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  • 2nd opinion

    Well today I went to Westmead Hospital to see a surgeon for a second opinion. Well, I am feeling very bad right now.

    The surgeon told me I had micro fractures in my lumbar spine and that he does not recommend surgery as he would have to fuse me from the pelvis all the way to the top thoracic vertebrae. He told me to come back in 20 years

    I asked him about whether nursing would be a wise career for me and he kind of shrugged and said that it might not be the best idea. I feel really lost at the moment. I start back at uni tomorrow, and I don't know what the hell to do.

    He remeasured my cobb angle and it was thoracic 38 and lumbar 36, which is completely different than the other surgeon’s measurements of 40L 25T. What the hell is up with that?

    I found this particular surgeon very unhelpful, distant and uninterested. He not only got my $250, but a big chunk of my hope too.

    Sorry for being such a wiener, but I am just feeling so bad at the moment, just don't know what to do anymore. To ad to that my brother, in his thoughtless manner called me mr disability which cut to the bone. I know he didn't mean it but it really affected me.
    45L/40T
    Surgery 25/1/2010
    Australia

    Knowthyself

    Scoliosis Corrected 25/1/2010 by Dr Angus Gray, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Sydney. Fused T3-L4.

  • #2
    I found this particular surgeon very unhelpful, distant and uninterested. He not only got my $250, but a big chunk of my hope too.

    Jimbo,

    If you found this surgeon to be unhelpful, distant and uniterested that would be a good indication that you need to disregard his opinion and get another one. If he really was that disinterested why bother worrying about what he thought? There are a lot of good surgeons out there that truly care about their patients and are willing to take the time that is needed for you to ask your questions and to feel comfortable with any decision you make regarding your condition. Just remember this is a big decision to have surgery and you need to pick a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and trust. Don't waste good energy on surgeons that don't meet your needs, just look for the ones that do!!! Good luck, hope all works out for you.
    Susan

    Diagnosed at 10, Boston brace from 11-13 yrs old.
    50* Lumbar w/ 5 centimeter shift to the left and slight rib hump...
    Surgery Date: April 15 and April 22, 2009
    X-LIF approach for disc repair L5,L4,L3,L2
    Posterior Approach for fusions L5-T5
    Dr. Fox @ Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
    Nice and straight now!!!!!

    Comment


    • #3
      COME BACK IN 20 YEARS???? Is he out of his MIND???? I'm not sure of your age, but even if you're in your 20's I'd recommend having it checked at LEAST every 5 years to check for progression. At least that's what I wish I had done...

      Sheesh Jimbo, I'm sorry you had such a miserable visit. 38 and 40 degrees don't sound like much to worry about but 36 vs. 25 sure is quite significant. When were you at the other surgeon's to get the original measurements? Were these both spine specialists?

      I agree with the other response that you should try another doctor. Remember, there are lots of "Dr. Dumbells" out there. Some are just plain STUPID and some just have no bedside manner. Sounds like your guy needs help in both areas.

      ((Hugs))
      __________________________________________
      Debbe - 50 yrs old

      Milwalkee Brace 1976 - 79
      Told by Dr. my curve would never progress

      Surgery 10/15/08 in NYC by Dr. Michael Neuwirth
      Pre-Surgury Thorasic: 66 degrees
      Pre-Surgery Lumbar: 66 degrees

      Post-Surgery Thorasic: 34 degrees
      Post-Surgery Lumbar: 22 degrees

      Comment


      • #4
        Jimbo- amen to the other 2 replies!!!!! They are right on. And about your brother. That is sad he said something like that and just shows how uneducated people are about scoliosis unless they unfortunately have reason to BE educated. Thank goodness for this website where others truly understand and empathize. It can help you silently think "I know you meant no real harm and are clueless how you just affected me" and try to smile and keep loving them anyway.
        Nancy Joy

        Surgery- Posterior- Oct. 8th, 2008
        Anterior- Nov. 10th, 2008
        Age 54
        T10 to Sacrum
        Curve 65 degrees
        Very straight now!!!

        Comment


        • #5
          Thanks guys, your words really do help alot.

          In regards to the surgeon, I was just shocked because he was accredited by Scol Research Society - he had the lil plaques all over his wall. Oh, well, he can kiss my ass! I aint gonna let him get me down.

          I already think I have the right surgeon, Dr Gray, but I just wanted a second opinion.

          I suppose I have to realise that this Dr is seeing young children all day much much worse than me, and he probably just didn't want to take my case on board.

          I also think we go into these appointments expecting miracles, but that just aint the way the universe works, most of the time anyway.

          Hope you are all doing very well
          45L/40T
          Surgery 25/1/2010
          Australia

          Knowthyself

          Scoliosis Corrected 25/1/2010 by Dr Angus Gray, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Sydney. Fused T3-L4.

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Jimbo View Post
            Thanks guys, your words really do help alot.

            In regards to the surgeon, I was just shocked because he was accredited by Scol Research Society - he had the lil plaques all over his wall. Oh, well, he can kiss my ass! I aint gonna let him get me down.

            Good for you Jimbo; don't let that jerk get you down. Someone can have all the plaques in the world all over his wall and still be a JERK.
            __________________________________________
            Debbe - 50 yrs old

            Milwalkee Brace 1976 - 79
            Told by Dr. my curve would never progress

            Surgery 10/15/08 in NYC by Dr. Michael Neuwirth
            Pre-Surgury Thorasic: 66 degrees
            Pre-Surgery Lumbar: 66 degrees

            Post-Surgery Thorasic: 34 degrees
            Post-Surgery Lumbar: 22 degrees

            Comment


            • #7
              [QUOTE=Jimbo;72802]
              I suppose I have to realise that this Dr is seeing young children all day much much worse than me, and he probably just didn't want to take my case on board.

