Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell vs. Dr.

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I just had my appointment with Dr. , Sr. at The

land Spine Center in Baltimore

on Monday. He was so nice and so impressive with his knowledge regarding

my condition. I too thought that I would be better off going to a more

recognized surgeon for another revision surgery, but after this visit with Dr.

my husband and I feel very confident that he will be able to help

me. He was so thorough and took his time with us explaining exactly what

was wrong and what needed to be done to set me straight (literally). )

Besides having various non-unions (psuedarthrosis) from my

previous failed revision surgery for flatback in 1999, bending films that Dr.

ordered indicated that I also have significant spondylolisthesis at the

L5-S1 level. Dr. developed the technique to correct this and

explained that the stenosis (nerve compression) that is caused from this “slipped

vertebra” is what is causing the numbness, tingling and weakness in my

right foot/leg (two other surgeons told me it was my loose pedicle screws).

Problem one solved! ) My other issue is of course the sagittal

imbalance due to the flatback. His plan is to do a posterior pedicle

subtraction osteotomy and that means I wouldn’t need anterior surgery –

yay! That is such a difficult surgery to endure and so many possibilities

for complications that I would be happy not to have to go through it (again) if

it’s not entirely necessary, plus it means only one week in the hospital

versus the month stay required for two surgeries (anterior & posterior).

He actually did the mathematical calculations right there in front of us on the

x-ray to determine the degree of the osteotomy that he would need to do to

correct my sagittal plane by 6 inches (I couldn’t believe I was so much

off kilter!) None of the other surgeons that I’ve seen have done

this and if they have they never shared it with me.

I also have an exaggerated kyphosis that was never really considered

before my initial corrective surgery for my scoliosis in 1985. Obviously

this contributes to my sagittal imbalance, but Dr. said that it didn’t

need to be addressed at this time. I am still a bit concerned about this

and I have questions about what the change in my body dynamics could possibly

do to my spine above my fusion level at T3. I don’t want to blow a

disc out and cause another problem by correcting one! He says there’s

a good possibility that I have a non-union in my thoracic spine (progression in

curve since 1985 fusion) but that isn’t as crucial as what is happening

in my lumbar spine at this time so he’s taking a conservative approach as

to not put me through too much at one time.

Bottom line: I really was impressed with Dr. and my

husband and I are seriously considering having him do the surgery. I have

already seen Drs. Rand, Byrd and Shaffrey and wasn’t nearly as impressed

with their expertise and overall patient care policies as I was with Dr.

. After reading some of the experiences from other members in this

forum about in office visits and surgeries with some of these “big guns”,

I think that there are as many good reasons not

to go to them as there are for going. I like a doctor that treats “the

whole patient” and takes time talking to them and does so in a pleasant

manner! Plus, because I had a bad experience and resulting nerve damage

from allowing interns to participate in my last revision surgery, I am

appreciative that all three surgeons at The land Spine Center participate

as a team in a surgery such as this – all experienced experts in spine

surgery – no students! )

Martha Anne, have you been to The land Spine Center at

Mercy hospital in Baltimore?

I wondered because you’re so close. My next pick was Dr. Bridwell,

but now I don’t think I’ll need to bother with going so far from

home. I live in Virginia Beach, VA.

Kelley

From:

[mailto: ]

On Behalf Of marthalsiii

Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 11:03

AM

Subject: [ ] Visit

to Dr. Bridwell

Hello, all. I was diagnosed with flatback by a doctor

in MD. I live

in VA, but there is no one around here who has done much with

flatback. After lots of study (this group and website is a wonderful

resource!) I narrowed my choice of revision surgeons down to Dr.

Bridwell and Dr. LaGrone. I drove to Greensboro,

NC and flew to St.

Louis - we couldn't afford for my husband to fly with me (he will for

surgery.) Dr. Bridwell was running two hours late, so I was only

able to see him for about 10 minutes- I had a couple of xrays there,

though. His plan sounded good, but he wants me to fly back three or

four more times (this is about $500.00 per time for me) and cannot

fit me in to the surgery schedule until November. I figured I had

better sign up for that time. I will fly to see Dr. LaGrone July

20th. From what I gather, the main difference between the two

doctors is that Bridwell waits about a week between anterior and

posterior surgeries. I would be in St.

Louis for about 3 weeks with

Bridwell. I just want to get the whole thing over and begin the

recovery process. I like the fact that several of you pray for each

other- it is such a wonderfully supportive group. Please pray that I

make the right decision. I just quit my job as a teacher (which has

helped with the pain in my back somewhat as I can rest when I need

to) but my husband has started a new business (about a year ago in

medical equipment) so money is tight. Insurance takes their sweet

time in paying providers! If he could just provide the service and

get paid for it in a timely manner, we would be doing a bit better.

I am beginning to really hate insurance companies. Mine said I

didn't " need " the medication the pain doc. prescribed! I only took

one at night! But I digress. I THINK Dr. LaGrone is not booked as far

in advance as Dr. Bridwell is. I just don't trust anyone but

the " BIG " docs for this one, which is probably silly, but at least I

will know that I did what I could for myself. Thank goodness my

family is very supportive in this whole process!

Martha Anne

[Guest guest]

Hi Kelley...

I don't know if it makes any difference, but I believe that Dr.

II did a fellowship with Bridwell in St. Louis.

--

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I just had my appointment with Dr. , Sr. at The land

Spine Center

> in Baltimore on Monday. He was so nice and so impressive with his

knowledge

> regarding my condition. I too thought that I would be better off

going to a

> more recognized surgeon for another revision surgery, but after this

visit

> with Dr. my husband and I feel very confident that he will

be able

> to help me. He was so thorough and took his time with us explaining

exactly

> what was wrong and what needed to be done to set me straight

(literally).

> )

>

> Besides having various non-unions (psuedarthrosis) from my previous

failed

> revision surgery for flatback in 1999, bending films that Dr.

> ordered indicated that I also have significant spondylolisthesis at the

> L5-S1 level. Dr. developed the technique to correct this and

> explained that the stenosis (nerve compression) that is caused from this

> " slipped vertebra " is what is causing the numbness, tingling and

weakness in

> my right foot/leg (two other surgeons told me it was my loose pedicle

> screws). Problem one solved! ) My other issue is of course the

sagittal

> imbalance due to the flatback. His plan is to do a posterior pedicle

> subtraction osteotomy and that means I wouldn't need anterior

surgery - yay!

> That is such a difficult surgery to endure and so many possibilities for

> complications that I would be happy not to have to go through it

(again) if

> it's not entirely necessary, plus it means only one week in the hospital

> versus the month stay required for two surgeries (anterior &

posterior). He

> actually did the mathematical calculations right there in front of

us on the

> x-ray to determine the degree of the osteotomy that he would need to

do to

> correct my sagittal plane by 6 inches (I couldn't believe I was so

much off

> kilter!) None of the other surgeons that I've seen have done this

and if

> they have they never shared it with me.

