RE: Re: Flatbacker seeking revision Doctor near KCMO

[Guest guest]

I don't have an exact date yet...end of June, beginning of July though in Manhatten. Taking the time to line things up beforehand. Part of my problem is that I am 5'6 110# and never ever gain weight. This surgery I hear takes at least 20 pounds off you? I would be barely alive. I am trying but not succeeding to gain weight. Yes I am one of those people.Pamela

From: deeahring@...Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:44:21 +0000Subject: [ ] Re: Flatbacker seeking revision Doctor near KCMO

Pamela,Thank you for your encouragement. When is your surgery?Wishing you all the best,Dee>> > Dee, I am 50, single with no family close by and facing revision this year....this group has helped me bit by bit, step by baby step, to be LESS afraid....and that is everything. > > Pamela> > > > > > > From: deeahring@...> Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:51:09 +0000> Subject: [ ] Flatbacker seeking revision Doctor near KCMO> > > > > > > Hi everyone my name is Dee - I'm 50 years old and I'm a fellow flatbacker who has finally come to terms with the fact that revision surgery is probably in my future. I have read many of your posts and can relate to the pain and hardships. My original surgery was done in 1974 by Dr. Marc Asher at KU Med- my curve was 72degree and was corrected to 12 degrees using the Harrington Rods. About 10 years ago I had a discetomy and laminectomy done by Doug Burton at KU which was able to bring my body back to a somewhat upright position. However since that time I've slowly been seeing signs of more and more forward leaning and the awful pain in the hips and knees because of it. My GP Dr has given me muscle relaxers & anti-inflamatory pills to help ease any discomfort- but the reality is the problem is still going to be there. So now I'm beginning the task of research and trying to educate myself in all I can while searching out a Physician who does the revision surgery (as I understand not many are qualified to do so. So to those of you who may be in my area who did your surgery for revision and how are you doing since having it? Any regrets? Things you would have done differently etc.? As I said I'm just beginning the long road towards revision and I want to be as informed as I can be so I can make good choices. I am single and don't have any family members close to help so I really need to make sure I don't go into this blindly. Thank you for your assistance.> > Dee > Independence, MO> 1974 - Fusion with Harrington Rods T2-L3- Dr Marc Asher KUMed> 2002- Discestomy & Laminectomy- Dr. Burton KUMed> > Phil 4:13>

[Guest guest]

I lived 3 hours from my surgeon.  I had surgery on a Thursday and was released on Monday.  This is highly unusual so don't expect it in your case.  My husband drove home which was again 3 hours.  We stopped frequently so I could get out and walk with the walker and rest.  I also kept medicated so I could endure the trip and I slept a lot in the Yukon.  You couldn't drive home but you would be able to ride home.  And I know that Bridwell and Lenke probably would not release you until a couple of weeks after surgery so it wouldn't be as hard on you as it was me.

PeggyOn Thu, Apr 14, 2011 at 12:39 PM, Delores <deeahring@...> wrote:

 

Actually I have thought about Dr. Bridwell or Lenke as they seem to be the closest to me that actually do this surgery. But a 4 hour trip to St. Louis for surgery and knowing that after surgery a drive back home would not be possible for a while-has me hoping that there is someone a bit closer. Those who have had to travel to have surgery - how long did you stay in the hospital? How long before you were able to travel back home? This is such a big decision and one that involves so much== any feedback would be appreciated.

>

> Hi Dee,

>

> Welcome to the group.

>

> I am sorry you are in the current difficulties, but I think its one of the first times that we have had a member join that is looking for help that actually lives in the same state as Drs Bridwell or Lenke. They are in StLouis, admittedly a little bit of a trip, but nothing compared to what most members have to go through to get to see them. They are probably at the top of everyones list that is looking for an excellent and comprehensive opinion on what can realistically be done for them. Those that have had surgery at GW seem very satisfied with the hospital care and I think everyone has been extremely pleased with their surgical results.

>

> The other source for potential doctors utilizing the Scoliosis Research Society's website (www.srs.org) which will help you find doctors who have the right interest in our particular malady and its potential repair.

>

> I hope this helps.

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dee - I had my revisions on 12-14-10 and 01-24-11. I was released from the hospita four days after my posterior surgery in December. I rode home in the back of my cousin's car for 300 miles. She filled the back of her car with pillows & I crawled in & slept like a baby. The PT warned me that I had to get out & walk every 90 minutes or I would be in excrutiating pain. I was released from the hospital 3 days after my anterior surgery in January. I chose to fly home. I had a REALLY bad experience with the wheelchair operator...I was travelling alone. Being wheeled around & having to sit & wait for the plane was difficult, plus I found the seats to be really uncomfortable. For me, the drive home was easier than flying..................................Kathy

From: Delores <deeahring@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Flatbacker seeking revision Doctor near KCMO Date: Thursday, April 14, 2011, 9:39 AM

