Re: Surgery next week

October 18, 2002

You won't be sorry! Bev.

October 18, 2002

Glad to hear you opted for the surgery suffering guy

Indiana

October 18, 2002

I too am booked for next week! just the heller without the wrap. A am

also looking forward to getting it finally done, and natalie here had

a lot to do with my decision to go ahead. I am nervous though. How

long did they say you would be in hospital for? I've been told 2-4

days. I start a liquid diet on monday morning, then surgery on

wednesday morning. are you doing the laprascopic kind? good luck!

Janet.

> Well I just found out that next week is my surgery, Heller with a

> partial wrap. People I know are amazed that I am actually looking

> forward to having surgery (the sooner the better). Just want to

thank

> everyone at this site who posted their post-op tales which really

> helped in my decision to go ahead with the surgery.

October 19, 2002

Doc said it would be an overnight in the hospital and then one or two

days rest after that before going back to work (I have a desk job).

> I too am booked for next week! just the heller without the wrap. A

am

> also looking forward to getting it finally done, and natalie here

had

> a lot to do with my decision to go ahead. I am nervous though. How

> long did they say you would be in hospital for? I've been told 2-4

> days. I start a liquid diet on monday morning, then surgery on

> wednesday morning. are you doing the laprascopic kind? good luck!

> Janet.

>

> > Well I just found out that next week is my surgery, Heller with a

> > partial wrap. People I know are amazed that I am actually looking

> > forward to having surgery (the sooner the better). Just want to

> thank

> > everyone at this site who posted their post-op tales which really

> > helped in my decision to go ahead with the surgery.

October 22, 2002

My surgery is scheduled for thursday morning and my doctor has had me

on a soft food diet since this past thursday (yogurt, pudding,

cottage cheese, macaroni). Starting tomorrow I go strictly liquids.

Good luck to you.

> > > I too am booked for next week! just the heller without the

wrap.

> A

> > am

> > > also looking forward to getting it finally done, and natalie

here

> > had

> > > a lot to do with my decision to go ahead. I am nervous though.

> How

> > > long did they say you would be in hospital for? I've been told

2-

> 4

> > > days. I start a liquid diet on monday morning, then surgery on

> > > wednesday morning. are you doing the laprascopic kind? good

luck!

> > > Janet.

> > >

> > > > Well I just found out that next week is my surgery, Heller

with

> a

> > > > partial wrap. People I know are amazed that I am actually

> looking

> > > > forward to having surgery (the sooner the better). Just want

to

> > > thank

> > > > everyone at this site who posted their post-op tales which

> really

> > > > helped in my decision to go ahead with the surgery.

September 23, 2004

Terry,

My son has had 3 c-toma surgeries. First 2 were CWU and the last

CWD. He had his ear bones removed and then prosthetic implants at

the last surgery. Also a tympanomastiodectomy. The usual worst case

stuff that goes on. He was just 14 when he had his first surgery.

He had pretty much the same side effects as everyone is telling you

about it. However, one thing I want to mention that is a side effect

of any surgery is dehydration. Two days after his last surgery he

became dehydrated which is easy to do after major surgery. We took

him to the Navy hospital when he complained of chest muscle pains.

That was our first indication that something was wrong. They failed

to diagnose him properly and we ended up in the ER at a private

hospital where they fed him intravenous fluids for 4 hours. Its a

long ugly story so I won't go into details about all that--I'll just

say--Drink plenty. Even if you don't feel like it-drink lots of

water, ginger ale, or something that will keep you hydrated.

Wishing you a speedy recovery,

> Hello Everyone,

>

> First of all, I want to thank you all for the information that is

shared with

> this group. Between what I have learned from you and some research

on my own

> on the internet, I feel like I have more than enough information to

tackle

> this problem.

>

> I was diagnosed with a c-toma about 6 weeks ago by my ENT. A CAT

scan

> confirmed his suspicion. My regular doctor recommended an associate

who happens to be

> an Otologist. My appointment with him was a week ago. I was able to

> understand everything he talked about and have scheduled surgery

for next Thursday, the

> 30th. We are planning on 2 surgeries, the first to remove the c-

toma and the

> second (keeping my fingers crossed) for reconstruction.

>

> I also had an MRI done (Dr. saw something else he wanted to

check... seeing

> him on Monday about that) that confirmed that 2 of the bones in the

inner ear

> have been destroyed by the c-toma. Hopefully the 3rd will be saved

so we can

> restore some, or all of the hearing loss.

