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Newbie-Surgery 9/28/12 with Dr. Lenke

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  • Newbie-Surgery 9/28/12 with Dr. Lenke

    Hi All,

    I am a new member to the site. My name is Hannah and I am 27 years old. I will be going in for surgery with Dr. Lenke on September 28, 2012.

    I was originally scheduled for January 30, 2013, but since I LIVE in St. Louis, it made it pretty easy to be able to accept a cancellation slot.
    So I went from waiting a really long time, to waiting not so much longer. Which is a bit scary!

    I had originally been referred to Dr. Lenke in June 2011, after having issues with hip bursitis (which is when I saw my orthopaedic specialist...who then told me that the root of all of my issues was my back).

    In June 2011, I measured at a 79 degree kyphosis, with slight scoliosis (28 and 22). Since I had never had Xrays taken of my back, there was no way of knowing whether or not it was progressing, so I decided to wait a year and see how it went. Within the past year, my back pain has increased tremedously. I saw Dr. Lenke again in April 2012. My Xray measured at a 90 degree kyphosis this time. So, it has definitely progressed and the pain is showing that.

    I have my pre-op appointment on Wednesday, August 15th, so it's really happening. I have read the book "Scoliosis Surgery the definitive Patient's reference" and I feel like it was so useful with great tips. I gave it to my mom to read as well, since she will be taking some time off of work to help me (my husband works full time).

    I think one of the hardest things for me will be my pride. I am one of those people who pushes themselves to the max and knowing how helpless I'll be at first is a scary thought. I have to learn to accept help!

    Does anyone have any advice on useful tools I'll need? Will I really need a raised toilet seat? I am pretty in shape, but then again, you never know. Luckily my grandma will be lending me quite a few tools "i.e. grabber, shower seat, etc."

    Is your center of gravity really messed up enough to warrent a walker/cane? Just curious as to what I'll need. But I guess it's better safe than sorry.

    Will a treadmill help? (Never can be too sure about weather anymore!)

    Surgery: 9/28/12
    Dr. Lenke
    Posterior Fusion-T2-L3 with Smith-Peterson Osteotomies T7-12

  • #2
    Originally posted by HannahCP View Post
    Hi All,

    I am a new member to the site. My name is Hannah and I am 27 years old. I will be going in for surgery with Dr. Lenke on September 28, 2012.

    I was originally scheduled for January 30, 2013, but since I LIVE in St. Louis, it made it pretty easy to be able to accept a cancellation slot.
    So I went from waiting a really long time, to waiting not so much longer. Which is a bit scary!

    I had originally been referred to Dr. Lenke in June 2011, after having issues with hip bursitis (which is when I saw my orthopaedic specialist...who then told me that the root of all of my issues was my back).

    In June 2011, I measured at a 79 degree kyphosis, with slight scoliosis (28 and 22). Since I had never had Xrays taken of my back, there was no way of knowing whether or not it was progressing, so I decided to wait a year and see how it went. Within the past year, my back pain has increased tremedously. I saw Dr. Lenke again in April 2012. My Xray measured at a 90 degree kyphosis this time. So, it has definitely progressed and the pain is showing that.

    I have my pre-op appointment on Wednesday, August 15th, so it's really happening. I have read the book "Scoliosis Surgery the definitive Patient's reference" and I feel like it was so useful with great tips. I gave it to my mom to read as well, since she will be taking some time off of work to help me (my husband works full time).

    I think one of the hardest things for me will be my pride. I am one of those people who pushes themselves to the max and knowing how helpless I'll be at first is a scary thought. I have to learn to accept help!

    Does anyone have any advice on useful tools I'll need? Will I really need a raised toilet seat? I am pretty in shape, but then again, you never know. Luckily my grandma will be lending me quite a few tools "i.e. grabber, shower seat, etc."

    Is your center of gravity really messed up enough to warrent a walker/cane? Just curious as to what I'll need. But I guess it's better safe than sorry.

    Will a treadmill help? (Never can be too sure about weather anymore!)

