Hello Everyone!

[Guest guest]

Tony

Have a safe trip may God watch over you. If this is the trip you wanted to

go on enjoy it. If this is to see your sick relative enjoy the time you

have with them.

Glo

>From: rmeeks3230@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: [ ] Hello everyone!

>Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 22:57:09 EST

>

>Hi!

>

>I haven't send too many e-mails lately trying to get ready for my trip. I'm

>finally ready and leave in the morning. Mentally this trip means so much

>to me since in the past few months I had to endure so many let downs.

>My last appt with my internist was no exception; my viral load is reaching

>dangerous levels and my T-cells are still dropping. My internist

>is doing a tolerance test to see what else I be able to take without

>endangering my liver more. I have to go back to him in two weeks to

>see what we are going to do.I know is a bit frighting but I'm in peace at

>heart because I know God is watching over me just as I pray daily for

>Him to watch over all of you. Hewitt I been reading the e-mails that

>the ladies have sent to you. Definetly look into that! Well I better get

>some

>sleep now. I will miss reading all your e-mails but as soon as I

>return I will send you a note. God Bless You all and take good care of

>yourself !!!!!!!!!

>

>tony

_________________________________________________________________

Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for your concern. My arm is much better. Only a couple of white patches that are still getting absorbed. No problems other than that! Silly me.....that banana stuff was not so bad....not so good, but heck, it used to be just plain chalk stuff! That was really yucky!!!

debby

[ ] Hello Everyone!

Hello Everyone!Just wanted to take a minute to let everyone know that I'm okay,been resting a lot and keeping a good healthty diet. I'm very thankful that God has giving me peace at heart while I wait for june to arrive. As most of you know anxiety kind of kicks in in times like these but I believe my complete trust in God has allowed me to skip that part. My thoughts and prayers are always with you. Randy I put your name on my calendar so I won't forget to lift with up in prayer while you undergo your procedure,I also gave your name to my Pastor for them to do the same as well. Been able to receive a new liver is such a precious gift of life and I hope your new life after this surgery be full of blessings.Debby even do I haven't had the experience of drinking contrast,when I worked at the oncology office I had to give the patients a bottle with instructions after making their appointment for the scans and their look in their faces said it all. I always order our contrast in banana flavor and kept it refrigarated since I understood that it made it a little better. Let me know how things go. Well everyone take real good care of yourself and rememberthat in Atlanta their is someone ALWAYS thinking of you!Tony

[Guest guest]

Welcome Stacie,

This group is some of the most kind hearted people and most

understanding people you will find in any one area or group! Good

luck with your MRI and if you have any questions about anything they

tell you regarding your results and or options to fix whatever they

find feel free to ask. Take care and have a great holiday season.

> I am new to this group! I am Stacie. I am a 30 year old female. I

> am married with two sons and am pretty new to this whole pain thing.

> (I have only been hurting about 6 months and getting progressively

> worse). I am here because well, I pretty much have noone else to

> talk too but my internet groups and since I found a couple about

back

> pain, well, here I am. I found a very good neurologist and am

having

> my first MRI on Monday so I don't really yet know what is going

on.

> That is not due to anyone's fault but my own and that is because I

am

> stubborn and would not go get checked out. Welll, that is until I

> couldn't feel my hands or feet anymore and couldn't walk.

>

> I am still trying to work but had to take a medical leave from the

> volunteer fire department and to this day I still don't know what I

> did to hurt myself.

>

> It is great to meet you all.

>

> Stacie

[Guest guest]

welcome aboard stacie, you will so be welcomed here and you will so learn

alot again welcome....Larry

Re: Hello Everyone!

> Welcome Stacie,

>

> This group is some of the most kind hearted people and most

> understanding people you will find in any one area or group! Good

> luck with your MRI and if you have any questions about anything they

> tell you regarding your results and or options to fix whatever they

> find feel free to ask. Take care and have a great holiday season.

>

>

>

>

> > I am new to this group! I am Stacie. I am a 30 year old female. I

> > am married with two sons and am pretty new to this whole pain thing.

> > (I have only been hurting about 6 months and getting progressively

> > worse). I am here because well, I pretty much have noone else to

> > talk too but my internet groups and since I found a couple about

> back

> > pain, well, here I am. I found a very good neurologist and am

> having

> > my first MRI on Monday so I don't really yet know what is going

> on.

> > That is not due to anyone's fault but my own and that is because I

> am

> > stubborn and would not go get checked out. Welll, that is until I

> > couldn't feel my hands or feet anymore and couldn't walk.

> >

> > I am still trying to work but had to take a medical leave from the

> > volunteer fire department and to this day I still don't know what I

> > did to hurt myself.