>

> I also have an exaggerated kyphosis that was never really considered

before

> my initial corrective surgery for my scoliosis in 1985. Obviously this

> contributes to my sagittal imbalance, but Dr. said that it

didn't

> need to be addressed at this time. I am still a bit concerned about

this

> and I have questions about what the change in my body dynamics could

> possibly do to my spine above my fusion level at T3. I don't want

to blow a

> disc out and cause another problem by correcting one! He says there's a

> good possibility that I have a non-union in my thoracic spine

(progression

> in curve since 1985 fusion) but that isn't as crucial as what is

happening

> in my lumbar spine at this time so he's taking a conservative

approach as to

> not put me through too much at one time.

>

> Bottom line: I really was impressed with Dr. and my husband

and I

> are seriously considering having him do the surgery. I have already

seen

> Drs. Rand, Byrd and Shaffrey and wasn't nearly as impressed with their

> expertise and overall patient care policies as I was with Dr. .

> After reading some of the experiences from other members in this

forum about

> in office visits and surgeries with some of these " big guns " , I

think that

> there are as many good reasons not to go to them as there are for

going. I

> like a doctor that treats " the whole patient " and takes time talking

to them

> and does so in a pleasant manner! Plus, because I had a bad

experience and

> resulting nerve damage from allowing interns to participate in my last

> revision surgery, I am appreciative that all three surgeons at The

land

> Spine Center participate as a team in a surgery such as this - all

> experienced experts in spine surgery - no students! )

>

> Martha Anne, have you been to The land Spine Center at Mercy

hospital in

> Baltimore? I wondered because you're so close. My next pick was Dr.

> Bridwell, but now I don't think I'll need to bother with going so

far from

> home. I live in Virginia Beach, VA.

>

> Kelley

[Guest guest]

And he'll be assisting his dad? Wow. Kelley if you do go with them, I sure hope it's a great experience and we have a new "big guns" location for the southeast. BTW, Dr. Rand wasn't too well known 5 years ago when I began participating in these forums. (I've had a VERY positive experience with him so far, though, and will almost certainly go through with the surgery he's scheduled.)

Sharon

[ ] Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell vs. Dr.

Hi Kelley...I don't know if it makes any difference, but I believe that Dr. II did a fellowship with Bridwell in St. Louis.-->> Hi everyone,> > I just had my appointment with Dr. , Sr. at The landSpine Center> in Baltimore on Monday. He was so nice and so impressive with hisknowledge> regarding my condition. I too thought that I would be better offgoing to a> more recognized surgeon for another revision surgery, but after thisvisit> with Dr. my husband and I feel very confident that he willbe able> to help me. He was so thorough and took his time with us explainingexactly> what was wrong and what needed to be done to set me straight(literally).> )> > Besides having various non-unions (psuedarthrosis) from my previousfailed> revision surgery for flatback in 1999, bending films that Dr. > ordered indicated that I also have significant spondylolisthesis at the> L5-S1 level. Dr. developed the technique to correct this and> explained that the stenosis (nerve compression) that is caused from this> "slipped vertebra" is what is causing the numbness, tingling andweakness in> my right foot/leg (two other surgeons told me it was my loose pedicle> screws). Problem one solved! ) My other issue is of course thesagittal> imbalance due to the flatback. His plan is to do a posterior pedicle> subtraction osteotomy and that means I wouldn't need anteriorsurgery - yay!> That is such a difficult surgery to endure and so many possibilities for> complications that I would be happy not to have to go through it(again) if> it's not entirely necessary, plus it means only one week in the hospital> versus the month stay required for two surgeries (anterior & posterior). He> actually did the mathematical calculations right there in front ofus on the> x-ray to determine the degree of the osteotomy that he would need todo to> correct my sagittal plane by 6 inches (I couldn't believe I was somuch off> kilter!) None of the other surgeons that I've seen have done thisand if> they have they never shared it with me.> > I also have an exaggerated kyphosis that was never really consideredbefore> my initial corrective surgery for my scoliosis in 1985. Obviously this> contributes to my sagittal imbalance, but Dr. said that itdidn't> need to be addressed at this time. I am still a bit concerned aboutthis> and I have questions about what the change in my body dynamics could> possibly do to my spine above my fusion level at T3. I don't wantto blow a> disc out and cause another problem by correcting one! He says there's a> good possibility that I have a non-union in my thoracic spine(progression> in curve since 1985 fusion) but that isn't as crucial as what ishappening> in my lumbar spine at this time so he's taking a conservativeapproach as to> not put me through too much at one time.> > Bottom line: I really was impressed with Dr. and my husbandand I> are seriously considering having him do the surgery. I have alreadyseen> Drs. Rand, Byrd and Shaffrey and wasn't nearly as impressed with their> expertise and overall patient care policies as I was with Dr. .> After reading some of the experiences from other members in thisforum about> in office visits and surgeries with some of these "big guns", Ithink that> there are as many good reasons not to go to them as there are forgoing. I> like a doctor that treats "the whole patient" and takes time talkingto them> and does so in a pleasant manner! Plus, because I had a badexperience and> resulting nerve damage from allowing interns to participate in my last> revision surgery, I am appreciative that all three surgeons at Theland> Spine Center participate as a team in a surgery such as this - all> experienced experts in spine surgery - no students! )> > Martha Anne, have you been to The land Spine Center at Mercyhospital in> Baltimore? I wondered because you're so close. My next pick was Dr.> Bridwell, but now I don't think I'll need to bother with going sofar from> home. I live in Virginia Beach, VA.> > Kelley

[Guest guest]

Dear Kelley,

I have been on these boards for about six years now, from the moment I got my Flatback diagnosis. I have had a decompression surgery, and two revisions since then.The best thing about what has happened in these years since is that there are more choices in surgeons, more are trained to do this work. My doc out here in Denver, while not one of the big guns, did a beautiful job on me and I'm painfree, and doing well. Saying that, I still think it important to consider very carefully the doc chosen, and to see more than one. Dr's Rand, Bridwell, Boachie, Hu, and La Grone, are considered the top guns of this surgery, and I have seen very good outcomes from all of them. I just didn't have the funds to travel, and felt very confident in my doc, and went with him, and haven't regreted it for a moment. If I had been more flush with funds I know I would have gone traveling to see one or more of the big guns. Just be sure to ask your doc to speak with patients that have had the " Same" surgery with him, ask him about less than desireable outcomes too. Talk him up with other doc's and nurses, they all know who's good out there. I'd also ask on the boards if anyone else has had surgery with him, and how they came out. While you felt better with Dr. 's expertice, I'll just chime in about my feelings about Dr. Rand from talking to his patients online for all these years. He does wonderful work, has very good outcomes, and his patients just love him. If I had family on the east coast and they needed this surgery, I'd send them his way.You have to go with the doc your most comfortable with, that you feel comfortable with your decision, afterall this doc is messing with your spine and your ability to walk and function. I can't imagine going into something as big as revision not feeling confident in my choice of doc. I knew with by whole being that Kumar was my guy, that he was going to fix me. I wish for you in your choice that you have that feeling about who you pick.

