Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell

[Guest guest]

Hi to all

Thought I would let you know about my appt. With Dr. Bridwell last Fri.

I spent a lot of time there - 5 hours to be exact. I met Dr.

Bridwell, two of his spinal fellows, and Bernie (his nurse). He

agreed with the flatback diagnosis and gave me good odds on living

pain free after the surgery. He said that I have about an 85% chance

of being at least in 80% less pain then I am in now. He would do a

posterior pedicle subtraction osteotomy from T10 to the sacrum with

the osteotomy at T3. He would use no screws in the sacrum. I would

only require 1 surgery because of the fact that my rods are already

out. He said that he didn't think that I would require bracing, but

would prefer to have me stay in St. Louis 2 weeks after leaving the

hospital. I will go back in Jan. to have further tests. He wants me

to have a workup with a hemotologist because of a bleeding problem

that I have and also to see a hip specialist, as I have some hip

dysplasia. I have pencilled in May 2nd as a tentative surgery date,

but I may change it, as my daughter has finals in mid May, and I would

prefer her not to worry about me.

That's about it. I liked the man a lot, and he knows his stuff! More

news as it happens. I hope to talk to everyone tomorrow night.

Talk to you later,

Nan

[Guest guest]

Nan,

Might I suggest early January in St. Louis? We may have missed one

another the first time, but no reason to do it again! Sounds like you

had a good appointment. I am curious about him stating that he won't

put screws in your sacrum. Did he elaborate on this? Does it have to

do with your hip dysplasia? Just curious...

kam

[Guest guest]

Hi Kam...

Just a guess, but I'm thinking she'll probably have screws in the

pelvis instead of the sacrum.

--

>

> Nan,

>

> Might I suggest early January in St. Louis? We may have missed one

> another the first time, but no reason to do it again! Sounds like you

> had a good appointment. I am curious about him stating that he won't

> put screws in your sacrum. Did he elaborate on this? Does it have to

> do with your hip dysplasia? Just curious...

>

> kam

>

[Guest guest]

Nan,

Sounds like you had a very good visit. I was wondering when we didn't

hear if you were going to be able to make the appointment...wasn't

there some question a few weeks back?

I like the way he put that.. " 85% chance of being 80% better " !

What does he use in place of screws...how does he hold the whole

shebang together?

Thanks for the update...talk to you tomorrow. Cam

[Guest guest]

Hi Nan:

I'm also a patient of Dr. Bridwell's (I had my revision one year

ago), and if I can be of any help to you, please let me know. I'm

so glad that you had a good visit and have a plan. I found Dr.

Bridwell and his staff to be excellent, as well as -Jewish

hospital to be top notch in care. Please let me know if I can help

in any way,

Martha

>

> Hi to all

>

> Thought I would let you know about my appt. With Dr. Bridwell last

Fri.

>

> I spent a lot of time there - 5 hours to be exact. I met Dr.

> Bridwell, two of his spinal fellows, and Bernie (his nurse). He

> agreed with the flatback diagnosis and gave me good odds on living

> pain free after the surgery. He said that I have about an 85%

chance

> of being at least in 80% less pain then I am in now. He would do

a

> posterior pedicle subtraction osteotomy from T10 to the sacrum

with

> the osteotomy at T3. He would use no screws in the sacrum. I

would

> only require 1 surgery because of the fact that my rods are

already

> out. He said that he didn't think that I would require bracing,

but

> would prefer to have me stay in St. Louis 2 weeks after leaving

the

> hospital. I will go back in Jan. to have further tests. He wants

me

> to have a workup with a hemotologist because of a bleeding problem

> that I have and also to see a hip specialist, as I have some hip

> dysplasia. I have pencilled in May 2nd as a tentative surgery

date,

> but I may change it, as my daughter has finals in mid May, and I

would

> prefer her not to worry about me.

>

> That's about it. I liked the man a lot, and he knows his stuff!

More

> news as it happens. I hope to talk to everyone tomorrow night.

>

> Talk to you later,

> Nan

>

[Guest guest]

Nan,

Do you mean that you will have " iliac screws " , as opposed to something

else?

I think that Dr. Bridwell's stats probably come from all of those

surveys that we complete post-revision! Maybe 85 percent of his

patients report being at least 80 percent better-? I'm thinking

that's where he gets his info. It seems like I answered some

questions that asked that type of thing!

Martha

>

> Nan,

>

> Sounds like you had a very good visit. I was wondering when we

didn't

> hear if you were going to be able to make the appointment...wasn't

> there some question a few weeks back?

>

> I like the way he put that.. " 85% chance of being 80% better " !

> What does he use in place of screws...how does he hold the whole

> shebang together?

