Revision in my future...

[loves to skate]

Jenee,
I am so sorry to hear about your problems and needing a revision. I think it is something we all worry about. Best wishes to you.
Sally

[titaniumed]

Ti-Ed, you are my hero with your dedication to the site!!!

Me?
(Cheswick style reply from “One flew over the Cuckoo’s nest”) You remember that scene? LMAO

I see your driving to Spain on a flat. Can you make it? You know your producing metal particulates in there....(stern face)

What kinds of meds do you need to take to maintain?

Cheswick

[sheila C]

In the same boat.

This revision surgery is very complicated. My doctor said it involves actually totally realigning the spine and straightening it and repairing the bottom vertrebra's that are shot. And then rehooking the top and bottom all back up to interlock normally. I will be out of work for awhile and in a brace for several months. I went thru hell the first go around, in a body cast for 9 months and going thru traction and everything else. And now because of that, I am being disabled.

[susancook]

Sheila, do you know if after your revision surgery and a recup period if you will be permanently disabled?
Susan

[jeneemohler]

July 1st Revison Surgery

Hi everyone. Man, I can't believe how time flies. Between work, kids, grandkids, etc, it seems like I have less and less time to do what I need to do, or should do! I have been meaning to get on here multiple times to give an update, but chores and life in general just seem to pull me in a thousand directions. Prioritize, prioritize!

My revision surgery is scheduled at OHSU in Portland on July 1st. I have had a few appointments with Dr. Hart, and I have felt very comfortable with him and his expertise and bedside manner. I know of at least one patient who has been less than satisfied with him, but there is always different opinions when you do so many of these complicated surgeries. On the positive side, Susan mentioned that Serena Hu, one of the top surgeons in scoliosis, and someone I was originally considering, gave him high marks. Gayle also mentioned that he was voted one of the top 25 surgeons by his peers. So I feel confident.

In addition to the flatback syndrome, my CT scans showed a broken left rod, and one of the pelvic screws has backed out some on the right side. I wonder if that has anything to do with the strain of the broken rod on the other side? Dr Hart plans on an anterior/posterior surgery. He will leave the upper half of the fusion alone, and only deal with the lumbar area. That makes me happy. I (we) hope that it can be done in one long surgery so that I don't have to return for a second surgery. On an interesting note, he said that I technically don't have pelvic fixation, as the anchoring screws aren't long enough to be considered pelvic anchors. That might explain why I had no issues with pain around the anchors as some people have experienced, and why the one screw is backing out. I am a little nervous about adding longer bolts and the pain sometimes associated with it. Oh well, I will deal with that if and when it happens!

I told a friend the other day that looking forward to a revision surgery is like having a second baby. I'm not sure if it is better, now that I know what to expect- or if it is WORSE because I know what to expect! I decided... .... that it will be an easier recovery than the first one. I'm not too excited about another long recuperation, but I AM excited at the possibility of being able to walk normal again. I miss walking and hiking and being active. Maybe I will lose these extra 20 I have packed on. Menopause and hot flashes hit the same time I was recuperating from the first surgery, so I had a double whammy for weight gain. Not fair!

I will let everyone know when I am home safe and sound. Thanks everyone, for your years of support and friendship!

Jenee'

[susancook]

Jenne', I don't know if you have read my thread recently, but I had a revision with Dr. Hart about 2 months ago. I had multiple loosened screws (actually all the thoracic) as well as a broken rod. I thought that Dr. Hart provided excellent care and was very caring. My problem was an infection which was very slowly growing. So, now I have a mostly revised back and daily antibiotics. This was my second revision, my prior revision was last summer when I had a spinal cord injury after a screw pulled out into my T5-6 area.

I thought that the care that I received at OHSU was good. I am staying in the Brooklyn neighborhood across the Ross Island bridge. Long story...but I am still using a wheelchair, but will gladly get together for lunch or coffee.

Susan

[titaniumed]

I know of at least one patient who has been less than satisfied with him

I know.....but she wasn’t a “standard”scoli and was in a difficult “surgical” situation...... You know that. It’s the reason why we actually shouldn’t wait too long if we have large curves.....timing is everything, and it plays a huge part. Age 50 and over with 50 plus curves becomes another scenario....the card game changes.

I always wonder about ALIF and how it worked so well for me.....it did help guarantee my lumbar fusions and I know you know, since you are aware. Please remember that these decisions are not taken lightly by our surgeons because we are extremely complicated. Don’t hold a grudge on your local surgeon.....she made her best call on procedure.

I think about you guys often......I will just have to call all of you the Oregon State Troopers.

Dr Hart will get you fixed up....

Ed

[mabeckoff]

Glad that you are going to get fixed up. I have had multiple surgeries. I have found that knowing what to expect made it easier.

[jeneemohler]

Thanks, guys. I do have high hopes for a similar recovery. My first one was textbook, which is a good thing.
It is always good to hear from you, Ed. I have said all along that I don't fault my original surgeon. I know she had the best of intentions. The original surgery still stopped the progression of the curves and took away the sciatic pain. My only disappointment is that she didn't refer me to someone for another opinion, and told me to walk with my knees bent (and semi-squatting) in order to walk upright. Pretty tough on the quads and knees for a person without a fusion, let alone one with. Que sera sera!

I am glad to hear that you had a good experience with Dr. Hart, Susan. I think of you often and so wish that you were doing better. Any long term hope for improvement, as far as walking? I am ashamed that I haven't followed you more closely after your experience last summer. I knew you finally had surgery for the injury after a long wait trying to figure out what went wrong. Maybe when I go up for my followups we can have coffee and catch up. It was lovely visiting you in Sisters last summer.

I am both nervous and excited. Thank goodness it isn't as nerve wracking as the first surgery. The only bummer is the long drive home in the back of the SUV. It would actually take longer to fly home with having to arrive early, get through security, and then drive home from the airport. I have never been one for drugs, but I think I will ask to be fortified when I leave the hospital!

[golfnut]

Jenee',
It seems that every time I forget to check the new posts in the forums, there is something posted from my friends from 2011 that I miss. I need to forget Facebook and check the forum more often. If you remember, we were only 5 days apart with our surgeries and corresponded often. I am so sorry you have to have revision surgery, but I think your positive attitude will help you so much and put you back on track for a good outcome and a quality of life that you so deserve. I have read good comments about your surgeon. I will be looking for your posts after your surgery on July 1 and wish you a smooth recovery. I know you be a star!

[titaniumed]

Jenee

Thinking of you, hope everything is ok......

I will send a PM

Ed

[leahdragonfly]

Hi Jenee, just re read your threads since I am now facing broken rods (again). How did everything go with your surgery and hospital stay at OHSU? How is recovery going for you?

Take care,

Gayle

[leahdragonfly]

Has anyone heard from Jenee? I wonder how she is doing.

[titaniumed]

Yeah....She put off her revision for a little.......I think she told me October.

Ed

[Marina63]

Jenee's surgery

I am friends with Jenee on FB and she had her revision surgery this past Friday, November6. I check her page daily as her husband is posting updates. So far so good.