>

> I do have a couple of questions for the group. As I have read

online, and

> have been informed by my Dr. of some of the possible side effects

from surgery,

> what can I expect... dizziness, nausea, headaches? Any serious

pain? None of

> which I am experiencing now. The procedure will be outpatient and

if all goes

> well I will be back to work in 10 days.

>

> My other question is, my Dr. has come highly recommended but I was

just

> wondering if anyone in the group has had any experiences with him?

Dr.

> Haberkamp at Rush U. Med Center in Chicago.

>

> Thanks for any info and support you guys can give me.

> Terry,

> 42 y.o. male

January 4, 2005

I'm having surgery on the 10th as well! Good luck :)I'm sorry I

can't answer your questions...each person varies as to how they

react. It's best to discuss the concerns you have with your surgeon.

>

> Hello All -

> I was recently diagnosed with cholesteatoma in my left ear and

will

> be undergoing surgery next Monday. I 've never had a major surgery

> before and this really scares me. I have been reading about the

> headaches, drainage and numbness as post symptoms in many of the

> postings, I guess the post ops effects varies with every

individual.

> But typically, how long does it take before you are able to walk

> about or do normal things around the house? The doctor said I

would

> be able to get back to work in about a week. Is that too

optimistic?

> Any advice would be really appreciated.

> Thank you!

> Sajit

January 4, 2005

Hello Sajiit

Welcome to the group. It all depends on what procedure the surgeon will do, but generally one to two weeks is pretty standard. It also depends on what kind of work you do. I am a nurse and could not return to work for a month, but that was due to the packing in my ear. I had a CWD, and my surgeon's habit is to leave the packing in for almost a month following that procedure. As for symptoms, it really varies from person to person. It depends on where the c-toma is, how extensive and how much damage. Also if there is any infection. Some people have a lot of problems with dizziness and drainage etc... In my case, there was only dizziness for a few days, and the drainage was clean and eventually dried up.

Hope this helps.

Lynn

PS CWD= Canal wall down

CWU= Canal wall up (less drastic)

-- Surgery Next week

Hello All -I was recently diagnosed with cholesteatoma in my left ear and will be undergoing surgery next Monday. I 've never had a major surgery before and this really scares me. I have been reading about the headaches, drainage and numbness as post symptoms in many of the postings, I guess the post ops effects varies with every individual. But typically, how long does it take before you are able to walk about or do normal things around the house? The doctor said I would be able to get back to work in about a week. Is that too optimistic? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thank you!Sajit

January 4, 2005

I think most of us have been able to walk about and do normal things the day

after surgery. It is hard to predict how you will respond to the general

anesthesia and all, but some folks in this group have even posted emails the

evening of the day they had their surgery! Getting back to work probably

depends on what you do, how physical it is, and how much control you have

over your schedule. My doctor also says about one week. With both of my

surgeries, I've been able to take two weeks, but I can do some work at home

on the computer, so I've done that pretty quickly. It is nice to be able to

nap when you feel the need.

We will be thinking of you next Monday. Let us know how it goes.

le

----------

>From: sajithgop <sajithgop@...>

>cholesteatoma

>Subject: Surgery Next week

>Date: Tue, Jan 4, 2005, 12:04 AM

>

> Hello All -

> I was recently diagnosed with cholesteatoma in my left ear and will

> be undergoing surgery next Monday. I 've never had a major surgery

> before and this really scares me. I have been reading about the

> headaches, drainage and numbness as post symptoms in many of the

> postings, I guess the post ops effects varies with every individual.

> But typically, how long does it take before you are able to walk

> about or do normal things around the house? The doctor said I would

> be able to get back to work in about a week. Is that too optimistic?

> Any advice would be really appreciated.

> Thank you!

> Sajit

>

January 4, 2005

Sajit,

My surgery was a pretty long one -- 3 hours. And along with a good

dose of anesthesia, they pounded me with anti-nausea drugs and pain

killlers (because I asked them too). Given that, I was able to walk

around that evening. Not very far, but enough to walk to the kitchen

and make a Pop Tart. The next day I was up and doing my usual

things, but on a low level. I didn't feel normal. Instead, I felt

tired -- like I'd been up all night or like I'd just finished

skiing. I'd have bursts of energy and then need to rest. The day

after that, I was a little more energetic.

That's my experience. Hopefully, yours will be the same. Don't

worry too much about the anesthesia because there's not much you can

do about it. Just accept that you're going to be operating on low

batteries.

Good luck with your surgery!

