one year checkup

[Guest guest]

My revision surgeries were 7/16 and 7/23 of last year. How time

flies! I had my 1 year postop check this week at Northwestern, and Dr.

Koski said that everything looks wonderful on my x-rays. The alignment

of neck over pelvis is still really good, the fusion is solidying

beautifully, and all hardware is nicely implanted right where they had

put it.

He would like to see me in another year, and then again at 5 years

post-

op. And if I need anything sooner, all I have to do is call. I did

ask for my most recent xrays on CD again, just so I can compare what

my

freshly fused spine looks like compared to my year-old fused spine. I

haven't gotten a chance to look at it yet, but I hope I can see the

differences myself

A few things that I discussed with the doctor included my physical

therapy restrictions - basically no restrictions now, with common

sense

(i.e. if it hurts or if I have to push things too much then don't do

it!). Also, I was concerned about the fact that sometimes I will lean

forward to pick things up by my feet when I'm sitting in my wheelchair

(he said okay to do if necessary, but don't push it). And I've been

having some hip pain in my right hip when I stand or try to walk. When

I pointed to where it was at, he agreed that it was definately in my

hip, and not back by the iliac screws or lower back. It's just

something that we'll keep an eye on for now. He didn't have any real

answers as to why I might be having it though. Also, my bowel issues

likely won't improve since they've been present now for a year - sigh.

On another note, his wonderful nurse Kathy left a couple of months ago

to pursue her PA so that she can actually assist in surgeries. He has

a new nurse named who seems very helpful. I also got to

complete my " one year " paperwork for the Adult Spinal Deformities

study

that they are doing. I started it last year right after my revision,

and they are hoping to follow people for 20 years after their

surgeries

to observe longterm outcomes and patient satisfactions.