From: bounce-scoliosis To: scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu Subject: scoliosis V1 #1081 Reply-To: Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis Precedence: bulk scoliosis Friday, 22 January 1999 Volume 01 : Number 1081 Today's subjects for scoliosis, scoliosis-medical, scoliosis-child and scoliosis-teens: post op recovery ["wigham" ] Australian surgery ["wigham" ] Re: Copes Foundation [Scarlet Fever ] Exercise [Jessie Deyoe ] RE: Nutrition & Exercise [Grady Eileen P ] Re: Scoliosis club [Mercy106@aol.com] HELLO ALL!! [Mercy106@aol.com] RE: Exercise [Grady Eileen P ] Re: RE: Re: Nutrition [wasRe: post fusion and Copes] [BettRich@aol.com] RE: Exercise [Jessie Deyoe ] Re:Scoliosis [PrayingOne@aol.com] Re: Been to SRS doc ! [NBiagini@aol.com] Re: Amy in Australia [NBiagini@aol.com] Re: Nutrition & Exercise ["Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" ] No Subject [Sev555@aol.com] Re: Nutrition & Exercise ["Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" ] Re: Re: Was it just a bad day? [BettRich@aol.com] Re: Scoliosis [Pegclay123@aol.com] Re: No Subject ["Jennifer Wright" ] Dr. King??? [Elenascape@aol.com] Re: Dr. King??? [WinBai@aol.com] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "wigham" Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 06:00:11 -0500 Subject: post op recovery Hi Holly I., and my other scoli friends! How's the back and all the superwoman bits. Are they rattling yet? I had my first true reflexology and massage(2 hours ) on my legs and that horrible scar tissue that goes from the left groin area up and around to my back of my left shoulder blade area. This gal Margie works out of the Center for Natural Healing in Washington NJ. She makes HOUSE calls, which is great since I am still not driving due to meds and my double vision (its about 95% corrected) but I don't want to take chances with my wee little ones in the van. I will officially have my kids out of daycare and back into my loving arms after next week. So therefore I am praying for stamina and strength. The treadmill was helping until I got sharp pain in lower back and was told to stop until my 3 month checkup with Dr.. Kostuik at Johns Hopkins, MD, which is today, yeah!!! I still have a hole the size of a q-tip in the middle of that bad wound infection that hung around for 8 weeks. Hopefully he will throw a stitch on it and get it overwith before it decides to go deeper and bigger again. I am getting over a UTI/blood the worst one painful as never before. Yeah :{. I want the go ahead to get back into the pool at the YMCA to deep water exercising. Since everyone should know that shallow end pool exercise for back patients fused or not; is not good for the spine, too much impact like aerobics on land. I was told that serious swimming is a no-no for fused backs because you don't have the flexibility which will put strain on the non fused vertebrae. I only had to wear an elastic binder post op for these 12 weeks even though I had extensive a/p surgery. Some adults on these lists are having to wear braces but I am wondering if they are only having posterior fusion only? There are many questions re nutrition and exercise and I was told to eat a healthy balance and get moving, i.e.. walking and deep water only at this time. Also there seems to be alot of frustration with some folks and confusion, like how I was told by my local spine ortho I was too young at 32 to have a revision surgery, yet when I saw doc Kostuik he said for revision the younger the better because less damage has been done to the disks and nerves and the outcome prognosis for pain relief is excellent for some. (I know you let it go too long before you did something about but I truly hope this surgery has really minimized your pain and increased your quality of life) That was the big answer for me , when the pain is so great it changes your routines and quality of life its time to have surgery! Sorry for the run on but I was trying to answer alot of e-mail questions on the list into one. Hope you're feeling better each day. Perhaps as time goes by we should connect and see if can go down together for our check ups. I already scheduled my next one for April. I'd like to meet you for lunch once I can drive with confidence and drop the kids off with a sitter. Be well and may God in his infinite mercy help the healing of your soul and body. All I can say is these past 12 weeks have been a bit traumatic at times and I never prayed so much before in my life. Its been helping. Its not just the pills. take care kathlen kw - NJ ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "wigham" Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 06:51:21 -0500 Subject: Australian surgery Dear Amy, If you can convince your healthcare system to come here for the surgery