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One Year Postop - Life is good!!!!

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  • One Year Postop - Life is good!!!!

    Hello All: Although I have not been on here for a very long time (had to request new password. Ha!) just wanted to let everyone know that it is really GREAT once you reach the other side. I have to admit I was really getting desperate before I had my surgery Mar 1, 2010 - I was in so much pain, passing out at work/home because my heart and lungs were being compressed by my 90+ degree curve, when I got the call from Kelly in Dr. Lenke's office about a cancellation they had for a surgery date, I have to say I jumped with joy and then was in tears scared to death. But, it's like everyone says, once you're in preop and you realize the dire pain you have pain in all those days prior is nearly over, you really do feel a somewhat relief come over you. That's not to say there isn't postop pain (and we all know there is!) and I'm sure everyone will agree it is a long haul postoperatively but you just set your mind to it and you're going to get better!!! Mental status has a huge part to play - and I had the best support (family!) I could have. And, I think Dr. Lenke truly does walk on water!!!

    My life is great right now. I won't tell you that I'm not in pain because I still experience a little bit of pain, but it is mostly when I overdo walking or sitting too long. My back still likes to run my life and refuse to let it (yup, I'm determined! ha!) so we have a battle sometimes about it. Usually I have to give in. I'm busy working all day sitting at a computer most of the time at work at the VA Hosp here in town 8-4:30 and then come home and make dinner and then type medical transcription for another local hosp in the evenings. I love my job(s)!!!!! My work during the day is very good to me and know that I have my limitations so they take care of me. Wonder if Dr. Lenke works on hands for when I wear them out typing so much..... LOL

    Just wanted to say HEY here. You guys are all GREAT and I really appreciated all your support while I was preop and during my recovery. Those of you who are still waiting for surgery keep a stiff upper lip and if I can help with any questions please do not hesitate to send me a note. I'd be glad to answer if I can. The surgery is truly the best thing you can every do for your self - take it from someone who now has 2 rods and 32 screws back here!!!! Full fusion - top to bottom. Wow - how does he fit all that in back there.

    To all those I had talked with long time ago - it would be so great to hear from you again and I will try to be better about logging on here (again) now that I have a new password again. But, you too will find oncde you have the surgery behind you life just refuses to slow down so you can get on. Haha!!!

    Talk to you soon and be strong all you preop patients!!!!

    Rita T.
    Topeka, KS
    Full fusion
    90+ degree curve preop; now less than 30 degrees. AWESOME!!
    Surgery by Dr. Lenke Mar 1, 2010
    Dr. Lenke ROCKS!!!!!!
    Rita Thompson
    Age 46
    Milwaukee Brace wearer for 3 years in childhood
    Surgery Mar 1st - 95 degree thoracic curve
    Surgery by Dr. Lenke, St. Louis, MO
    Post-surgery curve 25-30 degree

  • #2
    Great update Rita and it sounds as though life is GOOD! I am happy for you. :-)
    Son 14 y/o diagnosed January 20th. 2011 with 110* Curve
    Halo Traction & 1st. surgery on March 22nd. 2011
    Spinal Fusion on April 19th. 2011

    Dr. Krajbich @ Shriners Childrens Hospital, Portland Oregon



    http://tinyurl.com/Elias-Before
    http://tinyurl.com/Elias-After

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    • #3
      Thanks so much - I appreciate that.
      Rita Thompson
      Age 46
      Milwaukee Brace wearer for 3 years in childhood
      Surgery Mar 1st - 95 degree thoracic curve
      Surgery by Dr. Lenke, St. Louis, MO
      Post-surgery curve 25-30 degree

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      • #4
        Great to hear you're doing well Rita! Congratulations on your milestone.
        Surgery March 3, 2009 at almost 58, now 63.
        Dr. Askin, Brisbane, Australia
        T4-Pelvis, Posterior only
        Osteotomies and Laminectomies
        Was 68 degrees, now 22 and pain free

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        • #5
          Rita,
          You sound great! I love your signature "Dr. Lenke rocks". He's my hero! I'm glad you are doing well. My, you are ambitious!
          Karen

          Surgery-Jan. 5, 2011-Dr. Lenke
          Fusion T-4-sacrum-2 cages/5 osteotomies
          70 degree thoracolumbar corrected to 25
          Rib Hump-GONE!
          Age-60 at the time of surgery
          Now 66
          Avid Golfer & Tap Dancer
          Retired Kdgn. Teacher

          See photobucket link for:
          Video of my 1st Day of Golf Post-Op-3/02/12-Bradenton, FL
          Before and After Picture of back 1/7/11
          tap dancing picture at 10 mos. post op 11/11/11-I'm the one on the right.
          http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k630/pottoff2/

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