> >

> > It is great to meet you all.

> >

> > Stacie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Rita-

Since my problems are lumbar, can't speak for you, but my roomate (I

know I have mentioned it before) had a 4 level fusion in her neck 2

years ago and has done great, no lasting effects, full (or at least

feels full) free range of movement. Her only complaint is the scar,

which has not seemed to fade much. She was having tingling down her

arms, went to a chirpractor (she got lucky and got a good one) who

took x-rays, ordered an MRI and said she needed to get to a

neurosurgeon, he didn't touch her. The Neurosugeon told her she

needed immediate surgery. She called me in a panic as soon as she

walked out of his office, cause at that point he had already operated

on me twice (now its up to four LOL) and asked if he was being

overdramatic, I said just the opposite, he has always told me his

goal was to keep me out of surgery if possible. I went with her when

she got a second opinion, and even I could tell how compressed her

cord was.

Now, being the great health that we both seem to be in, I already had

surgery scheduled for 5 days after her for an ovarian cyst. She

ended up in hospital for 4 days, came home, we discussed whether she

needed help or not, and she didn't. I was there the first night, but

otherwise she was fine on her own. I was home in two days, couldn't

do much, but we managed. Yeh, we have been in competion for

surgeries LOL. I am winning right now !!!

Anyway, only you will know whether you can manage on your own. My

recent back surgery, I ended up in rehab for an extra week because I

couldn't go home alone (and her mother had just passed away, she was

gone, dogs in " storage " ). You might want to at least get a friend to

spend the first night, and play from there. Best of luck

Kris

>

> Hi all. I am Rita from Tx. and have been a member for sometime now.

> I have a hernated disc in my neck, not sure which one right now and

> several bone spurs. I have been seeing my pain managent doc for a

> year now and he has done 2 MRIs. He told me that the second is

worse

> then the first one and I beleve it as the pain is worse. I am on

> Duragsic 25 every 2 days. I have tried to bump it up to 50 but I

> found myself praying to the porcelain god all day long when my co-

> worker were enjoing an all expence paid day to Fiesta,Tx. (Fun!) I

> am also on Percoset 7.5 mg. every 6 hours, Soma 1-2 a day and Valum

> 1-2 a day. He is a great doc because he gives enought for me to get

> though work each day. There are some days once in a while as we all

> know that I can not move out of bed. The last 2 visits he has given

> me triger point injections which have really helped for about a

> week. I would like to know what I should ask the surgon like should

> I get the caderver bone as I was told that its the worse part of

the

> surgery but it still kinda creeps me out. How long do I expect to

be

> out of work. Do to me having no family here will I need help like a

> nursing aid or whatever. I thank eveyone and ask for u to keep me

in

> your prayers. There is so much red tape in getting the short term

> disability and the time off. It kills me to go to work some days if

> its a rought shift. I work for a large Phaze 1 drug firm so I am

> taking blood from subject evey 3 mins. apart, some are large

groups.

> Doing ECGs and Vital signs are ok. Thanks for your time and hope to

> hear from u soon. The thing I worry about is having a metal plate

> with screws where the disc is. What is that going to feel like?

> Thanks again, Rita. P.S. I have a new mattress, a Serta Deep

Sleeper

> pillowtop that really helps and a new pillow, one of thoes I think

> its called the " Snooz Time " They come in all colors and are made of

> some kind of sand and its the best pillow I have ever had! U can

get

> it at the mall at tone, I got mine at the arts and crafts

fest

> for 19.95 and u can wash this where u can't the tone. Look it

> up on line because I am taking it off the bag I got it in. Good

luck

> to everyone out there. Your partner in pain, Rita

[Guest guest]

Rita-

Since my problems are lumbar, can't speak for you, but my roomate (I

know I have mentioned it before) had a 4 level fusion in her neck 2

years ago and has done great, no lasting effects, full (or at least

feels full) free range of movement. Her only complaint is the scar,

which has not seemed to fade much. She was having tingling down her

arms, went to a chirpractor (she got lucky and got a good one) who

took x-rays, ordered an MRI and said she needed to get to a

neurosurgeon, he didn't touch her. The Neurosugeon told her she

needed immediate surgery. She called me in a panic as soon as she

walked out of his office, cause at that point he had already operated

on me twice (now its up to four LOL) and asked if he was being

overdramatic, I said just the opposite, he has always told me his

goal was to keep me out of surgery if possible. I went with her when

she got a second opinion, and even I could tell how compressed her

cord was.

Now, being the great health that we both seem to be in, I already had

surgery scheduled for 5 days after her for an ovarian cyst. She

ended up in hospital for 4 days, came home, we discussed whether she

needed help or not, and she didn't. I was there the first night, but

otherwise she was fine on her own. I was home in two days, couldn't

do much, but we managed. Yeh, we have been in competion for

surgeries LOL. I am winning right now !!!

