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JERSEYOT UPDATE: I broke my back - in hospital

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  • I know how difficult this can be. The area of the break remains so sore. I was fist fused t10-pelvis in 2008. Fractured through t9 while I was in rehab center. I did have a hard time convincing my doctor. It was just painful. At the 1yr mark , the upper spine started to collapse. In the next 10 mo--the degree increased by 20. That is when we did t2-t10. It was sp rapid and so sore. Now it is better getting the pressure off of the fracture. Best of wishes to you!
    T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
    C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
    T2--T10 fusion 2/11
    C 4-5 fusion 11/14
    Right scapulectomy 6/15
    Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
    To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
    Broken neck 9/28/2018
    Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
    Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
    Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
    Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
    Osteotomy

    Comment


    • Jerseyot

      Hi.....The surgery you had sounds identical the surgery I am thinking I will need. I was fused T4-L2 in 1963 and now I need the exact surgery you had in your lumbar area. My Question.....how did you
      fracture T-12? worries me!!!! Was it from the stress of the surgery on your lumbar area? Thanks...Pat
      1963 Fusion T4-L2 for congenital scoliosis. It was a bone graft and not instrumentation
      1989 to Present....Have had chronic pain. MRI's show severe neural foraminal stenosis L2-S1, rotational scoliosis lumbar spine over 40 degrees, compression of nerve roots L5-S1, Broad Based Herniations L4-L5, L5-S
      Surgery scheduled with Dr. Bridwell on December 11, 2012
      December 11, 2012 Had surgery with Dr. Bridwell. He fused L4-L5 with rods and screws.

      Comment


      • Hi Pat -

        That's definitely the $1milliompn dollar question!! No one knows --- even me! Very very frustrating but it happened so I have to deal with it. I'll get thru this -- it wasn't on my "holiday to list" but we will get thru this
        1993/1995: PSF w/ Harrington rods T3-L4
        Jan. 24, 2012: ALIF of L4-L5, L5-S1 w/ cage spacer and BMP
        Jan. 31, 2012: PLIF of L1-S1 w/ pelvic anchors
        Scheduled Nov.15, 2012: Fusion T2-S1 w/ pelvic anchors to fix T12 fracture
        http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ot/myback2.jpg - BEFORE
        http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...CT2342x406.jpg - AFTER
        http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...CT1410x229.jpg - AFTER
        www.jerseyot.blogspot.com

        Comment


        • Hi Pat and Jerseyot,
          I know how I did mine--I reached for a tissue---I know the exact place and time--1st surgery was only 6 days old--I felt and head it fracture--I was told {once the fracture was found} that it was just too much pressure on that part of the spine. It hurt !But I do understand that you may not know when or how it can happen. For me it remained very sore--my line of work requires me to move through there all of the time. My kyphosis increased very rapid and I had upper spine {T2-T10} done 1 1/2 yrs ago. It is better,but less mobile. It seems like it is either one or the other--move and hurt or don't move as much and feel better.
          T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
          C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
          T2--T10 fusion 2/11
          C 4-5 fusion 11/14
          Right scapulectomy 6/15
          Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
          To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
          Broken neck 9/28/2018
          Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
          Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
          Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
          Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
          Osteotomy

          Comment


          • Hi everyone:

            sorry for the hiatus but I haven't been on the forum for months. Melissa emailed me to see how i was doing and tht prompted me to drop in and update you all. I've been in horrible pain all summer, with two falls (one in my bedroom, and one off the porch falling about 2 feet). I'm in a big slump, still with a very broken back and I'm scheduled for my third surgery THIS year alone (my 5th in my lifetime) on Oct.30th - it's expected to last 8-9 hours and they're adding more screws up to T2, removing the existing rods and adding new ones the length of my spine into my pelvis. It carries with it enormous risk for infection due to the number of surgeries I've had and the extensive amount of scar tissue I have along my spine, which is highly susceptible to infection. The other concern of his is bleeding, which I did a lot of last time losing 1/2 my blood volume and death is not out of the question he said. It's risky and extensive but as he said, as I agree and as my family knows, I don't have any other choice. There's just I question I need surgery to fix the break---6 months in a clam shell and it didn't fix itself. I need this surgery and I really need it to work. That's sorta why I'm not on the forum. My life is very difficult right now and I'm in "survival mode" as everything is an effort....and nothing is easy with a 3 and 5 year old!

            I humbly ask for your prayers----this has been one of the most challenging life events God has put before me but I don't intend to stop or give up now. I have 2 little kids who depend on me and I am sick of being a spectator in my own life and in the lives of my children. They deserve a better me and I deserve a better me....so on OCTOBER 30th, say a prayer for strength, guidance of the surgeon and peace in my heart that it WILL work this time. It just HAS to. On that morning, me, my husband, 2 best friends, parents and 2 aunts are going to the hospital wearing green "Believe" t-shirts as an outward sign of support for me and to show the world that in the words of Tug McGraw (my 80's Phillies crush Who died a couple years ago of a brain tumor), "You gotta believe!"
            1993/1995: PSF w/ Harrington rods T3-L4
            Jan. 24, 2012: ALIF of L4-L5, L5-S1 w/ cage spacer and BMP
            Jan. 31, 2012: PLIF of L1-S1 w/ pelvic anchors
            Scheduled Nov.15, 2012: Fusion T2-S1 w/ pelvic anchors to fix T12 fracture
            http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ot/myback2.jpg - BEFORE
            http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...CT2342x406.jpg - AFTER
            http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...CT1410x229.jpg - AFTER
            www.jerseyot.blogspot.com

            Comment


            • I will absolutely be praying for you! Who is your surgeon and which hospital? I would think you need and DESERVE the best of the best!!!

