We have a surgery date!

[dancermom]

Hi Cheryl. I can't wait to hear how Briann's 8 week post-op appt. went. We don't go in until February 15th. I am glad that you asked about what questions were good to ask and know. You are right that we have a million questions before surgery and then you just take things as they come after surgery.

My Elizabeth is bummed out today as she is home sick with a bad cold. They are having a reward day at school and going to see a movie, eat lunch out, and then roller skate (which she couldn't do this part). Anyway, she came home from school yesterday morning not feeling well, and I called her in sick today. I feel bad for her as she was just getting back involved and feeling apart of things. Oh well, at least she won't be missing any academics today.

Nikki, thanks for the advice and questions that you talked about for Cheryl. It is nice to have you this far out on the post-op side and to see how well that Crystal is doing.

Take care everyone.

Love, Connie

[AnnLF]

Hey Gals -

First things first. Nikki, does this now make you the Queen Mother? Congratulations to Crystal...what an honor.

So glad to hear the girls are doing well getting back into their routines. I hope to be reporting the same very soon. Rats...what a drag that OK Elizabeth got the dreaded bug. With all that our girls have been through, that's the last thing they need.

Hoping Briann's post op went well. When we go on Tuesday, here's one thing I'm curious about. Lizzie got her period a couple of days after the surgery (which actually was about a week early at the time) and hasn't had one since. Anybody had similiar scenarios? And I agree with you Nikki about the pool and the boyancy that it would afford, so that is definitely going to be one of my questions. Liz has greatly improved, but still seems somewhat stiff and robotic and I think swimming would really help with that.

Have a terrific weekend! February is on the horizon - can you believe it? November was in front of us for so long and I love that it's now fading behind us! Love, Ann

[lorrie]

Hi Ann
Genevieve's period started about three days before her surgery which was on 22nd August. She didn't have another until November 30th. I did mention it to the nurses at the hospital and they reckoned it wasn't uncommon. After such major surgery your system kind of goes into shock and it can take a good while to settle back into a regular cycle. Should probably say that G wasn't really all that regular before surgery but a gap like that was way over the top even for her!

Many congrats to Crystal,Nikki - i'm glad things are going well for you people!

Lorrie

[Marieokc]

Carrie is home and doing great

Hi everyone:

Just wanted to take a few minutes and let you know that Carrie was released from the hospital on Sat. Jan. 28, and her surgery was Monday Jan. 23. She is doing great and looking so good.

She is happy with the results and I know she will really be glad that the dr. didn't have to do an external incision to get the bone graft from her hip. He said since the fusion went so low, he was able to get it from inside and it worked out great. She said it still feels sore. She was fused from T2-L3, a very long fusion.

Thanks to everyone for keeping good thoughts for us during the very long months/week/days before and after the surgery. That was something else to go through. But, Carrie was always so positive about it and she made our tough decision a little easier. We are just taking it easy and starting to feel normal again, still have a long way to go for recovery, but this is the good side to be on.

Marie

[dancermom]

Welcome back home Marie and Carrie!! Now the recovery and healing process really begins. It is such a wonderful thing to be back home and in your own surroundings.

I'm so glad that Carrie is healing so well and that she doesn't have a separate incision for the bone graph. I'm sure her hip will be sore though just from having the bone taken for the graph.

Keep us informed as to how Carrie's progress is going and please know that you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers through the upcoming weeks. We are at 9 weeks post-op as of tomorrow and I really can't believe it. Take care and welcome to the other side.

Love,
Connie

[Cheryl M]

Yay! I'm so glad to hear things went well for Carrie and welcome home! Marie, the hard part is over, it is all up hill from here. There will be some humps to get over but each week is tons better than the last. At nearly 9 weeks post-op, we are still seeing a drastic improvement as the weeks go by.

Ann, I read in my Scoliosis book by Dave Wolpert, at least I think that's where i read it, that irregular periods are very common after surgery. You can usually expect one just after surgery, even if you just had one, and then they can be very irregular after that. I wouldn't worry for now.

Briann's post-op was good. We are a little concerned that her curves have settled some since surgery. Initial measurements were 22 and 20 at 2 weeks and at 8 weeks they were 30 and 25. Dr. felt he was probably off on the first measurements. We are most concerned about the lumbar curve because that screw at L3 popped out during surgery so she was only fused to L2 and before surgery he intended to fuse to L3. We have to keep a close look at this curve to make sure it doesn't progress. Her Risser is now between 4 and 5 so hopefully it won't progress! Scary! Scary! to think we could face another surgery. Dr.W said he has never had to do a 2nd surgery in his many years of doing this. I pray that we won't be the first. I so pray that I can turn this over to God and listen for His wisdom and guidance. THe Doctor said she'll be amazed at how fast her strength comes back each week after the 2 month mark. They were kind of amazed that she went back full days last week. She does come home very tired.