Anyway, only you will know whether you can manage on your own. My

recent back surgery, I ended up in rehab for an extra week because I

couldn't go home alone (and her mother had just passed away, she was

gone, dogs in " storage " ). You might want to at least get a friend to

spend the first night, and play from there. Best of luck

Kris

>

> Hi all. I am Rita from Tx. and have been a member for sometime now.

> I have a hernated disc in my neck, not sure which one right now and

> several bone spurs. I have been seeing my pain managent doc for a

> year now and he has done 2 MRIs. He told me that the second is

worse

> then the first one and I beleve it as the pain is worse. I am on

> Duragsic 25 every 2 days. I have tried to bump it up to 50 but I

> found myself praying to the porcelain god all day long when my co-

> worker were enjoing an all expence paid day to Fiesta,Tx. (Fun!) I

> am also on Percoset 7.5 mg. every 6 hours, Soma 1-2 a day and Valum

> 1-2 a day. He is a great doc because he gives enought for me to get

> though work each day. There are some days once in a while as we all

> know that I can not move out of bed. The last 2 visits he has given

> me triger point injections which have really helped for about a

> week. I would like to know what I should ask the surgon like should

> I get the caderver bone as I was told that its the worse part of

the

> surgery but it still kinda creeps me out. How long do I expect to

be

> out of work. Do to me having no family here will I need help like a

> nursing aid or whatever. I thank eveyone and ask for u to keep me

in

> your prayers. There is so much red tape in getting the short term

> disability and the time off. It kills me to go to work some days if

> its a rought shift. I work for a large Phaze 1 drug firm so I am

> taking blood from subject evey 3 mins. apart, some are large

groups.

> Doing ECGs and Vital signs are ok. Thanks for your time and hope to

> hear from u soon. The thing I worry about is having a metal plate

> with screws where the disc is. What is that going to feel like?

> Thanks again, Rita. P.S. I have a new mattress, a Serta Deep

Sleeper

> pillowtop that really helps and a new pillow, one of thoes I think

> its called the " Snooz Time " They come in all colors and are made of

> some kind of sand and its the best pillow I have ever had! U can

get

> it at the mall at tone, I got mine at the arts and crafts

fest

> for 19.95 and u can wash this where u can't the tone. Look it

> up on line because I am taking it off the bag I got it in. Good

luck

> to everyone out there. Your partner in pain, Rita

[Guest guest]

Dear Nikikris2,

Wellcome to the group, and know I'm sorry that now you are dealing with pain and confusion all these years later after your Harrington Rod surgery. While I'm not a doc, I do think it would be wise to be checked out by a surgeon who deals often with post Harrington Rod patients. Are you still in New York? Who gave you the opinion to just live with it, many of us here have gotten that line from doc's not experienced in dealing with our complicated spines. Who are you seeing this week? We can't tell you you have Flatback, thats a qualified doc's call, but should be something that should be explored giving your symptoms. Have heart, that even if you do have Flatback, there are surgical procedures that can help, and give you a better quality of life following surgery. I know what you went through in the past makes this all scary to be going through again, but the surgery now, the pain control, and advances in medicine since then makes it more doable, nothing like what I went through when I had my Harrington Rod surgery back in 1973. It's good to know Flatback is a possibility, but you need to see if thats the problem by seeing a good doc experienced post Harrington Rod patients. Let us know where you are located in the country, and while we don't recommend doc's, we have several who are talked about here often that you could see for an opinion. Please let us know how your appointment goes this week, and what that doc says, and hopefully you can share more about yourself. I'm four year out from Revision surgery and doing very well, while it wasn't easy, it sure gave me back a better functioning life, and got rid of my pain. I look forward to hearing more from you, and check out the site, tons of good info there, especially good to read up on Flatback, and members stories in the files section. While we hate you are going through this, you are among friends who have been through it, and we welcome you!

Colorado Springs

[ ] Hello Everyone!

