Questions about upcomming surgery how do I prepare??

[Singer]

Just to chime in and say that yes, Dr. Boachie is a superb surgeon. The only caveat I have is that his hospital (HSS) is a hectic, busy place with overworked and sometimes grumpy nurses, so I always tell people to try to book a night nurse (or nurse's aide) for a few days. You can book the nurse through Boachie's nurse/secretary, Lindy. It's worth every penny if you can swing it.

My pain was managed quite well in the hospital, even though the surgery is no picnic. I don't remember a lot, which is probably a good thing. Good luck to you!!

[CindiBarna]

Dear Singer
Can I call you?
or you call me? 1-914-779-1625
thanks
Cindi Barna

[CindiBarna]

Good luck Lu!!
You will do great Tuesday!

Please tell how your surgery went.
saying a prayer
Cindi

Cindi

Hi Cindi, Saw Dr. wed. and doing surgery Tues. 21. He has to stbiblize, the disc at the sacrum, it is a hard disc to fuse, so he is going in the front to fuse it on the inside, and when I saw the X-rays, I could see what he means. They go in front many times, many people on this site have had that done. Lu

[CindiBarna]

Would you get a nurse while in ICU? or after? They told me I would be there for the first three days. This is all getting very very scary for me. Hard to imagine! Please let me know
thank you
Cindi

Just to chime in and say that yes, Dr. Boachie is a superb surgeon. The only caveat I have is that his hospital (HSS) is a hectic, busy place with overworked and sometimes grumpy nurses, so I always tell people to try to book a night nurse (or nurse's aide) for a few days. You can book the nurse through Boachie's nurse/secretary, Lindy. It's worth every penny if you can swing it.

My pain was managed quite well in the hospital, even though the surgery is no picnic. I don't remember a lot, which is probably a good thing. Good luck to you!!

[LindaRacine]

Would you get a nurse while in ICU? or after? They told me I would be there for the first three days. This is all getting very very scary for me. Hard to imagine! Please let me know
thank you
Cindi

I can't imagine that you would ever need a private nurse in the ICU. The nurse to patient ratio in most ICUs is something like 1 to 3. After my surgery in January, I went to a step down unit, and I don't recall ever having to wait for a nurse to arrive. (Of course, it's entirely possible that I never even called for a nurse, as I remember very little from those days.)

Did Dr Boachie tell you why you'd be in ICU? Chest tube? It's good to know in advance that you'll be there. After my first scoli surgeries 20 years ago, I woke up in the ICU (and on a respirator), and it really scared me, as I wasn't expecting it.

Lines

[CindiBarna]

He said two plus days in ICU. Dr B said I will have the tube down my throat until the morning. Hopefully they will keep me asleep. That alone sounds very scary. I will ask the pain management Dr. about that, just to make sure I will be asleep.
Saw Dr Cammisa and Dr Girardi today for a second opinion. Very different approaches/ and diff opinions. Confused.
Cindi

I can't imagine that you would ever need a private nurse in the ICU. The nurse to patient ratio in most ICUs is something like 1 to 3. After my surgery in January, I went to a step down unit, and I don't recall ever having to wait for a nurse to arrive. (Of course, it's entirely possible that I never even called for a nurse, as I remember very little from those days.)

Did Dr Boachie tell you why you'd be in ICU? Chest tube? It's good to know in advance that you'll be there. After my first scoli surgeries 20 years ago, I woke up in the ICU (and on a respirator), and it really scared me, as I wasn't expecting it.

Lines

[LindaRacine]

Saw Dr Cammisa and Dr Girardi today for a second opinion. Very different approaches/ and diff opinions. Confused.
Cindi

That's why I think that second or more opinions aren't always helpful. If/when you find someone you feel you can really trust, and you've checked them out someplace such as this, I think that subsequent opinions only serve to be confusing.

[Lilysaidwhat]

That's why I think that second or more opinions aren't always helpful. If/when you find someone you feel you can really trust, and you've checked them out someplace such as this, I think that subsequent opinions only serve to be confusing.

What Linda said is dead correct.

[Singer]

Cindi, I just logged on and saw your questions. I'll give you a call sometime this week.

[CindiBarna]

Thank you Chris
I would still LOVE to hear from you. My fears are still there. I called Lindy today asked her for another appointment with Dr. Boachie so I could get alot of my questions answered, since my surgery is Aug 17th, and that is around the corner. I am seeing him this Thursday. They are very nice in that office!
Take care
Cindi

Cindi, I just logged on and saw your questions. I'll give you a call sometime this week.

[CindiBarna]

Dear Lu
I am just checking to see how you are doing now?? I hope you are feeling well!
Best
Cindi

Hi Cindi, Saw Dr. wed. and doing surgery Tues. 21. He has to stbiblize, the disc at the sacrum, it is a hard disc to fuse, so he is going in the front to fuse it on the inside, and when I saw the X-rays, I could see what he means. They go in front many times, many people on this site have had that done. Lu

[Karen Ocker]

Upcoming surgical date.

Cindi,
I was so glad that my back could be helped that I actually started crossing off the days on my calender.

[CindiBarna]

Karen
I asked for another appointment with Dr. B. I am going there tomorrow, just to understand all of my procedures. His office notes to me were not specific, so I will email you after I see him, if you dont mind.
take care
Cindi

Cindi,
I was so glad that my back could be helped that I actually started crossing off the days on my calender.

[titaniumed]

Hi Cindi

I’m not posting and reading all that much lately, just wanted to say hi, and you will do just fine. You are in good hands!

Ed

[kennedy]

cindi your are in the hands of one of the top scolio surgeons in the world. 'plus he goes and does surgery in his home country, and how i now that is because he the founder of orthopedic and complex spine my surgeon here in california and his brother in illinois goes with him.