and bracing that would be great. When I had my first surgery they recasted me one week later and lost 5 degrees of correction on both curves, Again when they braced me six months later I lost a few more . I went from from 50 to correction to 20 on the table to 32*, 6 months later. Almost made me feel like what was the point then!. I would get your mum and dad and you and the doc in the room asking all the smallest of details. Like when do they plan to put you on a plane to the US for a 24 hour ride lying in a stretcher or sitting up in the plane. Will they sedate you so you sleep through most of the flight so your mind doesn't go bonkers? Since San Francisco, CA (west coast US)is closer than Baltimore, MD( east coast US). That would reduce it to a 21 hour flight perhaps you can check into the Med Center there. I don't know the name someone else on this list will. Check it out to see if and how arrangement could be made for surgery and bracing here. The most you would be here is under two weeks. Since your scoliosis degrees are very bad I would highly check this option out. Consider the fact I had my first scoliosis surgery at 17 too and now I am 33 and had to have myself reengineered with titanium rods and screws to fix the old mess. Do it right the first time. I would state the case that until you are braced properly your fusion would possibly still shift out of place and all would be for nought. I can give you the name of a good pediatric scoliosis surgeon at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland who does surgery and is involved in research on it as well. She is very nice and very informative and would give you her honest opinion. Her research assistant Donna is great too. They would be happy to talk over the phone to you and your family. Her number is: (international calling code for U.S.) + 1- 410 - 955 - 9553 Ask for Dr. Nancy Miller or her research assistant Donna if she is not available at the moment. The general number for Hospital is 1 - 410- 955 -1830. They can point you in the right direction. She helped me find the right doctor when no one else gave a dam. Perhaps e-mail her your situation first then wait 2 days and call. Remember we are 16 ? hours behind you. I've met Dr. Miller in person a few times and she is great. Here is her e-mail: Address: nhmiller@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu Also here is website for Johns Hopkins Hospital http://www.med.jhu.edu/ortho/general.htm I hope this helps and I wish you well. If you find a pediatric scoliosis surgeon here, perhaps they would be willing to state to your health system medically why it would be better to have bracing & surgery in one place without all the extra movements you will have to do. If you had it done in New York City or Baltimore I would personally come and visit for moral support. Keep us all posted. Just remember to include as many details of your March surgery as possible to Dr. Miller so she can offer you her best opinion. You can mention my name as how you contacted her : Kathleen Kulina Wigham in New Jersey Be well and don't be scared you will do fine. You have youth on your side and I here you Aussies are more laid back then us uptight Americans, Ha ha. :o) kkw- ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Scarlet Fever Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 22:22:39 +1100 Subject: Re: Copes Foundation Fortune_Duck@msn.com.au wrote: > I've read a bit about the Copes method, and I'm If anyone has had > any experience with the Copes method, or > has any advice, it would be MUCH appreciated !!! Amy, I'm not familiar with the Copes method (apart from what I've read on this list), however, I suggest you put your name on the waiting list whilst your deciding. You can always take your name off. I'm also having to decide if I want to have more surgery. The waiting period can up to six months, so I'm gonna put my name on anyway. Wherabouts in Australia are you? I'm in Melbourne. Scarlet ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Jessie Deyoe Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 09:59:11 -0700 (MST) Subject: Exercise I have been doing the Copes exercises for 7 months now and, at age 65, I can tell you they have made a tremendous difference. I stand tall, move more easily, and have very little flab left. In the past, any little awkward move would result in pulled muscles or "back out." I definitely advocate for exercise! Jessie ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Grady Eileen P Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 13:02:06 -0400 Subject: RE: Nutrition & Exercise Thanks for your email. I've been told that given the magnitude of my curves, the risk of doing some serious damage is pretty great. What can you tell me? Eileen - -----Original