Hi. my name is Cheryl and I am new to the board. I don't know if Ihave flatback. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I was diagnosed withIdiopathic Scoliosis when I was 10 years old and had to wear a bracefor 4 years before they told me that I had to get the operation. Ihad a spine fusion from T5 to L2 with the Harrington distration rod onthe left side back in 1984 (I was 14 years old). The surgury was doneat NYU medical center in New York City. Back in 2004 I started tohave annoying "pain" and I noticed that at the end of my spine a bonewas protruding (pelvic) out on the right side. I got checked and thedoctorsaid it was because all the stress and pressure is put on my lowerback because of where the rod is located especially my twopregnancies. He told me to live with the pain as much as I couldbecause he didn't recommend an operation. He told me to only thinkabout an operation if I couldn't deal with the pain. I have to saythe pain was not really a pain it was bothersome and it just protrudedout. The "pain" went away until recently. About 1 month ago I wokeup with my lower back all out of wack! The bone is still protrudingout I think even more than before. Every morning I wake up it bothersme and as the day goes by it gets to be more "dealable". It is morepain than I have had since 2004. I toss and turn at night and can'treally find a comfort zone while sleeping. I notice and so does myhusband that when I am standing I tend to be leaning to the right. Asif my right shoulder is drooping. I am so scared and confussed. Idon't know what is in store for me. Many of you know what we had togo thru the first time and I am scared to death dealing with any ofthat now at age 37. Does it sound like I have flatback? I am soconfussed. Sorry for the long note. Thank you!

[Guest guest]

Hello, Cheryl! I'm sorry to hear of your current problems but understand. I had a Harrington rod put in when I was 12 up at Strong Memorial in Rochester, NY. If you let us know where you live now we can help you find a surgeon that is familiar with Harrington rods that can help you with your current situation. The first surgeon I saw here didn't even know what flatback was and told me I didn't need surgery. He just stuck me in a corset. Six years later I started looking for another surgeon as the pain had increased beyond what I wanted to bear in daily living. It wasn't worth taking all the pain pills I was taking just to function. I found another surgeon and just had revision surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. I was scared to death too about having more surgery but I'm so glad I continued to seek treatment and had the surgery. I can already feel that my quality of life will be so much better. For the first time in 32 years (when I had the Harrington rod put in) I was able to lie on my back in bed this morning painfree! I've never been able to sleep on my back and now I can do it again! Again, just let us know where you live and we can direct you to surgeons in your area that can evaluate your case.

Peggy

[ ] Hello Everyone!

Hi. my name is Cheryl and I am new to the board. I don't know if Ihave flatback. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I was diagnosed withIdiopathic Scoliosis when I was 10 years old and had to wear a bracefor 4 years before they told me that I had to get the operation. Ihad a spine fusion from T5 to L2 with the Harrington distration rod onthe left side back in 1984 (I was 14 years old). The surgury was doneat NYU medical center in New York City. Back in 2004 I started tohave annoying "pain" and I noticed that at the end of my spine a bonewas protruding (pelvic) out on the right side. I got checked and thedoctorsaid it was because all the stress and pressure is put on my lowerback because of where the rod is located especially my twopregnancies. He told me to live with the pain as much as I couldbecause he didn't recommend an operation. He told me to only thinkabout an operation if I couldn't deal with the pain. I have to saythe pain was not really a pain it was bothersome and it just protrudedout. The "pain" went away until recently. About 1 month ago I wokeup with my lower back all out of wack! The bone is still protrudingout I think even more than before. Every morning I wake up it bothersme and as the day goes by it gets to be more "dealable". It is morepain than I have had since 2004. I toss and turn at night and can'treally find a comfort zone while sleeping. I notice and so does myhusband that when I am standing I tend to be leaning to the right. Asif my right shoulder is drooping. I am so scared and confussed. Idon't know what is in store for me. Many of you know what we had togo thru the first time and I am scared to death dealing with any ofthat now at age 37. Does it sound like I have flatback? I am soconfussed. Sorry for the long note. Thank you!

[Guest guest]

Hi Peggy. Thanks for responding. I live in Dutchess County, New York. Where did you have your surgury? Does it sound to you like I have flat back?Peggy Greene <jpgunlimited@...> wrote: Hello, Cheryl! I'm sorry to hear of your current problems but understand. I had a Harrington rod put in when I was 12 up at Strong Memorial in Rochester, NY. If you let us know where you live now we can help you find a surgeon that is

familiar with Harrington rods that can help you with your current situation. The first surgeon I saw here didn't even know what flatback was and told me I didn't need surgery. He just stuck me in a corset. Six years later I started looking for another surgeon as the pain had increased beyond what I wanted to bear in daily living. It wasn't worth taking all the pain pills I was taking just to function. I found another surgeon and just had revision surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. I was scared to death too about having more surgery but I'm so glad I continued to seek treatment and had the surgery. I can already feel that my quality of life will be so much better. For the first time in 32 years (when I had the Harrington rod put in) I was able to lie on my back in bed this morning painfree! I've never been able to sleep on my back and now I can do it again! Again, just let us know where you live and we can

direct you to surgeons in your area that can evaluate your case. Peggy [ ] Hello Everyone! Hi. my name is Cheryl and I am new to the board. I don't know if Ihave flatback. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I was

