Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 Hi , To answer your question about being too old for surgery. I've been told that there is no age restriction, but it is major surgery and, with any major surgery, it comes with its own risks and possible complications. It is true that the older we are, the slower it is to heal, but attitude and expectations are major factors. The main questions you should be asking is "What happens if I don't have surgery?" (are the internal organs being damaged, for instance) and "If I do have surgery, what should I expect?" (reduction in pain, for example). Another question might be "Can I continue to live life like this?" since pain and quality of life are the main reasons people may opt for surgery, which is my case in considering revision surgery. Another internet support group, you might want to consider is the National Scoliosis Foundation forums, www.scoliosis.org , which have several different ones and you might find one that fits your situation more. Quite a few of us belong to several different ones (with some being on the same ones), which allows you to get a better picture of the scoliosis scene. A few of us also belong to various Scoliosis Association, Inc. chapters, www.scoliosis-assoc.org , so you might be able to find a local chapter for more local resources and support. If surgery is not an option, they might help you find qualified therapists or exercise programs to help manage your situation/pain or comfort level. If you go to the National Scoliosis Foundation website, check out the store section. There is a video called "Yoga for Scoliosis" that has been helpful for me in learning how to stretch properly to ease the muscle soreness. Hope this helps you and Take Care. Llweyn -----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of Sent: March 21, 2006 6:11 AM Subject: a few questionsGood Morning,I am a new member and not one who really belongs as I am an untreated 54 year old woman with severe scoliosis. But if anyone could answer a few questions for me I would appreciate it.I've lived a very full life, had children, worked in homecare etc. until the last few years. Tests revealed my lumabr curve is now 70%, I have oseoarthritis of spine and hip, am ostepenic and have refused fosomax at this time.I am working to lose weight and will see an adult scoliosis doctor by next Fall. Last night I read the book Scoliosis Surgery and became frightened by the whole thing at my age and horrified at the costs and descriptions of pain through recovery.I may not even be a candidate physically but wondered if anyone here has gone through surgery at my age. Have you been sorry? Was it worth it?What I am trying to find now is what I am facing if I not opt for surgery or am declined. All I hear is that major complications arise but I want to know exactly what for lumbar scoliosis.My family doctor encourages me to see the specialist but says I may be trading one evil for another. Thank you in advance, this seems to be a very informative and caring group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2006 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 Hi Llweyn, Thank you for your time and sharing this info with me. I have made note of the links and will visit them soon. And your questions are exactly the ones I am asking. Today, I am blessed to be able to control pain by pacing myself and watching my forms of activity. I do have the yoga for scoliosis Cd and find it beneficial. I am not experiencing any problems with bodily functions but do contend with muscle spasms from time to time. Using a cane for walking great distances has helped in that area. My heart goes out to all of you in your journey... May the day come when no one must endure life as we do... Many thanks... Love and Peace > > Hi , > > To answer your question about being too old for surgery. I've been told that > there is no age restriction, but it is major surgery and, with any major > surgery, it comes with its own risks and possible complications. It is true > that the older we are, the slower it is to heal, but attitude and > expectations are major factors. > > The main questions you should be asking is " What happens if I don't have > surgery? " (are the internal organs being damaged, for instance) and " If I do > have surgery, what should I expect? " (reduction in pain, for example). > Another question might be " Can I continue to live life like this? " since > pain and quality of life are the main reasons people may opt for surgery, > which is my case in considering revision surgery. > > Another internet support group, you might want to consider is the National > Scoliosis Foundation forums, www.scoliosis.org , which have several > different ones and you might find one that fits your situation more. Quite a > few of us belong to several different ones (with some being on the same > ones), which allows you to get a better picture of the scoliosis scene. A > few of us also belong to various Scoliosis Association, Inc. chapters, > www.scoliosis-assoc.org , so you might be able to find a local chapter for > more local resources and support. If surgery is not an option, they