>

> Hello All -

> I was recently diagnosed with cholesteatoma in my left ear and will

> be undergoing surgery next Monday. I 've never had a major surgery

> before and this really scares me. I have been reading about the

> headaches, drainage and numbness as post symptoms in many of the

> postings, I guess the post ops effects varies with every

individual.

> But typically, how long does it take before you are able to walk

> about or do normal things around the house? The doctor said I would

> be able to get back to work in about a week. Is that too

optimistic?

> Any advice would be really appreciated.

> Thank you!

> Sajit

January 4, 2005

Hi Sajit.

I've had 3 surgeries on my right ear and each time I was up and about within a day or so. You do have to take it easy though so as to not strain too much but I don't think it's too optimistic to say you'll be back at work in a week. I was usually back in a week to a week and a half. Good luck!

sajithgop <sajithgop@...> wrote:

Hello All -I was recently diagnosed with cholesteatoma in my left ear and will be undergoing surgery next Monday. I 've never had a major surgery before and this really scares me. I have been reading about the headaches, drainage and numbness as post symptoms in many of the postings, I guess the post ops effects varies with every individual. But typically, how long does it take before you are able to walk about or do normal things around the house? The doctor said I would be able to get back to work in about a week. Is that too optimistic? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thank you!Sajit

January 4, 2005

Good Luck you as well!!

> >

> > Hello All -

> > I was recently diagnosed with cholesteatoma in my left ear and

> will

> > be undergoing surgery next Monday. I 've never had a major

surgery

> > before and this really scares me. I have been reading about the

> > headaches, drainage and numbness as post symptoms in many of the

> > postings, I guess the post ops effects varies with every

> individual.

> > But typically, how long does it take before you are able to walk

> > about or do normal things around the house? The doctor said I

> would

> > be able to get back to work in about a week. Is that too

> optimistic?

> > Any advice would be really appreciated.

> > Thank you!

> > Sajit

January 4, 2005

I think it all depends on the procedure and the individual. My

Doctor told me to tell my work place that I'd be out for 2 weeks and

than if I was back in a week everyone would be happy. My case turned

out to be complicated with erosion to the brain and I ended up in the

hospital overnight. I returned to work tonight ( 3 weeks out) and

I still feel a bit out of sorts. I'm also in my forties....I think

age makes a diffrence as well. Because you work with computors, you

may be right back at it, I'm a waitress and my job sometimes

resembles a football game. Also, keep in mind that you only get

to " heal once " and this healing process is very important. You body

will tell you what's going on....relax and go with it.

>

> Hello All -

> I was recently diagnosed with cholesteatoma in my left ear and will

> be undergoing surgery next Monday. I 've never had a major surgery

> before and this really scares me. I have been reading about the

> headaches, drainage and numbness as post symptoms in many of the

> postings, I guess the post ops effects varies with every

individual.

> But typically, how long does it take before you are able to walk

> about or do normal things around the house? The doctor said I would

> be able to get back to work in about a week. Is that too

optimistic?

> Any advice would be really appreciated.

> Thank you!

> Sajit

March 18, 2008

Hi !

Wow - 9 days! That's coming up fast! Dr Rand is supposed to be a

great surgeon, so I am sure that you are in really good hands. As

far as your questions go, I can't answer all of them, but can try a

few:

For what to bring to the hospital, there is a file on this website

that some members had put together a while ago about this. Click on

the link below and scroll down to the " What to bring to the hospital "

file. I would add in there a cell phone. Check with your hospital

to see their policy, but my hospital (Northwestern Univ Hospital in

Chicago) allowed cell phone use in the patient rooms, and even though

I was told differently at first, they also allowed it in the ICU.

I waasn't on birth control, but you also commented about women

getting their periods in the hospital. I fully expected that and was

pleasantly surprised when I didn't get mine. I ended up not having a

period for a little over 5 months! So it CAN go the other way

sometimes, but you're right to assume that many women's bodies will

have a period brought on by such a traumatic surgery as spinal

revision.

I'm in a wheelchair for a different medical condition, so I don't

really go to the gym. However, you will have lifting restrictions

for quite a while after your surgery. I believe I had a 5lb limit

for the first 3 months, then they raised it to 20lbs. But the 20lb

limit wasn't meant for me to go lifting 20lbs on a regular basis! It

just meant that if I had to lift that much (about the weight of my

younger daughter), it would likely be safe to _occasionally_ do so.

I'm not sure how you define a " good workout " , but just remember to

not rush anything, clear it with your surgeon first, and remember

that you will have just gone through a HUGE ordeal that you don't

want to jeopardize by going to the gym and overdoing something.