diagnosed withIdiopathic Scoliosis when I was 10 years old and had to wear a bracefor 4 years before they told me that I had to get the operation. Ihad a spine fusion from T5 to L2 with the Harrington distration rod onthe left side back in 1984 (I was 14 years old). The surgury was doneat NYU medical center in New York City. Back in 2004 I started tohave annoying "pain" and I noticed that at the end of my spine a bonewas protruding (pelvic) out on the right side. I got checked and thedoctorsaid it was because all the stress and pressure is put on my lowerback because of where the rod is located especially my twopregnancies. He told me to live with the pain as much as I couldbecause he didn't recommend an operation. He told me to only thinkabout an operation if I couldn't deal with the pain. I have to saythe pain was not really a pain it was bothersome and it just protrudedout. The "pain" went away until recently. About 1 month ago I wokeup with my lower back all out of wack! The bone is still protrudingout I think even more than before. Every morning I wake up it bothersme and as the day goes by it gets to be more "dealable". It is morepain than I have had since 2004. I toss and turn at night and can'treally find a comfort zone while sleeping. I notice and so does myhusband that when I am standing I tend to be leaning to the right. Asif my right shoulder is drooping. I am so scared and confussed. Idon't know what is in store for me. Many of you know what we had togo thru the first time and I am scared to death dealing with any ofthat now at age 37. Does it sound like I have flatback? I am soconfussed. Sorry for the long note. Thank you!

Finding fabulous fares is fun.Let FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Where are you located? I believe you should see a revision specialist.

We unfortunately, can not diagnose flatback for you but it does sound

as if you have developed complications since your first scoliosis surgery.

We do however have a very good list of revision specialist, hopefully someone

in your area. Sorry, you are suffering.

[Guest guest]

Hello thank you for your note. That is very good advice. I actually am seeing the same guy that I saw a couple of years ago. He is just an orthopetic not someone who specializes in scoliosis or post scoliosis. He is a very good doctor but I agree with you that not in my situation. Hopefully he has someone to recommend to me. I am very anxious to find out what he has to say. I agree with you that I have to see someone that specializes in post Harrington Rod surgery. I will post after my visit today. Thank you again for your response. It is nice to know that I am not the only one out there. Kirkaldie <.Kirkaldie@...> wrote: Dear Nikikris2, Wellcome to the group, and know I'm sorry that now you are dealing with pain and confusion all these years later after your Harrington Rod surgery. While I'm not a doc, I do think it would be wise to be checked out by a surgeon who deals often with post Harrington Rod patients. Are you still in New York? Who gave you the opinion to just live with it, many of us here have gotten that line from doc's not experienced in dealing with our complicated spines. Who are you seeing this week? We can't tell you you have Flatback, thats a qualified doc's call, but should be something that should be explored giving your symptoms. Have heart,

that even if you do have Flatback, there are surgical procedures that can help, and give you a better quality of life following surgery. I know what you went through in the past makes this all scary to be going through again, but the surgery now, the pain control, and advances in medicine since then makes it more doable, nothing like what I went through when I had my Harrington Rod surgery back in 1973. It's good to know Flatback is a possibility, but you need to see if thats the problem by seeing a good doc experienced post Harrington Rod patients. Let us know where you are located in the country, and while we don't recommend doc's, we have several who are talked about here often that you could see for an opinion. Please let us know how your appointment goes this week, and what that doc says, and hopefully you can share more about yourself. I'm four year out from Revision surgery and doing very well, while it wasn't easy, it sure gave me back a better functioning life, and got rid of my pain. I look forward to hearing more from you, and check out the site, tons of good info there, especially good to read up on Flatback, and members stories in the files section. While we hate you are going through this, you are among friends who have been through it, and we welcome you! Colorado Springs [ ] Hello Everyone! Hi. my name is Cheryl and I am new to the board. I don't know if Ihave flatback. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I was diagnosed withIdiopathic Scoliosis when I was 10 years old and had to wear a bracefor 4 years before they told me that I had to get the operation. Ihad a spine fusion from T5 to L2 with the Harrington distration rod onthe left side back in 1984 (I was 14 years old). The surgury was doneat NYU medical center in New York City. Back in 2004 I started tohave annoying "pain" and I noticed that at the end of my spine a bonewas protruding (pelvic) out on the right side. I got checked and thedoctorsaid it was because all the stress and pressure is put on my lowerback because of where the rod is located especially my twopregnancies. He

told me to live with the pain as much as I couldbecause he didn't recommend an operation. He told me to only thinkabout an operation if I couldn't deal with the pain. I have to saythe pain was not really a pain it was bothersome and it just protrudedout. The "pain" went away until recently. About 1 month ago I wokeup with my lower back all out of wack! The bone is still protrudingout I think even more than before. Every morning I wake up it bothersme and as the day goes by it gets to be more "dealable". It is morepain than I have had since 2004. I toss and turn at night and can'treally find a comfort zone while sleeping. I notice and so does myhusband that when I am standing I tend to be leaning to the right. Asif my right shoulder is drooping. I am so scared and confussed. Idon't know what is in store for me. Many of you know what we had togo thru the first time and I am scared to

death dealing with any ofthat now at age 37. Does it sound like I have flatback? I am soconfussed. Sorry for the long note. Thank you!

