From: bounce-scoliosis To: scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu Subject: scoliosis V1 #1059 Reply-To: Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis Precedence: bulk scoliosis Thursday, 31 December 1998 Volume 01 : Number 1059 Today's subjects for scoliosis, scoliosis-medical, scoliosis-child and scoliosis-teens: Re: Here we go again [Smokejell@aol.com] Re: shopping ["Andrea Ishigami [Health Technology]" ] Re: Therapists [Leah640@aol.com] Re: shopping [RBerk1382@aol.com] Re: shopping [Linda Racine ] Re: shopping [RSMVMD@aol.com] Re: Here we go again [cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton)] Re: Here we go again [cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton)] Re: l0 days post op [SkinnyPig3@aol.com] Re: Therapists [HugEBear36@aol.com] Post op Sleeping [CarolPerk@aol.com] Showering [CarolPerk@aol.com] Re: l0 days post op [cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton)] Looking for Help [Patty Johnson ] Re: Showering [R.N.A.@worldnet.att.net] scoli leg pain & eye problems ["wigham" ] Re: Looking for Help [cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton)] Re: scoli leg pain & eye problems [cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton)] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Smokejell@aol.com Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 10:07:25 EST Subject: Re: Here we go again Tina: Just be patient. Everything will return to normal s-l-o-w-l-y. I am about 9 weeks post-op. I didn't sleep at all for about 3 weeks after my surgery---I read a whole lot of books! Napped a lot during the day. Finally, one night, about a month after my operation, I slept from 11PM to 5AM. I felt like I had been given a gift! I think that your whole system is just thrown out of whack after the operation and it takes time for it to get back in sync. I still wake up occasionally during the night, and I don't sleep very well every night, but it is definitely an improvement. I have to wear my brace whenever I am out of bed---I don't sleep in it. It is a royal pain to take it off when I have to go to the bathroom---I've gotten pretty adept and could take it on and off in the tiny little stalls in public restrooms. I am the most impatient person in the world, and I feel like my recovery is going slowly, but I do see progress. I'm sure that you will too. Take care. Happy New Year. Angela ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Andrea Ishigami [Health Technology]" Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 10:30:20 -0500 Subject: Re: shopping Hi Allison, I too had no problem with a tie robe. I just wanted to add that I found lying in bed on my back, my heels got very red and sore. I solved the problem simply by wearing soft socks all the time. I also found that after my first shower, I felt better if I wore pajamas rather than a hospital gown. It just gives you a little lift. The pj's I wore were just a T-shirt top and elastic waist bottoms. They actually looked like leggings and a T-shirt. Slip-on slippers with the non-slip sole were also very helpful - easy to slide on and off without help. If I think of any other little tips, I'll let you know. Best of luck! Andrea ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Randy and Teri Nelson" Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 14:34:49 -0800 Subject: Re: Here we go again Hello Tina, I hope that you are doing better now and are able to sleep. It is hard to be comfortable in the body brace - I still wear mine 23 1/2 hours a day and I also have the leg extension. I am 7 weeks post-op now and I am able to sleep better and the pain is gone now too. If I do too much during the day I take Tylenol PM before going to bed to help me sleep. I find that the best way for me to pass the time is being on the computer although my kids and husband don't like it much - oh well! You will notice in time that things do get better !! Take care now and let us know how you are doing. Teri ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Leah640@aol.com Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 15:58:26 EST Subject: Re: Therapists Ian, Same thing. PT's and phsicos (Spelling, sorry) are the same, just differant names. They call them phyiso's in England too. Leah ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: RBerk1382@aol.com Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 16:01:35 EST Subject: Re: shopping Allison: Andrea had a SHOWER in the hospital? I didn't have a shower for a month. I didn't have my hair washed for about 20 days. Luckily I had it cut short before the surgery. Roberta ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Linda Racine Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 13:20:47 -0800 Subject: Re: shopping Roberta... I got to take a shower on day 12. I can't imagine having to wait a month! Maybe that's something everyone contemplating surgery should add to their list of questions. ;-) Linda ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: RSMVMD@aol.com Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 16:35:30 EST Subject: Re: shopping I was able to take a shower on the last day of both hospital stays (first 7 days and second 6 days); otherwise, I had a sponge bath each morning. Richard S. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton) Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 16:35:34 -0600 Subject: Re: Here we go again Smokejell@aol.com wrote: > > Tina: > Just be patient. Everything will return to normal s-l-o-w-l-y. I am about 9 > ... Hi Angela Boy we sound just alike. Im very impatient also. When you feel better but your body wont go its very frustrating. We got about 3 inches of snow. So there goes my walks. I went to the doc today and they took all 95 staples out of me. He said I look and am doing great. For what I was just put through Im great. So I guess I am, lol. Everything you said makes perfect since. I am going to try to be more patient. Thanks for the support. Hope your recovery gets better daily also. Stay in touch! Happy New Year Tina ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton) Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 16:39:17 -0600 Subject: Re: Here we go again Randy and Teri Nelson wrote: > > Hello Tina, > > ... Hi Teri Thanks for your support. I know the computer is about all I can do now also. I still have trouble sitting up for long periods of time. I grew 2 inches and am now streight as a arrow so Im still throwin off alittle. My kids fight me over the computer but thats because they just got new games, other than that they just like to have me out of the bed room. I lay on the couch and talk to my 4mth old and make sure he remembers me. I went to the doc today and he said everything was fine and Im doing and looking great. That made me feel good like everything is going just like its suppose to. Thanks for informinng me that everything will get better. Impatiens is awful. Stay in touch, and Happy New Year Tina ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: SkinnyPig3@aol.com Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 17:40:06 EST Subject: Re: l0 days post op I can't believe you guys needed sleeping pills! I would sleep till noon and then eat and read the news....than I'd sleep until my famliy got home....I'd go for a walk....eat and sleep till the next noon! Courtney ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: HugEBear36@aol.com Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 18:36:19 EST Subject: Re: Therapists In a message dated 12/30/98 1:32:10 AM Eastern Standard Time, EvTrCh@aol.com writes: << EvTrCh >> To evtrch, Where in Mass do you live, do you take your son to Shriners in Spfld,ma? Cathy ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: CarolPerk@aol.com Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 20:02:12 EST Subject: Post op Sleeping Courtney: Consider yourself lucky. I didn't have sleeping pills because my doctor was concerned about the interaction with pain meds. I just didn't sleep much. I went under the assumption that "this too shall pass". It did. C.P. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: CarolPerk@aol.com Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 19:58:25 EST Subject: Showering I had a shower 2 days post op having had only posterior surgery. I know Allison is having both post and anterior surgeries. I think the decision might have to do with the drainage tubes coming out and being taken off the morphine pump, but I think Linda's suggestion is the best. When in doubt, ask. C.P. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton) Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 20:14:08 -0600 Subject: Re: l0 days post op SkinnyPig3@aol.com wrote: > > I can't believe you guys needed sleeping pills! I would sleep till noon and > then eat and read the news....than I'd sleep until my famliy got home....I'd > ... Hi Courtney Boy are you the lucky one. It seems like when I lay down to sleep thats when I feel every little ake and feel very iritable. But it is getting better. I have been cat napping during the day now. That is helping. I dont know what it really is why the sleepleness. Im just waiting for it to pass. How many days post op are you. Im only l4 or l5 now. I cant keep track anymore, lol. Nice to hear from you. Take care Tina ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Patty Johnson Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 22:31:20 -0800 Subject: Looking for Help Hi all! I am happy to have found this site! I have scoliosis & have avoided having a Harrington Rod along with fusion done, although that has been my doctor's rcommendation since I was first diagnosed about 10 years ago. I don't know alot of the technical terms, but last time I was checked my curve we 43 degrees. I put off having surgery because I did not have alot of back pain. However I have alot of pain from my left shoulder blade all up into my neck which also causes me to have "eye pain". I know..., I've heard it all before from doctors that my eye pain baffles them, but believe me it is for real & very frustrating. I have several questions I would like to ask everyone. (I'm 43 if that is of any importance! :) ) 1) Is the shoulder blade, neck pain, or eye pain symptoms similar to any of your experiences? 