Re: Questions for Bridwell patients and getting fearful

[Guest guest]

,

I thought this appointment was a first time consult appointment? Since you are not yet signed up for surgery with him, makes me curious they'd send you an arbitration letter this early into the mix. I didn't have surgery with Bridwell, and maybe this letter is common place, and hopefully some others who did will chime in, but this seems to be putting the cart before the horse at this point. At this point, maybe hospitals or surgeons are just trying to protect themselves, in general, and while this has no reflextion on Dr. Bridwell, this letter maybe just sent if you are deemed to be a pre surgery patient( if the office deems you that way just to get to see Bridwell). As to signing it, that is your personal choice, and I'm not a lawyer, but I'm wondering out loud if you didn't if you would be exempt from having surgery at that hospital, or if this letter is about the practice itself, including the doc( I thought he did surgeries at , is this under Washington University, I know Washington U is in his practices address, right?). I didn't sign anything like this when I had surgery, and mine was 6 years ago, maybe this is more common place today. This is just me, but I'd go to the appointment, get to see what Bridwell says about you and what he could do for you, bring the letter, and discuss it with him. I certainly wouldn't sign it this early in the mix. Also just from being here, and talking with several of his patients who are quite pleased with their revisions and care, I'd go to the appointment, and see him first, and let this not weigh things down. He's an excellent doc with a great reputation among the Flatback community, my own doc thinks he's a go to guy to consult on complicated cases, did on mine. After seeing him then you can decide, and with anything legal, maybe run it by an attorney that handles medical issues.

As to doc's and what can be done for you, you just have to go and see what they have to say. I know at the beginning, or even after you have seen a couple, it can be a run up of emotions, hoping they will have answers, and maybe in your mind trying not to get too excited and hopeful they will. I guess for me, who back in the day had to consult so many docs that hadn't a clue what was going on with post Harrington Spines, you guys coming so far down the road from me, have names of doc's for opinions from being here, that are experienced at this, and you can go see. That always makes me happy, you don't have to run around in the dark like I did. Also since you have cervical issues, you can go through past messages( type cervical surgery into the message search box) and see what has been said in past messages. Hopefully those who have had cervical surgery will chime in on the benefits they got. Also know Bridwell sounds to me to be a straight shooter, he will tell you just what he thinks. As in anything medical, especially a big surgery, get more than one opinion if possible.

The road to finding ones doc and a plan is tough, and a big decision, but it's yours to make. I always say after seeing some, you will know your doc when you get there, I sure did, it's a level of comfort after doing ones homework. I look forward to hearing what Bridwell has to say about your case, and how you feel about it.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Questions for Bridwell patients and getting fearful

This might be too personal, so if it is, please disregard. I have anappt. with Dr. Bridwell on 12/22. I got a letter from Washington Utoday offering to let me sign up for arbitration instead of suing ifsomething goes wrong or the surgeon makes a mistake. Did you all signthis paper? I know that probably nothing would happen there, and I'mnot the suing type. Still, is this a good idea?Also, I am dealing with some fear right now. My local doc told methat he would not do anything to correct the curve progression in mycervical area unless my spinal cord became compressed. One of my 5year old sons regularly asks me now why I have my head down when Iwalk. (The cold is not doing good things for me right now.) I amjust so very afraid that Bridwell is going to tell me nothing can bedone, and by the time I'm 50 I'll be staring at the floor all thetime. That terrifies me. Surely he can help me. Thank you so much for this place to share. No one really gets itunless they have been there.

[Guest guest]

I never received anything like that from Wash U or Dr. Bridwell.....maybe it's a

new thing??

I do trust him and his judgement totally, and I know he will tell you exactly

what he would

be able to do.

Good luck...

>

> ,

>

> I thought this appointment was a first time consult appointment? Since you are

not yet

signed up for surgery with him, makes me curious they'd send you an arbitration

letter

this early into the mix. I didn't have surgery with Bridwell, and maybe this

letter is

common place, and hopefully some others who did will chime in, but this seems to

be

putting the cart before the horse at this point. At this point, maybe hospitals

or surgeons

are just trying to protect themselves, in general, and while this has no

reflextion on Dr.

