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  • 40th Anniversary Present

    December, 2006, will be forty years since I had my spinal instrumentation and fusion surgery. To mark the anniversary of my surgery, I decided to make an appointment with a doctor experienced in treating adults with scoliosis. Since I live in the Philadelphia, PA area, I figured that I would see one of the spine doctors at the Rothman Institute at Jefferson Hospital. When I called for an appointment, the scheduling person told me that I must first submit an x-ray for evaluation, and then the doctors will decide whether they wish to see me. I thought this was rather unusual, but I haven't seen a scoliosis doctor in at least 25 years, so I went ahead and scheduled the x-ray. After geting the x-ray, I called the Rothman Institute to obtain mailing instructions and find out if there was any other information they needed. After many phone calls, it was impossible to get the scheduling person on the phone. I left messages on her voicemail, but there were no return phone calls.

    In frustration, I called Dr. Casden's office at the Spine Institute of New York, which has been highly recommeded by several people on this site. Within ten minutes, I gave the very nice scheduling person my basic medical information, and she gave me an appointment for September 5. I am now happily filling out the required forms which I downloaded from the Spine Institute's website and preparing my list of questions for the doctor.

    What experiences have people had in getting consultations with new doctors where their original surgeon and accompanying records are no longer available? Dawney, if you are reading this, I would love to know how you managed to get through the red tape and get an appointment with one of the Rothman Institute doctors. Also, best of luck on your upcoming surgery!

    Shelley

  • #2
    Hi Shelley...

    I'm familiar with the procedures at UCSF, which are similar to what you found at Rothman. I believe they have a lot more demand than they can handle, so the prescreening process is in place to weed out patients who don't really need to be seen by a specialist.

    I don't know about Dr. Casden, but if you're considering surgery, be sure to question any prospective surgeons about the number of revision surgeries they do each year.

    Good luck!

    Regards,
    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

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    • #3
      Shelley
      I found the number on the internet after receiving the runaround from neuro, who I did like very much, an ortho, who I only got to see the PA because of a scheduling mix-up, only to be told after waiting 6 weeks for the appt that I would have to wait another month for an appt. I called them and gave them my information including the fact that I really haven't been measured for over 20 years. The receptionist took my info and called me back within 3 days for an appt and I only had to wait 3 weeks. I had to bring all of my mri's and x-rays but they re did them there anyway.
      They have scheduled everything for me. They have been nothing but wonderful. I hope I still feel that way after the surgery. I just met the co-surgeon yesterday who will be moving my organs. That just sounds terrible! He was very assurring. He works with my surgeon quite often.
      surgery 9/06
      Rothman institute

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      • #4
        Dawney,
        Hope you have a very successful surgery and speedy recovery. When you are well enough to drive, perhaps we will be able to compare scars. I also live in suburban Philadelphia.
        Best of luck,
        Shelley

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        • #5
          I also believe that I got an appointment with the surgeon because before I made the appointment I had to have all my mri and xray reports.
          I went for my medical clearance and pre op today. Only have to give one more unit of blood before surgery and I will be done with all of this.
          Shelley I live in Warminster. How close are you?
          surgery 9/06
          Rothman institute

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          • #6
            Dawney,
            I am about 20 minutes from you. PM me and I will be happy to meet you for a final cheerleading session before your surgery.
            Shelley

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