Good luck with your upcoming surgery. What exactly will they be

doing during the surgeries?

>

> Hi,

>

> I am new to this group. I'm scheduled to have revision surgery

> and posterior, in the same day.

>

> I have a few questions and I was hoping that those who have gone

> through this already might provide some answers/advice:

>

> - What should I bring to the hospital? I'm assuming very

> comfortable clothes for when I can walk, my iPod, toiletries and

not

> much else.

>

> - For the females, what is the general feeling about birth control

> pills during the week of surgery? My ob/gyn thought I should

> probably go off since I would be lying around a lot (higher risk of

> blood clot with pills, I think). Dr. Rand said that I could stay

on

> but the surgery might bring on a period anyway.

>

> - Despite my pain, I'm still very active and have tried to continue

> exercising. I would love to hear from someone who made it through

> the surgery and is now able to work out at the gym...how long did

it

> take you to get back to a good workout?

>

> Thanks for any information and advice that you can provide. It's

> only 9 days away and I'm trying to stay calm and hope for the best.

>

March 18, 2008

Thanks for getting back to me, . It's good to hear from

someone who has been through it. I will take a look at the hospital

list. I know I will need to be patient for my recovery. Dr. Rand is

known to be cautious and will not let patients into physical therapy

sometimes until 6 months after their procedures.

During my anterior surgery, they will be replacing discs with cages.

During the posterior, they will clean up bone spurs that are causing

stenosis and then fuse my spine down to L5 by placing rods on either

side of my existing Harrington Rod and securing screws down into my

pelvis. They are also putting in some screws along my spine and will

try to connect the new rods to my Harrington Rod if possible. Fun

stuff.

Thanks.

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > I am new to this group. I'm scheduled to have revision surgery

> next

> > week with Dr. Rand. I will be having two surgeries,

> >

> > I have a few questions and I was hoping that those who have gone

> > through this already might provide some answers/advice:

> >

> > - What should I bring to the hospital? I'm assuming very

> > comfortable clothes for when I can walk, my iPod, toiletries and

> not

> > much else.

> >

> > - For the females, what is the general feeling about birth

control

> > pills during the week of surgery? My ob/gyn thought I should

> > probably go off since I would be lying around a lot (higher risk

of

> > blood clot with pills, I think). Dr. Rand said that I could stay

> on

> > but the surgery might bring on a period anyway.

> >

> > - Despite my pain, I'm still very active and have tried to

continue

> > exercising. I would love to hear from someone who made it

through

> > the surgery and is now able to work out at the gym...how long did

> it

> > take you to get back to a good workout?

> >

> > Thanks for any information and advice that you can provide. It's

> > only 9 days away and I'm trying to stay calm and hope for the

best.

> >

>

March 25, 2008

With me I started physical therapy with a nurse that came into my home after 1 week. I was in horrible pain and my doctor was horrified she'd done this with me. He said I wouldn't be ready until at least 6 months and only with "his" physical therapist at "his" physical therapy gym. Once I started it was a day by day basis. You don't want to overdue because you will have set backs from it. They said once I'd hit my 1 year mark I was safe to push a little harder. If you push before then you can really mess yourself up. My surgeon said he never wanted to go back in again. It was hard connecting the fusions because the disc had stopped growing. They were the size of a 12 yr old. My surgery took twice as long and they were only able to do it using the smallest size screw. Better to be safe than sorry with the gym. I'm able to do water therapy only. I'm sure others have better results on

here. Everyone is different. I'd listen to my body and then my doctor. Take care and I'll pray for you. Zade...starrc44 <starrc44@...> wrote: Thanks for getting back to me, . It's good to hear from someone who has been through it. I will take a look at the hospital list. I know I will need to be patient for my recovery. Dr. Rand is known to be cautious and will not let patients into physical therapy sometimes until 6 months after their

procedures.During my anterior surgery, they will be replacing discs with cages. During the posterior, they will clean up bone spurs that are causing stenosis and then fuse my spine down to L5 by placing rods on either side of my existing Harrington Rod and securing screws down into my pelvis. They are also putting in some screws along my spine and will try to connect the new rods to my Harrington Rod if possible. Fun stuff.Thanks.> >> > Hi,> > > > I am new to this group. I'm scheduled to have revision surgery > next > > week with Dr. Rand. I will be having two surgeries, anterior > > and posterior, in the same day.> > > > I have a few questions and I was hoping that those who have gone > > through this already might provide some answers/advice:> > > > - What should I bring to the hospital? I'm assuming very > > comfortable clothes for when I can walk, my iPod, toiletries and > not > > much else.> > > > - For the females, what is the general feeling about birth control > > pills during the week of