>

> Thanks for the update...talk to you tomorrow. Cam

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Nan,

It sounds as if you had a good appointment with Dr Bridwell on Friday! You have had a few days to digest everything now and I am happy that you seem pleased with the outcome. I think that it is a smart idea to stay in the area for awhile post operatively....it is better for you just incase you need him for anything. It seems as if he has given you quite good odds indeed. That is very reassuring I know. Did he recomend the doctor that you are seeing for you hip problem?

Keep us up to speed on your progress!

Suziedams4all <dams4all@...> wrote:

Hi to allThought I would let you know about my appt. With Dr. Bridwell last Fri.I spent a lot of time there - 5 hours to be exact. I met Dr. Bridwell, two of his spinal fellows, and Bernie (his nurse). He agreed with the flatback diagnosis and gave me good odds on living pain free after the surgery. He said that I have about an 85% chance of being at least in 80% less pain then I am in now. He would do a posterior pedicle subtraction osteotomy from T10 to the sacrum with the osteotomy at T3. He would use no screws in the sacrum. I would only require 1 surgery because of the fact that my rods are already out. He said that he didn't think that I would require bracing, but would prefer to have me stay in St. Louis 2 weeks after leaving the hospital. I will go back in Jan. to have

further tests. He wants me to have a workup with a hemotologist because of a bleeding problem that I have and also to see a hip specialist, as I have some hip dysplasia. I have pencilled in May 2nd as a tentative surgery date, but I may change it, as my daughter has finals in mid May, and I would prefer her not to worry about me.That's about it. I liked the man a lot, and he knows his stuff! More news as it happens. I hope to talk to everyone tomorrow night.Talk to you later,Nan

FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.

[Guest guest]

Martha,

This surgery is so " BIG " only trust the big guns and do whatever it

takes to get one. I am eight weeks post op and trying to recover. I

won't lie. It is a very hard surgery, very hard recovery. You will

probably strain every relationship you have BUT by golly, with the

grace of God, you will be walking and straight. Sounds like you have

done your homework. Good luck.

>

> 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]

Martha Anne, I don't think there is anything silly about only trusting one of the "big" docs for this surgery. Experience is a very major factor in the art of flatback revision, and I don't think anyone in her right mind wants to be a practice patient.

Sharon

----- Original Message -----

From: marthalsiii

................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, you are quite right, no one wants to be a practice patient

which is why I had gone to the trouble and expense of seeing Dr.

Bridwell. I was pretty disappointed that he was two hours late after

I had flown all the way there from Virginia, just to see one of

the " best. " He is quite good, I am sure. Prior to scheduling the

appointment and flights, I had called to be sure about the time my

plane would depart and was told that I was allowing plenty of time

for this initial visit. Dr. Bridwell seemed to think nothing of

telling me to fly back three or four more times to finish tests, some

of which could have been done that day had I been told to allow more

time. If he is the best, I, of course, will go ahead and have the

surgery with him. I just wish he could have been a bit more

concerned about my time. I had several questions written down, prior

to going. Dr. Bridwell told me to ask Bernie, one of the nurses,

about most of the questions. By the time I saw Bernie, they told me

that I should have already left to catch my plane. Bernie said that

I could call and leave a message with any questions and she would

return the call, which I am sure she will do. I caught the plane,

but was very disappointed at how little time I had actually been

given and ended up thinking perhaps I was being silly for having gone

to such trouble and expense for such precious little bit of time and

attention from the doctor and wasting our money at a time when money

is tight, but you are right. It isn't silly to do what one can in

order to get the best. This is a big surgery! I still have to see

Dr. LaGrone. I am sure either will be an excellent choice. I am

just hurting and confused, tired and wanting this whole thing to be

over! I am sure everyone in this group can relate to these feelings!

Martha Anne

>

> Martha Anne, I don't think there is anything silly about only

trusting one of the " big " docs for this surgery. Experience is a

very major factor in the art of flatback revision, and I don't think

anyone in her right mind wants to be a practice patient.

>

>

>

> Sharon

>

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

>

> From: marthalsiii

>

> ...............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]

Absolutely, Martha. I can certainly relate to those feelings. Of course we will tend to prefer a doctor who has consideration for our time, all else being equal. And sometimes we just catch a guy at a less-than-ideal moment. It is a rare gift in professionals but one much to be sought-after, to always be unhurried and to give each client one's undivided attention. By the way, Dr. Rand has been unusually good toward me in that regard. Excellent patient skills.