Well, enough about Briann. I am so thrilled to read about everyone and I find myself reading the posts more than I'm posting and just thanking the Lord that they are all doing so well.

Have a great week!

Cheryl M

[Laura P]

Marie,

Welcome home. It will get better everyday. The worst is over. We were out of town this weekend and so I am just now reading everyones post and catching up.

Ditto Cheryl on the irregular periods. Very, very normal. Glad everyone is doing good.
Laura P.

[nikyergen]

Ann,
I wish it made me the queen mother. All I can see is that it makes me the poor $$$ mother. We have another daughter that is a Worthy Advisor for International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and is on one of the bigger Rodeo Courts here (two crowns on this kid, but you wouldn't know it as she doesn't act any different, just the same ole kid). Likes to be in the barn and help her dad mechanic on equipment. Don't know what summer will bring, but I can see dad and I not seeing much of each other. I need to buy stock in a gas company quick. Maybe I can get a little return for my money.

Actually, since dad is a Shriner, he is the King Dad and gets to escort Crystal all over the state this year. He accepted her first official visit after her crowning. So, she has to take two days off of school and travel to various meetings with her dad. I don't start the rodeo stuff until June, which is a relief. I'd rather do the horses and rodeo court than some of the other stuff.

It is so wonderful to hear how all of the newbie surgery recoverys are doing. Everyone seems to be doing so well. Tell your kids to keep up the great work. I'm so proud of how well they are doing. We are approaching one year fast and furious, but won't have a check up until 13 months because of our doctors schedule. He is hoping to get Crystal's foot surgery done before then if they can get her in. If not, sometime between April and June. Oh, I hate the waiting. But, then it isn't life and death, just that the pain in Crystal's feet gets to her after a day at work on her feet.

Tell all of your girls, no jumping over the dishwasher door, it isn't safe and makes mom want to cry. You will be surprised at what they will start trying to do soon. I finally gave up trying to wrap Crystal in bubble wrap and decided that she wouldn't do something that would hurt. You know all they do when you wrap them in bubble wrap is pop the silly little bubbles to drive you nuts.

Keep up the great recovery.

Nikki

[mariaf]

Nikki,

Congratulations to Crystal! We actually watched the East/West Shrine Game on TV a few Saturdays ago. This must be VERY exciting for her.

(p.s. I mailed you something about a week ago - if you haven't received it yet you should be getting it soon).

take care,

[AnnLF]

Hi All,

Welcome home Carrie...and Marie. I hope all is going well with the recovery and that yours days (and nights) are painfree and uneventful. Keep us posted as to how it's going.

Thanks to all for chiming in about the periods. But guess what? Lizzie got hers yesterday. This was after I told her about Genevieve not having one for a few months...one side effect of the surgery that Liz was genuinely happy about. Then, boom. It arrives. Oh well.

We were at the doctor yesterday and all looks well. Her post-surgery curve is 40 on top about 30 on the bottom (she was 75/63 before surgery). The doctor cleared her for school -- Hurray! She will start next Monday, half-days. She's so ready, but a little frightened at the same time, as I'm sure all your girls felt. I've told her there's nothing to be worried about...I'll make sure the cell phone is charged and the volume is on high, so that she can call if she needs to reach me.

Nikki, I'm so mesmerized by the descriptions of your life. Living where I do in a congested metro area, it sounds truly lovely.

Cheryl, I can tell by your post that you are worried. (Isn't it amazing that I feel I've gotten to know you folks so well that I can pick up on things like that?) But trust in your doctor that he's never had to do a second surgery...I'm sure you're in good hands. I feel bad that that darned screw popping out during the surgery is still a source of concern. Please know that all our girls are in my prayers -- that things for all of them continue on an uneventful course.

Hope everyone continues to get stronger and healthier day by day!

[Marieokc]

Carrie still doing well

Hello:

Thank you all so much for continuing to think about us. I still look at this forum almost daily. Carrie seems to be doing so well during the day, but she said she doesn't like the nights. I know it's because she can't get comfortable and her anxiety kicks in a little bit. You know how everything seems better in the light of day.

She has been trying out each bed and couch in the house until she finds a comfortable one, and tonight she is going to take a warm shower right before bed. Those showers always tire her out and she wants to sleep for a long time. Then we are also going to try to walk more and sit up more and just keep her busy and her mind occupied until she feels tired tonight.

