Guest guest Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 That would possibly be Dr Kumar. He was 's revision surgeon, and has also operated on a few other members of these lists. I wish you luck with figuring out a solution for your spinal problems! > > Hi All, > > A couple of months ago someone posted about a surgeon in Denver she liked. I've looked through the database and recent posts and can't seem to find the name of the doc. > > Whoever posted about him, can you please post again with his name? > > It turns out I need to have more of my hardware removed because it's very close to the surface of my skin. Ugh. > > Many thanks, > Andy Stanton > Boulder CO > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 Yes! That’s who I was thinking of! Many thanks, !Andy >> Hi All,> > A couple of months ago someone posted about a surgeon in Denver she liked. I've looked through the database and recent posts and can't seem to find the name of the doc. > > Whoever posted about him, can you please post again with his name?> > It turns out I need to have more of my hardware removed because it's very close to the surface of my skin. Ugh.> > Many thanks,> Andy Stanton> Boulder CO> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy. Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success. How did you find out you needed this? Best, > > Hi All, > > A couple of months ago someone posted about a surgeon in Denver she liked. I've looked through the database and recent posts and can't seem to find the name of the doc. > > Whoever posted about him, can you please post again with his name? > > It turns out I need to have more of my hardware removed because it's very close to the surface of my skin. Ugh. > > Many thanks, > Andy Stanton > Boulder CO > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2011 Report Share Posted July 3, 2011 I also have to have my hardware removed but i have to wait until October. This will be when my fusion will be solid enough to remove hardware. Last thing i want to do after the last surgery! Hope it all goes well for you.Sent from my iPadOn Jul 3, 2011, at 8:07 PM, "" <elizabethrgonzalez@...> wrote: I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy. Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success. How did you find out you needed this? Best, > > Hi All, > > A couple of months ago someone posted about a surgeon in Denver she liked. I've looked through the database and recent posts and can't seem to find the name of the doc. > > Whoever posted about him, can you please post again with his name? > > It turns out I need to have more of my hardware removed because it's very close to the surface of my skin. Ugh. > > Many thanks, > Andy Stanton > Boulder CO > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 Hi Tricia and , Thanks for your posts! This will be my second hardware removal surgery. In 2008 I had half a rod removed, and now I need half of the other rod removed – for the same reason – it’s too close to the surface of my skin and will eventually break through. Ugh. I’m also wondering if it’s contributing to the increasing “burning†pain that  I have and  associate with adhesions (scar tissue). Maybe some of those adhesions can be taken out, too, though I’ve heard they just come back. Bummer. I’ll probably do the surgery towards the end of the year, too, Tricia. Are you getting all of your hardware removed or just a part of it? I’ve heard it’s not a great idea to get all of it removed if you can help it, though everyone’s different, of course. What have you heard? In any case, I hope it goes well. Partial removal, if that’s what you’re having, is way less of a deal that the revision surgery – Dr. Boachie told me I can have it done and leave the hospital the next day – though I stayed for three days in 2008. Thanks again to you both for your good wishes!AndyBoulder CO From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Tricia KeaneSent: Sunday, July 03, 2011 6:29 PM Subject: Re: Re: Surgeon in Denver? I also have to have my hardware removed but i have to wait until October. This will be when my fusion will be solid enough to remove hardware. Last thing i want to do after the last surgery! Hope it all goes well for you.On Jul 3, 2011, at 8:07 PM, " " <elizabethrgonzalez@...> wrote: I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy.Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success.How did you find out you needed this?Best, . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2011 Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 Hi Andy,I am having a partial removal and i was worried about leaving the remainder of hardware in. In 1992 I had my harrington rods removed completely since it broke loose and was coming thru my skin. What seemed simple kept me in the hospital for 5 days! But that was a complete removal so hopefully this is easier. I am now feeling another area where the rod is coming to the surface and its just such a bummer! My surgeon has told me the less invasive the better with removal, that would be why he recommends partial removal. After what i went thru in 1992 i would say you should only do partial if possible.Best of luck and keep us posted.Tricia Sent from my iPadOn Jul 4, 2011, at 4:11 PM, "Andy Stanton" <andystanton@...