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games.

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I live in New York. I am about 2 hours away from New York City. <vclark@...> wrote: Hi, Where are you located? I believe you should see a revision specialist. We unfortunately, can not diagnose flatback for you but it does sound as if you have developed complications since your first scoliosis surgery. We do however have a very good list of revision specialist, hopefully someone in your area. Sorry, you are suffering. Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Games.

Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with FareChase.

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,

We're neighbors!!! I live on the edge of East Fishkill.

> Hello, Cheryl! I'm sorry to hear of your current problems but

understand. I had a Harrington rod put in when I was 12 up at

Strong Memorial in Rochester, NY. If you let us know where you live

now we can help you find a surgeon that is familiar with Harrington

rods that can help you with your current situation. The first

surgeon I saw here didn't even know what flatback was and told me I

didn't need surgery. He just stuck me in a corset. Six years later

I started looking for another surgeon as the pain had increased

beyond what I wanted to bear in daily living. It wasn't worth

taking all the pain pills I was taking just to function. I found

another surgeon and just had revision surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. I

was scared to death too about having more surgery but I'm so glad I

continued to seek treatment and had the surgery. I can already feel

that my quality of life will be so much better. For the first time

in 32 years (when I had the Harrington rod put

> in) I was able to lie on my back in bed this morning painfree!

I've never been able to sleep on my back and now I can do it again!

Again, just let us know where you live and we can direct you to

surgeons in your area that can evaluate your case.

>

> Peggy

> [ ] Hello Everyone!

>

>

> Hi. my name is Cheryl and I am new to the board. I don't know

if I

> have flatback. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I was diagnosed

with

> Idiopathic Scoliosis when I was 10 years old and had to wear a

brace

> for 4 years before they told me that I had to get the operation.

I

> had a spine fusion from T5 to L2 with the Harrington distration

rod on

> the left side back in 1984 (I was 14 years old). The surgury was

done

> at NYU medical center in New York City. Back in 2004 I started to

> have annoying " pain " and I noticed that at the end of my spine a

bone

> was protruding (pelvic) out on the right side. I got checked and

the

> doctor

> said it was because all the stress and pressure is put on my

lower

> back because of where the rod is located especially my two

> pregnancies. He told me to live with the pain as much as I could

> because he didn't recommend an operation. He told me to only

think

> about an operation if I couldn't deal with the pain. I have to

say

> the pain was not really a pain it was bothersome and it just

protruded

> out. The " pain " went away until recently. About 1 month ago I

woke

> up with my lower back all out of wack! The bone is still

protruding

> out I think even more than before. Every morning I wake up it

bothers

> me and as the day goes by it gets to be more " dealable " . It is

more

> pain than I have had since 2004. I toss and turn at night and

can't

> really find a comfort zone while sleeping. I notice and so does

my

> husband that when I am standing I tend to be leaning to the

right. As

> if my right shoulder is drooping. I am so scared and confussed. I

> don't know what is in store for me. Many of you know what we had to

> go thru the first time and I am scared to death dealing with any

of

> that now at age 37. Does it sound like I have flatback? I am so

> confussed. Sorry for the long note. Thank you!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

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

> Finding fabulous fares is fun.

> Let FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find

flight and hotel bargains.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cheryl,

Welcome--you will find a lot of people with stories similar to yours here. It's

like finding a

needle in a haystack.

A lot of us have experienced going to doctors who did not fully understand our

condition,

or how out Harrington rod surgery has impacted our lives down the road. And

believe me,

to each and every one of is, it has been a rude awakening to finally understand

that our

conditions warranted more surgery. So you need to find a doctor who is

immediately

compassionate and specializes in post-Harrington rod distress. There are a

number of

excellent doctors who do, so it's good to know you will have a choice.

Definitely read the members stories posted in the files section here. You'll get

a good

overview of the different issues we've all had to deal with.

Let us know how it goes with your doctor today, and where you are located. This

may be

the first step in a long journey, but one that will hopefully bring you relief

from your pain.