              Evelyn
              age 48
              80* thoracolumbar; 40* thoracic
              Reduced to ~16* thoracolumbar; ~0* thoracic
              Surgery 3/14/12 with Dr. Lenke in St. Louis, T4 to S1 with pelvic fixation
              Broken rods 12/1/19; scheduled for revision fusion L1-L3-4 with Dr. Lenke 2/4/2020
              Not "confused" anymore, but don't know how to change my username.

              Comment


              • Michele, so sorry to hear you are still in such pain...
                you will be in my thoughts and prayers for a good outcome October 30th....and complete healing...leading to a life without pain...

                i am not surprised the surgery is necessary...but i hope it is the very last one you ever need for your spine...
                it is easy to understand that you need to be in survival mode,
                to conserve all your energy to get ready for the operation...
                what little energy you have left is for your family....
                i hope someone will be able to keep the forum updated
                when you have the surgery...many will be pulling for you.

                best wishes...
                jess...& Sparky

                Comment


                • Thanks for your support....I have every confidence in my surgeon and great faith in him. If I had not broken my back I'd be doing extremely well right now. But I had an overly aggressive home PT and I'm convinced (being a therapist myself) that what she had me do broke my back. At 7 wks post op, she had me on the floor doing alternating left arm up, right leg up and vice-versa. Of course, not. Being ale to DO this,she"helped" by pulling my legs and arms up for me. 2 days later I couldn't walk. By day3-4, I was having difficultly taking a full breath and by the end of day 4 I was in the ER completely inconsolable from the excruciating pain, admitted for 10 days and spent 4-1/2weeks at an inpatient rehab hospital in Philadelphia. I will have Melissa (whose been emailing me) post an update as my Mom will be sending out email updates to family and friends on how I'm doing and progressing. Once I'm coherent enough to type, I'll post. Thanks again for all your support and prayers!
                  1993/1995: PSF w/ Harrington rods T3-L4
                  Jan. 24, 2012: ALIF of L4-L5, L5-S1 w/ cage spacer and BMP
                  Jan. 31, 2012: PLIF of L1-S1 w/ pelvic anchors
                  Scheduled Nov.15, 2012: Fusion T2-S1 w/ pelvic anchors to fix T12 fracture
                  http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ot/myback2.jpg - BEFORE
                  http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...CT2342x406.jpg - AFTER
                  http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...CT1410x229.jpg - AFTER
                  www.jerseyot.blogspot.com

                  Comment


                  • You definitely DO deserve a new you. What a trying time but it sounds like you are doing your best to keep positive. Many prayers for you, your family and surgeon. Will be anxiously awaiting good news at the end of October. Janet
                    Janet

                    61 years old--57 for surgery

                    Diagnosed in 1965 at age of 13--no brace
                    Thoracic Curve: 96 degrees to 35 degrees
                    Lumbar Curve: 63 degrees to 5 degrees
                    Surgery with Dr. Lenke in St. Louis--March 30, 2009
                    T-2 to Pelvis, and hopefully all posterior procedure.

                    All was posterior along with 2 cages and 6 osteotomies.

                    Comment


                    • Michele,
                      I will definitely say my prayers for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery for you. Keep a positive attitude inspite of all you've been through. We'll want to hear from you as soon as possible. Dr. Lenke told me that most physical therapist do more harm than good and it sure sounds like that was true in your case. Best of luck to you on the 30th and during your recovery.
                      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/

                      Comment


                      • Wishing you the very best this time round, Michele. Roll on surgery date! Better times are coming!

                        PS My surgeon wouldn't agree to me having PT. I don't think he trusted any of the therapists in my area.
                        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

                        Comment


                        • Prayers coming your way for peace and an excellent outcome and and easy recovery.
                          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


                          • Well, surgery #3 of 2012 is just 3 weeks away...

                            Well, it's just 3 weeks away...on October 30th, I will be having my 3rd back surgery of 2012 (#5 in my lifetime). My badly broken T12 transverse process has not repaired itself despite using the conservative measure of rest, meds and a clamshell brace for 7 months. The surgery is huge, carrying with it extensive risk for infection and bleeding. With having 4 previous back surgeries, #5 is particularly daunting and risky due one to the number of surgeries I've had and the extensive amount of scar tissue around my spine. Scar tissue lacks sufficient blood supply or an immune system to effectively fight off infection (like staph, bacteria, etc). This is my surgeons main concern along with blood loss. I lost a LOT of blood with my 2nd surgery of 2012 (more than 1/2 my blood volume) despite capturing, filtering and re-infusing me with the lost blood during surgery. He doesn't question his ability to perform my surgery (and neither do I) but he is very concerned about the level of risk I am facing. "Yours is a unique and very challenging case insomuch as most patients haven't had 4 previous operations on their spine before they see me. I've done the actual fusion part on thousands of patients but not many facing this level of risk due to the number of surgeries and amount of scar tissue you have."