    Surgery: 9/28/12
    Dr. Lenke
    Posterior Fusion-T2-L3 with Smith-Peterson Osteotomies T7-12
    Hi Hannah, welcome to the forum. It's really hard to advise what you will need because we are all different. I used a walker the first day that I walked (Day 3) but that was all. I didn't have a raised toilet seat, shower seat or grabber, though I did get a grabber at about 3 months and used it for about a week. My advice is not to buy them, but do your research and know where to get them easily, if they are needed. You will have a fair idea by the time you leave hospital, if you are going to need any aids.

    Initially, I would warn against a treadmill because it's a little easier to lose your balance on a treadmill than out walking. Those initial walks outside, it's good to take someone with you. Link arms and take it slowly. Enjoy the walk without worry. Later, once you're confident and walking on your own, I'm sure a treadmill would be great for bad weather.

    Most of us are independent and hate to ask for help, but you will find that people will want to help and be happy to, when asked. It won't be for long, especially as you are young and will likely recover fairly quickly.

    Best of luck for a great result and a smooth recovery!
    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


    • #3
      Originally posted by HannahCP View Post
      Does anyone have any advice on useful tools I'll need? Will I really need a raised toilet seat? I am pretty in shape, but then again, you never know. Luckily my grandma will be lending me quite a few tools "i.e. grabber, shower seat, etc."

      Is your center of gravity really messed up enough to warrent a walker/cane? Just curious as to what I'll need. But I guess it's better safe than sorry.

      Will a treadmill help? (Never can be too sure about weather anymore!)

      Surgery: 9/28/12
      Dr. Lenke
      Posterior Fusion-T2-L3 with Smith-Peterson Osteotomies T7-12
      Hi Hannah,
      Welcome to the forum! Of course, everyone is different, but I found that the raised toilet seat was very helpful for months following my surgery even though I had very strong quad muscles. Your sense of balance is different plus the heavy duty medications can make you wobbly too. So you will need a walker which I had brought to the hospital to use during my pt sessions. After my hospital stay, I used the walker for about a week or so, and then sparingly used it when going out in the public more so for protection so that no one would bump me. (It's amazing how quickly I could clear an aisle in Walmart with my walker in tow!)

      I was told to avoid the treadmill for at least the first few months because it would have been easy to fall off plus it is much easier to adjust your walking speed and be more sure-footed when walking on smooth surfaces like pavement. I started using a treadmill around 6 mos post op because my lower back which is not fused started aching for it was taking the brunt of the pounding from the pavement.

      Your young age will definitely be an asset for you as you recover. Best of luck to you!
      Donna
      Female - 49 yrs old at surgery
      Surgery 5/5/11 - Dr. Bridwell, St. Louis
      Fused T3-L3
      60 degree thoracic curve corrected to 30 degrees
      Tennis player & returning to the courts!
      http://s1050.photobucket.com/profile/walkingmom1/index

      Comment


      • #4
        Welcome to the forum. September will be a good month for your surgery. My surgery was in January and the weather was terrible. I walked many boring laps in our house with my Ipad. When it wasn't too icy, my husband drove me to the Y to walk laps. I didn't use a walker too long, but actually blacked out once when I got up from the bed too quickly, so maybe I should have used it longer than I did. I had grabbers in almost every room of the house. I don't remember what I used them for so much other than laundry. Best of luck with your surgery. I have before and after pictures in my signature if you are interested. I think Dr. Lenke is amazing.
        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


        • #5
          Thx!

          Thanks for the advice! I am glad that my grandma will be able to lend me all of that stuff (walker, raised toilet seat, etc.), just in case I need it. Also, I am glad to know about the treadmill restriction. We were going to have to borrow one from my dad which would have #1 been a pain in the butt to try to get to our house and #2 taken up space that we don't have!! We have a Y pretty close to our house, which I would assume that I will be joining since swimming will be one of the only things I'll be able to do for a while, so that will always be an option to walk the track if need be.

          It's so crazy how many questions I have even though I have heard answers and read answers several times. It's just so nerve wracking not knowing anything...How I'll heal, how long I'll be out of work, etc. It all depends.

          I'm so relieved that Dr. Lenke will be my surgeon. It's nice to know that I'll be in one of the TOP surgeons hands.

