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Thanks Susan and Melissa. Both of you have had a long journey and understand that the surgeon doesn't need to get angry at the patient when all the patient is doing is asking for help. Even when it was visible, because my shoulder has dropped at least 2 inches, I was dismissed with OK but just get used to it. The shoulder doctor was the one that said this is not OK. He is the one that said I needed the University level medicine. I am still waiting for the date.
T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
T2--T10 fusion 2/11
C 4-5 fusion 11/14
Right scapulectomy 6/15
Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
Broken neck 9/28/2018
Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
Osteotomy
Well I got .y surgery date. It is June 29. This will make the fourth surgery since the original one. It is on the scapula but because of the ribs out of place due to scoliosis and kyphosis. So I wonder if I consider this a revision. It really is a shame it took 4years to find help. I had periods of PT during that time but no other tests or treatment. When the shoulder got locked down it was just too uncomfortable to leave it. I like the doctors at the University an d they have a policy there that is called Speak Up. I think all .medical practices should adopt it. You are told to ask anything and speak up if you question any tests or treatment. And to inter act with the doctor until you are satisfied. Great advice since sometimes doctors think they are above being questioned.
After the problem with my scoliosis surgeon, I will not be returning to him. They gave me a new one down at the University.
T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
T2--T10 fusion 2/11
C 4-5 fusion 11/14
Right scapulectomy 6/15
Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
Broken neck 9/28/2018
Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
Osteotomy
Well I got .y surgery date. It is June 29. This will make the fourth surgery since the original one. It is on the scapula but because of the ribs out of place due to scoliosis and kyphosis. So I wonder if I consider this a revision. It really is a shame it took 4years to find help. I had periods of PT during that time but no other tests or treatment. When the shoulder got locked down it was just too uncomfortable to leave it. I like the doctors at the University an d they have a policy there that is called Speak Up. I think all .medical practices should adopt it. You are told to ask anything and speak up if you question any tests or treatment. And to inter act with the doctor until you are satisfied. Great advice since sometimes doctors think they are above being questioned.
After the problem with my scoliosis surgeon, I will not be returning to him. They gave me a new one down at the University.
When Dr Bederman told me that he was leaving, he asked me what was his best feature as a surgeon. I said that he listens to his patients. He asks questions and waits for the answers before he talks again. I told him that I have doctors because they do not listen to me. That is so important.
I am happy for you that you are going to get some relief.
Well an update. It seems as if the surgery is a success. The follow up visit went well with the doctor wanting more PT on the upper shoulder. The right shoulder is just a little down but it is so much better. Who would have thought that removing a part of the shoulder blade would get the shoulder out of the trap on the ribs. It amazed my spine doctor. Linda I did request the notes on the surgery for you. I have not gotten an answer yet. I am still doing PT but all looks like it was a success. The movement isn't perfect yet but it is only 9 weeks out from surgery. I think it will improve.
T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
T2--T10 fusion 2/11
C 4-5 fusion 11/14
Right scapulectomy 6/15
Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
Broken neck 9/28/2018
Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
Osteotomy
Well an update. It seems as if the surgery is a success. The follow up visit went well with the doctor wanting more PT on the upper shoulder. The right shoulder is just a little down but it is so much better. Who would have thought that removing a part of the shoulder blade would get the shoulder out of the trap on the ribs. It amazed my spine doctor. Linda I did request the notes on the surgery for you. I have not gotten an answer yet. I am still doing PT but all looks like it was a success. The movement isn't perfect yet but it is only 9 weeks out from surgery. I think it will improve.
Good to hear Jackie. Keep up the good work.
Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
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Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation
Peg
61 yrs old
75 degree lumbar curve with thoracic kyphosis
T3 - S1 surgery with Dr. Buchowski in St. Louis, on 10/27/14
Working on healing in Columbus, Ohio!
