I just joined the group

[Guest guest]

Hi

I have been searching the web trying to find a group that I can join and this

one might be it.

I had spinal fusion surgery in 1976 at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. I

had to curves 65 and 45 in the thoraic and lumbar. I had one Harrington Rod . I

had bone graft from my right hip.

I was doing relatively okay till 2002 when I was in an auto accident. I had

three broken ribs and bugling disc L5 L4.... I was in a lot of pain. I went to

see Dr. Rudolph Taddonino in Westchester Medical Center who recommended revision

surgery as I had stenosis (lumbar) as well as the bugling disc. I was a single

mom at the time and my son was only 8 I couldn't afford to take off work. So I

struggle through the pain. I went to physical therapy for about a year and it

got better.

For the last 6 months I have gotten a hosts of different types of symptoms.

Pins and needles in hands and feet. Lower back pain all the time even wakes me

at night when I am sleeping. Searing burning pain on the outside of left thigh.

Migraines you wouldn't believe. Anixety.

Bowel problems sometimes constipatied sometimes " Get out of my way I need the

bathroom "

I made an appt to see Dr. Taddonino for Oct 10 and I am scared as to what he is

going to suggest. To make matters worse I have been reassigned on my job. I

was a Literacy Coach for the last 18 years but due to budgets and in house

favors etc.... I am now teaching a third grade class on my own. The standing,

bending, walking, moving is just going to play havoc on whatever strength I have

left in my core back. When I got the new job assignment it was not the time to

speak up..... I have never let on about my medical condition as it was never an

issue before. I could always cope but having a 30 eight years for 7 hours a

day is a different story. Help. Any advice.

I am afraid I might have to put in for disability retirement. Which wouldn't be

fair.

I know that none of us our doctors but I think we know more about scoliosis and

our bodies than the surgeons so whatever feedback you give is fine. I can

handle it.

Thanks

Ellen

PS.... I have been trying very hard to lose weight but it just doesn't come off.

Some weight machines are off limits....