> wrote: Hi Tricia and , Thanks for your posts! This will be my second hardware removal surgery. In 2008 I had half a rod removed, and now I need half of the other rod removed – for the same reason – it’s too close to the surface of my skin and will eventually break through. Ugh. I’m also wondering if it’s contributing to the increasing “burning†pain that I have and associate with adhesions (scar tissue). Maybe some of those adhesions can be taken out, too, though I’ve heard they just come back. Bummer. I’ll probably do the surgery towards the end of the year, too, Tricia. Are you getting all of your hardware removed or just a part of it? I’ve heard it’s not a great idea to get all of it removed if you can help it, though everyone’s different, of course. What have you heard? In any case, I hope it goes well. Partial removal, if that’s what you’re having, is way less of a deal that the revision surgery – Dr. Boachie told me I can have it done and leave the hospital the next day – though I stayed for three days in 2008. Thanks again to you both for your good wishes!AndyBoulder CO From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Tricia KeaneSent: Sunday, July 03, 2011 6:29 PM Subject: Re: Re: Surgeon in Denver? I also have to have my hardware removed but i have to wait until October. This will be when my fusion will be solid enough to remove hardware. Last thing i want to do after the last surgery! Hope it all goes well for you.On Jul 3, 2011, at 8:07 PM, "" <elizabethrgonzalez@...> wrote: I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy.Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success.How did you find out you needed this?Best, . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Hi Andy. I, too, had some hardware removal in 2007, after having revision surgery for flatback and kyphosis in 2006. I have two rather large bulges on my scar, which is the hardware. My doctor told me to leave it in. However, I am contemplating having other hardware removed, which is causing me a great deal of constant discomfort. Aside from undoubtly seeing the hardware, is it irritated? Does it make it uncomfortable to lean against a chair? How did you arive at the decision to have this hardware removed? By the way, I have bought and used your book " Pilates for Fragile Backs " . My pilates instructor found it very helpful! Looking forward to hearing about your hardware! Thanks. Carol > > > > I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy. > > Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success. > > How did you find out you needed this? > > Best, > > > . > > <http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=1986382/grpspId=1705094709/msgId=173\ 86/stime=1309802236/nc1=5191951/nc2=5522126/nc3=5191948> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Hi Carol,I know you addressed Andy but since I too am having my hardware removed i figured i could assist you in your decision. I have so much difficulty sitting back in a chair and even laying down on my back. I am scheduled to have the hardware removed in October. Since i had my revision surgery in late January the doctor wants to wait until i am completely fused. I was also told by a family member (who is a surgeon) that it is very common to get infections where hardware starts to irritate under the skin. My PT also told me of infections and recommended that i keep a pillow behind me when i sit. It helps with some of the pain. I hope this info is helpful. I wish you luck in your decision making. Keep us posted.TriciaLong Island, NYSent from my iPadOn Jul 8, 2011, at 7:18 PM, "carolyedid58" <carolyedid58@...> wrote: Hi Andy. I, too, had some hardware removal in 2007, after having revision surgery for flatback and kyphosis in 2006. I have two rather large bulges on my scar, which is the hardware. My doctor told me to leave it in. However, I am contemplating having other hardware removed, which is causing me a great deal of constant discomfort. Aside from undoubtly seeing the hardware, is it irritated? Does it make it uncomfortable to lean against a chair? How did you arive at the decision to have this hardware removed? By the way, I have bought and used your book "Pilates for Fragile Backs". My pilates instructor found it very helpful! Looking forward to hearing about your hardware! Thanks. Carol > > > > I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy. > > Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success. > > How did you find out you needed this? > > Best, > > > . > > <http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=1986382/grpspId=1705094709/msgId=17386/stime=1309802236/nc1=5191951/nc2=5522126/nc3=5191948> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Hi Carol, Thanks for your post! I’m sorry to hear you’re having discomfort. I wonder if the scoliosis journey ever really ends for any of us… The first surgery I had (in 2008) for partial hardware removal was done on my surgeon’s advice. I did have pain and asked him to evaluate the situation. He said I was developing bursitis around the parts of the hardware that were too close to the surface of my skin – he said they would become scar tissue eventually, and that usually means chronic pain. This time around, at first I didn’t have pain (but now I do). Like you, I did go through the ceiling whenever I sat against a chairback, but that was it.  I didn’t even realize it was a problem except that a massage therapist pointed out the big bumps, which prompted me to see a local ortho specialist who ordered x-rays and advised surgery.  