              Hi Jimbo,
              I'm sorry this guy didn't give you any hope. I would think it best if you get a second opinion from someone who specializes in adults. I am sure there is a big difference stabilizing a young spine and stabilizing an adult spine. We are not nearly as flexible. Good luck. Sally
              Diagnosed with severe lumbar scoliosis at age 65.
              Posterior Fusion L2-S1 on 12/4/2007. age 67
              Anterior Fusion L3-L4,L4-L5,L5-S1 on 12/19/2007
              Additional bone removed to decompress right side of L3-L4 & L4-L5 on 4/19/2010
              New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, MA
              Dr. Frank F. Rands735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/butterflyfive/

              "In God We Trust" Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.

              Comment


              • #8
                Jim,

                I think you need to stop payment on your visit and when they call you about it tell them to check back in 20 years!! OMG, What a jerk. I was mad reading this. Unfortuanally there are Dr's. out there like this even with all the credentials hanging on the wall. I bet there was no "Compassion" credential. If you feel he didn't want to take your case that stinks, he sure took your money. Did you tell him he was a 2nd opinion? Not that it should matter...

                As for the crack about disability, my Husband thought I should apply! I could go back to dental assisting, I just don't want to! Heck I could do almost anything that wouldn't require HEAVY lifting or running. (Running feels weird, I am fused T-10 to L4) Brush it off, everyone seems amazed we live through this surgery let alone flourish!

                Best wishes, Suzy


                Fused 2/22/06 was 49* Lumbar now 8*

                Comment


                • #9
                  Jim

                  This was just a little trip in the road and hell you didn't even fall down. If nursing is your passion, then do it. Do what you want to do, and don't look back for a second.

                  I had double 50s at age 16, and I kept going. The Docs told me no skiing 33 years ago. My response was the exact same response that Anthony Hopkins gave the Doctor in the movie "The worlds fastest Indian"

                  Watch the movie,great flick!
                  Ed
                  49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
                  Pre surgery curves T70,L70
                  ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
                  Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

                  Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
                  http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

                  My x-rays
                  http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

                  http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Thanks Ed!

                    And Suzy, I love that idea LOL. Will pay you in twenty years. That would be the ultimate comeback X()

                    Bless you all
                    45L/40T
                    Surgery 25/1/2010
                    Australia

                    Knowthyself

                    Scoliosis Corrected 25/1/2010 by Dr Angus Gray, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Sydney. Fused T3-L4.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      that really is a great movie and it was just on again this week. i have a problem with the expression "he/she didn't mean anything by it." Well if that's the case, then they wouldn't say it or they would apologize. We give people too much of a break when they say really hurtful things, which we excuse with the aforementioned statement. ok down from the pedestal.
                      avis
                      1987 Lumbar Laminectomy (forget which levels)
                      2005 A/P fusion, L2 - L5, 2/2005
                      2009 2 Posterior fusions, T6 - Pelvis, 2/10 & 2/18,
                      Dr. Frank Rand, NEBH

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I must say Avis, I agree with you! Were has the accountability gone these days. Seems we are always forgiving people who are idiots. This doctor clearly did not have your best interest in mind and you ARE paying him. Scrap him off the bottom of your shoes and move on to find a great doc that wants to be involved with your case! Stay positive and put this doc out of your mind, he is not worth the your time or effort.

                        Sorry folks, just not feeling forgiving today)
                        Susan

                        Diagnosed at 10, Boston brace from 11-13 yrs old.
                        50* Lumbar w/ 5 centimeter shift to the left and slight rib hump...
                        Surgery Date: April 15 and April 22, 2009
                        X-LIF approach for disc repair L5,L4,L3,L2
                        Posterior Approach for fusions L5-T5
                        Dr. Fox @ Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
                        Nice and straight now!!!!!

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Awww - Sorry Jimbo!

                          That's sad and very rude of the surgeon to say that to you!
                          I use this Dr for my Daughter, have found him to be an excellent surgeon, but he is a little odd in his comments sometimes!
                          I'm not trying to defend him but maybe....... he meant by the "come back in 20 years comment" - that to try and fix you was so risky that he'd prefer you to get another 20 years out of your back before he really felt it worth the risk! I don't know - but maybe.

                          Elysia's surgery was not totally successful and now she has to have further surgery down the track to extend her fusion! I went to Dr Angus Gray for a 2nd opinion with him - and found his bedside manner EXCELLENT!!! Much more friendlier and much more talkative!!!!! I would say he's your man! But... on saying that he told us we were in excellent hands with Dr Cree!

                          I guess for him - life as a surgeon is so frustrating - as parents front up with their kids - he suggests surgery - they decline - and the child returns in 10-15 years as an adult and requests "fix me please" - Not saying that happened in your case Jimbo - but it must get frustrating for them.


                          I'm saddened to hear that you've had such a bad experience! Try to keep your chin up - stick with Dr Gray, although getting to his rooms was a nightmare for me all the way on the other side of town - hope your much closer than I am!!!

                          Hugs from Aussie to Aussie
                          xx
                          Elysia 16 in Feb 2010
                          Sydney - Australia
                          Feb 2008 Fused T5-L1 and 5 ribs removed.
                          Dec 2009 - Crankshafting
                          Dec 10 - Revision surgery...3 vertebrae taken down, hooks removed, at T11-L1 - screws inserted, fusion extended down to
                          L3 using Pedicle screws, some rib removed to try to derotate. Praying for things to settle.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Thanks Aussiemum
                            45L/40T
                            Surgery 25/1/2010
                            Australia

                            Knowthyself

                            Scoliosis Corrected 25/1/2010 by Dr Angus Gray, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Sydney. Fused T3-L4.

                            Comment

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