Grim News from Seasoned Surgeon in Chicago

[CHRIS WBS]

She said she sees all too often a vicious cycle of over-prescribed opiates and then the need for detox.

Chris

[lelc2002@yahoo]

Having gone thru this surgery, I don't feel that's the norm at all...just my opinion--Ly

[Cakedec]

I don't either; I really had to complain just to get enough for pain control. Then they encourage you to cut down and go off it once you can.

Deb

[Kari]

Hey Chris,

Glad to hear from you! I have been thinking about you, since I have been experiencing the same surgeon experience here in Milwaukee. I have seen 6+ surgeons. The only difference is that the younger the docotor the more they want to fuse T-4 - L-3). The older docotors want to fuse less (T-6-L-1).

I am struggling with the decision because I like to different surgeons one older and one younger. I keep thinking the less that is fused the better I will be. Any thoughts?

P.S. It was recommended that I visit with both docotors you have seen. Just think it would be too hard on my family to go out of state.

57 degree thorasic curve

[dawney]

I am not on any narcotics at this point except for an occasional tylenol with codeine. I had no withdrawal symptoms. In fact I worked for 7 and a half hours today and haven't even taken a tylenol. The temptation would be there but if you have a responsible dr they should make sure you are weaned off properly.

[macky]

Dawney, that is just fantastic, working over 7 hours. Just seems like not long ago when I was reading all about your operation from your loving partner.
You have done so very well, congratulations.

I think that the amount of opiates one takes actually depends on the patient and the doctor. Weirdly, I am the one who refuses to take any more than I am already and my doctor who "says, ok, its no good telling you is it". He does not like to see me in pain but if I am coping, even though I am still in pain, it is not huge pain, I am happy to stay with the amount of meds I am on.

I was on 10 a day still in pain, so I thought no not going up any more, so I came down a quarter a week. It took a while but I got to a level where the pain is bearable and there I have stayed. Admittedly I have an extremely high pain tolerance level.

Macky

[CHRIS WBS]

Hi Kari,

Is there a support group in the Milwaukee area? If so, you might be able to contact or even meet people who have had surgeries by some of the surgeons you have seen. And that might help sway you one way or the other. I've been put in touch with a number of people through the Chicago support group.

My situation is quite different from yours. I'm one of the "oldies" here, and the reality is that I will require a long fusion. My big curve is in my lumbar spine and I think that given my age, most surgeons will recommend a long fusion. When you're younger, it's much easier to have more surgery if your fusion needs to be extended.

I feel I may have to go out of state for surgery, and if so, to hell with my family. If I have to hire the cab driver to stay with me at the hospital, I just may do so. (LOL) When I told the last surgeon I saw that my family asked if there's any way I can have surgery in Madison because it would be more convenient for them, he said, "Convenient for who? You're the one who's having surgery."

Dawney: It sounds like you're doing quite well. How long is your fusion?

Macky: Through a co-worker I've been put in touch with a woman who had surgery years ago by the last surgeon I met with. She had Harrington Rods and developed problems (flat back, etc.). For the past five years she was undergoing pain management, but her pain just worsened. She found a revision specialist in Florida where she had revision surgery this past July at age 55. I hear she is doing beautifully, looks so much taller and is free of pain. Have you considered revision surgery?

Chris

[abhbarry]

surgeon in Madison

Hi Chris,

If you do consider surgery in Madison, I would see Dr. Tribus at the Spine Clinic. I have been quite impressed with him so far. He is a John Hopkins Fellow and studied with Dr. Bradford at UCSF, who I gather has a very good reputation (although he is retired now). Just wanted to give that info incase you are still considering Madison. I will be making my final decision about surgery with Dr. Tribus in March.

Good luck,
Anya

[macky]

Hi Chris, that is so nice giving me that information. I have considered surgery but unfortunately there is no one who is qualified enough to do the revision surgery I need here, I dont think.

I have sent you a private message.

Macky xx

[dawney]

I am fused from T-10 to the iliac. I don't think he went any higher. He was only suppose to go to the sacrum but decided to go to the iliac while he was there. I actually did not know that until last week when I was xrayed. I am sure I was told but I was probably stoned. I am more flexible then I thought I would be although I do get pretty stiff.