Twin Cities Spine Center

[Emmaleah]

Has anyone here ever dealt with the twin cities spine center in Minneapolis or any of the doctors there? Currently, I am living in North Dakota, where there are no scoliosis specialist. I have just made an appointment for a consultation in Minneapolis at the spine center with Dr. Perra and was hoping that someone out there could give me some feedback about this office or surgeries anyone has gone through with them.

Also, another question... lately I have been in a ton of pain from my back and, as you can see from the consultation I have made, am seriously considering surgery. But, I have a couple obstacles in my way. First, I am a graduate student. I am getting my education paid for because I am also teaching a couple courses. First personal concern (which I think I have to decide for myself) is should I wait until I am done with school? That will be at least a year an a half.

The other question I have is this... I am currently in a relationship and we are trying to make a timeline of when we should get married. We have talked about next Fall. The question is, do you all think it would be best to get the surgery done, say, in the summer when I will be able to not do anything for 3-4 months, or wait until after I am married?

I guess a lot depends on what the doctor says, but I was just looking for advice from those of you whom have been through this.


Thanks!

[Jacque's Mom]

Emmaleah - I sent you a private message. Lynn

[sweetness514]

Emmaleah...

I had to cancel my wedding when a lot was planned(right when we were to send inviations), cuz I had too much pain and needed surgery.

I ended up having to have revision surgery 1 year post op so it was delayed two years, but if all goes well post op I would suggest waiting 6 months to a year at least, since you want to heal first, concentrate on building strenght and then plan the wedding, no to mention the wedding dress(depending on what kind) is heavy and the stress of a wedding is time and emotionally consuming. I was in pain at the end of my wedding day, but that was in the wee hours of the night after I danced and had a long day, so everybody was stressed too and tired at 5 am, :eek: ;)

You only know if your body can deal with this now or if you need to get surgery first, depending on the level of your pain.

[brat]

hi Emmaleah

I had a neck fusion with plate and screws c5-c7 in 2002 with Dr. Wood with great results he is no longer there.I had a thoracic t3 to l1 fusion with rods and screws left discs in, straighten thoracic spine from 65 to 35 degrees; also lumbar fusion l3-l4 and l5-s1 with rods and screws had this 11 hour surgery on sept 21st with Dr. Pinto i just started physical therepy i would recommend dr. pinto haven't heard of you're doctor you're seeing.


i would recommend doing surgery before marriage for me the problems with my spine cost me my marriage. not saying that would happen to you but it puts alot of strain on relationship.


I've been having RLS problems more since surgery had it before but got more intense now also i have fibromyagia

wishing you the best Dave

you can email with questions if you want