Message----- From: Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 8:26 PM To: scoliosis@ai.mit.edu@inetgw2 Subject: Re: Nutrition & Exercise What exactly makes you nervous about chiropractic? I am a chiro so my opinion is obviously biased, but if you have any questions about it I would be more than happy to answer. Dr. Dean PS. - I am also a certified acupuncturist - ----- Original Message ----- From: Grady Eileen P To: Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 1:46 PM Subject: RE: Nutrition & Exercise > >I have two curves - 55 and 56 degrees. I spoke with my dr yesterday about possible surgery. He indicated 1-2 weeks in the hospital, followed by 2-4 months in a brace. I would guess it varies depending on a variety of individual circumstances (including age? I'm now 34. He's saying I'll need it some time within the next several years). > >On another note, pain management is becoming an increasing challenge for me. I am in good shape, exercise regularly but...My L2, L3 are now touching, I've developed arthritis in my lower spine, and my "hump of steel" (the infamous lumbar hump) seems to get bigger and more painful on a daily basis. I love the scoliosis literature they print that says we have little to no pain! and the way doctors seem to tout this as well! I take little medication, given the chronicity have massage periodically. My massage therapist keeps pushing me toward chiropracty (which makes me very nervous) and a friend recently suggested acupuncture. Anyone have any experience with either of these? > >-----Original Message----- >From: HJEWEGL@aol.com@inetgw2 > ... of >my s shaped curve, but my bottom was left at a 43 degree curve. After 3 >children and 30 years, my bottom curve worsened to 68 degrees and an 80 degree >curve towards my stomach. I had a 2 surgerys, 3 months ago to correct this, >with good results. My question is how long do you wear the brace? My Dr. >said at first, he didn't know if I would, then after the surgery, 3 months, >and now he says 5 months. What is customary? > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Mercy106@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 03:24:23 EST Subject: Re: Scoliosis club DEAR EVERYONE, I HAVE BEEN WITH THE GRORP FOR AWHILE. I AM TWO AND A HALF WEEKS POST OP FOR SUGERY. IT WENT GREAT I HAD A ANITER WHICH MEANS THEY WENT THROUGH THE FRONT I HAVE A COOL SCAR AND I AM FEALING GREAT I WAS THINKING TWO MONTHS AT HOME WE ARE LOOKING AT 5 WEEKS SO IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK AWAY!!!!!! I HAD ALOT OF HELP WHEN I HAD MY SUGERY IT WAS THE BEST! I HAVE A 22 INCH SCAR AND SOME OTHERS FROM TUBES AND STUFF BUT I JUST GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL AND IT WENT GREAT LOT'S OF LUCK TO WHOM EVER IF PRE-OP PLEASE E=MAIL\ AUNA MERCY106@AOL.COM For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-teens-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Mercy106@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 03:28:50 EST Subject: HELLO ALL!! HI EVERYONE, THIS IS AUNA AGIAN I AM SOOO BORED I CAN NOW WALK ON MY OWN AND STUFF BUT STILL CAN'T GO TO SCHOOL FOR AWHILE DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO DO WHILE RECONVERING i AM SOOOO BORED! CAUSE I CAN'T FOCUS TO READ I DON'T KNOW? ALSO SOME PEOPLE ASKED WEHRE I GOT MY SUGERY I HAD IT AT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN DENVER CO. IT WAS WONDERFUL THERE! WELL I HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING GOOD IF ANYONE HAS ANY POST=OP IN FO I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PLEASE FILL ME IN I AM 18 DAYS OUT OF SUGERY! WELL LOT'S OF LOVE TO ALL. AUNA MERCY106@AOL.COM For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-teens-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Grady Eileen P Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 14:00:16 -0400 Subject: RE: Exercise What is Copes? - -----Original Message----- From: Jessie Deyoe Sent: Thursday, January 21, 1999 11:59 AM To: scoliosis@ai.mit.edu@inetgw2 Subject: Exercise I have been doing the Copes exercises for 7 months now and, at age 65, I can tell you they have made a tremendous difference. I stand tall, move more easily, and have very little flab left. In the past, any little awkward move would result in pulled muscles or "back out." I definitely advocate for exercise! Jessie ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: BettRich@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 13:43:17 EST Subject: Re: RE: Re: Nutrition [wasRe: post fusion and Copes] When a neurosurgeon said that I had spinal disintegration and ng could be done, I went to an acupuncturist. That was 20 visits ago. I first went three times a week, then two and now one. Worked like a charm. No pain unless I sit or drive for any length of time. He thinks that will