She is really doing so well with walking, sitting, standing, and moving around--it's been so amazing. She has taught her little sister how to help her get up from the couch, and that makes them both feel better. She said she wants to do more things for herself, so she doesn't feel so dependent on people. I'm so glad to hear that.

She is off the Oxycontin and just taking Darvocet every 4-6 hours as needed. We noticed that the Oxycontin was for moderate to severe pain, and this Darvocet is for mild to moderate pain, so we think of that as a step in the right direction. She goes back to the dr. on Friday for her check up and the Dr. said he will get better xrays than they took at the hospital.

I think she will be so happy with the incision and how her back looks. She said she is having to learn how to lie flat on her back because it feels so different since her protruding shoulder blade and rib hump had been there for so long and she couldn't life flat. I think the biggest thing to us was that she said she now has more lung capacity. She always thought she was OK, but now that her rib cage is more straightened out, she can tell that her lung capacity is so much better now. That is pretty dramatic for us. Just makes us realize this was the right thing to do at the right time.

I hope we are able to help others who are coming up on this surgery. It is definitely something to go through, but the kids are so amazing. Carrie told us about the third or fourth day in the hospital, "This wasn't so bad, I don't know what yall were so worried about." She also told us that she knew we didn't follow her rule that no one could cry until she did; because she never did cry at all (except for some pain afterwards). What a girl!!

Thank you all so much for keeping me sane. Each day is a banner day around here and we are just so thankful for everyone keeping us in your thoughts. Take care.
Marie

[Laura P]

Hello To All

It is amazing how far we have all come in the last 8 weeks. Jamie is doing great. She is officially driving again, as of today. We are going to keep her homebound teacher until March 8 and let her go part time to her electives. She still tires easily and sometimes just has to go lie down and rest her neck but all in all she is doing good. Now we are having to slow her down and tell her to not lean over don't do that etc. Her lab work all came back normal but she is still a little on the low side of anemia so we continue to give her iron tabs. Her tingling in her joints are better after getting her on iron. So all is well here.

Marie glad youall are doing good. You will be here soon I promise. These last 8 weeks have flown by and I can't believe it.

Nikki, I am delayed but going back to work I do not have any time but congrats on crystal. What an honor. I know she calls you queen mom. Ha It was reinforment to me to have Jamie glad I was with her but now she is back to wanting to be her friends. I am glad though that means she is doing good but I did enjoy being with her.

Cheryl, I know it is worrisome about Briann but hopefully things will be ok. Hang in there.

Has anyone heard from Renee and Joseph. It seems all of the kids are doing great.

Have a great weekend. Spring is just around the corner. The daffodils are popping up here it has been so warm. It is cold here this weekend and flurries expected Mon. so they may get it but it has been so warm we cannot complain.

Laura P.

Jamie's scoliosis natzi as to saying "don't do that, don't bend that way.HA

[dancermom]

Hi everyone. It does seem like we don't post as often now that we are farther out from surgery and time has passed. I think that life is moving on and thankfully our kids are getting fairly back to normal in their lives. Elizabeth really misses being able to dance more than anything else. We are hoping that by this summer she will be able to start taking classes again.

Laura, I also feel like the police in telling Elizabeth to be careful or to stop kicking her leg up so far or whatever. I just don't want any major setbacks. We go back to see the doctor on the 15th and that will be about the 3 month mark - not quite but only a week or so short. I am praying that the lower lumbar curve isn't as pronounced this time.

Cheryl, I can understand why you would be worried and concerned about Briann. Please know that I will keep you all in my prayers, especially for God's peace and wisdom. When do you go back for a recheck? Hopefully things will not have changed any more and the doctor will be happy with her progress. Glad that Briann is doing well with school and all.

Ann, so does Lizzie start back to school this coming Monday? I know that my Elizabeth was very ready to go back and be with her friends and into a normal routine again. I was so anxious those first couple of days back and she did great. So, I pray that Lizzie will also have a great first week back with the half days.

Marie, how did your appt. go with the dr. on Friday? We see Dr. Herndon on the 15th and I am sure he will have Elizabeth take x-rays again. I'm so happy that Carrie is doing so well with everything. She sounds like a really amazing young lady. It also sounds like you guys can tell a huge difference in her back with how she can now lay flat and doesn't feel the shoulder blade protruding or the rib hump. With Carrie being in band, the extra lung capacity is a wonderful thing. All of it is so amazing and good. I am so happy that you guys are now on this side of the surgery.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support. It just helps to know you are here and that we are going through this together.