Sharon

[ ] Re: Visit to Dr. Bridwell

Sharon, you are quite right, no one wants to be a practice patient which is why I had gone to the trouble and expense of seeing Dr. Bridwell. I was pretty disappointed that he was two hours late after I had flown all the way there from Virginia, just to see one of the "best." He is quite good, I am sure. Prior to scheduling the appointment and flights, I had called to be sure about the time my plane would depart and was told that I was allowing plenty of time for this initial visit. Dr. Bridwell seemed to think nothing of telling me to fly back three or four more times to finish tests, some of which could have been done that day had I been told to allow more time. If he is the best, I, of course, will go ahead and have the surgery with him. I just wish he could have been a bit more concerned about my time. I had several questions written down, prior to going. Dr. Bridwell told me to ask Bernie, one of the nurses, about most of the questions. By the time I saw Bernie, they told me that I should have already left to catch my plane. Bernie said that I could call and leave a message with any questions and she would return the call, which I am sure she will do. I caught the plane, but was very disappointed at how little time I had actually been given and ended up thinking perhaps I was being silly for having gone to such trouble and expense for such precious little bit of time and attention from the doctor and wasting our money at a time when money is tight, but you are right. It isn't silly to do what one can in order to get the best. This is a big surgery! I still have to see Dr. LaGrone. I am sure either will be an excellent choice. I am just hurting and confused, tired and wanting this whole thing to be over! I am sure everyone in this group can relate to these feelings!Martha Anne>> Martha Anne, I don't think there is anything silly about only trusting one of the "big" docs for this surgery. Experience is a very major factor in the art of flatback revision, and I don't think anyone in her right mind wants to be a practice patient.> > > > Sharon> > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: marthalsiii > > ...............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

My best advice is to go with the doctor you feel most comfortable

with. I have been seeing Dr. Bridwell for follow ups ever since my

spine surgeon, Dr. Asher retired. Logistically it's a lot easier

since I just live on the other side of the state. I've always been

able to get a early morning appointment so there is very little wait

time. I like Dr. B. and he and his staff seem to be very

knowledgeable. He suggested I might want to see Dr. G who is closer

to me in Kansas and who did a fellowship under Dr. Bridwell. I have

seen Dr. G and he pretty much dismissed me. So I would rather drive

four hours to see a competent physician.

Good luck, Barbara

[Guest guest]

Hi Kelley:

I also agree with Barbara. You have to feel comfortable with the

revision surgeon that you will proceed with for your surgery. I've

been seeing Dr. Bridwell for over a year and a half, and travel from

Chicago to St. Louis. I also get very early morning appts., and have

had much better luck with shorter waits with those. I have complete

faith in his judgement and attention to detail. It does not take him

long to give you his initial assessment, but he goes over and over

your films and test results many times before making his final

decisions on your procedure(s). His staff is also very competent, and

I have especially liked the spine fellows who work with him. Dr.

Bridwell's experience is vast, and he's also heavily into his research

studies, publications, etc.

You're welcome to e-mail me privately if you have any questions or

want to chat.

Sincerely, Martha

>

> Hi Kelley

> My best advice is to go with the doctor you feel most

comfortable

> with. I have been seeing Dr. Bridwell for follow ups ever since my

> spine surgeon, Dr. Asher retired. Logistically it's a lot easier

> since I just live on the other side of the state. I've always been

> able to get a early morning appointment so there is very little wait

> time. I like Dr. B. and he and his staff seem to be very

> knowledgeable. He suggested I might want to see Dr. G who is closer

> to me in Kansas and who did a fellowship under Dr. Bridwell. I have

> seen Dr. G and he pretty much dismissed me. So I would rather drive

> four hours to see a competent physician.

>

> Good luck, Barbara

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks very much, Martha. I will let you know if I keep my appt. w/Dr.

B on July 31st. My husband and I thought it couldn't hurt to get one

more opinion. I have to call Dr. 's office on Monday to get the

patient referrals from his nurse. I'll be anxious to get those and talk

to them, of course. ~ Kelley

> >

> > Hi Kelley

> > My best advice is to go with the doctor you feel most

> comfortable

> > with. I have been seeing Dr. Bridwell for follow ups ever since my

> > spine surgeon, Dr. Asher retired. Logistically it's a lot easier

> > since I just live on the other side of the state. I've always been

> > able to get a early morning appointment so there is very little wait

> > time. I like Dr. B. and he and his staff seem to be very

> > knowledgeable. He suggested I might want to see Dr. G who is closer

> > to me in Kansas and who did a fellowship under Dr. Bridwell. I have

> > seen Dr. G and he pretty much dismissed me. So I would rather drive

> > four hours to see a competent physician.

> >

> > Good luck, Barbara

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Barbara - You're right! Dr. Bridwell's appointments on Mondays and

Fridays start as early as 7:30 AM! I was so surprised to hear that. I

made mine for 8:00 AM. Thanks so much for your input. ~ Kelley

>

> Hi Kelley

> My best advice is to go with the doctor you feel most comfortable

> with. I have been seeing Dr. Bridwell for follow ups ever since my

> spine surgeon, Dr. Asher retired. Logistically it's a lot easier

> since I just live on the other side of the state. I've always been

> able to get a early morning appointment so there is very little wait

> time. I like Dr. B. and he and his staff seem to be very

> knowledgeable. He suggested I might want to see Dr. G who is closer

> to me in Kansas and who did a fellowship under Dr. Bridwell. I have

> seen Dr. G and he pretty much dismissed me. So I would rather drive

> four hours to see a competent physician.