And it really helps knowing that there are others out there who have been

through it. But

first, see what the diagnosis is.

You will get a lot of support and wisdom based on experience on this board, so

we are

very happy you have found us.

Will be waiting to hear how it goes today--take one step at a time, and the big

picture wiill

fall into place.

All the best,

Edie

>

> Hi. my name is Cheryl and I am new to the board. I don't know if I

> have flatback. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I was diagnosed with

> Idiopathic Scoliosis when I was 10 years old and had to wear a brace

> for 4 years before they told me that I had to get the operation. I

> had a spine fusion from T5 to L2 with the Harrington distration rod on

> the left side back in 1984 (I was 14 years old). The surgury was done

> at NYU medical center in New York City. Back in 2004 I started to

> have annoying " pain " and I noticed that at the end of my spine a bone

> was protruding (pelvic) out on the right side. I got checked and the

> doctor

> said it was because all the stress and pressure is put on my lower

> back because of where the rod is located especially my two

> pregnancies. He told me to live with the pain as much as I could

> because he didn't recommend an operation. He told me to only think

> about an operation if I couldn't deal with the pain. I have to say

> the pain was not really a pain it was bothersome and it just protruded

> out. The " pain " went away until recently. About 1 month ago I woke

> up with my lower back all out of wack! The bone is still protruding

> out I think even more than before. Every morning I wake up it bothers

> me and as the day goes by it gets to be more " dealable " . It is more

> pain than I have had since 2004. I toss and turn at night and can't

> really find a comfort zone while sleeping. I notice and so does my

> husband that when I am standing I tend to be leaning to the right. As

> if my right shoulder is drooping. I am so scared and confussed. I

> don't know what is in store for me. Many of you know what we had to

> go thru the first time and I am scared to death dealing with any of

> that now at age 37. Does it sound like I have flatback? I am so

> confussed. Sorry for the long note. Thank you!

>

[Guest guest]

I had my first surgery in Rochester, NY. I see you live a bit north of NYC and there are several fine specialists there. Others in this group more familiar with NYC could give you names and numbers for doctors in your area. I moved to NC 7 years ago and had my revision surgery at Duke.

Peggy

[ ] Hello Everyone!

Hi. my name is Cheryl and I am new to the board. I don't know if Ihave flatback. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I was diagnosed withIdiopathic Scoliosis when I was 10 years old and had to wear a bracefor 4 years before they told me that I had to get the operation. Ihad a spine fusion from T5 to L2 with the Harrington distration rod onthe left side back in 1984 (I was 14 years old). The surgury was doneat NYU medical center in New York City. Back in 2004 I started tohave annoying "pain" and I noticed that at the end of my spine a bonewas protruding (pelvic) out on the right side. I got checked and thedoctorsaid it was because all the stress and pressure is put on my lowerback because of where the rod is located especially my twopregnancies. He told me to live with the pain as much as I couldbecause he didn't recommend an operation. He told me to only thinkabout an operation if I couldn't deal with the pain. I have to saythe pain was not really a pain it was bothersome and it just protrudedout. The "pain" went away until recently. About 1 month ago I wokeup with my lower back all out of wack! The bone is still protrudingout I think even more than before. Every morning I wake up it bothersme and as the day goes by it gets to be more "dealable". It is morepain than I have had since 2004. I toss and turn at night and can'treally find a comfort zone while sleeping. I notice and so does myhusband that when I am standing I tend to be leaning to the right. Asif my right shoulder is drooping. I am so scared and confussed. Idon't know what is in store for me. Many of you know what we had togo thru the first time and I am scared to death dealing with any ofthat now at age 37. Does it sound like I have flatback? I am soconfussed. Sorry for the long note. Thank you!

Finding fabulous fares is fun.Let FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains.

[Guest guest]

,

I am very happy to hear that you are coming along in your healing.

Naturally we all worry when we don't hear much after revision. It is

possible to make up all kinds of stories in our heads when usually

the truth is just as you have stated....a overwhelming time during

recovery.

The good news is you are back living your life...and you sound like

you have been very active so that is the good thing. I am a little

worried that your are developing a new pain while sitting. Have you

run that by the good doctor???

If you can post your xrays that would be great. I cut and pasted

directions from Edies post about converting DiCom imagies, which I am

guessing you have (?). Edie might have some other tips as she has a

brother in law who helped her:

" Try these links for DiCom conversion software then:

> > http://dicom.online.fr/

> > http://www.idoimaging.com/index.shtml

If these work, you should be given the option to export the images as

jpegs.

That should be a choice under one of the pull-down menus at the top.

Don't know if it will work, but it's worth a try. " ....Edie

Please stay in touch if you can. It really helps to hear how things

are going in the long run for everyone!