Bridwell, this letter maybe just sent if you are deemed to be a pre surgery

patient( if the

office deems you that way just to get to see Bridwell). As to signing it, that

is your personal

choice, and I'm not a lawyer, but I'm wondering out loud if you didn't if you

would be

exempt from having surgery at that hospital, or if this letter is about the

practice itself,

including the doc( I thought he did surgeries at , is this under

Washington

University, I know Washington U is in his practices address, right?). I didn't

sign anything

like this when I had surgery, and mine was 6 years ago, maybe this is more

common place

today. This is just me, but I'd go to the appointment, get to see what Bridwell

says about

you and what he could do for you, bring the letter, and discuss it with him. I

certainly

wouldn't sign it this early in the mix. Also just from being here, and talking

with several of

his patients who are quite pleased with their revisions and care, I'd go to the

appointment,

and see him first, and let this not weigh things down. He's an excellent doc

with a great

reputation among the Flatback community, my own doc thinks he's a go to guy to

consult

on complicated cases, did on mine. After seeing him then you can decide, and

with

anything legal, maybe run it by an attorney that handles medical issues.

>

> As to doc's and what can be done for you, you just have to go and see what

they have to

say. I know at the beginning, or even after you have seen a couple, it can be a

run up of

emotions, hoping they will have answers, and maybe in your mind trying not to

get too

excited and hopeful they will. I guess for me, who back in the day had to

consult so many

docs that hadn't a clue what was going on with post Harrington Spines, you guys

coming

so far down the road from me, have names of doc's for opinions from being here,

that are

experienced at this, and you can go see. That always makes me happy, you don't

have to

run around in the dark like I did. Also since you have cervical issues, you can

go through

past messages( type cervical surgery into the message search box) and see what

has been

said in past messages. Hopefully those who have had cervical surgery will chime

in on the

benefits they got. Also know Bridwell sounds to me to be a straight shooter, he

will tell

you just what he thinks. As in anything medical, especially a big surgery, get

more than

one opinion if possible.

>

> The road to finding ones doc and a plan is tough, and a big decision, but it's

yours to

make. I always say after seeing some, you will know your doc when you get there,

I sure

did, it's a level of comfort after doing ones homework. I look forward to

hearing what

Bridwell has to say about your case, and how you feel about it.

>

>

> Colorado Springs

> [ ] Questions for Bridwell patients and getting

fearful

>

>

> This might be too personal, so if it is, please disregard. I have an

> appt. with Dr. Bridwell on 12/22. I got a letter from Washington U

> today offering to let me sign up for arbitration instead of suing if

> something goes wrong or the surgeon makes a mistake. Did you all sign

> this paper? I know that probably nothing would happen there, and I'm

> not the suing type. Still, is this a good idea?

>

> Also, I am dealing with some fear right now. My local doc told me

> that he would not do anything to correct the curve progression in my

> cervical area unless my spinal cord became compressed. One of my 5

> year old sons regularly asks me now why I have my head down when I

> walk. (The cold is not doing good things for me right now.) I am

> just so very afraid that Bridwell is going to tell me nothing can be

> done, and by the time I'm 50 I'll be staring at the floor all the

> time. That terrifies me. Surely he can help me.

>

> Thank you so much for this place to share. No one really gets it

> unless they have been there.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,I got the exact same letter about arbitration before my last appointment with Dr. Bridwell. I was confused just like you, and didn't really want to sign something so far in advance. I just brought it with me to the next appointment and when the nurse asked about it I said I would rather not sign it now, maybe later -- and she said that was fine and threw it in the recycling. It comes from the central hospital, not Bridwell's office, and it's something new they are doing to see if they can cut the costs of their insurance by getting people to promise not to sue. It's not a bad idea but I didn't want to promise anything -- you never know what will happen next. There is no need to sign, and no pressure at all.Good luck. I

think Dr. Bridwell will be able to help you. I also had several different problems, including a neck/shoulder problem -- and he suggested which to tackle first, second, and third. He is super competent and confident and he will make sure you get the help you need.Take good care,EveFrom: Kirkaldie <.Kirkaldie@...> Sent: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 6:31:30 AMSubject: Re:

[ ] Questions for Bridwell patients and getting fearful

,

I thought this appointment was a first time consult appointment? Since you are not yet signed up for surgery with him, makes me curious they'd send you an arbitration letter this early into the mix. I didn't have surgery with Bridwell, and maybe this letter is common place, and hopefully some others who did will chime in, but this seems to be putting the cart before the horse at this point. At this point, maybe hospitals or surgeons are just trying to protect themselves, in general, and while this has no reflextion on Dr. Bridwell, this letter maybe just sent if you are deemed to be a pre surgery patient( if the office deems you that way just to get to see Bridwell). As to signing it, that is your personal choice, and I'm not a lawyer, but I'm wondering out loud if you didn't if you would be exempt from having surgery at that hospital, or if this letter is about the practice itself, including the doc( I thought he did surgeries at , is this under Washington University, I know Washington U is in his practices address, right?). I didn't sign anything like this when I had surgery, and mine was 6 years ago, maybe this is more common place today. This is just me, but I'd go to the appointment, get to see what Bridwell says about you and what he could do for you, bring the letter, and discuss it with him. I certainly wouldn't sign it this early in the mix. Also just from being here, and talking with several of his patients who are quite pleased with their revisions and care, I'd go to the appointment, and see him first, and let this not weigh things down. He's an excellent doc with a great reputation among the Flatback community, my own doc thinks he's a go to guy to consult on complicated cases, did on mine. After seeing him then you can decide, and with anything legal, maybe run it by an attorney that handles medical issues.

As to doc's and what can be done for you, you just have to go and see what they have to say. I know at the beginning, or even after you have seen a couple, it can be a run up of emotions, hoping they will have answers, and maybe in your mind trying not to get too excited and hopeful they will. I guess for me, who back in the day had to consult so many docs that hadn't a clue what was going on with post Harrington Spines, you guys coming so far down the road from me, have names of doc's for opinions from being here, that are experienced at this, and you can go see. That always makes me happy, you don't have to run around in the dark like I did. Also since you have cervical issues, you can go through past messages( type cervical surgery into the message search box) and see what has been said in past messages. Hopefully those who have had cervical surgery will chime in on the benefits they got. Also know Bridwell sounds to me to be a straight shooter, he will tell you just what he thinks. As in anything medical, especially a big surgery, get more than one opinion if possible.

The road to finding ones doc and a plan is tough, and a big decision, but it's yours to make. I always say after seeing some, you will know your doc when you get there, I sure did, it's a level of comfort after doing ones homework. I look forward to hearing what Bridwell has to say about your case, and how you feel about it.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Questions for Bridwell patients and getting fearful

This might be too personal, so if it is, please disregard. I have anappt. with Dr. Bridwell on 12/22. I got a letter from Washington Utoday offering to let me sign up for arbitration instead of suing ifsomething goes wrong or the surgeon makes a mistake. Did you all signthis paper? I know that probably nothing would happen there, and I'mnot the suing type. Still, is this a good idea?Also, I am dealing with some fear right now. My local doc told methat he would not do anything to correct the curve progression in mycervical area unless my spinal cord became compressed. One of my 5year old sons regularly asks me now why I have my head down when Iwalk. (The cold is not doing good things for me right now.) I amjust so very afraid that Bridwell is going to tell me nothing can bedone, and by the time I'm 50 I'll be staring at the floor all thetime. That terrifies me. Surely he can help me. Thank you so much for this place to share. No one really gets itunless they have been there.