          Did you all initially lose a lot of weight after the surgery? Did you gain it back? I am a healthy weight, but am concerned about HOW much I would lose. I have been working out regularly in attempt to be in the best shape I can before the surgery, but haven't been skimping on the food, since I don't want to lose weight before the surgery.

          Did anyone have any issues with insurance companies covering everything? BMP etc. I am very nervous that for some reason we're going to have to jump through hoops with insurance stuff, but am praying everything goes fine with that.

          Hannah

          Comment


          • #6
            Welcome to the forum! Please keep us updated on your progress, surgery and recovery. I am scheduled for Surgery with Dr. Lenke in Oct.! My consult was in November 2011 so I will have waited 11 months for my surgery... too much planning, and I am too far away to be on the cancellation list.
            Best Wishes,
            Heidi
            Scheduled for surgery with Dr. Lenke Oct. 2012
            53*T 71*L
            Surgery 10/05/2012 T4-pelvis
            Correction: looks perfect! Will find out how perfect at future appointments

            Comment


            • #7
              Welcome! You are young and energetic and you will do well. Remember to let everyone know what you need, especially in pain meds. Linda Racine has a list of what to bring to the hospital. Unsure where it is in the blog.

              Glad that you are getting this taken care of when you are young and heal so much better than when you are much older.
              Susan
              Adult Onset Degen Scoliosis @65, 25* T & 36* L w/ 11.2 cm coronal balance; T kyphosis 90*; Sev disc degen T & L stenosis

              2013: T3- S1 Fusion w/ ALIF L4-S1/XLIF L2-4, PSF T4-S1 2 surgeries
              2014: Hernia @ ALIF repaired; Emergency screw removal SCI T4,5 sec to PJK
              2015: Rev Broken Bil T & L rods and no fusion: 2 revision surgeries; hardware P. Acnes infection
              2016: Ant/Lat Lumbar diskectomy w/ 4 cages + BMP + harvested bone
              2018: Removal L4,5 screw
              2021: Removal T1 screw & rod

              Comment


              • #8
                Hannah,

                Just wanted to welcome you to the forum.

                I remember reading through my paperwork and in large bold letters it said, “No treadmills”. Prefer outdoor walking....
                Must be a fresh air thing? or they don’t want any chance of a fall, which seems logical.

                I didn’t do any preparation, or buy anything. The insurance company will supply you with necessary things, and your husband can go get the things you will need which isn’t too much really. BBQ tongs work well as a grabber.....

                The walker, sock installer, and grabber were given to me at the hospital and paid for by insurance.

                Here is Linda’s site
                http://scoliosislinks.com/

                Prep list
                http://scoliosislinks.com/PreparingforSurgery.htm

                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


                • #9
                  Hannah,

                  I agree with what the others have said and will just add that with the fusion ending at L3 and you being 27, you may have a speedier recovery than many on here who were fused to sacrum at an older age. A daughter of a friend of mine had the same levels fused for scoliosis in late May and was doing flips in the water by late July!

                  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


                  • #10
                    seems many sugeons say no treadmill until a certain point in
                    recovery, a certain number of months...
                    Dr Lonner said same thing...

                    jess....& Sparky

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Check with Dr Lenke about the need of BMP

                      Hannah,
                      You might have read my post yesterday that I got a call from Dr Bridwell's office. They just received a 25pg document from my insurance, United Health Care, that any surgery involving the use of BMP will make the entire surgery to be denied.

                      This is like the airlines, once one raises the fare then quickly others will do the same.

                      I asked about the cost of the BMP ($100k) and even if I wrote a check or won the lottery, the insurance will not cover the surgery/hospital etc if BMP is involved.

                      I read someone saying that they had the surgery with Dr Lenke but the hospital picked up the cost of BMP. But Bernie claims as she reads the document, it is now totally modified.

                      Please make sure during your visit next week. My surgery for October is now on hold or it will need to be re-scheduled for months until they can resolve this. They also do not want me to contact the insurance company quite yet.