I also wonder about Dr. not addressing what going on in your thorasic region, why he wouldn't address non-unions and your kyphosis. Do you want this to hopefully be your last surgery, or are you open to having more surgery down the line? I think your concerns about this are very valid. If I had this to go through again I'd want all my problems addressed, even if it meant a staged surgery. Here is where having a surgical plan from all doc's concerned whould be a huge help. Maybe write out questions for all them based on what you've learned and see just how their plans differ. Then you can make the best informed decision, and you'll have peace about it.

Just my two cents,

Colorado Springs

RE: [ ] Visit to Dr. Bridwell vs. Dr.

Hi everyone,

I just had my appointment with Dr. , Sr. at The land Spine Center in Baltimore on Monday. He was so nice and so impressive with his knowledge regarding my condition. I too thought that I would be better off going to a more recognized surgeon for another revision surgery, but after this visit with Dr. my husband and I feel very confident that he will be able to help me. He was so thorough and took his time with us explaining exactly what was wrong and what needed to be done to set me straight (literally). )

Besides having various non-unions (psuedarthrosis) from my previous failed revision surgery for flatback in 1999, bending films that Dr. ordered indicated that I also have significant spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 level. Dr. developed the technique to correct this and explained that the stenosis (nerve compression) that is caused from this “slipped vertebra” is what is causing the numbness, tingling and weakness in my right foot/leg (two other surgeons told me it was my loose pedicle screws). Problem one solved! ) My other issue is of course the sagittal imbalance due to the flatback. His plan is to do a posterior pedicle subtraction osteotomy and that means I wouldn’t need anterior surgery – yay! That is such a difficult surgery to endure and so many possibilities for complications that I would be happy not to have to go through it (again) if it’s not entirely necessary, plus it means only one week in the hospital versus the month stay required for two surgeries (anterior & posterior). He actually did the mathematical calculations right there in front of us on the x-ray to determine the degree of the osteotomy that he would need to do to correct my sagittal plane by 6 inches (I couldn’t believe I was so much off kilter!) None of the other surgeons that I’ve seen have done this and if they have they never shared it with me.

I also have an exaggerated kyphosis that was never really considered before my initial corrective surgery for my scoliosis in 1985. Obviously this contributes to my sagittal imbalance, but Dr. said that it didn’t need to be addressed at this time. I am still a bit concerned about this and I have questions about what the change in my body dynamics could possibly do to my spine above my fusion level at T3. I don’t want to blow a disc out and cause another problem by correcting one! He says there’s a good possibility that I have a non-union in my thoracic spine (progression in curve since 1985 fusion) but that isn’t as crucial as what is happening in my lumbar spine at this time so he’s taking a conservative approach as to not put me through too much at one time.

Bottom line: I really was impressed with Dr. and my husband and I are seriously considering having him do the surgery. I have already seen Drs. Rand, Byrd and Shaffrey and wasn’t nearly as impressed with their expertise and overall patient care policies as I was with Dr. . After reading some of the experiences from other members in this forum about in office visits and surgeries with some of these “big guns”, I think that there are as many good reasons not to go to them as there are for going. I like a doctor that treats “the whole patient” and takes time talking to them and does so in a pleasant manner! Plus, because I had a bad experience and resulting nerve damage from allowing interns to participate in my last revision surgery, I am appreciative that all three surgeons at The land Spine Center participate as a team in a surgery such as this – all experienced experts in spine surgery – no students! )

Martha Anne, have you been to The land Spine Center at Mercy hospital in Baltimore? I wondered because you’re so close. My next pick was Dr. Bridwell, but now I don’t think I’ll need to bother with going so far from home. I live in Virginia Beach, VA.

Kelley

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of marthalsiiiSent: Monday, June 19, 2006 11:03 AM Subject: [ ] Visit to Dr. Bridwell

Hello, all. I was diagnosed with flatback by a doctor in MD. I live in VA, but there is no one around here who has done much with flatback. After lots of study (this group and website is a wonderful resource!) I narrowed my choice of revision surgeons down to Dr. Bridwell and Dr. LaGrone. I drove to Greensboro, NC and flew to St. Louis - we couldn't afford for my husband to fly with me (he will for surgery.) Dr. Bridwell was running two hours late, so I was only able to see him for about 10 minutes- I had a couple of xrays there, though. His plan sounded good, but he wants me to fly back three or four more times (this is about $500.00 per time for me) and cannot fit me in to the surgery schedule until November. I figured I had better sign up for that time. I will fly to see Dr. LaGrone July 20th. From what I gather, the main difference between the two doctors is that Bridwell waits about a week between anterior and posterior surgeries. I would be in St. Louis for about 3 weeks with Bridwell. I just want to get the whole thing over and begin the recovery process. I like the fact that several of you pray for each other- it is such a wonderfully supportive group. Please pray that I make the right decision. I just quit my job as a teacher (which has helped with the pain in my back somewhat as I can rest when I need to) but my husband has started a new business (about a year ago in medical equipment) so money is tight. Insurance takes their sweet time in paying providers! If he could just provide the service and get paid for it in a timely manner, we would be doing a bit better. I am beginning to really hate insurance companies. Mine said I didn't "need" the medication the pain doc. prescribed! I only took one at night! But I digress. I THINK Dr. LaGrone is not booked as far in advance as Dr. Bridwell is. I just don't trust anyone but the "BIG" docs for this one, which is probably silly, but at least I will know that I did what I could for myself. Thank goodness my family is very supportive in this whole process!Martha Anne

[Guest guest]

Sharon, & ,Thank you all for your comments. Yes, Dr. , II will be assisting his father as will Dr. Spiro Antoniades, the other partner. And yes, Dr. , II did his advanced training in spinal deformity at Washington University in St. Louis where Dr. Bridwell is a resident - all of their profiles are on their Web site at: http://www.marylandspinecenter.com and on the Mercy Medical Center site at http://www.mercymed.com. All positive aspects of having the surgery with them. And Sharon, you're so right, it would be wonderful to find a really good surgeon in the southeast!

, thank you so much for your concern. I have sent them an email with my questions and will let you all know the response. It's not that Dr. didn't address my kyphosis, he's actually the one that pointed it out. I think that he was so focused on getting my root nerve decompressed and my flatback fixed that he didn't want to do too much to me at once and those were definitely the pressing issues. Going into the thoracic region and implementing the required hardware to support an osteotomy and fusion there does seem "big". However, I agree with you that doing it "big" one time could be better than doing it "semi-big" two times. I don't think I can escape the fact that my thoracic spine issue needs to be addressed at some point so I am definitely going to look into my options of doing it all. My husband and I have both said how interesting it would be to have Dr. Rand and Dr. in the same room brainstorming my case in front of us! LOL!

I think Dr. Rand was a very nice guy - just too darn busy and perhaps he was having a difficult day when I saw him! His referral came to me from a very trusted source and I certainly don't discount his ability to do my surgery at all. It's been almost two years since my visit with him and I was so ready to go back but this nagging voice in my head kept saying "stay closer to home". I know it's not the most important thing when deciding on a surgeon for such a serious surgery, but if you can have your cake and eat it too, hey... ) It is very concerning to me knowing the plan coming from such a highly regarded surgeon as Dr. Rand is so different than Dr. ', but it just made so much sense. Plus, I feel that since my appointment with Dr. Rand was so long ago that perhaps things did change in me or at least the true problem became more apparent that perhaps Dr. Rand today would come to the same conclusion.

