Originally posted by Tableone
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First, the bad disc has be removed, that space filled in (I suppose a cage of some sort) then the illiac screws placed for fusion to the pelvis. Then the old instrumentation would be removed, osteotomies performed where dr. determines necessary (not sure how many, frankly I hope enough so I gain an inch or two in height) then new rods and pedicle screws to T3. I was told it would be a 10+ hour surgery, 2 days in ICU, a week in a bed, then up to the 'rehab' floor for two weeks so I can learn how to do things again - like the logroll into bed - or as Ed put it, a one and a half twist with a swan dive

I don't know what went 'wrong' except my choice of surgeon. One did tell me to fuse to the sacrum but I was afraid of those illiac screws. (He was so right, Robt. Pashman at Cedars is a great surgeon). I will say the surgeon I chose SHOULD HAVE KNOWN that last disc couldn't last long - it was bearing to much wear and tear. Then the scoli decided to creep up from T10 to almost my neck. That couldn't have been forseen, but to answer your question, I should not have been left with only one disc to support all that hardware and work of moving my body.
I'm not looking forward to the first month of doing so many things differently; that's the worst part. I have no fear of the surgery simply because of my surgeon. It's all my work I'm afraid of!!
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