Suggestion for 13-year old

[mariaf]

I agree that it IS possible to be seen within a matter of weeks if there is an opening. If you wish to see Dr. Betz specifically, I believe he is usually in clinic on Tuesdays (sometimes on other days as well). If you are not requesting a specific doctor they you may be able to get in even sooner. Although, nobody can compare to Dr. Betz as far as reputation and experience, the other spinal surgeons are all EXCELLENT and they work as a team with Betz overseeing things generally. And if there is any need, they will ask for his input.

Hope this is helpful.

[debbei]

Good for you! I'm so happy that you're going to Philly. From what I understand, they are the best. Stay far, far away from that dopey ortho you saw already.

[tkrame01]

To MariaF

Thank you so much for the info. about Shriners and the email addresses. I have emailed Janet to help expedite Molly's application.

I'll keep you posted.

Thank you all!

[mariaf]

Happy to help.

I think it's safe to say you will see NO COMPARISON between the level of care and the expertise you will encounter at Shriners vs. the first ortho you saw. I'm sure you'll be very pleased with your experience with the Shriners medical staff.

We'll be waiting to hear!

[tkrame01]

mariaf

I faxed Molly's application over on Monday of this week - still haven't heard anything. I also emailed Janet Monday, and haven't heard back. Do you think I should contact them again, or am I just being impatient?

[mariaf]

I would wait until Monday and then either leave Janet a voicemail or shoot her another e-mail. She could be on vacation this week OR just busier than usual. Please keep me posted but I am sure you'll touch base with Janet one way or another VERY soon!

[tkrame01]

Thank you!

[WNCmom]

I spoke with Janet yesterday, so I don't think she's away this week. I have a different email address for her; you might try that.

It's JCerrone@shrinenet.org

[tkrame01]

Wncmom:

Thank you for the info.! Janet is going to think I am an insane mom - just to be safe I did send her another email using your email address.

One thing God did NOT grant me was patience!

[mariaf]

Hi WNCmom,

Thanks for letting us know Janet is around this week

Several months ago, Janet told me that her Shriners e-mail box got so much activity that she set up a special account (the comcast address) JUST for parent inquires and that it helped her to respond more quickly to parents.

So, ever since then I have given out the comcast e-mail address, and it seems to be working - most folks hear back within a couple of days.

Just wanted to explain why I did not provide the Shriners e-mail address

(And there is of course nothing wrong with using the Shriners e-mail address.)

[WNCmom]

Maria--

Thanks for explaining that. I've never asked Janet about it, but I emailed her in early May using the comcast address I had from you and which I had used to contact her late last year. Two weeks passed and I still didn't hear from her, so I tried the shrinenet address, from which she had replied to me back in December. When I did that I heard from her immediately (and she was about to go on vacation, so I know she hadn't been on vacation). So I assumed the comcast one wasn't valid. Guess I shouldn't assume anything! It's good to know that the comcast address still works, and is probably the better one. I don't know why it didn't work for me that one time.

Mary Ellen

[tkrame01]

Thanks ladies!

At least I know I have my bases covered either way now! I'm sure I'll hear from her soon.

Signed,
Now the anxiously awaiting mom!

[mariaf]

So now we can call you "the anxiously awaiting mom" - or "Molly's mom" or "tkrame01" - but I just realized I don't know your first name - LOL!!

By the way, I heard from Janet today and she mentioned that she's been a little bit behind with returning calls because she's had to take a few Fridays off AND they have been very busy at the hospital so far this summer.

Oh, and she also mentioned that anyone who downloads an application from the Shriners Hospital website should then fax it to 215-430-4068, Attention: Marge.

[Beckymk]

I was just skimming and I'm so glad you got a 2nd opinion. As soon as I heard what the ortho told you about the surgery and not increasing, that doesn't sound right to me.

The first ortho we saw wanted to do surgery right away on Carolyn at 40 degrees BUT he referred us to Shriners due to our insurance situation. THAT was a definite blessing in disguise since I didn't even know Shriner's dealt with Scoliosis at the time.

In our case, we did put Carolyn in a brace and it was holding for a while but alas, Friday we got the news that it's increasing (went from 40ish to 48 in a year), so it's time to look at surgery. At least that gave us time to have it sink in.

Also, every single appointment they ask if she is having back pain. I just assumed they ask because they know back pain can be associated with scoliosis.

[tkrame01]

Appointment at Shriners

Happy Monday everyone!

Well, good news...Molly has an appointment with Dr. Betz at Shriners on August 14. I spoke to Janet, his assistant, and she could not have been nicer on the phone. Told me things that totally contradict what our current ortho. dr. has said, including pain with scoliosis, which could mean a sudden curve increase, which is what we suspect.

Nonetheless...we are getting ready to go to the beach the end of this week - it is great going on vacation knowing that when we return Molly will be in very good hands!

Thank you all for your support!
I'll keep you posted.