After receiving a copy of the x-rays, Dr. Boachie emailed and said I “could†have them removed, meaning, I guess, that it was up to me and surgery was reasonable but elective. Both docs seemed to suggest that things could/would get worse – meaning the metal would break through - which would need to be treated urgently because of the risk of infection. But for the past two or three weeks I’ve had constant, burning pain – I wake up with it - and Percocet, Lidocaine patches, and other topicals don’t reduce it much, if at all. Last night I was at dinner with friends and I started crying – partly because I know this can’t go on. The decision is not when but who – should I return to Dr. Boachie (he’s in NY and I’m in CO) or do I dare have a local doc, Dr. Kumar do it? Obviously, Dr. Boachie knows his own work and is the safer option, but the logistics and expense of preparing for and getting to NY is mind-numbing right now. I did it in 2008 and it didn’t go smoothly. Could I do it better a second time around? I’m going to meet Dr. Kumar and interview him. I want to know if he’s done this surgery a lot and if he’s comfortable working on another doctor’s patient. I want to be sure he knows what he’s doing. So that’s where it stands now – I see him in August. Sorry for this long-winded reply! My understanding about hardware removal is that it’s elective until it ‘screws’ up your life – until you’re in pain and that interferes with your daily activities. What I don’t get is why it happens. I didn’t lose weight and I hadn’t been exercising much – I had chronic fatigue since 2008 (or earlier) and that put me in bed for many hours of the day. Now that I’m feeling better and moving around more – I guess that’s part of it. But why? I just don’t get it. If anyone out there has any theories, I’d love to hear them. Thank you so much for telling me you’ve found my book useful! That’s such a great thing to hear – thanks.Best Wishes,Andy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of carolyedid58Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:19 PM Subject: Re: Surgeon in Denver? Hi Andy.I, too, had some hardware removal in 2007, after having revision surgery for flatback and kyphosis in 2006. I have two rather large bulges on my scar, which is the hardware. My doctor told me to leave it in. However, I am contemplating having other hardware removed, which is causing me a great deal of constant discomfort.Aside from undoubtly seeing the hardware, is it irritated? Does it make it uncomfortable to lean against a chair? How did you arive at the decision to have this hardware removed?By the way, I have bought and used your book " Pilates for Fragile Backs " . My pilates instructor found it very helpful!Looking forward to hearing about your hardware!Thanks.Carol> > > > I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy.> > Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success.> > How did you find out you needed this?> > Best,> > > .> > <http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=1986382/grpspId=1705094709/msgId=17386/stime=1309802236/nc1=5191951/nc2=5522126/nc3=5191948>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Andy,I am so sorry to read what you are going through and I agree that once diagnosed with scoliosis, our medical road never ends. I just wanted to say, although you probably have already thought of this, have you asked Dr. Boachie if there is a spine specialist in your area that HE trusts to help you? I cannot imagine how upset you are, being in pain and having to contemplate another huge trip to get the treatment you need. I pray for you and for all of the members here who are in pain and struggling. I hope we all can find relief from pain and return to a decent life. Jeanne From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Andy StantonSent: Saturday, July 09, 2011 11:35 AM Subject: RE: Re: Surgeon in Denver? Hi Carol, Thanks for your post! I’m sorry to hear you’re having discomfort. I wonder if the scoliosis journey ever really ends for any of us… The first surgery I had (in 2008) for partial hardware removal was done on my surgeon’s advice. I did have pain and asked him to evaluate the situation. He said I was developing bursitis around the parts of the hardware that were too close to the surface of my skin – he said they would become scar tissue eventually, and that usually means chronic pain. This time around, at first I didn’t have pain (but now I do). Like you, I did go through the ceiling whenever I sat against a chairback, but that was it. I didn’t even realize it was a problem except that a massage therapist pointed out the big bumps, which prompted me to see a local ortho specialist who ordered x-rays and advised surgery. After receiving a copy of the x-rays, Dr. Boachie emailed and said I “could†have them removed, meaning, I guess, that it was up to me and surgery was reasonable but elective. Both docs seemed to suggest that things could/would get worse – meaning the metal would break through - which would need to be treated urgently because of the risk of infection. But for the past two or three weeks I’ve had constant, burning pain – I wake up with it - and Percocet, Lidocaine patches, and other topicals don’t reduce it much, if at all. Last night I was at dinner with friends and I started crying – partly because I know this can’t go on. The decision is not when but who – should I return to Dr. Boachie (he’s in NY and I’m in CO) or do I dare have a local doc, Dr. Kumar do it? Obviously, Dr. Boachie knows his own work and is the safer option, but the logistics and expense of preparing for and getting to NY is mind-numbing right now. I did it in 2008 and it didn’t go smoothly. Could I do it better a second time around? I’m