Did anyone write notes to their family before their surgery -- you know, the "to be opened in the event of my...." kind?? I know it seems rather melodramatic, but in light of the unusual tragedy we all witnessed recently, I've been thinking about it. I wonder if it would make me feel better or worse. Oi vay.
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Singer,
I had both a Will and a Power of Atterney drawn up...just in case . I brought a copy of my request of (I forgot what it is called) of what to do medically if I'm unable to make a decision about end of life issues. It is a smart thing to do. It relives the family of making those kind of decisions for you and gives them the knowledge that they are doing what you wanted.SandyC
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My hospital sends a copy of an Advanced Directive to every incoming patient. You can fill out as much or as little as you like, change wording or create your own, but it is best to have something like this on file with both your hospital, doctor's office and attorney's office should anything happen to you.
As for writing letters to loved ones expressing my love and feelings for them...no I didn't do that. I wanted to go in with as much of a positive attitude as possible. We learned in our relaxation class that studies have shown that people who go into sugery thinking positive thoughts about recovery have much better recoveries than those who go in thinking negatively and I think that writing letters like that would definitely have had me thinking negatively.
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Heidi -- Sometimes it seems like a fine line for me between thinking negatively and simply being realistic. I actually believe that I will be fine with this surgery because I trust Dr. Boachie. But there's also something about facing the ultimate "what-if" that I would not call negative, exactly....perhaps because I have a certain amount of faith. I would even say there is a bit of a release in it -- like -- instead of being AFRAID to think about it, I can just think about it -- and move on.
Yeah, I have a tendency to overanalyze (gee-- do ya think??!)! So now I'm going to sit down and watch some mindless TV.....Chris
A/P fusion on June 19, 2007 at age 52; T10-L5
Pre-op thoracolumbar curve: 70 degrees
Post-op curve: 12 degrees
Dr. Boachie-adjei, HSS, New York
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I had an advanced directive, but didn't write anything personal to anyone. I refused to let my mind even go there.
Chris, I don't think planning for the what-if's are a bad or negative thing. We all know it can happen especially after Trudy's tragedy. I just personally couldn't allow myself to consider it as a possibility.Last edited by bbest; 03-29-2007, 06:05 PM.Brandi
Congenital Scoliosis, 58* lumbar curve
Combined Anterior/Posterior Spinal Fusion w/Laminectomy May 22, 2006
L1-S1
Dr. William Lauerman
Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy @ L3, Posterior Spinal Fusion L2-L4, rod removal with re-instrumentation T10-S1 and Laminectomy February 5, 2009 to correct flatback
http://brandi816.wordpress.com/
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Originally posted by SingerHeidi -- Sometimes it seems like a fine line for me between thinking negatively and simply being realistic. I actually believe that I will be fine with this surgery because I trust Dr. Boachie. But there's also something about facing the ultimate "what-if" that I would not call negative, exactly....perhaps because I have a certain amount of faith. I would even say there is a bit of a release in it -- like -- instead of being AFRAID to think about it, I can just think about it -- and move on.
Yeah, I have a tendency to overanalyze (gee-- do ya think??!)! So now I'm going to sit down and watch some mindless TV.....
Chris,
I thought I was the only one thinking about this! I'm going to write those notes. I consider myself, like you, more of a realistic person and not necessarily negative. I guess we have to realize that something may happen and if it does I'd like to be prepared and make sure my family knows how I felt. I've lost too many people suddenly and never really got closure. This will give closure to those I may leave behind.
OK, I'm getting a little dramatic now too. Back to the mindless TV....MishP
38 y/o
Diagnosed with Scoliosis at age 6 - Bracing didn't help
Brace off at age 12
Saw Chiropractor/massage therapist
Pre-op
Upper Curve - 115 degrees
Lower Curve - 85 degrees
9/18/07 Anterior/posterior surgery w/Dr. Boachie-Adjei
Fused T2-L3
Not sure of post-op correction
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This is a wonderful idea! I hadn't thought of it, but with two small girls, this could be really nice for them one day - even it everthing goes well.
Ann44 year old female
Surgery on Nov. 1, 2010
Dr. Darrell Hanson, Methodist Hospital
Posterior Only, 9 hours
Presurgical: T 61 Degrees, L 58 degrees, with 15 degrees of thoracolumbar rotation
Postsurgical: T 26, L 25
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Hi Chris,
The only thing I did before my surgery was write a note stating I wanted my body to be donated to a teaching hospital for scoliosis research.
I didn't tell anyone, I just assumed if something happened, they would find it.
I know how hard you took this tradegy!!! But I also know that, that outcome can result from ANY surgery, and that it is very REMOTE!!!
If writing something down makes you feel better, then do it!!!
When I first joined this forum, I privately corresponded with someone that is no longer here, and one of the questions she told me to ask my Dr. was, if anyone had ever died on him. It's a valid question!!!
I understand how easy it is to focus on the negative, and how hard it is to push in the positive, at times. I hope you know you are not alone!!!
My heart goes out to you, because the knowledge we gain here can be both insightful and frightening!!! I wish I could give you a big hug!!!
Shari
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I didn't write letters, but I made sure that I went round and said my goodbyes to everyone, just incase. I have got to go back into surgery again soon due to a complication with the hardware, so I might this time.Anterior surgery 18th Jan 07
Fused from T8 to T12 with 2 ribs removed
Surgery was done by Mr Harrison and his team at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, England
Revision posterior surgery on 26th April 07 to remove protruding rib stumps
No longer wearing a Stanmore custom hard backed brace
Posterior surgery on 18th August 08 due to non fusion of first op and further kyphosis. Two rods from T2 to T12
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Thanks for all your responses. Call me crazy, but I feel so much better after having brought this up. It's very good to know I'm not the only one thinking about this.
I just want to make it clear that intellectually I truly believe that everything will be fine and my surgery will be successful. It's the emotional part that's up for grabs. I'm starting to come around, though, thanks to being able to vent on this forum. So glad you guys are here.Chris
A/P fusion on June 19, 2007 at age 52; T10-L5
Pre-op thoracolumbar curve: 70 degrees
Post-op curve: 12 degrees
Dr. Boachie-adjei, HSS, New York
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Write or not?
Well I did all of it. I'm a single mom and didn't want my girls left hanging. I wrote a will, advance directive and power of attorney. I have a 26 year old and a 12 year old. I'm very practical and felt I should of done this much sooner. Like before I needed an operation. I also wrote each of my daughters letters and was by far the hardest thing I have ever done. I lost my dad at an early age and wish I had something from him. I took it all to the bank the day before the operation and had it notorized. Gave the hospital the advance dir. and went in the op room with a clear mind knowing I made all the hard calls and left that up to no one. I also called my best friend and told her so she could help my daughter if any scary calls had to be made. So do whats in your heart. Having everything in order gives me peace.LoisLois
T4 to T11 surgery???
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