OK... now that I've written a short novel here... one last note: it's not over because I haven't made a final decision yet. I want to get my questions answered, interview some of his recent patients having had the same or similar surgery (don't forget, this is a revision of my revision for flatback - not the first attempt so it's a little different when they aren't starting from scratch) and then I will decide whether or not to go to the expense of seeing yet another surgeon.

Thanks again - I'll keep y'all posted! )

Kelley

>> And he'll be assisting his dad? Wow. Kelley if you do go with them, I sure hope it's a great experience and we have a new "big guns" location for the southeast. BTW, Dr. Rand wasn't too well known 5 years ago when I began participating in these forums. (I've had a VERY positive experience with him so far, though, and will almost certainly go through with the surgery he's scheduled.)> > Sharon> > [ ] Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell vs. Dr. > > > Hi Kelley...> > I don't know if it makes any difference, but I believe that Dr.> II did a fellowship with Bridwell in St. Louis.> > --

[Guest guest]

Kelley, I don't think it's at all unusual to shy away from thoracic work, because of the inherent risks of doing anterior thoracic surgery. I pointed out to Dr. Rand that my thoracic spine is pretty badly flattened -- too little kyphosis, and he replied that he could probably go in there and restore some kyphosis, giving me a bit more lung room, etc., but it would be awfully hard on me. I think he prefers a conservative approach, less perfect in some ways but with minimum trauma.

I would definitely ask Dr. what he would do about that kyphosis in a later operation, though. Wouldn't an attempt to reduce that kyphosis throw off your sagittal balance again?

Sharon

[ ] Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell vs. Dr. > > > Hi Kelley...> > I don't know if it makes any difference, but I believe that Dr.> II did a fellowship with Bridwell in St. Louis.> > --

[Guest guest]

Dear Kelley,

Have heart there are a few of us that alas it took two revisions to get us to the promised land. You can read my story in the files section under member stories, I'm from Colorado. While it sucks, there is hope that the second time around will be the charm. I cracked my Harrington Rod fusion mass after my first revision, and they did go into my thorasic region during my second revision, not for osteotomies, but to place hardware. You can see my X-Rays on the site too, and fused me up from T-5 to T-1. While it was a huge surgery only 11 months out from my first anterior/posterior revision, I got through it okay, actually the surgeries/recoveries were easier to handle as I went along, the worst being my Decompression/ Harrington Rod removal two years earlier. My doc prefers not to stage surgery, so these were two very long surgeries in a years time frame.

I wish you the best and look forward to hearing the results of your questions from the doc's you consulted!

[ ] Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell vs. Dr. > > > Hi Kelley...> > I don't know if it makes any difference, but I believe that Dr.> II did a fellowship with Bridwell in St. Louis.> > --

[Guest guest]

Kelley,

Okay, I admit it...I am confused. There is either a Sr. and a Jr in

practice together...or else the guy you are considering is a

king....because we don't identify people as " II " ....I understand

that you are considering surgery with the father? And then I am

confused because you are saying the son did his training in St

Louis... " where DrBridwell is a resident " ....but I am sure DrBridwell

is along way from his residency. was saying that Jr

did a fellowship with Dr Bridwell....so I am unclear here, but

unless you are confused....I guess it doesn't really matter...!

In any event the main thing is that you vet the " team " out and have

complete confidence in your decision. You have been around the

doctors offices and message boards long enough to know that there is

not a " perfect doctor " or " perfect situation " or " perfect outcome " .

My own experience tells me that arriving at a decision, balancing

everything...was the hardest part. Then I was able to go forward

with confidence....and even then there will be 100's of

opportunities to second guess ourselves.

When you sit down and look at all the info you will know if you have

found " your guy " . I hope it works out well...and needless to say we

are all interested to hear more as you learn more!

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

My brother is a junior who signs himself as a II. It isn't completely unheard-of. And in the case of III's it's certainly seen.

:^)

[ ] Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell vs. Dr.

Kelley,Okay, I admit it...I am confused. There is either a Sr. and a Jr in practice together...or else the guy you are considering is a king....because we don't identify people as "II"....I understand that you are considering surgery with the father? And then I am confused because you are saying the son did his training in St Louis..."where DrBridwell is a resident"....but I am sure DrBridwell is along way from his residency. was saying that Jr did a fellowship with Dr Bridwell....so I am unclear here, but unless you are confused....I guess it doesn't really matter...!In any event the main thing is that you vet the "team" out and have complete confidence in your decision. You have been around the doctors offices and message boards long enough to know that there is not a "perfect doctor" or "perfect situation" or "perfect outcome". My own experience tells me that arriving at a decision, balancing everything...was the hardest part. Then I was able to go forward with confidence....and even then there will be 100's of opportunities to second guess ourselves. When you sit down and look at all the info you will know if you have found "your guy". I hope it works out well...and needless to say we are all interested to hear more as you learn more!Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

---

,

Your comments are right on..I know I am biased...I am a huge fan of

Dr.Rands! I was able to travel from Penna and was lucky enough to

have family as you know to assist me in the area until I could return

to PA. I am sure as time goes on there may be more top guns that pop

up as more and more of us start to surface and more doctors start

doing this surgery.

I wanted the best, I got it, and I am almost 5 months post op

revision surgery with Rand, who has awesome outcomes with his

patients, and I spent 12 hours at Hershey Park today...okay, okay I

did not do any rollar coasters!!!I walked alot and did some kiddie

ridies...merrygoround and ferris wheel!!!!I could never have done

this a year ago!! THanks to Dr. Rand!!!!! , PA

In , " Kirkaldie "

<.Kirkaldie@...> wrote:

>

> Dear Kelley,

>

> I have been on these boards for about six years now, from the

moment I got my Flatback diagnosis. I have had a decompression

surgery, and two revisions since then.The best thing about what has

happened in these years since is that there are more choices in

surgeons, more are trained to do this work. My doc out here in

Denver, while not one of the big guns, did a beautiful job on me and

I'm painfree, and doing well. Saying that, I still think it important

to consider very carefully the doc chosen, and to see more than one.

Dr's Rand, Bridwell, Boachie, Hu, and La Grone, are considered the

top guns of this surgery, and I have seen very good outcomes from

all of them. I just didn't have the funds to travel, and felt very

confident in my doc, and went with him, and haven't regreted it for a

moment. If I had been more flush with funds I know I would have gone

traveling to see one or more of the big guns. Just be sure to ask

your doc to speak with patients that have had the " Same " surgery

with him, ask him about less than desireable outcomes too. Talk him

up with other doc's and nurses, they all know who's good out there.

