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I also wanted to point out that every experience is different. Because I had a difficult time doesn't mean you will. Ii don't mean to scare anyone off, but I don't see the merit in sugar coating ...

I had my surgery on February 5th and spent 6 days in the hospital. All I can say is wow. This was a tough surgery. I was in surgery for about 6 hours and woke up in the ICU on a ventilator - again...

Hey Tish!

Welcome. My name is Brandi and I also have congenital scoliosis. Mine went undetected until I was 29 y/o and was first diagnosed by my chiropractor. He drew on my xrays and was able...

Just wanted to let you know that I did not donate the second unit. I decided if I was able to donate I would despite the risks because I really wanted to be able to give my own blood (very stupid, I...

Sally and Linda,

Wow. I didn't realize my hemoglobin level would drop so significantly. I had the same issues two 1/2 years ago and was transfused with the 2 units I donated plus more donor...

Anya, I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you and your husband! May you have a happy and blessed pregnancy and an easy delivery.

I donated a unit of blood on Friday. My hemoglobin level was a 12 (you need a minimum of 11 to donate). It was a little low, but at least I was able to safely donate. I was extrememly sluggish all...

My surgeon has requested I donate 2 units - same as last time. Last time I was tranfused with the 2 units I donated plus 2-3 units of donor blood. I'm hoping it will be different this time. Thanks...

Today is my first autologous blood donation. I detest donating blood as I am very squeamish and creeped out by the whole blood thing. I tend to be on the anemic side, so I've been taking two iron...

Thanks!

Discombulated, I'd be interested in knowing what your experience was like. Did you post it on the forum? How long were you in the hospital? How does this recovery compare to that of...

I was actually referring to my personal blog (the link is contained in my signature).

Liz, do you know which surgery your surgeon plans to do? A laminectomy, fusion or both? Your recovery will largely depend on which type of surgery you have.

They had me up and walking 2 days...

Hi -

Like Sally, the pain caused by spinal stenosis was the reason I decided to have surgery as well. I had terrible pain in my right calf which ran down into my foot and big toe. I couldn't...

I am having a posterior fusion @ L2-L4, osteotomy @L3 and rod removal and reinstrumentation on February 5th, 2009 at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC by Dr. William Lauerman.

I spoke with Dr. Lauerman's nurse practicioner today and she told me that he plans to remove my Isola rods and replace them with Expedium rods. I understand they are fairly new and I have never...

So I had a CT scan and it turns out that the lump I felt in my back is hardware covered in scar tissue. Luckily, my surgeon plans to remove all of my existing instrumentation when I have my revision...

Mine doesn't move around. I've seen 2 doctors in two days and the first one thinks it's a cyst on my spine. The second one thinks it's a trigger point. I had a sonogram yesterday and the tech said...

It is actually above my tailbone. I am concerned that maybe my hardware is loose. I don't know. I don't want to jump the gun. It hurts to touch it and sitting down with my back against a chair...

I have been in a lot of pain lately. There's a spot almost at the base of my spine that hurts like mad to touch and you can feel a hard lump there. It feels like a bone. I am so tired of going to...

Meg -

I am still taking a low dose of MS-Contin due to pain in my mid and low back. I work full-time and by the time I get home in the evening, I'm spent. This is not how I want to live my life....

Thank you Linda. You are a wellspring of information. I appreciate it.

Chris - So good to see you on here! I hope you have/are recovering welll. Take Care!

Chris -

I don't know if you remember me, it's been quite some time since I've posted. I just wanted to say how happy I am to hear that your surgery was a success. I remember back when you felt...

Hi everyone -

I used to frequent these boards while preparing for my first surgery back in 2006. I don't see a lot of familiar names anymore so maybe I should take a moment to reintroduce myself....

...and never to the revision board. I guess I thought after having my surgery over 2 years ago, that I was finished. Well, guess what? Turns out I'm not finished at all. I have developed a...

Welcome back, Chris!!!

You sound like you are coming along beautifully. Keep up the good work and don't do too much too soon!

Brandi