                      Let's pray that the attorneys wrote this document and there are loopholes - it was targeted to orthopeadic doctors dealing with the spine (I beleive).

                      gardenia
                      Gardenia
                      Baja California, Mexico & El Centro, Ca
                      pre-surgery 75° and 89° - post ?
                      Dr. Bridwell Nov 27, 2012 @Barnes Jewish @62yrs
                      T11 to Sacrum Dural leak at L2 & L3 ccmail4g@gmail.com

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        i hope there is a patient advocacy group
                        of some kind, or some legal expert, or someone else who can
                        help you challenge the insurance company on this unfair decision...
                        i wonder if they can try to get away with it based on law suits
                        that are due to BMP being used off label, for surgeries when
                        it was not intended to be used....otherwise, what can be their
                        excuse....?
                        i have heard of insurance companies balking at paying
                        for BMP, but never heard of them refusing the entire surgery
                        because of BMP being used....
                        i think it is a disgusting, abusive move on part of insurance
                        company...i hope there is some way to force them to pay...
                        or some solution the surgeon's office can find...

                        best of luck...
                        jess

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          More questions

                          Thanks for the treadmill advice. I think I'll be investing in a membership to the YMCA (Which is extremely close to my house) for the track-in case of bad weather and pool-once I can use it.

                          Did you all initially lose a lot of weight after the surgery? Did you gain it back? I am a healthy weight, so I am not looking to lose any but just wanted an estimate on what happens post-op (I know everyone is different). I had been working out regularly in attempt to be in the best shape I could before the surgery, but it seems my back is not cooperating and I may be on the sidelines for a while. Walking more than a mile and a half at a time causes some pretty annoying pain:-/

                          Does anyone have SI joint pain? I have bad pain in my SI joint on my left side. I assume it's due to my hip imbalance and HOPE and PRAY it goes away after surgery. Just wanted some perspective to see if others have the same issues.

                          Did anyone have any issues with insurance companies covering everything? BMP etc. I am very nervous that for some reason we're going to have to jump through hoops with insurance stuff, but am praying everything goes fine with that.

                          How soon was it before you could start doing things alone at your house? My mom plans to help out for the first few weeks, but don't want her to overdo it with traveling back and forth, so I was just curious.

                          Just found out I have to have my PFT and MRI done this week before my pre-op which is next Wednesday. So I'll be spending most of Thursday and Saturday up at Barnes. Woo-hoo. Let the fun begin?

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by gardenia View Post
                            Hannah,
                            You might have read my post yesterday that I got a call from Dr Bridwell's office. They just received a 25pg document from my insurance, United Health Care, that any surgery involving the use of BMP will make the entire surgery to be denied.

                            This is like the airlines, once one raises the fare then quickly others will do the same.

                            I asked about the cost of the BMP ($100k) and even if I wrote a check or won the lottery, the insurance will not cover the surgery/hospital etc if BMP is involved.

                            I read someone saying that they had the surgery with Dr Lenke but the hospital picked up the cost of BMP. But Bernie claims as she reads the document, it is now totally modified.

                            Please make sure during your visit next week. My surgery for October is now on hold or it will need to be re-scheduled for months until they can resolve this. They also do not want me to contact the insurance company quite yet.

                            Let's pray that the attorneys wrote this document and there are loopholes - it was targeted to orthopeadic doctors dealing with the spine (I beleive).

                            gardenia
                            I've done a lot of research through the insurance company (Blue Cross Blue Shield) and BMP is covered in "high risk" spinal fusions. Dr. Lenke's nurse said mine would be considered that, so I am hoping all goes well, but you never know. It's just that I have read so many circumstances of insurance denial that I am terrified that it will happen. They said that they would contact me if something was denied or there were issues with insurance. But I plan to inquire next week at my appointment anyway.

                            I hope that you get everything resolved with your insurance company. It is crazy considering what great things BMP is doing for successful bone fusion in spinal surgeries...
                            Last edited by HannahCP; 08-07-2012, 04:08 PM.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Your Surgery

                              Hi Newbie.....I have a question about the BMP. If your insurance won't pay for the BMP, I thought the hospital would cover the cost. Am I wrong? Just something else to worry about. Ugh!!!!
                              Patty
                              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

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