Thanks, Alpin!

[Guest guest]

Dear Alpine,

Thank you so much and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I had

read the post of 's which was linked to another group's

website - . I would love to talk with her.

Is she still doing great - no problems- 2 years after her revision?

I am going to see Dr. LaGrone in late July. He is pretty booked

up. I can get in to see Dr. Bridwell sooner. I supposed either

would be good. It is cheaper to fly from VA to St. Louis than to

Texas, but if LaGrone gets the better outcomes, that is where I will

go. I think maybe LaGrone has done more of these, and he gets them

all over with in one long surgery, if possible. Dr. Bridwell is

wonderful, too, I understand. I am just stressing over which one to

choose when I am sure they are both good. With this surgery, I am

sure we all just want the best possible, simply because of the

nature of the surgery and the possible complications. I want

someone who has " seen it all " and dealth with any possible

complication. I will look forward to hearing from you after June

26th. Did you see other surgeons before you made your choice?

Thanks again.

Martha Anne

> >

> > I was in the middle of posting and hit something on my computer

> and

> > lost the whole post before I finished, so I will try again.

> >

> > I am in the midst of choosing a revision surgeon. I am in

> Virginia

> > and will fly to either Dr. Bridwell in St. Louis, MO, or Dr.

> LaGrone

> > in Amarillo, TX. I have appointments with each.

> >

> > Dr. LaGrone does his all in one day. I think Dr. Bridwell does

> his

> > in stages. What are the pros and cons with each of these

> approaches?

> >

> > I need some feedback from patients who have had either of these

> > doctors. I have read member's stories, which helps, but it is

so

> > hard to make a decision.

> >

> > Also, my fusion was done when I was 10 1/2 and I am 47 now. I

> have

> > legs longer than my 5'7 " mother, but I am 5'1 " . My fusion is

> > extremely long. Will I gain any length in my torso after the

> > surgery? I was hoping it might be one thing I could look

forward

> to

> > in addition to lessening of pain.

> >

> > Any help will be appreciated. I am, of course, a bit nervous-

> well,

> > that is putting it mildly. I am very scared.

> > Sincerely,

> > Martha Anne

> >

>