2) Is anyone here using a Dr. Michael Kaldis in Houston,Tx? (He took over Dr Dickson's practice?) 3) Can anyone recommend any other scoliosis specialist in the Houston area? I would want more than 1 opinion if I start to seriously consider the surgery! 4) I had a bone density test done a few months ago & found out that I have signs of osteoporosis in my left hip & some thinning of my bones in my lower spine. Should this factor possibly push me towards having the surgery now? 5) If I continue to refuse to have surgery, how will scoliosis affect me later in life if my curve continues to get worse. (The curvature degree has changed about 1 degree per year on average). I have read that it can affect your organs but I don't understand how exactly!! 6) I am going to Dr. Kaldis in the next 2 weeks, what are some important questions that I should ask so that I can make whatever decision I need to & to understand exactly how serious this is to my overall health? Any help will be greatly appreciated!!! Feel free to either post answers or to E-Mail me directly at Patty800@swbell.net! Thanks, Patty ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: R.N.A.@worldnet.att.net Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 22:39:37 +0000 Subject: Re: Showering A shower 2 days after surgery--WOW!!! Of course I was in the intensive care for 2 days so of course no showering there. I too only had posterior and I think I was ready for the shower sooner--but dr's orders said otherwise. Carol-- I lost track --when was your surgery?? Lynne ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "wigham" Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 00:35:40 -0500 Subject: scoli leg pain & eye problems Hi all. Kathleen here had surgery at Hopkins Oct, 19. Still have pain . For the leg jumpies I take 5mg valium and that normally settles enough so I can fall asleep. I've had double vision since post op wake up. Now I can't read for more than 5 minutes and my eyes and brain shut down and I pass out. I'm still having bad days where I am almost crippled out of bed until the am meds kick in. It is suspected I have pressure in the brain courtesy of my 10 1/2 hr scoli revision surgery. The eye specialist doesn't want to do spinal tap yet. I have swollen nerves and blood vessels going to the brain. If you're having a crummy day too and have some of the same probs contact my email address since I don't read most of the posts anymore. Best wishes for 99. Kathleen ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton) Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 23:53:42 -0600 Subject: Re: Looking for Help Patty Johnson wrote: > > Hi all! > I am happy to have found this site! I have scoliosis & have avoided > ... Hi Patty Yes you have found the right sight. Everyone on this list will have some help for you. You should do what your doctors tell you is the best. Also remember you are not getting younger. That things do get harder when you get order. The way they perform surgerys today is so advanced it just amazes me. I had surgery 20yrs ago and had to have revisison surgery. I am l5 days post op and am really doing well. Just a bit impataient on doing things. But my life will be so much better and less painful due to the surgerys. I will be able to take care of my kids alot better and do more with and for them. That is what I had to make my decisions on. So that might help you. Good luck! Tina ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton) Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 01:23:20 -0600 Subject: Re: scoli leg pain & eye problems wigham wrote: > > Hi all. > Kathleen here had surgery at Hopkins Oct, 19. Still have pain . For the leg > ... Kathleen Hi, Im sorry to hear that things did not go well for you. I had revision surgery also. I have none of those problems except I have leg pains. Feels like Im having growing pains,. The doc didnt give me anything for it either. Said it would go away. I two surgeries that took as long as yours. What happen that made your surgery turn out this way? Do you know. Im so sorry to hear you are having these problems. I hope things do get better for you. Take Care!!!! Tina ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ End of scoliosis V1 #1059 ************************* You're reading a composite here: the scoliosis-digest is a daily encapsulation of messages sent to four different mailing lists: scoliosis, scoliosis-medical, scoliosis-child and scoliosis-teens. If you're responding, you can determine which list message above was posted to by looking at the message footer. To post your own email to scoliosis, send it to "scoliosis@ai.mit.edu". To post your own email to scoliosis-medical list, send it to "scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu". To post to scoliosis-child, send your message to "scoliosis-child@ai.mit.edu." To post your message to scoliosis-teens, send it to "scoliosis-teens@ai.mit.edu". Be sure to see the scoliosis web page at "http://www.ai.mit.edu/extra/scoliosis/scoliosis.html". 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