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Nov.16th Six month check-up

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  • Nov.16th Six month check-up

    Hi all my friends,
    I am a bit slow in getting this posted! I went to St. Louis the 15th of Nov. for my 6month check up on my surgery I had to fix the rod that I fractured in the sacrum area. And to my delight , all the X-rays looked great! My "plumbline" was perfect. I was almost surprised because I was having some issues with pain in my lower, middle and upper spine. But the Dr. that was there(a fellowship student) of Dr. Lenkes, wasn't concerned and said it will get better. So I went home happy, but apprehensive about the pain. Well, it went on for a couple weeks, and just the past few days it seems much better. This recovery is scary. I know that this last surgery was kind of a last chance at a good quality of any kind of life. So I was very happy at what they had to say, AND, now I am happy that finially the pain is better! Life is good! I just don't know why I think things should all be better so fast, when my body has been through the wringer! And that's putting it mildly. Anyone going through recovery now, let Me say, you need to be vert patient, and very careful! And remember, we may have had similar surgeries,but our bodies are not all alike in the way we heal. I know if it were'nt for Dr. Lenke, I wouldn't be posting right now. Well, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year~~~sincerely, Linda
    Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
    Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
    This started adult onset scoliosis
    July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
    Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
    Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
    May 30th 2013 revision
    May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
    May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

  • #2
    Linda, you are proof that “perfect plumbline” is possible....You would think we were posting on a plumbers forum. He he

    You made it. Congratulations!

    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


    • #3
      The same to you Linda and Merry Christmas to everyone on the forum too! I am so happy you have had an improvement in the pain relief and hope it continues. I'm very glad Dr. Lenke was able to help you. Continued less pain into the New Year! 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


      • #4
        Linda...

        It's been a very long road. I truly hope that we're reading the final chapter of this saga, and that you're going to live happily ever after!

        --Linda
        Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
        Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

        Comment


        • #5
          Such great news and I'm so happy for you! Enjoy!
          __________________________________________
          Debbe - 50 yrs old

          Milwalkee Brace 1976 - 79
          Told by Dr. my curve would never progress

          Surgery 10/15/08 in NYC by Dr. Michael Neuwirth
          Pre-Surgury Thorasic: 66 degrees
          Pre-Surgery Lumbar: 66 degrees

          Post-Surgery Thorasic: 34 degrees
          Post-Surgery Lumbar: 22 degrees

          Comment


          • #6
            Great news and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you also!
            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


            • #7
              Wonderful news Linda! Have a safe and happy Christmas!
              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


              • #8
                Linda,
                You just made my day! I'm happy to hear your x-rays looked good and that you are feeling less pain. I know I've said it before, but aches and pain decreased for me after the 1st year anniversary and even the 2nd year. I'll be 3 years post-op on January 5, and I have definitely felt better, actually great, during the past year, although it's so gradual that you don't seem to notice it.
                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


                • #9
                  Originally posted by golfnut View Post
                  Linda,
                  You just made my day! I'm happy to hear your x-rays looked good and that you are feeling less pain. I know I've said it before, but aches and pain decreased for me after the 1st year anniversary and even the 2nd year. I'll be 3 years post-op on January 5, and I have definitely felt better, actually great, during the past year, although it's so gradual that you don't seem to notice it.
                  Karen, you are so right, the healing and the recovery is so gradual that it isn't even noticeable sometimes.
                  I just noticed one day that the pain wasn't bothering me as much. And I was shocked when I realized how long it had been since I really felt any pain or muscle spasms. Such a delightful feeling to say the least!
                  I felt for the first time, a feeling of knowing I'm going to make it! I am looking forward to making it to that year mark.
                  I am so glad to hear from you and everyone. I imagine it's too cold to golf! I just want to send my sympathy for the loss of your dog. Take care. and God Bless~~~
                  Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
                  Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
                  This started adult onset scoliosis
                  July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
                  Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
                  Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
                  May 30th 2013 revision
                  May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
                  May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Thanks, Linda. We sure do miss Nicki. It was so hard to make the decision to have her euthanized and I have guilt involved with it, although she was 16 and not going to get any better. It helps that we still have Katie, our other schnauzer, but she has never been a lap dog and is more independent like some cats. We love her anyway.
                    I know that we all think our recovery is at a snail's pace, but when you reflect back several months, you realize how some things are just a tiny bit easier. I used the tongs for my bathroom aide and after many months, finally could reach without it. (Not trying to be too graphic) One day I realized that I had not taken a single Tylenol. I might have needed one the following day, but eventually I noticed that I had gone a week without needing one.
                    Be careful on the snow and ice! No more falls!!!We have 4 inches and are expecting more today.
                    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


                    • #11
                      Thanks Linda, I am so happy for you that you are feeling better. You are an inspiration to many of us.
                      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


                      • #12
                        Linda, You are such an inspiration! You are such a trooper! Your body is finally healing and your life is looking up. I am so happy for you and want to thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. You have helped me.

                        Happy Holidays and I know that the new year will be even better! Don't worry about being a little apprehensive. You have been through far more than almost anyone else on the forum and your recovery is a testament to your strength. You are one strong woman! Pat yourself on the back!

                        HUGS, 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


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by golfnut View Post
                          <snip>One day I realized that I had not taken a single Tylenol. I might have needed one the following day, but eventually I noticed that I had gone a week without needing one.<snip>
                          Linda,

                          that is absolutely wonderful news about your check-up! I am so glad everything is looking up for you. I have written about how hard it was for me to have broken rods and go through a big revision, but my experience pales in comparison to yours. I know of course it is not a competition for misery--but you have been through more than your fair share, and I am always eager to read your posts and see how everything is going for you.

                          I can so completely relate to Karen's comment above about the day you realize you haven't taken a Tylenol all day! I had this realization at one point, and was pretty impressed and excited to go all day without a Tylenol, but I thought I must be a little whacko to notice it (goes back to Wendy's recent posts about the mental recovery from this type of surgery).

                          We have 6 inches of new snow here in Oregon and I am really careful to avoid a fall--it's scary being out in it though. We don't get more than 1-2" of snow most winters. I know, I know, all you northerners and midwesterners can get a good laugh at us fair (western) Oregonians! I mentioned at work yesterday how careful I had been in driving to work…someone joked "don't worry, your insurance will replace your car if it gets wrecked" to which I replied, "yes, but my back can't be replaced." Oh yeah, that.

                          Thanks for keeping us posted about your progress, Linda. It is great to hear.
                          Gayle, age 50
                          Oct 2010 fusion T8-sacrum w/ pelvic fixation
                          Feb 2012 lumbar revision for broken rods @ L2-3-4
                          Sept 2015 major lumbar A/P revision for broken rods @ L5-S1


                          mom of Leah, 15 y/o, Diagnosed '08 with 26* T JIS (age 6)
                          2010 VBS Dr Luhmann Shriners St Louis
                          2017 curves stable/skeletely mature

                          also mom of Torrey, 12 y/o son, 16* T, stable

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