going to meet Dr. Kumar and interview him. I want to know if he’s done this surgery a lot and if he’s comfortable working on another doctor’s patient. I want to be sure he knows what he’s doing. So that’s where it stands now – I see him in August. Sorry for this long-winded reply! My understanding about hardware removal is that it’s elective until it ‘screws’ up your life – until you’re in pain and that interferes with your daily activities. What I don’t get is why it happens. I didn’t lose weight and I hadn’t been exercising much – I had chronic fatigue since 2008 (or earlier) and that put me in bed for many hours of the day. Now that I’m feeling better and moving around more – I guess that’s part of it. But why? I just don’t get it. If anyone out there has any theories, I’d love to hear them. Thank you so much for telling me you’ve found my book useful! That’s such a great thing to hear – thanks.Best Wishes,Andy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of carolyedid58Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:19 PM Subject: Re: Surgeon in Denver? Hi Andy.I, too, had some hardware removal in 2007, after having revision surgery for flatback and kyphosis in 2006. I have two rather large bulges on my scar, which is the hardware. My doctor told me to leave it in. However, I am contemplating having other hardware removed, which is causing me a great deal of constant discomfort.Aside from undoubtly seeing the hardware, is it irritated? Does it make it uncomfortable to lean against a chair? How did you arive at the decision to have this hardware removed?By the way, I have bought and used your book " Pilates for Fragile Backs " . My pilates instructor found it very helpful!Looking forward to hearing about your hardware!Thanks.Carol> > > > I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy.> > Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success.> > How did you find out you needed this?> > Best,> > > .> > <http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=1986382/grpspId=1705094709/msgId=17386/stime=1309802236/nc1=5191951/nc2=5522126/nc3=5191948>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 Thanks, Jeannie, for your sympathetic post. I appreciate it. And thanks, too, for your important suggestion. Before my 2008 partial-hardware-removal procedure, I did ask Dr. Boachie to recommend a local doc and he gave me the name of Shay Bess in Denver. Dr. Bess was nice and knew about flatback, but I got the feeling he was a relative newbie. I wonder if Dr. Boachie had met him at a conference and exchanged business cards, so to speak, or something like that – I don’t think Dr. Boachie was endorsing him, just that he knew of him. I emailed Dr. Boachie a couple of days ago to see if he knows, or knows of Dr. Kumar, but I haven’t heard back from him yet. I have an appointment with Dr. Kumar next month, but I have a feeling the safest thing to do is return to Dr. Boachie since he knows his own work best. >heavy sigh< Thank you for your prayers. Best Wishes,Andy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of SlinkerSent: Saturday, July 09, 2011 12:22 PM Subject: RE: Re: Surgeon in Denver? Andy,I am so sorry to read what you are going through and I agree that once diagnosed with scoliosis, our medical road never ends. I just wanted to say, although you probably have already thought of this, have you asked Dr. Boachie if there is a spine specialist in your area that HE trusts to help you? I cannot imagine how upset you are, being in pain and having to contemplate another huge trip to get the treatment you need. I pray for you and for all of the members here who are in pain and struggling. I hope we all can find relief from pain and return to a decent life. Jeanne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2011 Report Share Posted July 9, 2011 i had my one and only surgery in 1966 and have never had problems so there is a light at the end of the tunnel From: Andy Stanton <andystanton@...> Sent: Saturday, July 9, 2011 12:35:04 PMSubject: RE: Re: Surgeon in Denver? Hi Carol, Thanks for your post! I’m sorry to hear you’re having discomfort. I wonder if the scoliosis journey ever really ends for any of us… The first surgery I had (in 2008) for partial hardware removal was done on my surgeon’s advice. I did have pain and asked him to evaluate the situation. He said I was developing bursitis around the parts of the hardware that were too close to the surface of my skin – he said they would become scar tissue eventually, and that usually means chronic pain. This time around, at first I didn’t have pain (but now I do). Like you, I did go through the ceiling whenever I sat against a chairback, but that was it. I didn’t even realize it was a problem except that a massage therapist pointed out the big bumps, which prompted me to see a local ortho specialist who ordered x-rays and advised surgery. After receiving a copy of the x-rays, Dr. Boachie emailed and said I “could†have them removed, meaning, I guess, that it was up to me and surgery was reasonable but elective. Both docs seemed to suggest that things could/would get worse – meaning the metal would break through - which would need to be treated urgently because of the risk of infection. But for the past two or three weeks I’ve had constant, burning pain – I wake up with it - and Percocet, Lidocaine patches, and other topicals don’t reduce it much, if at all. Last night I was at dinner with friends and I started crying – partly because I know this can’t go on. The decision is not