I'd also ask on the boards if anyone else has had surgery with him,

and how they came out. While you felt better with Dr. 's

expertice, I'll just chime in about my feelings about Dr. Rand from

talking to his patients online for all these years. He does wonderful

work, has very good outcomes, and his patients just love him. If I

had family on the east coast and they needed this surgery, I'd send

them his way.You have to go with the doc your most comfortable with,

that you feel comfortable with your decision, afterall this doc is

messing with your spine and your ability to walk and function. I

can't imagine going into something as big as revision not feeling

confident in my choice of doc. I knew with by whole being that Kumar

was my guy, that he was going to fix me. I wish for you in your

choice that you have that feeling about who you pick.

>

> I also wonder about Dr. not addressing what going on in

your thorasic region, why he wouldn't address non-unions and your

kyphosis. Do you want this to hopefully be your last surgery, or are

you open to having more surgery down the line? I think your concerns

about this are very valid. If I had this to go through again I'd want

all my problems addressed, even if it meant a staged surgery. Here is

where having a surgical plan from all doc's concerned whould be a

huge help. Maybe write out questions for all them based on what

you've learned and see just how their plans differ. Then you can make

the best informed decision, and you'll have peace about it.

>

> Just my two cents,

>

> Colorado Springs

>

> [ ] Visit to Dr. Bridwell

>

>

>

> Hello, all. I was diagnosed with flatback by a doctor in MD. I

live

> in VA, but there is no one around here who has done much with

> flatback. After lots of study (this group and website is a

wonderful

> resource!) I narrowed my choice of revision surgeons down to Dr.

> Bridwell and Dr. LaGrone. I drove to Greensboro, NC and flew to

St.

> Louis - we couldn't afford for my husband to fly with me (he will

for

> surgery.) Dr. Bridwell was running two hours late, so I was only

> able to see him for about 10 minutes- I had a couple of xrays

there,

> though. His plan sounded good, but he wants me to fly back three

or

> four more times (this is about $500.00 per time for me) and

cannot

> fit me in to the surgery schedule until November. I figured I had

> better sign up for that time. I will fly to see Dr. LaGrone July

> 20th. From what I gather, the main difference between the two

> doctors is that Bridwell waits about a week between anterior and

> posterior surgeries. I would be in St. Louis for about 3 weeks

with

> Bridwell. I just want to get the whole thing over and begin the

> recovery process. I like the fact that several of you pray for

each

> other- it is such a wonderfully supportive group. Please pray

that I

> make the right decision. I just quit my job as a teacher (which

has

> helped with the pain in my back somewhat as I can rest when I

need

> to) but my husband has started a new business (about a year ago

in

> medical equipment) so money is tight. Insurance takes their sweet

> time in paying providers! If he could just provide the service

and

> get paid for it in a timely manner, we would be doing a bit

better.

> I am beginning to really hate insurance companies. Mine said I

> didn't " need " the medication the pain doc. prescribed! I only

took

> one at night! But I digress. I THINK Dr. LaGrone is not booked as

far

> in advance as Dr. Bridwell is. I just don't trust anyone but

> the " BIG " docs for this one, which is probably silly, but at

least I

> will know that I did what I could for myself. Thank goodness my

> family is very supportive in this whole process!

> Martha Anne

>

[Guest guest]

I'm sure he'd get a kick out of anyone thinking he was young enough to

be a resident. He's an attending. :-)

--

> where Dr. Bridwell is a resident

[Guest guest]

Hi Cam...

I think one gets the title of II if their grandfather has the same

name. No?

--

>

> Kelley,

>

> Okay, I admit it...I am confused. There is either a Sr. and a Jr in

> practice together...or else the guy you are considering is a

> king....because we don't identify people as " II " ....

[Guest guest]

http://www.drdaveanddee.com/jr.html

> >

> > Kelley,

> >

> > Okay, I admit it...I am confused. There is either a Sr. and a Jr in

> > practice together...or else the guy you are considering is a

> > king....because we don't identify people as " II " ....

>

[Guest guest]

I think you're right, . My brother just likes it better than Jr., less juvenile I guess.

[ ] Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell vs. Dr.

Hi Cam...I think one gets the title of II if their grandfather has the samename. No?-->> Kelley,> > Okay, I admit it...I am confused. There is either a Sr. and a Jr in > practice together...or else the guy you are considering is a > king....because we don't identify people as "II"....

[Guest guest]

My first surgery was only T10-L2, so in my revision, not only did they have to smash up that whole fusion, and do an osteotomy at L2, and extend downward, they also had to do a whole load of fresh thoracic work. It was absolutely brutal - I'm reading so much lately about the recoveries of people much older than I was (29 when I had that surgery), and in most cases they're recovering far faster.

My eventual recovery was very good, so it's not as though it held me up from a full recovery, but it certainly made it all a lot harder than it would have been just to have the lumbar work done (it's also harder to guard any area when your whole back is a mess). As much as that lumbar work hurt, and scared me, the thoracic was a far more painful recovery and felt weak and unstable for a lot longer than the lumbar did either in the original surgery, or the revision - it really felt like it took a lot longer to heal. Looking back on it, I guess it's likely that nerve damage from the first one meant that there just was not as much scope to feel what had happened there, but whatever the reason, while I can see arguments for getting the whole lot done at once, I can also see arguments for not having to do both regions at once. (I would also note that I'd have probably felt better if I'd had a brace, because part of the reason I couldn't do anything initially was that we just couldn't work out how to get me out of the car if I got in - a brace would have made that a lot easier as either my husband would have got behind me and given a gentle shove, or could have got in front of me and pulled, without feeling like it was at risk of trying to pop a hook out or something.)

titch

On 6/23/06, Sharon Green <sharon.green18@...> wrote:

Kelley, I don't think it's at all unusual to shy away from thoracic work

Sharon, & ,, thank you so much for your concern. I have sent them an email with my questions and will let you all know the response. It's not that Dr. didn't address my kyphosis, he's actually the one that pointed it out

-- The wages of sin are death, but by the time taxes are taken out, it's just sort of a tired feeling - a Poundstone

[Guest guest]

, Sharon and Titch,

Thanks so much! All of your comments about having two separate

surgeries for my thoracic problem helps a LOT!!! I am so concerned

about that and for exactly the reason that Sharon pointed out - what

happens to my body dynamics and sagittal balance if I wait to consider

that surgery later? I'm sure I'll hear back from Dr. about that

next week and I'll post his answer so you'll all know. Dr. Rand also

said that he wouldn't address my thoracic spine in the same surgery, so

there must be something to it. I wonder what Bridwell would do...

Kelley

> >

> > And he'll be assisting his dad? Wow. Kelley if you do go with them,

I sure hope it's a great experience and we have a new " big guns "

location for the southeast. BTW, Dr. Rand wasn't too well known 5 years

ago when I began participating in these forums. (I've had a VERY

positive experience with him so far, though, and will almost certainly

go through with the surgery he's scheduled.)

> >

> > Sharon

> >

> > [ ] Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell vs. Dr.

> >

> >

> > Hi Kelley...

> >

> > I don't know if it makes any difference, but I believe that Dr.

> > II did a fellowship with Bridwell in St. Louis.

> >

> > --

>

[Guest guest]

,

That IS quite the recommendation!!! WOW! I would love to be able to

just walk in the mall!!! Are you able to walk without assistance even

or do you need a cane or walker to walk that far? It seems like a dream

to me to be able to walk without assistance!