>

> Good luck, Barbara

>

[Guest guest]

Barbara!

I've been thinking about you! How are you? I'm going to be in KC

breifly July 29-30 and then catch a train to STL for my six-month

follow-up. How's your back? Have you made any future plans or are

things pretty steady?

Let us know.

kam

[Guest guest]

I will forever be grateful to Dr. Bridwell for giving me my life

back. I reflect on what my life was like a year ago and am amazed

that my family put up with me. Adam and I didn't get to do any of

the things we did when we were dating because it was all too

painful. Now, we take very long walks together (even walk to run

errands, return movies, go to dinner, deliver bills - sometimes I

just make up places to walk to because I can) and just plain " go "

and " do " things. The future is quite bright. Just this weekend I was

thinking about how easy it is to stay fit when you work it in to

your lifestyle. Adam and I had discussed this when we were just

friends and how we both valued healthy bodies. Then, my back fell

apart. I would often grieve my inability to do the little things to

take care of myself that were so important to me.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't regret my decision to

go through with revision surgery at all. No, it hasn't been easy and

yes, I still do things that I regret (ex. We went to a cookout on

Saturday and I sat on the back doorstep for too long with my knees

too close to my chest and my hip is still a bit sore - but the fact

that I could get down low enough to sit there and get up on my own

is remarkable! I had been there for quite awhile before I realized

how I was sitting...), but even if I had a perfect back, I'd regret

a few things.

For those of you who have done your homework and know the risks as

well as the rewards, I urge you to take the well-educated leap of

faith required to improve your quality of life. I am SO GLAD that I

am on this side of the decision and thank God for the gift of not

only finding Dr. Bridwell, but going through all the hoopla of

having surgery 500 miles away from home. It has turned out better

than I ever thought possible! Happy 5-monthiversary to me (and

P.)!

kam

[Guest guest]

--

Kam,

Happy anniversary to you too!! THat is pretty cool that you could sit

on a step like that. I am not sure I could do that. I would probably

not try, I would opt for the chair!!!! I am very picky now about beds

and chairs!!! I am so glad to hear you are doing so well. ,PA

- In , " advokam " <advokam@...> wrote:

>

> I will forever be grateful to Dr. Bridwell for giving me my life

> back. I reflect on what my life was like a year ago and am amazed

> that my family put up with me. Adam and I didn't get to do any of

> the things we did when we were dating because it was all too

> painful. Now, we take very long walks together (even walk to run

> errands, return movies, go to dinner, deliver bills - sometimes I

> just make up places to walk to because I can) and just plain " go "

> and " do " things. The future is quite bright. Just this weekend I

was

> thinking about how easy it is to stay fit when you work it in to

> your lifestyle. Adam and I had discussed this when we were just

> friends and how we both valued healthy bodies. Then, my back fell

> apart. I would often grieve my inability to do the little things to

> take care of myself that were so important to me.

>

> I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't regret my decision

to

> go through with revision surgery at all. No, it hasn't been easy

and

> yes, I still do things that I regret (ex. We went to a cookout on

> Saturday and I sat on the back doorstep for too long with my knees

> too close to my chest and my hip is still a bit sore - but the fact

> that I could get down low enough to sit there and get up on my own

> is remarkable! I had been there for quite awhile before I realized

> how I was sitting...), but even if I had a perfect back, I'd regret

> a few things.

>

> For those of you who have done your homework and know the risks as

> well as the rewards, I urge you to take the well-educated leap of

> faith required to improve your quality of life. I am SO GLAD that I

> am on this side of the decision and thank God for the gift of not

> only finding Dr. Bridwell, but going through all the hoopla of

> having surgery 500 miles away from home. It has turned out better

> than I ever thought possible! Happy 5-monthiversary to me (and

> P.)!

>

> kam

>

[Guest guest]

Now if I can just find some shoes that will look lovely with my dress

for the wedding Friday AND be comfortable enough to dance in... I came

very close to buying a pair of gold sketchers tonight, but couldn't

bring myself to do it. Of course, I could change my mind tomorrow.

BTW, I don't think I'll be sitting on steps like that again any time

soon. Today is the first day my left hip hasn't been squawking.

kam

>

> --

> Kam,

>

> Happy anniversary to you too!! THat is pretty cool that you could sit

on a step like that. I am not sure I could do that. I would probably

not try, I would opt for the chair!!!! I am very picky now about beds

and chairs!!! I am so glad to hear you are doing so well. ,PA