surgery? My ob/gyn thought I should > > probably go off since I would be lying around a lot (higher risk of > > blood clot with pills, I think). Dr. Rand said that I could stay > on > > but the surgery might bring on a period anyway. > > > > - Despite my pain, I'm still very active and have tried to continue > > exercising. I would love to hear from someone who made it through > > the surgery and is now able to work out at the gym...how long did > it > > take you to get back to a good workout?> > > > Thanks for any information and advice that you can provide. It's > > only 9 days away and I'm trying to stay calm and hope for the best.> > > > > >>

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

December 4, 2008

ï»¿

Dear ,

Here's wishing you tons of luck, you are in great hands and have prepared well. Will look forward to updates, and know we will all be thinking of you and sending good thoughts for a excellent surgery and recovery. Keep your eye on the prize, feeling better and being upright, it will help you through.

Colorado Springs

[ ] Surgery next week

Hi everyone,I leave tomorrow for St. Louis. We have rented an apartment there for a month. I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Bridwell on Dec. 9 and 11.The first day is about 7 hours. They will remove my old hardware. I have pedicle screws in 3 lumbar vertabrae. My rod was removed many years ago. Then they will do osteotomies on L1 and L2. Then all new hardware from T10 to the sacrum/pelvis. Two days later they will go in from my belly and fuse L5/S1 with the ALIF. They are anticipating a two to five hour surgery on that day. Two if they can get me straight enough at this point or an additional three hours if they have to go back in posteriorly for additional correction. I am currently fused from T9 to L5. It will be really nice to be able to stand up straight once more!Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Malone is my mentor. I will ask her to post my progress.I wish you all a happy, and healthy holiday season. D________________________________________PeoplePC OnlineA better way to Internethttp://www.peoplepc.com

December 4, 2008

I will post her progress. She meant Melinda instead of . I have her husband's number and e mail. Melinda

From: Drayton <ldrayton@...>Subject: [ ] Surgery next week" " < >Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 9:12 AM

Hi everyone,I leave tomorrow for St. Louis. We have rented an apartment there for a month. I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Bridwell on Dec. 9 and 11.The first day is about 7 hours. They will remove my old hardware. I have pedicle screws in 3 lumbar vertabrae. My rod was removed many years ago. Then they will do osteotomies on L1 and L2. Then all new hardware from T10 to the sacrum/pelvis. Two days later they will go in from my belly and fuse L5/S1 with the ALIF. They are anticipating a two to five hour surgery on that day. Two if they can get me straight enough at this point or an additional three hours if they have to go back in posteriorly for additional correction. I am currently fused from T9 to L5. It will be really nice to be able to stand up straight once more!Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Malone is my mentor. I will ask her to post my progress.I wish you all a happy, and

healthy holiday season. D____________ _________ _________ _________ _PeoplePC OnlineA better way to Internethttp://www.peoplepc .com

December 4, 2008

Good luck ! I wish you the best, and I look forward to hearing

your updates!

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I leave tomorrow for St. Louis. We have rented an apartment there

for a month. I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Bridwell on

Dec. 9 and 11.

> The first day is about 7 hours. They will remove my old hardware.

I have pedicle screws in 3 lumbar vertabrae. My rod was removed many

years ago. Then they will do osteotomies on L1 and L2. Then all new

hardware from T10 to the sacrum/pelvis. Two days later they will go

in from my belly and fuse L5/S1 with the ALIF. They are anticipating

a two to five hour surgery on that day. Two if they can get me

straight enough at this point or an additional three hours if they

have to go back in posteriorly for additional correction. I am

currently fused from T9 to L5.

>

> It will be really nice to be able to stand up straight once more!

>

> Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Malone is my

mentor. I will ask her to post my progress.

>

> I wish you all a happy, and healthy holiday season.

>

> D

>

> ________________________________________

> PeoplePC Online

> A better way to Internet

> http://www.peoplepc.com

>

December 4, 2008

,

I have you on our calendar and will be looking forward to hearing from

Melinda as things progreess over the next week. I know you will be in

very good hands and have very good care in the hospital. I also know

has an " email a patient " program...so expect to be haring from

us along the way!!

I know the next 24 hours may find you a little anxious...but try to

stay relaxed and get a good night sleep. I noticed that will

be in to see Bridwell on the 8th for her check up....maybe you two will

connect.