Kelley

> >

> > Dear Kelley,

> >

> > I have been on these boards for about six years now, from the

> moment I got my Flatback diagnosis. I have had a decompression

> surgery, and two revisions since then.The best thing about what has

> happened in these years since is that there are more choices in

> surgeons, more are trained to do this work. My doc out here in

> Denver, while not one of the big guns, did a beautiful job on me and

> I'm painfree, and doing well. Saying that, I still think it important

> to consider very carefully the doc chosen, and to see more than one.

> Dr's Rand, Bridwell, Boachie, Hu, and La Grone, are considered the

> top guns of this surgery, and I have seen very good outcomes from

> all of them. I just didn't have the funds to travel, and felt very

> confident in my doc, and went with him, and haven't regreted it for a

> moment. If I had been more flush with funds I know I would have gone

> traveling to see one or more of the big guns. Just be sure to ask

> your doc to speak with patients that have had the " Same " surgery

> with him, ask him about less than desireable outcomes too. Talk him

> up with other doc's and nurses, they all know who's good out there.

> I'd also ask on the boards if anyone else has had surgery with him,

> and how they came out. While you felt better with Dr. 's

> expertice, I'll just chime in about my feelings about Dr. Rand from

> talking to his patients online for all these years. He does wonderful

> work, has very good outcomes, and his patients just love him. If I

> had family on the east coast and they needed this surgery, I'd send

> them his way.You have to go with the doc your most comfortable with,

> that you feel comfortable with your decision, afterall this doc is

> messing with your spine and your ability to walk and function. I

> can't imagine going into something as big as revision not feeling

> confident in my choice of doc. I knew with by whole being that Kumar

> was my guy, that he was going to fix me. I wish for you in your

> choice that you have that feeling about who you pick.

> >

> > I also wonder about Dr. not addressing what going on in

> your thorasic region, why he wouldn't address non-unions and your

> kyphosis. Do you want this to hopefully be your last surgery, or are

> you open to having more surgery down the line? I think your concerns

> about this are very valid. If I had this to go through again I'd want

> all my problems addressed, even if it meant a staged surgery. Here is

> where having a surgical plan from all doc's concerned whould be a

> huge help. Maybe write out questions for all them based on what

> you've learned and see just how their plans differ. Then you can make

> the best informed decision, and you'll have peace about it.

> >

> > Just my two cents,

> >

> > Colorado Springs

> >

> > [ ] Visit to Dr. Bridwell

> >

> >

> >

> > Hello, all. I was diagnosed with flatback by a doctor in MD. I

> live

> > in VA, but there is no one around here who has done much with

> > flatback. After lots of study (this group and website is a

> wonderful

> > resource!) I narrowed my choice of revision surgeons down to Dr.

> > Bridwell and Dr. LaGrone. I drove to Greensboro, NC and flew to

> St.

> > Louis - we couldn't afford for my husband to fly with me (he will

> for

> > surgery.) Dr. Bridwell was running two hours late, so I was only

> > able to see him for about 10 minutes- I had a couple of xrays

> there,

> > though. His plan sounded good, but he wants me to fly back three

> or

> > four more times (this is about $500.00 per time for me) and

> cannot

> > fit me in to the surgery schedule until November. I figured I had

> > better sign up for that time. I will fly to see Dr. LaGrone July

> > 20th. From what I gather, the main difference between the two

> > doctors is that Bridwell waits about a week between anterior and

> > posterior surgeries. I would be in St. Louis for about 3 weeks

> with

> > Bridwell. I just want to get the whole thing over and begin the

> > recovery process. I like the fact that several of you pray for

> each

> > other- it is such a wonderfully supportive group. Please pray

> that I

> > make the right decision. I just quit my job as a teacher (which

> has

> > helped with the pain in my back somewhat as I can rest when I

> need

> > to) but my husband has started a new business (about a year ago

> in

> > medical equipment) so money is tight. Insurance takes their sweet

> > time in paying providers! If he could just provide the service

> and

> > get paid for it in a timely manner, we would be doing a bit

> better.

> > I am beginning to really hate insurance companies. Mine said I

> > didn't " need " the medication the pain doc. prescribed! I only

> took

> > one at night! But I digress. I THINK Dr. LaGrone is not booked as

> far

> > in advance as Dr. Bridwell is. I just don't trust anyone but

> > the " BIG " docs for this one, which is probably silly, but at

> least I

> > will know that I did what I could for myself. Thank goodness my

> > family is very supportive in this whole process!

> > Martha Anne

> >

>

[Guest guest]

My tongue was in my cheek, but my understanding has always been, in

this country, that there is the 1st....who doesnt at first realize he

is the Sr. until he names his son after himself...when you then are

identified as Sr. and Jr. and if a subsequent grandson is born and

named the same, he would then be identified as the III. Who has a copy

of Post?!!

~Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi Kelley,

It really is so hard to know what to do....I remember waiting for a

bolt of lightening to strike me as a lay on the couch...and after a

few months of indecision it just seemed obvious that Rand made the

most sense for me. He was closest, or at least easiest, for me to

travel to, insurance would not be a factor...but the most compelling

reason for me had to do with his reasons for staging the surgery and

why he wished to do the a/p procedure on me. On the one hand I

hated the idea of the 2 long surgeries, and I hated the idea of the

anterior part even more because I certainly had read how " unfun "

that part was. But then I thought....he doesn't do it this way

because he likes to spend an extra day in a long tedious

surgery...he proposes this because he thinks it is the best way to

go. And when I talked to him about the " whys " ....for me they made so

much sense that I went this way. But to be sure, you have to start

from the perspective that you have complete confidence in the

surgeons skills, decision making, and the whole rest of the package.

You have to like them...I think. And some of that you can really

only determine by talking to other patients who have been down the

same road you are on...because I doubt most surgeons have enough

time or awareness to really know what it is like to be a patient of

theirs!

So yes, you can travel the country..or the world, and until you are

mentally ready to get to the place where you are ready to decide...I

think it is an excercise in learning what is right for you and your

particular situation...and I think that is all to the good!

The only numbness I had before surgery was top and edge of my right

foot and ever so slowly that seems to be coming back. When everyone

was talking about other post-surgical numbness, I did stand up and

check...at 16 months the anterior scar is still a little numb right

over the area of incision....and the same thing along the

spine...just a little residual numbness. My timeline from onset of

numbness/tingling to surgery was about 13 months. (of course the

flatback was just a slow decline inthe last 6-8 years!)

It is difficult to know what to do...but keep the faith..you will

figure it out! Cam

[Guest guest]

Kelley,

By the way, I walk unaided anywhere. In fact last February for my one

year post-op anniversary I climbed Mt Stratton with snowshoes....