might > help you find qualified therapists or exercise programs to help manage your > situation/pain or comfort level. > > If you go to the National Scoliosis Foundation website, check out the store > section. There is a video called " Yoga for Scoliosis " that has been helpful > for me in learning how to stretch properly to ease the muscle soreness. > > Hope this helps you and Take Care. > > Llweyn > a few questions > > > Good Morning, > I am a new member and not one who really belongs as I am an > untreated 54 year old woman with severe scoliosis. But if anyone > could answer a few questions for me I would appreciate it. > I've lived a very full life, had children, worked in homecare etc. > until the last few years. > Tests revealed my lumabr curve is now 70%, I have oseoarthritis of > spine and hip, am ostepenic and have refused fosomax at this time. > I am working to lose weight and will see an adult scoliosis doctor > by next Fall. > Last night I read the book Scoliosis Surgery and became frightened > by the whole thing at my age and horrified at the costs and > descriptions of pain through recovery. > I may not even be a candidate physically but wondered if anyone here > has gone through surgery at my age. Have you been sorry? Was it > worth it? > What I am trying to find now is what I am facing if I not opt for > surgery or am declined. All I hear is that major complications arise > but I want to know exactly what for lumbar scoliosis. > My family doctor encourages me to see the specialist but says I may > be trading one evil for another. > > Thank you in advance, this seems to be a very informative and caring > group. > > > > > > > > > > Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment > Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any > advertised products. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2006 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 Hi , I just wanted to let you know that I had revision surgery, for a fusion in 1974 that never 'took,' at the age of 48. My original surgery was for a 56 degree 'C' curve with severe rotation of my spine. I was very scared about having the revision surgery and had to learn to meditate to calm myself in the weeks prior to the procedure. I also started a low-dose anti-depressant (Prozac 10mg). Both of these measures proved very helpful - I felt a lot less anxious. The surgery was extensive but mostly successful in that my spine was put into a better position and straightened, and nerve pressure was relieved so that I no longer have stenosis and sciatica. I was in the hospital for almost three weeks. I did have difficulty at first - I was hallucinating from IV morphine (and thought I had been kidnapped!), my lung had a swelling from being bruised, and my pain level was extraordinary - hence, the extra morphine. Also, I had to wear the boots that help the blood circulate and they were too tight and caused bleeding - but when I complained that they hurt, the nurses dismissed me, saying that no one likes the boots but they're necessary. Once I was moved from ICU to a step-down unit, I was switched to oral morphine and really had very little pain. I was immediately urged to sit, then stand, then walk around (with a physical therapist and a walker). When I was able to walk up and down 4 or 5 steps I was allowed to go home. Before I went home, though, I developed referred pain in my ankle and was in excruciating pain. The hospital wanted me to go home with Percocet (codeine), even though that proved unhelpful. My husband and I insisted I go home with morphine and that turned out to be a good decision. I recovered from the surgery within a week, and was able to shower and prepare simple meals. I gradually was weaned off the morphine after 6 weeks - using Percocet then Ultram. The moral of this part of my story is - make sure you go home on adequate pain medication. There is no reason why you should be in pain and, in fact, being in pain slows down the healing process. Also, we did hire a private duty nurse for overnights once I was released from ICU. She bathed me every day and eventually washed my hair daily. She made sure I got pain medication when I needed it, too, and changed my sheets daily. I don't think I would have gotten such consistent care from the hospital nurses - expecially the bathing and hair washing. It's worth it if you can afford it. It also allowed my husband to go to sleep every night without having to worry about me. It's been 3 years since then and most things are better and some things are worse. But I know I made the right decision to have the surgery - my worst and most debilitating pain is gone, my body looks more normal, and I can exercise now (I do a modified Pilates regimen twice a week - the exercises are tailored to people with pre- and post-surgical scoliosis). I hope some of my story was helpful to you. Having the surgery is an ordeal, but it can be worth it. If you're in pain and have a 70+ degree curve, and if your doctors recommend it, you might want to seriously consider going through with it. Being in your fifties is no obstacle - most revision surgeries (which are usually complete overhauls) are done on women 50 and older. I wish you the very best of luck. Please let us know how you're doing. Regards, Andra In , " " <norea@...