Love,
Connie

[Marieokc]

2 weeks post op

HI everyone:
Just a note to let you know that Carrie's post op appt. went great! Dr. Herndon told her that he was so proud of her and that really made her day.

Her curves are around 10-15 degrees from 52T/40L, and everything looks great. He took some x-rays and her spine looks so straight, if you can look past all of the hardware. Her balance is perfect and her head is directly lined up over her pelvis. He was happy with her incision and the amount of activity she has been able to do. He said he wants her walking and eating now more than ever. She has been striving to do just that to make him happy.

Her tummy is straightened out now, and he said we could add Motrin as a pain reliever and try to cut back on the Darvocet. She has been handling that pretty well. She is glad to be coming off the Darvocet because she doesn't like some of the minor side effects--wobbly legs, flushness, and sometimes an upset stomach. So, I think she appreciates having something else to use so as not to depend on the narcotics as much anymore.

Her chief complaint now is that she is having trouble going to sleep and staying asleep. She used to be able to sleep anytime anywhere, and now that she can't, it seems to bother her that she is having so much trouble. She becomes anxious at night and still wants her Dad near her when she does get to sleep. (He's happy to oblige; I think he wants to be near her too. He's been camping out in a sleeping bag on the floor in the living room while she sleeps on the couch). Anyway, she said that he loves to see friends/family, but she doesn't like that everyone goes home at night--that kind of makes her sad. We had lots of family over this last weekend, and her cousins spent Sat. night with us, and I think that really made her feel so much better. Just a side effect from some of the meds and the pain I think.

So today, we are going to go the band room at the high school and visit some friends, then I will try to take her shopping at the music store for a few minutes if she feels like it. Her homebound teacher is coming for her first official lesson today at 3 p.m. and I think her sister will be having several friends come over to practice their ensemble music after school, so Carrie will enjoy seeing and hearing that. We will continue to walk twice a day and eat well. Her walks are becoming longer and not as tiresome each day.

These kids are so amazing at what they can do. Here we are at two weeks post-op and I can't believe it. I know things will continue to get better and better each day. I'd like for all of our schedules to get back on track, and I know that will make Carrie feel more normal too. She still has a ways to go, but it's great to see how far she has come already. When she gets down, I tell her not to compare herself to what she could do two weeks ago, compare herself to what she could do two days ago. That seems to help her.

This experience has been something else, and I have said many times, I couldn't have done it without all yall. This support group has been so wonderful. Thank you everyone for everything.
Love, Marie

[flowerpower]

Hi everyone,

I have been MIA for a few weeks now, I have missed chatting with everyone. The computer problems are getting somewhat better but I have tried posting quite a few times the last couple of weeks, what happens is I end up typing so long trying to catch up, some ad or pop-up will come on-screen and when I try to close the tab I lose everything, even what I was typing. VERY frustrating!! Joe had been going great the last 2 weeks, back at school full time and even fitting in some extracurricular activities (academic team and chess). He and sister are both home sick today though, we have been having a really hard time with flu, colds and sore throats. There has been someone home sick just about everyday, so I am very far behind in everything. I am determined to finish this today though! I think about you all every day and still keep all the kids in my prayers. Glancing though some posts, I am very glad it seems everyone is doing well for the most part.

Cheryl, I pray Briann will not suffer any future problems from the screw that pulled out. Congrats to Queen Crystal and "Queen Mother Nikki" (a "virtual" curtsey to you both !)

Marie, I'm so glad Carrie's surgery went well. It is amazing how well these kids bounce back from surgery!

Ann, glad to hear Lizzie's doing well. Let us know how back-to-school goes.

Connie and Laurie, so glad your girls are doing well also. Add me to the "squad" as I am constantly after Joe about pushing the limits. He won't use his hall pass to leave class early, won't use the elevator pass I worked so hard to get, lol, and just yesterday made my heart stop when I saw him laying on the grass while his brother and cousin were playing soccer around him! and his brother jumped over him!!! I immediately thought of Nikki and the dishwasher incident - it makes me cringe to think of what may be going on in school.... For the most part though, he has been pretty good about watching what he does, I know its really hard for him to hold back when he sees his friends horsing around and being physical..

He did have a dr. appt last week though and dr. said he was doing fine. X-ray looked good though there is still a bit of rotation. But it makes me so happy to see Joe standing straight and centered and he is very happy, which is most important. At our next appt. in 6 weeks, dr. said he may start to lift some restrictions - Joe is still limited to walking only.

Hope everyone continues to do well, hopefully computer problems are under control and I can post more. Take care everyone, and have a good week!

Renee