I have been a very lucky girl....Cam

[Guest guest]

--Kelley,

Cane or walker?? What is that??...no...my own two feet!!! I am one

lucky lady!!!I could not be happier..a year ago I would have needed

a wheel chair....but I walked the entire park, all day, for 12

hours, sat while kids went on their rides..but did it none the less

and got up and came to work this morning...last year I was writing

the same things you are,,,I could not even walk in the mall...when I

took my 14 year old school shopping last August I needed a wheel

chair....not now!! I owe all this to Dr. Rand...he is one of the top

guys in this field and has good outcomes with his folks...that is

why I went with him. ,PA

- In , " kmrevised " <kelleymoore@...>

wrote:

>

>

> ,

>

> That IS quite the recommendation!!! WOW! I would love to be able

to

> just walk in the mall!!! Are you able to walk without assistance

even

> or do you need a cane or walker to walk that far? It seems like a

dream

> to me to be able to walk without assistance!

>

> Kelley

>

> > >

> > > Dear Kelley,

> > >

> > > I have been on these boards for about six years now, from the

> > moment I got my Flatback diagnosis. I have had a decompression

> > surgery, and two revisions since then.The best thing about what

has

> > happened in these years since is that there are more choices in

> > surgeons, more are trained to do this work. My doc out here in

> > Denver, while not one of the big guns, did a beautiful job on me

and

> > I'm painfree, and doing well. Saying that, I still think it

important

> > to consider very carefully the doc chosen, and to see more than

one.

> > Dr's Rand, Bridwell, Boachie, Hu, and La Grone, are considered

the

> > top guns of this surgery, and I have seen very good outcomes from

> > all of them. I just didn't have the funds to travel, and felt

very

> > confident in my doc, and went with him, and haven't regreted it

for a

> > moment. If I had been more flush with funds I know I would have

gone

> > traveling to see one or more of the big guns. Just be sure to ask

> > your doc to speak with patients that have had the " Same " surgery

> > with him, ask him about less than desireable outcomes too. Talk

him

> > up with other doc's and nurses, they all know who's good out

there.

> > I'd also ask on the boards if anyone else has had surgery with

him,

> > and how they came out. While you felt better with Dr. 's

> > expertice, I'll just chime in about my feelings about Dr. Rand

from

> > talking to his patients online for all these years. He does

wonderful

> > work, has very good outcomes, and his patients just love him. If

I

> > had family on the east coast and they needed this surgery, I'd

send

> > them his way.You have to go with the doc your most comfortable

with,

> > that you feel comfortable with your decision, afterall this doc

is

> > messing with your spine and your ability to walk and function. I

> > can't imagine going into something as big as revision not feeling

> > confident in my choice of doc. I knew with by whole being that

Kumar

> > was my guy, that he was going to fix me. I wish for you in your

> > choice that you have that feeling about who you pick.

> > >

> > > I also wonder about Dr. not addressing what going on in

> > your thorasic region, why he wouldn't address non-unions and your

> > kyphosis. Do you want this to hopefully be your last surgery, or

are

> > you open to having more surgery down the line? I think your

concerns

> > about this are very valid. If I had this to go through again I'd

want

> > all my problems addressed, even if it meant a staged surgery.

Here is

> > where having a surgical plan from all doc's concerned whould be a

> > huge help. Maybe write out questions for all them based on what

> > you've learned and see just how their plans differ. Then you can

make

> > the best informed decision, and you'll have peace about it.

> > >

> > > Just my two cents,

> > >

> > > Colorado Springs

> > >

> > > [ ] Visit to Dr. Bridwell

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hello, all. I was diagnosed with flatback by a doctor in MD. I

> > live

> > > in VA, but there is no one around here who has done much with

> > > flatback. After lots of study (this group and website is a

> > wonderful

> > > resource!) I narrowed my choice of revision surgeons down to

Dr.

> > > Bridwell and Dr. LaGrone. I drove to Greensboro, NC and flew to

> > St.

> > > Louis - we couldn't afford for my husband to fly with me (he

will

> > for

> > > surgery.) Dr. Bridwell was running two hours late, so I was

only

> > > able to see him for about 10 minutes- I had a couple of xrays

> > there,

> > > though. His plan sounded good, but he wants me to fly back

three

> > or

> > > four more times (this is about $500.00 per time for me) and

> > cannot

> > > fit me in to the surgery schedule until November. I figured I

had

> > > better sign up for that time. I will fly to see Dr. LaGrone

July

> > > 20th. From what I gather, the main difference between the two

> > > doctors is that Bridwell waits about a week between anterior

and

> > > posterior surgeries. I would be in St. Louis for about 3 weeks

> > with

> > > Bridwell. I just want to get the whole thing over and begin the

> > > recovery process. I like the fact that several of you pray for

> > each

> > > other- it is such a wonderfully supportive group. Please pray

> > that I

> > > make the right decision. I just quit my job as a teacher (which

> > has

> > > helped with the pain in my back somewhat as I can rest when I

> > need

> > > to) but my husband has started a new business (about a year ago

> > in

> > > medical equipment) so money is tight. Insurance takes their

sweet

> > > time in paying providers! If he could just provide the service

> > and

> > > get paid for it in a timely manner, we would be doing a bit

> > better.

> > > I am beginning to really hate insurance companies. Mine said I

> > > didn't " need " the medication the pain doc. prescribed! I only

> > took

> > > one at night! But I digress. I THINK Dr. LaGrone is not booked

as

> > far

> > > in advance as Dr. Bridwell is. I just don't trust anyone but

> > > the " BIG " docs for this one, which is probably silly, but at

> > least I

> > > will know that I did what I could for myself. Thank goodness my

> > > family is very supportive in this whole process!

> > > Martha Anne

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Kelley,

Dreams do come true, I walk three miles every day. I hike with my kids when the feeling hits. I do have a shortened stride lenght, just take more steps to keep up with my teenagers. I threw out my cane, walker, raised toilet seat, etc after the last surgery, given to the local Goodwill.

Walking at the mall, something I had given up ten years earlier, is now fun. While I was in the throws of Flatback I missed out prom dress shopping with my oldest since I just couldn't walk that much, had a friend go with her that only had son's. After my revision I went with Brittany shopping for her Senior prom dress, hit about thirty stores, and of course found her dress at the end of the day on a clearance rack, at a little store I never heard of before. These are the moments that revision has given me, prom dress shopping, field trips with my younger kids, and being able to care for and keep up with my 15 month old grandbaby. Every time I see Dr. Kumar I thank him, the gift he gave me is priceless, the ability to live a full life. He tells me that us revision girls are his most grateful patients, and I know why. To go from only being able to walk to the mailbox before I had to sit down and wait for the pain to quit, to walking three miles, is a major miracle in my life. It's never lost on me how precious the ability to walk any distance is, I don't even mind standing in line at the DMV, before surgery that would have been impossible.

There are some drawbacks, minor in the scope of things, and since you've been through revision before you probably have experienced some of them. I have numbness over a great deal of my back, my left thigh on the front side, and I have very little bending ability, just a slight leaning forward if I need to. I still use two daily living aides, a sock helper, and grabbers, for stuff on the floor, and with two teenagers the grabbers get a work out. While these limitations are a pain in the butt, what I got from revision far outweighs the drawbacks.