> wrote: > > Good Morning, > I am a new member and not one who really belongs as I am an > untreated 54 year old woman with severe scoliosis. But if anyone > could answer a few questions for me I would appreciate it. > I've lived a very full life, had children, worked in homecare etc. > until the last few years. > Tests revealed my lumabr curve is now 70%, I have oseoarthritis of > spine and hip, am ostepenic and have refused fosomax at this time. > I am working to lose weight and will see an adult scoliosis doctor > by next Fall. > Last night I read the book Scoliosis Surgery and became frightened > by the whole thing at my age and horrified at the costs and > descriptions of pain through recovery. > I may not even be a candidate physically but wondered if anyone here > has gone through surgery at my age. Have you been sorry? Was it > worth it? > What I am trying to find now is what I am facing if I not opt for > surgery or am declined. All I hear is that major complications arise > but I want to know exactly what for lumbar scoliosis. > My family doctor encourages me to see the specialist but says I may > be trading one evil for another. > > Thank you in advance, this seems to be a very informative and caring > group. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2006 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 Thanks for your compliments. If muscle spasms are bothering you, when you walk, then you might want to try a walker. It helped me in evening my gait so that I didn't appear limping as much and I didn't experience as many spasms, too. I use a cane for around the house and very short distances, then I use the walker. If I have to be on the go further or have longer distances, then I use my scooter. Since I also have to transport my brother in his powerchair and/or my mother with her walker, then I have to plan my day more. Thankfully I have a full-size van to almost accommodate all the equipment. I have great difficulty with small-med size vehicles and especially any that are low. I didn't realize how much difficulty I was having until I got the van and found it so much easier to get in and out of. If you are looking at a new/used vehicle in the near future, then you might look at vehicles that are higher from the ground for seating, like the mini-vans/SUV's, etc. If you do decide to see an orthopaedic surgeon about your back, be sure he understands your situation, lifestyle and any other responsibilities you may have in your life. This could determine what treatment is best for you. There is a book by a Canadian Back Doctor called "A Consultation with a Back Doctor" by Hamilton Hall, MD (ISBN 0-7710-3779-1). He founded the Canadian Back Institute (CBI), which is a spine-care clinic, and his logic is more along the lines of practical and accessible solutions, though he doesn't offer as much for those of us with fusions, to take control and live a more healthy, active life. Take care. Llweyn -----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ]On Behalf Of Sky NianguaSent: March 23, 2006 6:37 AM Subject: Re: a few questionsHi Llweyn,Thank you for your time and sharing this info with me.I have made note of the links and will visit them soon.And your questions are exactly the ones I am asking.Today, I am blessed to be able to control pain by pacing myself and watching my forms of activity. I do have the yoga for scoliosis Cd and find it beneficial.I am not experiencing any problems with bodily functions but do contend with muscle spasms from time to time. Using a cane for walking great distances has helped in that area.My heart goes out to all of you in your journey...May the day come when no one must endure life as we do...Many thanks...Love and Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 hi, I am hypothyroid with af (HC and T3) and want to try iodoral as soon as i get started on all companion nutrients. well, I was impatient and started on one tablet Iodoral 3days ago. may that was not a good idea? my questions 1) having taken iodoral 1 tablet for 3days now, is it coincidence that I feel very weak in the afternoon, dizzy and legs don't support me, weakness makes me lie down. I was a little like this before but now it's really become worse. I know there has been talk about af here many times before, can iodine somehow make HC dose feel higher than it is, should I try to reduce it, I'm taking 30mg now. 2) i suppose selenium from brazil nuts is ok? 3) what does iodine do to iron levels, anything? 