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Tina... Obviously, none of us know what is going on with your spine. Your surgeon could just be a jerk, or it's possible that they're completely...

There's a lot written about blame in this thread. When a delicate surgery like spinal fusion doesn't accomplish all that is expected, like the...

All of this is so complex. Also it is call practicing medicine. The doctors refer to where they work as their practice. Now I changed surgeons from...

Thanks for posting the link Linda. I have seen some of this material in my old (2005-2010) scoliosis surgical books and have wondered about all the...

Linda, That's correct....Blame and envy cause massive amounts of anxiety....and as far as bear traps (thoracic gripping) are concerned, not everyone...

I think this is exactly what it is. He doesn't want to talk about it because he'd have to admit something he did is lacking. You're lucky he's even...

Iatrogenic flatback is caused by a lack of perfect sagittal balance created during spinal fusion procedures. It's a very complex calculation, and...

But if your back literally flattens and loses its curve it has to change shape. How can this happen if the spine and the rods don't bend?

No the rods do not have to break or bend. The rods are strong but the need for perfect balance is even stronger so the rods and screws are pulled...

Wow. How is that possible? The metal rods would have to bend, wouldn't they?

None of that is absolute.

I actually brought the flatback issue up with Dr Menmuir when I found that the upper surgery didn't improve my "pushed forward" feel. He said no, his...

Haha! Yes, I remember you commenting on the nice digs. Too bad we can't appreciate them as much as we might in that situation, but it was MUCH better...

I remember coming down to the hospital since your room in the new wing at Renown was puurtty nice.... I thought I was checked in at the Westin in the...

Yes...

Just left a full response that magically disappeared....C'est la Vie! Yes Ed, I remember the restaurant, and also your visit to Renown after my...

Thanks Linda. I don't know if SF is a possibility for me either, as I'm not sure about insurance and the other logistics, but I sure appreciate your...

Sharon, Long time no C.... Dr Menmuir went to Florida, and Dr Halki was my other scoliosis surgeon. That would be another "local" option for an...

I do have an appointment in June for a Dr in movement specialty. I am anxious to see if he can make any suggestions. I'm not sure where the hand...

Is flat back possible after a full fusion?

If you can find a physical therapist who specializes in gait analysis, they might be able to help. --Linda

Hi Sharon... Correction of flatback is relatively common for the surgeons who perform a lot of complex spine surgery, even for older individuals. ...

Nerve healing most likely has a lot to do with how much damage was done....I guess they are trying to find out with the EMG's. There is a long...

Tina, yes it takes a long time to heal a nerve . And I wonder if it is actually longer since a nerve heals a a very small amount over time. Since my...

I don't think it matters where it is impacted. My point was, a nerve can take a long time to heal after the compression is removed.

Linda as far as the walking, it feels like a struggle to keep my balance. I don't think both of my legs are a problem but it does feel like I want to...

Can you tell if it's your legs, spine, or something else?

I was told by my hand surgeon that it could take a year for my ulnar nerve to heal and for my hand to feel normal again.