[ ] Visit to Dr. Bridwell> >> >> >> > Hello, all. I was diagnosed with flatback by a doctor in MD. I> live> > in VA, but there is no one around here who has done much with> > flatback. After lots of study (this group and website is a> wonderful> > resource!) I narrowed my choice of revision surgeons down to Dr.> > Bridwell and Dr. LaGrone. I drove to Greensboro, NC and flew to> St.> > Louis - we couldn't afford for my husband to fly with me (he will> for> > surgery.) Dr. Bridwell was running two hours late, so I was only> > able to see him for about 10 minutes- I had a couple of xrays> there,> > though. His plan sounded good, but he wants me to fly back three> or> > four more times (this is about $500.00 per time for me) and> cannot> > fit me in to the surgery schedule until November. I figured I had> > better sign up for that time. I will fly to see Dr. LaGrone July> > 20th. From what I gather, the main difference between the two> > doctors is that Bridwell waits about a week between anterior and> > posterior surgeries. I would be in St. Louis for about 3 weeks> with> > Bridwell. I just want to get the whole thing over and begin the> > recovery process. I like the fact that several of you pray for> each> > other- it is such a wonderfully supportive group. Please pray> that I> > make the right decision. I just quit my job as a teacher (which> has> > helped with the pain in my back somewhat as I can rest when I> need> > to) but my husband has started a new business (about a year ago> in> > medical equipment) so money is tight. Insurance takes their sweet> > time in paying providers! If he could just provide the service> and> > get paid for it in a timely manner, we would be doing a bit> better.> > I am beginning to really hate insurance companies. Mine said I> > didn't "need" the medication the pain doc. prescribed! I only> took> > one at night! But I digress. I THINK Dr. LaGrone is not booked as> far> > in advance as Dr. Bridwell is. I just don't trust anyone but> > the "BIG" docs for this one, which is probably silly, but at> least I> > will know that I did what I could for myself. Thank goodness my> > family is very supportive in this whole process!> > Martha Anne> >>

[Guest guest]

--SUsan,

That is the one thing my sister commented on yestersay at the

park..she said she was thankful my step had gotten shorter because

she was always tired of having to " keep up' with me when walking and

now that I am fused to the sacrum I take shorter steps!!!!

WHen I saw Dr.Rand back in March for my almost 3month check I also

thanked him for giving me my life back!!! I guess we are a bunch of

thankful gals!~,PA-

In , " Kirkaldie "

<.Kirkaldie@...> wrote:

>

> Dear Kelley,

>

> Dreams do come true, I walk three miles every day. I hike with my

kids when the feeling hits. I do have a shortened stride lenght,

just take more steps to keep up with my teenagers. I threw out my

cane, walker, raised toilet seat, etc after the last surgery, given

to the local Goodwill.

>

> Walking at the mall, something I had given up ten years earlier,

is now fun. While I was in the throws of Flatback I missed out prom

dress shopping with my oldest since I just couldn't walk that much,

had a friend go with her that only had son's. After my revision I

went with Brittany shopping for her Senior prom dress, hit about

thirty stores, and of course found her dress at the end of the day

on a clearance rack, at a little store I never heard of before.

These are the moments that revision has given me, prom dress

shopping, field trips with my younger kids, and being able to care

for and keep up with my 15 month old grandbaby. Every time I see Dr.

Kumar I thank him, the gift he gave me is priceless, the ability to

live a full life. He tells me that us revision girls are his most

grateful patients, and I know why. To go from only being able to

walk to the mailbox before I had to sit down and wait for the pain

to quit, to walking three miles, is a major miracle in my life. It's

never lost on me how precious the ability to walk any distance is, I

don't even mind standing in line at the DMV, before surgery that

would have been impossible.

>

> There are some drawbacks, minor in the scope of things, and since

you've been through revision before you probably have experienced

some of them. I have numbness over a great deal of my back, my left

thigh on the front side, and I have very little bending ability,

just a slight leaning forward if I need to. I still use two daily

living aides, a sock helper, and grabbers, for stuff on the floor,

and with two teenagers the grabbers get a work out. While these

limitations are a pain in the butt, what I got from revision far

outweighs the drawbacks.

>

>

> [ ] Visit to Dr. Bridwell

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hello, all. I was diagnosed with flatback by a doctor in MD.

I

> > live

> > > in VA, but there is no one around here who has done much with

> > > flatback. After lots of study (this group and website is a

> > wonderful

> > > resource!) I narrowed my choice of revision surgeons down to

Dr.

> > > Bridwell and Dr. LaGrone. I drove to Greensboro, NC and flew

to

> > St.

> > > Louis - we couldn't afford for my husband to fly with me (he

will

> > for

> > > surgery.) Dr. Bridwell was running two hours late, so I was

only

> > > able to see him for about 10 minutes- I had a couple of xrays

> > there,

> > > though. His plan sounded good, but he wants me to fly back

three

> > or

> > > four more times (this is about $500.00 per time for me) and

> > cannot

> > > fit me in to the surgery schedule until November. I figured

I had

> > > better sign up for that time. I will fly to see Dr. LaGrone

July

> > > 20th. From what I gather, the main difference between the two

> > > doctors is that Bridwell waits about a week between anterior

and

> > > posterior surgeries. I would be in St. Louis for about 3

weeks

> > with

> > > Bridwell. I just want to get the whole thing over and begin

the

> > > recovery process. I like the fact that several of you pray

for

> > each

> > > other- it is such a wonderfully supportive group. Please pray

> > that I

> > > make the right decision. I just quit my job as a teacher

(which

> > has

> > > helped with the pain in my back somewhat as I can rest when I

> > need

> > > to) but my husband has started a new business (about a year

ago

> > in

> > > medical equipment) so money is tight. Insurance takes their

sweet

> > > time in paying providers! If he could just provide the

service

> > and

> > > get paid for it in a timely manner, we would be doing a bit

> > better.

> > > I am beginning to really hate insurance companies. Mine said

I

> > > didn't " need " the medication the pain doc. prescribed! I only

> > took

> > > one at night! But I digress. I THINK Dr. LaGrone is not

booked as

> > far

> > > in advance as Dr. Bridwell is. I just don't trust anyone but

> > > the " BIG " docs for this one, which is probably silly, but at

> > least I

> > > will know that I did what I could for myself. Thank goodness

my

> > > family is very supportive in this whole process!

> > > Martha Anne

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

and there I was feeling so good that I visited the entire Las Vegas

Premium Outlet Mall yesterday with no problems -- thanks to my scooter.

Now I am seriously wondering if I can take it to the Bahamas with me.

I guess it will depend on how much luggage I pack. I haven't shopped

on Bay Street in a very long time, either.

WOW! I would love to be able to

> just walk in the mall!!!

[Guest guest]

--- Sorry..did not mean to make you feel bad....,PA

In , " SB " <bahadreama@...> wrote:

>

>

> and there I was feeling so good that I visited the entire Las

Vegas

> Premium Outlet Mall yesterday with no problems -- thanks to my

scooter.

>

>

> Now I am seriously wondering if I can take it to the Bahamas with

me.

> I guess it will depend on how much luggage I pack. I haven't

shopped

> on Bay Street in a very long time, either.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> WOW! I would love to be able to

> > just walk in the mall!!!

>