Actually I have thought about Dr. Bridwell or Lenke as they seem to be the closest to me that actually do this surgery. But a 4 hour trip to St. Louis for surgery and knowing that after surgery a drive back home would not be possible for a while-has me hoping that there is someone a bit closer. Those who have had to travel to have surgery - how long did you stay in the hospital? How long before you were able to travel back home? This is such a big decision and one that involves so much== any feedback would be appreciated.>> Hi Dee,> > Welcome to the group.> > I am sorry you are in the current difficulties, but I think its one of the first times that

we have had a member join that is looking for help that actually lives in the same state as Drs Bridwell or Lenke. They are in StLouis, admittedly a little bit of a trip, but nothing compared to what most members have to go through to get to see them. They are probably at the top of everyones list that is looking for an excellent and comprehensive opinion on what can realistically be done for them. Those that have had surgery at GW seem very satisfied with the hospital care and I think everyone has been extremely pleased with their surgical results.> > The other source for potential doctors utilizing the Scoliosis Research Society's website (www.srs.org) which will help you find doctors who have the right interest in our particular malady and its potential repair.> > I hope this helps.> > Take Care, Cam>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dee! I’m so glad you’re getting as informed as possible. Knowledge is power! I live in the Illinois side of St. Louis, about 30 minutes to Hospital, where Dr. Bridwell practices. I feel so fortunate to have him right here. I’m 66 years old, had my original  fusions in 1991, (T10-L-5)  subsequently developed flatback, and in June 2009 had the first 2 revision surgeries, where Dr. Bridwell removed a lot of the old hardware, replacing it & putting in a couple of cages lower lumbar & fusing me to the sacrum. I had posterior first & then anterior 2 days later. I was totally thrilled with my results. I went back to work after 4 weeks. (but I own the small company, so I have a different motivation than most.) But you asked about thoracic surgery. Feb. 1, 2011 I had surgery again with Dr. Bridwell  to fuse the thoracic vertebrae T2 to T-1-T-10. It wasn’t a revision parse, but Dr. B & his staff said it was as complicated as a revision and had the same precautions, so it was fair to call it a revision. He straitened my thoracic  curve from 77 degrees to 62, so I’m still not totally straight but I’m very happy with the results. My head is now back where it belongs—above my shoulders—and my balance is far better.  I am just now 2 ½ months out from surgery. I think my biggest joy is being able to sleep on my back, which I hadn’t been able to do for years without excruciating pain.                                                                                                                                             I worked from home via computer & staff meetings at my house so I could stay in touch. I went back to the office at the beginning of 5 weeks, part-time, & didn’t sit for too long. I’d pace around the office. I learned to accept the healing powers of a nap, so I’d go home & nap. The pain post-surgery was well-controlled by the meds they had me on, until a couple of weeks ago, after the surgical pain was largely gone, when my shoulders front & back really hurt. Dr. B said some people have this & some do not—it’s pain from everything in my shoulders that were hunched far forward protesting against being pulled back. I was downing the pain meds & Flexoril pretty fast. But that only lasted about 10 days. This week I almost feel normal! No—way better than normal! I’m not taking a pain pill till the end of the day, which is a miracle for me. As far as going to work, that’s really individual, I think. And remember that I’m the boss, so I have lots of latitude with m time. The biggest thing for me is the lack of pain. I’ve been in pain for 20 years, and now I actually can see the light at the end of that tunnel. Sorry this is so long!! Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. Aside from the surgery itself, this group is the best thing that has happened to me. DorcasSt. LouisFrom: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Sent: Sunday, April 17, 2011 6:14 PM Subject: [ ] Re: Flatbacker seeking revision Doctor near KCMO Hi Again, Dee. I'm glad you are considering Dr. Bridwell. I also have a sitting job...I sit behind the microscope all day looking for cancer, so it is somewhat the same situation, although I work 2 hours away from home, so I drive 2 hours on Tues, stay in a hotel for 3 nights and drive home on Fridays. I was, as was Dr. Bridwell, more concerned about the driving rather than my job. I stayed off work for about 4 months, I believe. When I went back to work, I had to stop and get out and walk during my drive to and from. Dr. Bridwell also wanted me to get up every half hour from the sitting position and walk around a little bit. My Medical Director was very understanding and this wasn't a problem for me. I still get up every 1/2 hour or so.....I've had 2 hip surgeries in the last 2 years, so it helps with that, also, but it's just better for your body, anyway. I received short term disability while I was off which helped with expenses. Of course, the time off of work varies for each individual, but this is what I experienced. I was really pleased to get back to work....it did take time to work into full time, so I would go back to the hotel and rest some during the day, at first. It didn't take long to get back into the work mode, and I felt so much better than I had for years before my surgery, so it was really such a relief. Lots of prayers and good wishes sent your way!> > >> > > Hi everyone my name is Dee - I'm 50 years old and I'm a fellow flatbacker who has finally come to terms with the fact that revision surgery is probably in my future. I have read many of your posts and can relate to the pain and hardships. My original surgery was done in 1974 by Dr. Marc Asher at KU Med- my curve was 72degree and was corrected to 12 degrees using the Harrington Rods. About 10 years ago I had a discetomy and laminectomy done by Doug Burton at KU which was able to bring my body back to a somewhat upright position. However since that time I've slowly been seeing signs of more and more forward leaning and the awful pain in the hips and knees because of it. My GP Dr has given me muscle relaxers & anti-inflamatory pills to help ease any discomfort- but the reality is the problem is still going to be there. So now I'm beginning the task of research and trying to educate myself in all I can while searching out a Physician who does the revision surgery (as I understand not many are qualified to do so. So to those of you who may be in my area who did your surgery for revision and how are you doing since having it? Any regrets? Things you would have done differently etc.? As I said I'm just beginning the long road towards revision and I want to be as informed as I can be so I can make good choices. I am single and don't have any family members close to help so I really need to make sure I don't go into this blindly. Thank you for your assistance.> > > > > > Dee > > > Independence, MO> > > 1974 - Fusion with Harrington Rods T2-L3- Dr Marc Asher KUMed> > > 2002- Discestomy & Laminectomy- Dr. Burton KUMed> > > > > > Phil 4:13> > >> >>