Know that I am thinking about you and sending my very strongest healing

thoughts!

Take Care, Cam

December 4, 2008

Hi Cam,

I have connected with . My husband and I are having lunch with , 's husband, and on Sunday in St. Louis. What a wonderful network you provide!!!! I had lunch with last time I was in St. Louis. Now I will have an opportunity to meet . We never would have connected without your forum. How comforting it is to meet people with similar afflictions! Thank you for all of your hard work. You have made it easier for a lot of us by helping us to cope with our situation. I am very grateful to you!!!!

D

[ ] Re: Surgery next week

,I have you on our calendar and will be looking forward to hearing from Melinda as things progreess over the next week. I know you will be in very good hands and have very good care in the hospital. I also know has an "email a patient" program...so expect to be haring from us along the way!!I know the next 24 hours may find you a little anxious...but try to stay relaxed and get a good night sleep. I noticed that will be in to see Bridwell on the 8th for her check up....maybe you two will connect.Know that I am thinking about you and sending my very strongest healing thoughts!Take Care, Cam

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

December 4, 2008

ï»¿

D,

I also want to extend my hopes for a good outcome, for you to have the least pain and discomfort as possible. Just think, when it is over & done, you're going to be looking at a brand new you in the mirror in the most positive way and will start regaining a better quality of life with newly discovered improvements when you might least expect them. I'm sure there will be a time or two that you'll wish you had a ball bat that could reach through the internet in an email that could bop me in the head when you're not having one of your best days but it will pass. With your previous surgical experience and the whole rollercoaster experience that we all have either just begun the ride, are mid-stream or have finished and have moved on with our new bodies to a new theme park in life, you'll hopefully find yourself finally off the rollercoaster, so to speak. I also want to say this... with the surgeon you have and everything I've read about him, I feel like you couldn't be in more capable hands in the whole gamut of the revision process and just knowing that has to very comforting. You know, the doctors who are in his league, when his patients are in the hospital, the nurses overseeing them have a tendency to provide extra care and attention to them. I don't know if the nurses are intimidated by the brilliance of those surgeons or fear the wrath of not providing the level of care that meets the surgeon's standards. Good doctors/surgeons generally demand the same level of in-hospital care from the staff as the demands they place on themselves as perfectionists.

So, from one to another, one of "us" to another, here's to a great outcome!

G

[ ] Re: Surgery next week

,I have you on our calendar and will be looking forward to hearing from Melinda as things progreess over the next week. I know you will be in very good hands and have very good care in the hospital. I also know has an "email a patient" program...so expect to be haring from us along the way!!I know the next 24 hours may find you a little anxious...but try to stay relaxed and get a good night sleep. I noticed that will be in to see Bridwell on the 8th for her check up....maybe you two will connect.Know that I am thinking about you and sending my very strongest healing thoughts!Take Care, Cam

________________________________________

PeoplePC Online

A better way to Internet

http://www.peoplepc.com

December 4, 2008

I am so excited to meet and her husband, and on Sunday.

is

right....this site has provided so many of us with the hope and help that we

have needed

throughout our journey. My husband, Dan, will take pictures of us and we will

post them.

Thank you for all the support you give all of us!!

December 5, 2008

Believe me, its not just my work, its the work of each and every one of

us that puts ourselves out there and helps " make the connection " . This

is the benefit that lurkers miss.

I love this forum and the people in it, but at the end of the day, what

I have enjoyed the most, and gotten the most from, is meeting the

people I have met through this forum live and in person. For that

reason alone, I hope that as many folks as possible decide to join us

in North Carolina this May. It puts a face on the names and reaffirms

the uniqueness of each of us.

I am so glad you have been able to build yourself a community of

friends that really understand what lies ahead for you. It really

helped me, and I know it will help you.

Best Wishes!

Cam

December 5, 2008

Hi ,

my thoughts are with you. It seems your in great hands with Bridwell.

What a great Christmas present to be able to stand up and tall again!

Take care.

>

> Dear ,

>

> Here's wishing you tons of luck, you are in great hands and have

prepared well. Will look forward to updates, and know we will all be

thinking of you and sending good thoughts for a excellent surgery and

recovery. Keep your eye on the prize, feeling better and being

upright, it will help you through.

>

> Colorado Springs

> [ ] Surgery next week

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I leave tomorrow for St. Louis. We have rented an apartment there

for a month. I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Bridwell on Dec.

9 and 11.