                            As far as the actual surgery and what he will do, here it is:

                            1- Remove my "new" screws and rods, which are currently fused from L1-S1 and into my pelvis; in essence, he will break the fusion that has alread healed (and continues to do so) in order to remove the rods
                            2- Clean out and repair my fractured T12 transverse process
                            3- Fuse T2 all the way down to S1 - - that's a SIXTEEN (16) LEVEL FUSION!!! (OMG)
                            4- Add more pedicle screws from L1 up to T2 so that new, LONGER rods can be put in
                            5- Once again, fuse my spine to my pelvis...O....M....G....

                            So, the panic attacks began as I went to the hospital for my pre-op testing on Friday. I could feel it welling in my throat as I was driving there and once I got there, whammo, it hit me. Heart racing, pounding so hard it felt like it was in my throat, shortness of breath, and then the tingling in my fingers. Oh what fun. It lasted about 20' and when it was finally my turn to go into. He exam room about 15' later, my heart rate was STILL high...116 bpm...and that was AFTER the episode in the waiting room.

                            So, it all begins again. The weekly pints of blood donations (3 total). The anxiety of what I am about to face. The fear of the outcome...will I be ok? I have a 3 and 5 yr old to raise so I have to be ok. Knowing this is my only option helps ease my mind a little. My original surgeon who did my previous PST's with Harrington rods in the 90's agrees that unfortunately, surgery really IS my only option and chance at fixing the severe fracture and gaining what we all hope and pray will be a life with less pain. One can only hope. I know the odds are stacked against me, but it's out of my hands. It's in Gods very able, very capable hands. He knows what He's doing and will carry me thru this as He always has. I just have to trust Him. Easier said than done....
                            1993/1995: PSF w/ Harrington rods T3-L4
                            Jan. 24, 2012: ALIF of L4-L5, L5-S1 w/ cage spacer and BMP
                            Jan. 31, 2012: PLIF of L1-S1 w/ pelvic anchors
                            Scheduled Nov.15, 2012: Fusion T2-S1 w/ pelvic anchors to fix T12 fracture
                            http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...ot/myback2.jpg - BEFORE
                            http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...CT2342x406.jpg - AFTER
                            http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...CT1410x229.jpg - AFTER
                            www.jerseyot.blogspot.com

                            Comment


                            • Jersey,

                              I will keep you in my prayers. A few thoughts/questions.

                              -Can they give you something for the anxiety, which is only natural at this point?
                              -Who is your surgeon? (Hoping he is a revision specialist!)
                              -I know you've got major extenuating circumstances that most of us don't have, but the length of your fusion isn't unheard of on this forum. Maybe it can calm your nerves a little to think of TiEd and the others who are T2 to S1?
                              -Do you really have to bank blood? Can anyone else donate for you, so you can be "tanked up" for surgery?
                              -You seem to have a strong faith, and that will help get you through.

                              Best wishes,
                              Evelyn
                              age 48
                              80* thoracolumbar; 40* thoracic
                              Reduced to ~16* thoracolumbar; ~0* thoracic
                              Surgery 3/14/12 with Dr. Lenke in St. Louis, T4 to S1 with pelvic fixation
                              Broken rods 12/1/19; scheduled for revision fusion L1-L3-4 with Dr. Lenke 2/4/2020
                              Not "confused" anymore, but don't know how to change my username.

                              Comment


                              • Michele

                                There is no doubt that this will be a serious surgery....Sigh...The deep breaths really help, they did for me.

                                Its been almost 5 years for me and I was pretty scared but always knew that I had no choice in the matter, that it had to happen. I think that my faith and trust was at a level that I didn’t worry too much, or not as bad as some of the others here. I’m having trouble remembering my thoughts as time has passed and time heals. You have had a tough year, but things always work out in the end....Try not to think of the negatives, think about a successful recovery and reduction in pain. I think that knowing that anything had to be better than my situation at that time was my saving grace. As far as their expertise goes, I wouldn’t worry about the loss of blood since they will be keeping a real close eye on you....don’t worry about these things, we cannot change anything by worrying.

                                I’m wondering.
                                You have been fused down to the sacrum since Jan. How do you feel this area (lower or lowest levels) are doing? Or is the pain of T12 just so overpowering that you cannot tell? What did your surgeon say about the plan of attack with the fractured transverse process at T12?

                                We are scoliosis survivors. We have to have faith and patience that we will make it through our difficult periods. Sometimes we have to weather the hard times, but always adapt and accept whatever happens. Our decisions, many based on bravery, mold us into the very special people we are.

                                You can do this.
                                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

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