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  • #1

    Anybody in Texas?

    Hi: I had my original Harrington Rod surgery in Baltimore, MD in 1972. I just moved to Texas and don't know any doctors who are knowledgeable on this subject. Anybody from Texas (I'm in East Texas) that can offer suggestions? I'm new to this site and I'd like to talk with older patients. I'd like to know more about the rod breaking down (this is new info to me,) when the revision surgery is called for and who are the top notch surgeons. I have LOTS of pain that I deal with and my life is getting more and more restricted. Anything ya'all want to share, I'd appreciate. I'm alone out here....THANKS
    Wolf
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  • #2
    Welcome

    I am in Houston. I wore a Milwalkee brace and then had surgery in 1989. I have recently (in the last 3 years) started having back pain.... severe pain. My doc has since retired. Dr. Hanson apparently trained underneath him so that is who I am trying to get help from. The problem I am having is with getting in to see him, getting his office to return calls, etc. I would love to find a different doc in Houston! Good luck on your search.
    Background - Diagnosed in 1981 with a s-curve. Very progressive. Wore a Milwalkee brace from 1981-1986. I had back surgery in 1989....spinal fusion with Harrington rods and bone from my hip.

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    • #3
      Hi Wolf...

      Do a Search on the forums (link above) on LAGRONE. Dr. Mike LaGrone in Amarillo is widely considered one of the leaders in treating patients with prior scoliosis fusions.

      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

      Comment

      • #4
        Linda, Do you know any in Houston?? Jesse Dickson did my surgery in 1989. Now, I am having some pretty severe pain. I went to Dr. Hanson (that trained underneath him) and basically got no attention once my tests came back and everything "looks" ok. Then, I kept calling and he said to try cortisone shots. I haven't done it because I would like some more information before doing that. Now, I am trying to get back into his office and am being told it will be 4-6 months. I am in pain! Any suggestions?
        Background - Diagnosed in 1981 with a s-curve. Very progressive. Wore a Milwalkee brace from 1981-1986. I had back surgery in 1989....spinal fusion with Harrington rods and bone from my hip.

        Comment

        • #5
          Hi...

          Unfortunately, I don't know of anyone. Revision of previous scoliosis surgeries is really a specialty, and there are very few doctors who do any amount of treatment on that population.

          I know that Amarillo is a long way for you, but I've known people who've flown there from all over the U.S. for surgery, who will tell you that it's worthwhile.

          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

          Comment

          • #6
            This is interesting!!! I am in Houston, Texas also. Dr. Wendell Erwin did my surgery in 1987. I went to Dr. Esses a year ago (he officed with Dickson) and he said the same thing. He never talked to me and told me "the rods aren't broken and you are more solid than a normal person because of the rods" I have an appt. with Dr. Hanson for September. The major pain started a year ago and I have been trying to find someone to help me. My problem is to convince the scoliosis specialists such as Dr. Esses, Dickson, etc. that I am not questioning their job, I just want help. But I think they are afraid to admit or tell me something is wrong, because then it would be putting down or questioning the work of their colleague. Have you had these types of problems? My pain is getting worse.

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            • #7
              Hi MGM...

              I don't think it's a matter of the surgeons feeling like you're questioning their work as much as they may not feel qualified to offer a surgical treatment. Operating on a spine that has a big previous procedure requires a surgeon who has done a lot of that type of procedure. As I said above, there are relatively few of those surgeons.

              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

              Comment

              • #8
                Thanks Linda, I think I am going to try that doctor in Amarillo. After almost a year of searching for answers, I cannot bear to leave another doctor's office with no answers. I guess what gets frustrating is that I just wish someone would admit that they do not know enough information in this area, rather than say everything is fine and pretend they know how to deal with me. I have always been extremely active and somewhat athletic and I am really getting down lately because I cannot exercise my way out of the pain anymore, so that is getting tough to deal with.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by MGM Grand
                  I guess what gets frustrating is that I just wish someone would admit that they do not know enough information in this area, rather than say everything is fine and pretend they know how to deal with me.
                  I can't tell you how often I hear that, and couldn't agree more!

                  --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

                  • #10
                    MGM,

                    I finally got another appt with Dr. Hanson. I go in August 15th. The pain is beginning to be unbearable. I think these surgeons are well-respected in their field, etc. I don't think it is an issue with these not be qualified or respected. Seems to me that they have too many people trying to see them or something. I know when I had my surgery in 1989 we researched and Dr. Dickson was supposedly one of the very best in the US. It is so frustrating...........
                    Background - Diagnosed in 1981 with a s-curve. Very progressive. Wore a Milwalkee brace from 1981-1986. I had back surgery in 1989....spinal fusion with Harrington rods and bone from my hip.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      I just cancelled my Hanson appt. and made an appt. with the Dr. in Amarillo who Linda told us about. I am very excited, because they asked me to bring as many x-rays as I can muster up (taken from previous doctors) and bring them with me in September (the earliest). Even though I am in Houston, I am going to fly to Amarillo because I cannot live like this. There has to be a better way to deal with this. August 15th is coming soon, please tell me how it goes. Just like Dickson, Dr. Erwin was one of the best. I remember they used to office together and were called "Scoliosis Associates" But with all that being said, I really do believe they were excellent doctors and surgeons and I never questioned their ability. I just think that this new problem is a whole different thing and not many docs were aware that some of us were going to have problems later. I guess it is sort of like the people whose curves never progressed and we were the "lucky or unlucky" ones who had to wear the back braces and undergo the surgery. Now we get to be one of the ones who has worsening problems and pain. I am so glad I found this forum.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        MGM, Please tell me how the appt with the doc in Amarillo goes. When is your apt?? I, like you, am so frustrated. I want to feel better and be active again. I remember them being called the "Scoliosis Associates". We had our surgeries only 2 years apart. I wonder if our "situation" is very similar? Do you mind me asking your age? I am 35 years old and feel like I am 80. I sit all day at a desk which isn't helping matters. I can't wait until August 15th to get here........ One day at a time I guess.
                        Background - Diagnosed in 1981 with a s-curve. Very progressive. Wore a Milwalkee brace from 1981-1986. I had back surgery in 1989....spinal fusion with Harrington rods and bone from my hip.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          LOL!! I am 35 also, and I was explaining to one of my co-workers that I am 35, but my body is like an old old lady. Yes, it sounds like our situations are very similar. I don't know about you, but I am so happy to know I am not alone. I even told one of the doctors I went to, that I am starting to feel like a hypocondriac (sp?) because I just kept going to doctors trying to convince them that something is really wrong.

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Wow! Me too. I feel like I am complaining all the time. It is soo frustrating to have worn the back brace, had the surgery and STILL have back problems. I hope we both can find some answers very soon. I am glad to know I am not alone and we can talk about what we find out!
                            Background - Diagnosed in 1981 with a s-curve. Very progressive. Wore a Milwalkee brace from 1981-1986. I had back surgery in 1989....spinal fusion with Harrington rods and bone from my hip.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              This is cool, I'm glad I found someone in my area. My appointment is not until September 28th

                              But Oh well!! I guess better late than never. Well, let me know how it goes after your appointment (since you are first, you get to be the guinea pig )
                              I hope it goes really well and we both get some relief really quickly and that we start e-mailing that we don't feel like old ladies any more.

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