[Guest guest]

Eve,

Good you have knowledge of this and could put 's mind at ease, thank you. Does seem curious they'd send that even before you are a confirmed surgical candidate, that they don't do it as part of your pre-surgery paper work, timing just seems way too early. Interesting. I wonder out loud if patients are put off by this, as they are talking about not suing even before a patient looking for an opinion has even chosen Bridwell's practice, just seems a bit off to me. Glad to hear the nurse threw it in the recycling! It sounds like they are not keen on this letter themselves.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Questions for Bridwell patients and getting fearful

This might be too personal, so if it is, please disregard. I have anappt. with Dr. Bridwell on 12/22. I got a letter from Washington Utoday offering to let me sign up for arbitration instead of suing ifsomething goes wrong or the surgeon makes a mistake. Did you all signthis paper? I know that probably nothing would happen there, and I'mnot the suing type. Still, is this a good idea?Also, I am dealing with some fear right now. My local doc told methat he would not do anything to correct the curve progression in mycervical area unless my spinal cord became compressed. One of my 5year old sons regularly asks me now why I have my head down when Iwalk. (The cold is not doing good things for me right now.) I amjust so very afraid that Bridwell is going to tell me nothing can bedone, and by the time I'm 50 I'll be staring at the floor all thetime. That terrifies me. Surely he can help me. Thank you so much for this place to share. No one really gets itunless they have been there.

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for your support. I really love this board. So many

knowledgeable, caring people. Thanks!!

>

> This might be too personal, so if it is, please disregard. I have an

> appt. with Dr. Bridwell on 12/22. I got a letter from Washington U

> today offering to let me sign up for arbitration instead of suing if

> something goes wrong or the surgeon makes a mistake. Did you all sign

> this paper? I know that probably nothing would happen there, and I'm

> not the suing type. Still, is this a good idea?

>

> Also, I am dealing with some fear right now. My local doc told me

> that he would not do anything to correct the curve progression in my

> cervical area unless my spinal cord became compressed. One of my 5

> year old sons regularly asks me now why I have my head down when I

> walk. (The cold is not doing good things for me right now.) I am

> just so very afraid that Bridwell is going to tell me nothing can be

> done, and by the time I'm 50 I'll be staring at the floor all the

> time. That terrifies me. Surely he can help me.

>

> Thank you so much for this place to share. No one really gets it

> unless they have been there.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I think fear is healthy and natural at this point in your journey. On

the one hand, you can crawl into a hole and let things take their

course, or you can use your fear to motivate yourself to seek

alternate opinions.

I am not suggeting that a patient should ever " shop around " until

they find someone who will do revision surgery on them. If a patient

does that with this condition they will surely find someone who is

very willing to take on this complex, challenging surgery....but that

has a high risk of not ending very well.

What I do suggest is that by getting several opinons from those who

routinely do this surgery and have good outcomes you will have a

chance to satisfy yourself that you have fully explored your options.

The top surgeons in this field do not need the work, or the

challenges, so in some ways you can be sure that they are not

recommending surgery for the reasons that might have less to do with

you than their own egos.

It might be that DrBridwell has a similar photo gallery, but DrLenke,

a collegue of DrBridwells and another highly regarded

flatback/deformity specialist at , has a website with a number

of pre and postop pictures. It might set your mind at ease a little

to see that they have handled many complex cases to a good

result...some of the women are a few years older than you!

Here is the site:

http://www.spinal-deformity-surgeon.com/ppt/flatback-

syndrome/start.html

The other thing I wanted to say is that it also is common that we

fear both ends of the same problem....on the one hand it would be

nice to hear that surgery was not an option, because then we don't

have to contemplate it...and perhaps deep inside you fear that going

for another opinion may take you deeper into the quandry of this

decision.

Try to trust that no one is going to make you do anything that you

don't want to do, nor are they going to make you do anything on a

timeline that is not uniquely yours. It is unlikely that you will

have to rush any decision regarding surgery....you are in the " fact

gathering " stage...and this is truely best approached as a " one step

at a time " kind of problem. Really, it is too daunting to swallow

whole....so don't try to.

I am glad you are finding our group helpful.

Take Care, Cam