4) does iodine have any effect on gray hair? I hate to be 40 and have completely gray for many years already. any ideas how to reverse it? 5) my daughter 7years old has a little lump on her right nipple or inside of it, I can feel the lump with fingers, she says she feels pressure or slight pain when touching it. she is not on iodine, should I start her and how much? what could it be? Susa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 I can't really answer most of your questions but I have read where being sufficient in iodine reversed gray hair for some people. I'd love for that to happen. I'm only 47 and have far more gray than my 70 year old mother! Pamela > > hi, > I am hypothyroid with af (HC and T3) and want to try iodoral as soon as i get started on all companion nutrients. well, I was impatient and started on one tablet Iodoral 3days ago. may that was not a good idea? > my questions > > 1) having taken iodoral 1 tablet for 3days now, is it coincidence that I feel very weak in the afternoon, dizzy and legs don't support me, weakness makes me lie down. I was a little like this before but now it's really become worse. I know there has been talk about af here many times before, can iodine somehow make HC dose feel higher than it is, should I try to reduce it, I'm taking 30mg now. > > 2) i suppose selenium from brazil nuts is ok? > > 3) what does iodine do to iron levels, anything? > > 4) does iodine have any effect on gray hair? I hate to be 40 and have > completely gray for many years already. any ideas how to reverse it? > > 5) my daughter 7years old has a little lump on her right nipple or inside of it, I can feel the lump with fingers, she says she feels pressure or slight pain when touching it. she is not on iodine, should I start her and how much? what could it be? > > Susa > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 The symptoms could be stressing your adrenals. Make sure you do the salt loading when getting those types of symptoms. I would hold off on taking the iodine though until you have all the companion supplements. Brazil nuts are okay but you won't necessarily know the exact amount of selenium you're getting vs taking a supplement, I.e. Quality of nuts, organic, etc. Iodine can help with gut problems which can improve iron issues. Lots of folks have commented on iodine returning hair color. I wouldn't hesitate to paint with Lugol's for your daughter's breast issue or supplement or both. Linn > > hi, > I am hypothyroid with af (HC and T3) and want to try iodoral as soon as i get started on all companion nutrients. well, I was impatient and started on one tablet Iodoral 3days ago. may that was not a good idea? > my questions > > 1) having taken iodoral 1 tablet for 3days now, is it coincidence that I feel very weak in the afternoon, dizzy and legs don't support me, weakness makes me lie down. I was a little like this before but now it's really become worse. I know there has been talk about af here many times before, can iodine somehow make HC dose feel higher than it is, should I try to reduce it, I'm taking 30mg now. > > 2) i suppose selenium from brazil nuts is ok? > > 3) what does iodine do to iron levels, anything? > > 4) does iodine have any effect on gray hair? I hate to be 40 and have > completely gray for many years already. any ideas how to reverse it? > > 5) my daughter 7years old has a little lump on her right nipple or inside of it, I can feel the lump with fingers, she says she feels pressure or slight pain when touching it. she is not on iodine, should I start her and how much? what could it be? > > Susa > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Hi Jess I was wondering if anyone could please help me with a few quick questions? Does the temperature of the room you sleep in affect your basal temperature? My bedroom is in a loft and gets very very hot. I've noticed recently that my basal temperatures have been a bit higher when I wake up than they were, I need to do the basal test before I see Dr P and I don't want to mess it up by sleeping in my sauna room and overheating myself. I don't know how well the body regulates temperature but I can open the window and wear ear plugs on the days where I need to record it (live in a very noisy city centre location) if that would make it more accurate. The short answer is NO - the temperature of the room doesn't make a difference to your 'inner core' temperature. Just take your temperature as soon as you wake in whatever condition you are, sweating or otherwise for four or five mornings. If this is 97.8 degrees F (36.6 degrees C or less) this is an indication you are suffering with a low metabolism, i.e. hypothyroidism. Secondly, I ordered the thyroid screen and adrenal stress profile from Genova and am just waiting for it to arrive (thanks to Shelia for the discount you give us! ) I wondered when the best time to take either test is? Should I do the stress profile when I'm at work, with a normal day's worth of stress, or at a weekend when I'm more chilled out? Also is there a better time to do the thyroid screen - eg, wait for a really bad feeling day? I find I often seem to feel worse during certain times in my cycle... You do the adrenal stress profile on an ordinary day with all the usual stresses. Remember that this is testing your adrenal STRESS. You should not do it on a day when you are doing nothing other than sitting in your armchair reading a book. Also, don't do it on a VERY stressful day or during those days when you are suffering extra stress during your cycle - this would give a flawed reading. Just an ORDINARY day is fine. Luv - Sheila _._,___ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.