will have to

> discuss this all, along with the possible outcomes with your surgeon,

> who i'm sure will not carry out any procedure without you being 100%

> happy that you knoiw whats going on)

> > �

> > best wishes

> > �

> > Judith

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > From: Cornelison <rcornelison041288>

> > FeistyScolioFlatbac kers@groups .com

> > Sent: Sat, October 31, 2009 1:10:06 AM

> > Subject: Surgery?

> >

> > �

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Do not know what to do.� I take very little pain medication and

> just have to lay down to relieve the pain.� I had surgery when I

> was in 3rd grade.� Spinal fusion and herrington rods, worked well

> for most of my life.� I am know 47 and in constant pain and looking

> at my feet.� Worked since I was 15 years old in various jobs as a

> child, got married in 1982 and we have 2 children.� Worked as a

> banker and lender until I had to stop.� No one gets it.��do

> not know whether to have the surgery or not, lots of different

> outcomes.� HELP!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

<p>Anyone ever had surgery to help with seizures?<br><br><br><br></p>

<p>Sent from on Android</p>