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Saw Dr Today About Kyphosis
Took my new x-rays to Dr Fry. I saw the report by the radiologist for the first time which acknowledges the kyphososis as well as disc degeneration, etc. The disc issues are due to my arthritis, according to Dr Fry. My original surgery and implementation looks just dandy, but I do have a 68 degree kyphotic curve and he asked what I wanted to do. I said "well, I would like to get it surgically repaired so I can stand/walk upright again without pain." He said he could certainly help me with that, but if I were his wife, he wouldn't want me to go that route. He went on to say that there is a chance that I could get the surgery done and later on the NECK could fall forward--no guarantees. I asked about fusing the neck as well and he said "you'd be stiff as a board!" Hell, I don't know so I just threw it out there. When I asked if it would be a "lesser" surgery than last time he said no. In fact he would remove all the old hardware, and still have to enter the front on my upper chest. I blinked several times taking it all in. "Really?!" I said. I was thinking he could just fix my upper area through the back only as a separate deal, and I would head on home, not only barely worse for the wear, but also straight and happy.
He suggested I get second opinions from his collegues at UC Davis, one of whom is Dr Grupta. I mentioned Dr M in Reno as suggested by Titatiumed, and he said yes; why not go there first since it's closer and see what he has to say. He said if I decided to move forward with the surgery, he would take more x-rays to let me know the degree of improvment I could expect, but reiterated that he would not have his own wife take this route at this time.
I am at once relieved yet very disappointed. When he left the room to determine a "value" for my curve, I continued to review the radiologist's report. I was surprised to see that the rad Dr discovered a "possible upper lung nodule" and suggested further evaluation with a CT. WHAT THE....!!!!
So, I left the office nearly in tears, Dr Fry saying he'd talk with the CT and Dr M folks and have them call me with appts. My head is spinning, but it has been for the last month or so since I decided to venture forth and see what I could do. I really can't imagine going through the massive surgery only to possibly have it not be enough, if I'm lucky enough to survive the damn thing, and have to do it again possibly all the way up my neck. But even more concerning is the possible "thingy" in my lung.
A very stressful day, and I wanted to let you all know.. and of course, want to hear any and all comments or experiences you are having that might shed some light on any of this.
Regards,
Sharon
He suggested I get second opinions from his collegues at UC Davis, one of whom is Dr Grupta. I mentioned Dr M in Reno as suggested by Titatiumed, and he said yes; why not go there first since it's closer and see what he has to say. He said if I decided to move forward with the surgery, he would take more x-rays to let me know the degree of improvment I could expect, but reiterated that he would not have his own wife take this route at this time.
I am at once relieved yet very disappointed. When he left the room to determine a "value" for my curve, I continued to review the radiologist's report. I was surprised to see that the rad Dr discovered a "possible upper lung nodule" and suggested further evaluation with a CT. WHAT THE....!!!!
So, I left the office nearly in tears, Dr Fry saying he'd talk with the CT and Dr M folks and have them call me with appts. My head is spinning, but it has been for the last month or so since I decided to venture forth and see what I could do. I really can't imagine going through the massive surgery only to possibly have it not be enough, if I'm lucky enough to survive the damn thing, and have to do it again possibly all the way up my neck. But even more concerning is the possible "thingy" in my lung.
A very stressful day, and I wanted to let you all know.. and of course, want to hear any and all comments or experiences you are having that might shed some light on any of this.
Regards,
Sharon
Cervical stenosis op'd 3-07, minimally invasive
Yes, looking up the lung thingy, I find that they are not only common, but mostly benign. Wish I didn't have to spend the big $$ on a CT scan to find out, but there ya go. I really do respect my spine surgeon, and think he has my best interests at heart, but he can't walk in my shoes and feel how I feel from day to day. He definitely wants me to seek other opinions, and I feel even more confident in him for that. I'll see the Reno doc, then perhaps the so-called "deformity" experts at UC Davis. I was going to say forget the whole thing, but how can one forget when one has to stoop over and need a cane just to retrieve the mail? Don't know if I could handle becoming "worse" after a surgery, but don't want to accept that this is it either. I am very blessed in so many ways. I have a wonderful husband and family, and a few good friends who really care. But ultimately, the decision will be mine alone, and I intend to make the best choice possible after getting the best information available to me. Wonder why Doc feels that he needs to remove the old hardware for this new venture? I'll definitely ask that next time, wasn't quick enough on the draw this last time.
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