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi Liz,

I am a 31 year old mom  of three and had my first of six back surgeries when I

was just 16. My most recent surgery was last August and that was to remove the

hardware from my most recent surgery...which greatly decreased my pain. If you'd

like to talk I'm here to listen. Also, I an a surgical spine nurse, so I can

help you with all things surgical as well!

Have  a pain free day!

--- in RI

From: stewartideas <stewartideas@...>

Subject: hello Everyone!

spinal problems

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 9:56 PM

Hello,

I am a 30 year old mother of 2 boys and have been married for 14 years now. My

back problems started after a car accident and I had to end up having two back

surgeries and the last one was a spinal fusion. Now this year I learned that I

have another herniated disc at T12. It is very hard being so young and living in

pain every single day. the meds help, but as anyone else knows they are not a

cure all! I started a blog with my whole life story if you would like to read

it.THnaks

Liz

www.livingindailypa in.blogspot. com

[Guest guest]

My name is and I have a 13 year old son who was diagnosed with AS when

he was 6. For the past 7 years after knowing what was going on with him it has

been a lot easier going through obstacles. He is in his third year of middle

school and is doing well. He is in an IEP program and in the advance classes as

well. He has social skills issues but academics come easily for him. I am so

blessed to have him in my life and that he has taught me so much about myself

and that it is ok to be different from the usual mold. His OCDs used to drive me

crazy when he was younger. He had multiple issues but as he has matured they

have calmed down some and are not so aggressive. We also have a neighbor who's

son who has AS and goes to the same school and they have seem to have become

good friends and understand each other well. It is so nice when they can have

peers that are just like them.

[Guest guest]

Everybody is off playing somewhere.... they didn't invite us Don.... I've been trying to unpack today, I'm doing my can't concentrate on any one thing again all day today. I think I wore myself out the past few days and now my brain is not letting me do much.And something is wrong with too I think cause I can't get rid of previous messages without getting rid of everything... And my post didn't come thru on my end that you just responded to!Hugs and worn out,Teri From: Christ <ludichrist2000@...> Sent: Sat, July 17, 2010 10:08:07 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Hello everyone!

[Guest guest]

HI Teri, barely I am really hurting:(ny From: Teri Gottlieb <theresagottlieb@...> Sent: Sat, July 17, 2010 4:53:34 PMSubject: [ ] Hello

everyone!

Everyone in Hep C World here is extremely quiet tonight... Where is everyone? It's way too hot to be outside so what are you guys up to? How is tx going for everyone on it? ny, you hanging in there? Gloria, I know you're here but where is Trudy and everyone else? Calling all Web Warriors.. Check in and tell us about your weekend and how you are all feeling!Hugs from Gurnee,Teri ------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

ny,I'm sorry buddy. This just isn't letting up for you. I know I got to where I got used to it and just laid in bed and suffered. Nobody knew the extent of the pain I was in. It was bad enough with what the Riba's brought on but add the stupid shot to the mix and the days became sheer hell. The nights too. Make sure you are keeping hydrated, more water than you think you need, and I know it's hard but try to get some food in you. Hang in there.. we're all here for you. Holding your hand thru this across the ocean. Hugs, real big hugs,Teri From: Barrett <barrjohnm@...>To:

Sent: Sun, July 18, 2010 5:27:29 AMSubject: Re: [ ] Hello everyone!

HI Teri, barely I am really hurting:(ny ------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

Hi Teri,thanks so much!yeah I know what you mean, this treatment can be hell. The people I see here, don't seem to understand the pain I am everyday! Yeah the ribas are evil in themselves, but the shot I think is the real jerk of the treatment.I have been drinking so much water, I might be up to 2 gallons now.thanks so much for holding my hand across the ocean`-`Thanks so muchBig Hugs, ny From: Teri Gottlieb <theresagottlieb@...> Sent: Sun, July 18, 2010 10:13:38 AMSubject: Re: [ ] Hello everyone!

ny,I'm sorry buddy. This just isn't letting up for you. I know I got to where I got used to it and just laid in bed and suffered. Nobody knew the extent of the pain I was in. It was bad enough with what the Riba's brought on but add the stupid shot to the mix and the days became sheer hell. The nights too. Make sure you are keeping hydrated, more water than you think you need, and I know it's hard but try to get some food in you. Hang in there.. we're all here for you. Holding your hand thru this across the ocean. Hugs, real big hugs,Teri From: Barrett <barrjohnm (DOT) com>To:

Sent: Sun, July 18, 2010 5:27:29 AMSubject: Re: [ ] Hello everyone!

HI Teri, barely I am really hurting:(ny ------------ --------- --------- ------