when but who – should I return to Dr. Boachie (he’s in NY and I’m in CO) or do I dare have a local doc, Dr. Kumar do it? Obviously, Dr. Boachie knows his own work and is the safer option, but the logistics and expense of preparing for and getting to NY is mind-numbing right now. I did it in 2008 and it didn’t go smoothly. Could I do it better a second time around? I’m going to meet Dr. Kumar and interview him. I want to know if he’s done this surgery a lot and if he’s comfortable working on another doctor’s patient. I want to be sure he knows what he’s doing. So that’s where it stands now – I see him in August. Sorry for this long-winded reply! My understanding about hardware removal is that it’s elective until it ‘screws’ up your life – until you’re in pain and that interferes with your daily activities. What I don’t get is why it happens. I didn’t lose weight and I hadn’t been exercising much – I had chronic fatigue since 2008 (or earlier) and that put me in bed for many hours of the day. Now that I’m feeling better and moving around more – I guess that’s part of it. But why? I just don’t get it. If anyone out there has any theories, I’d love to hear them. Thank you so much for telling me you’ve found my book useful! That’s such a great thing to hear – thanks. Best Wishes, Andy From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of carolyedid58Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:19 PM Subject: Re: Surgeon in Denver? Hi Andy.I, too, had some hardware removal in 2007, after having revision surgery for flatback and kyphosis in 2006. I have two rather large bulges on my scar, which is the hardware. My doctor told me to leave it in. However, I am contemplating having other hardware removed, which is causing me a great deal of constant discomfort.Aside from undoubtly seeing the hardware, is it irritated? Does it make it uncomfortable to lean against a chair? How did you arive at the decision to have this hardware removed?By the way, I have bought and used your book "Pilates for Fragile Backs". My pilates instructor found it very helpful!Looking forward to hearing about your hardware!Thanks.Carol> > > > I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy.> > Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success.> > How did you find out you needed this?> > Best,> > > ..> > <http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=1986382/grpspId=1705094709/msgId=17386/stime=1309802236/nc1=5191951/nc2=5522126/nc3=5191948>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 Tricia, Did your doc friend or PT say how one can tell if she has an infection (related to the hardware)? I’m curious. Thanks!Andy Subject: Re: Re: Surgeon in Denver? Hi Carol, I know you addressed Andy but since I too am having my hardware removed i figured i could assist you in your decision. I have so much difficulty sitting back in a chair and even laying down on my back. I am scheduled to have the hardware removed in October. Since i had my revision surgery in late January the doctor wants to wait until i am completely fused. I was also told by a family member (who is a surgeon) that it is very common to get infections where hardware starts to irritate under the skin. My PT also told me of infections and recommended that i keep a pillow behind me when i sit. It helps with some of the pain. I hope this info is helpful. I wish you luck in your decision making. Keep us posted. TriciaLong Island, NY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 Andy,I was told to watch for bruising and discoloring around the area. Also if you get a fever see a doctor. TriciaSent from my iPadOn Jul 11, 2011, at 12:52 PM, "Andy Stanton" <andystanton@...> wrote: Tricia, Did your doc friend or PT say how one can tell if she has an infection (related to the hardware)? I’m curious. Thanks!Andy Subject: Re: Re: Surgeon in Denver? Hi Carol, I know you addressed Andy but since I too am having my hardware removed i figured i could assist you in your decision. I have so much difficulty sitting back in a chair and even laying down on my back. I am scheduled to have the hardware removed in October. Since i had my revision surgery in late January the doctor wants to wait until i am completely fused. I was also told by a family member (who is a surgeon) that it is very common to get infections where hardware starts to irritate under the skin. My PT also told me of infections and recommended that i keep a pillow behind me when i sit. It helps with some of the pain. I hope this info is helpful. I wish you luck in your decision making. Keep us posted. TriciaLong Island, NY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2011 Report Share Posted July 25, 2011 Andy, I just hope you have adequate pain control to carry you through to the surgery. That adjective " burning " rang a bell with me. When my pelvic bolts were starting to poke out, I would get these sieges of excruciating pain with a strong burning quality. It was really indescribable, but getting those things removed completely cured it. Please keep us posted on how you're doing -- and how you like the Denver doc, if you care to say. Best, > > > > I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy. > > Let's hope the hardware removal is a great success. > > How did you find out you needed this? > > Best, > > > . > > <http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=1986382/grpspId=1705094709/msgId=173\ 86/stime=1309802236/nc1=5191951/nc2=5522126/nc3=5191948> > 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.