Thanks. It is wonderful. I can't even find the words to tell how different this feels. It is as if now I can enjoy my straight spine. I feel stronger and in balance. Even though this shoulder dropped down at the beginning of this year, this shoulder blade has been trapping since the thoracic spine was fused. The blade pulled on the spine really hard. It is great to have it fixed. Even though a scapulectomy is not a comment fix.
T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
T2--T10 fusion 2/11
C 4-5 fusion 11/14
Right scapulectomy 6/15
Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
Broken neck 9/28/2018
Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
Osteotomy
I think it qualifies as a revision, it’s a complication of scoliosis surgery.....a rare complication.
Ed
49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
Pre surgery curves T70,L70
ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada
I agree with you Ed. The actual surgical report states that the upper extremity specialist could not find a spine surgeon willing to do a rib osteotomy. I am sure that he had to qualify the surgery as it is uncommon. I am pleased so far. I still have issues moving the arm but with therapy and time that should improve. I was asked by the PT to try to lay prone on the bed or couch to do the shoulder exercises but could not do it. I got in that position but as soon as I turned my neck to the right I had sharp pain in thoracic spine that traveled likei lightning down my right arm. Tried it again the next day with the same result. I emailed the PA and she said do not do it and to come in if the pain in the arm continues. It is hard to tell if the arm pain is from the shoulder or the spine.
I am very happy with this outcome. It is early yet and I hope the shoulder blade doesn't trap again. Of course a quarter of it was removed.
I need to add scapulectomy to my signature. So now it is one spine fusion and five revisions.
T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
T2--T10 fusion 2/11
C 4-5 fusion 11/14
Right scapulectomy 6/15
Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
Broken neck 9/28/2018
Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
Osteotomy
I saw the regular shoulder doctor today for a steroid shot in the shoulder. We are trying to get this arm moving better. He told me it can take a year to recover the shoulder. It is staying in place and that is a good thing. The sharp pain down the arm is not coming from the shoulder though. He said it is coming from the cervical spine. Here we go again. I hope to avoid the trip to the spine doctor.
T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
T2--T10 fusion 2/11
C 4-5 fusion 11/14
Right scapulectomy 6/15
Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
Broken neck 9/28/2018
Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
Osteotomy
Your still early, and have had a lot of work done.....and this one is going to take some time......you know what I’m saying?
Sounds a little like finger pointing......which I would take with a grain of salt.
Slow and easy now....
Deep breaths.....
Ed
49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
Pre surgery curves T70,L70
ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada
Yes Ed you are right . It is early and you also went through a shoulder problem. As humans we do not even think of our different body parts until they don't work right. It was a long journey to finding the solution to this shoulder blade problem. It got worse in December or January but has been a problem for 4 years. So muscles change and now have to learn a new pattern.
However the shoulder is in place and staying there. NOW I CAN FEAL The AMAZING BALANCE IN My SPINE. The difference is wonderful. But it was a long battle to get to the answer. I think I am worn out from the journey. I need some down time.
There are still issues in the shoulder itself but we are putting bandaids on them for now. Also this surgery has to heal more in order to do the rehab necessary after shoulder surgery.
T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
T2--T10 fusion 2/11
C 4-5 fusion 11/14
Right scapulectomy 6/15
Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
Broken neck 9/28/2018
Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
Osteotomy
I think I am worn out from the journey. I need some down time.
Yeah....You do. Time to slow down......
After my shoulder surgeries, my shoulder doc wanted me in immediately as he didn’t want the shoulder to freeze. My therapist was excellent and moved real slow as he was afraid of my back......
They wanted me in for therapy several times a week and I wanted to cut that in half and extend the total time so I went 1 or 2 times a week for 6 months. That really worked like a charm because I could do my own therapy at home at my pace. (Walk the wall, and other shoulder rehab exercises)
I took a real slow approach to all of my recoveries and rehab and it worked well....
I also train slowly for skiing and its instilled in my mind because a mistake can cost a skier a whole season.
Ed
49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
Pre surgery curves T70,L70
ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada
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