end. We will wait and see. It makes one feel great and if you can afford it or your insurance will pay for it, do it. If not, do it anyway if you hurt ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Jessie Deyoe Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 12:47:28 -0700 (MST) Subject: RE: Exercise Copes refers to Arthur Copes who developed the Scoliosis Recovery Treatment Program which is pretty much all-encompassing. It includes bracing, exercise, electrical muscle stimulation, chiropractic treatment, ocular/vestibular training, hydrotherapy, nutrition, CLF board, etc. They have a web site at http://www.scoliosis.com. One of the folks on this list also sponsors a web site for his patients who wish to post their progress at http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Villa/5435/index.html. Jessie Deyoe ** Administrative Associate University of Arizona ** Campus Health Service P.O. Box 210063 ** Tucson, Arizona ** 85721-0063 (520) 621-2568 or Fax (520) 621-8412 http://www.health.arizona.edu On Thu, 21 Jan 1999, Grady Eileen P wrote: > > What is Copes? > > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: PrayingOne@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 15:00:17 EST Subject: Re:Scoliosis Rene, Thank you for your reply to my letter. Jennifer is 14. Her scoliosis was noticed in Oct. for the 1st time. I noticed she had bad posture, but I have a 17 yo son with a tramatic brain injury and a 6 yo Daughter with Mild Cerebral Palsy, so I wasn't paying as much attention to her as I should have, I thought her posture was due to her developing as a young female, and Jenn has always been my 'normal' child. A friend of hers asked her why she had a hump on her back, and when she showed me her back I thought she had cancer because the hump was so bad. I took her to the doctor the next morning. The orthopedic surgeon said that he sees this kind of a dramatic circumstance all of the time. He said that even other doctors don't always catch it in thier own daughters. She has 1 curve in the middle of her back. But her ribs are rotating badly. Thanks for your offer of information. Veronica ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: NBiagini@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 15:46:15 EST Subject: Re: Been to SRS doc ! In a message dated 1/20/99 11:26:18 PM Pacific Standard Time, WinBai@aol.com writes: << Any thoughts out there??? Why two such different numbers and prognosis??? With two docs saying the complete opposite maybe I need a 3rd opinion. I think there is one more SRS doc in the LA area=:) Maybe I'll make an appointment tomorrow. Or maybe I'll wait until the MRI is done. >> I would definitely get another opinion...and the results from the MRI would go with me as well as all the other x-rays. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: NBiagini@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 15:59:05 EST Subject: Re: Amy in Australia Dear Amy, I agree with the comments made by Leah & PegClay. We are all here to support you. If you chose, for whatever reason, to visit a specialist in the San Francisco, California area (I would recommend Dr Serena Hu or Dr John Gray) I would be happy to meet you there for some moral support. For that matter, I would be willing to help you and your parents with housing arrangements as well. I live about 50 miles south of San Francisco. Let us know how it goes for you! ......Nancy ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 16:19:02 -0600 Subject: Re: Nutrition & Exercise Eileen, What are your curves at? The only way that a chiropractic manipulation could do harm regardless of the degree of curvature, is if the doctor is using excessive force or if you have an ANATOMICAL anomaly (hemivertebra etc.). Chiropractors are physicians who have about the same, if not more, education in the area of anatomy, physiology, and body mechanics, than do most Orthopedic surgeons. It is our stress point though to try conservative avenues BEFORE utilizing the tools of the surgeon. Many will tell you that chiropractors do not have the education to be "real" doctors but this is not the case. We obtain 8 years of classroom study, and one year of full time internship. In fact, during the 8 years we generally get MORE classroom hours than an MD (at times I was taking 28 credit hours). Dr. Dean - ----- Original Message ----- From: Grady Eileen P To: Sent: Thursday, January 21, 1999 11:02 AM Subject: RE: Nutrition & Exercise > >Thanks for your email. I've been told that given the magnitude of my curves, the risk of doing some serious damage is pretty great. What can you tell me? >Eileen > >-----Original Message----- > ... need >it some time within the next several years). >> >>On another note, pain management is becoming an increasing challenge for > ... steel" >(the infamous lumbar hump) seems to get bigger and more painful on a daily >basis. I love the scoliosis literature they print that says we have little >to no pain! and the way doctors seem to tout this as well! I take little > ... Dr. >>said at first, he didn't know if I would, then after the surgery, 3 months, >>and now he says 5 months. What is customary? >>Thanks, >>Bonnie > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: NBiagini@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 15:36:06 EST Subject: Re: Nutrition & Exercise In a message dated 1/20/99 5:50:20 PM Pacific Standard Time, drdean@interaccess.com writes: << I am also a certified acupuncturist >> Do you use needles or laser - and if laser, can you describe that method? ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Grady Eileen P Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 16:31:40 -0400 Subject: RE: Exercise Wow! Thanks for the Copes info - I had never heard of it. Pretty exciting stuff! - -----Original Message----- From: Jessie Deyoe Sent: Thursday, January 21, 1999 2:47 PM To: 'scoliosis(a)ai.mit.edu(a)inetgw2' Subject: RE: Exercise Copes refers to Arthur Copes who developed the Scoliosis Recovery Treatment Program which is pretty much all-encompassing. It includes bracing, exercise, electrical muscle stimulation, chiropractic treatment, ocular/vestibular training, hydrotherapy, nutrition, CLF board, etc. They have a web site at http://www.scoliosis.com. One of the folks on this list also sponsors a web site for his patients who wish to post their progress at http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Villa/5435/index.html. Jessie Deyoe ** Administrative Associate University of Arizona ** Campus Health Service P.O. Box 210063 ** Tucson, Arizona ** 85721-0063 (520) 621-2568 or Fax (520) 621-8412 http://www.health.arizona.edu On Thu, 21 Jan 1999, Grady Eileen P wrote: > > What is Copes? > > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Sev555@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 18:35:21 EST Subject: No Subject Would like some information about my adult scoliosis. I had a scoliosis operation with a Harrington Rod insert in 1979 by Dr. H. Keim in NY. Am a male, 57, and the last few vert. are starting to give me pain and discomfort. I get fatigued, can not sleep too well, etc. I visited 2 well known doctors in the NY area and they both said I have a flatback problem and suggested revision surgery to correct the original operation. 1. Has any one had similiar experience? 2. Any suggestions as to exercise, yoga, sleeping, etc? 3. Any recommendations as to doctors and hospitals that do this surgery in the NY City area? Thanks for any help. Michael Sev555@aol.com ______ 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: "Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 18:14:11 -0600 Subject: Re: Nutrition & Exercise I use needles. I think laser acupuncture is still considered experimental in the US, but what I know of it, it uses low intensity laser over the same points and the theory is that the photon energy stimulates the points. Personally, I think the needles are more effective. When you get Qi (chi-the sensation of energy around and away from the stimulated point) from a needle, you know it! Dr. Dean - ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Thursday, January 21, 1999 2:36 PM Subject: Re: Nutrition & Exercise > >In a message dated 1/20/99 5:50:20 PM Pacific Standard Time, >drdean@interaccess.com writes: > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: NBiagini@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 19:50:30 EST Subject: Re: Copes In a message dated 1/21/99 3:50:12 PM Pacific Standard Time, Eileen.P.Grady@usdoj.gov writes: << Wow! Thanks for the Copes info - I had never heard of it. Pretty exciting stuff! >> Dear Eileen: It does almost sound too good to be true - that's (partly) why it is controversial and not all of us are Copes fans. There are those that feel it is too experimental, expensive and largely untested in the long run....and there are those that swear by the results they are currently getting from following the program. I would strongly suggest that you get opinions from orthopaedic scoliosis specialists as well as Copes. Any option you chose has its good points and bad points, so chose wisely after doing your research. Know that everyone on the list is here to provide support and good luck!..... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: BettRich@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 20:49:40 EST Subject: Re: Re: Nutrition & Exercise I have been told by a Chinese acupuncturist that laser is good for pain but not for healing and he is using the needles for healing. Any comment? I think your involvement is great. I may even see a chiro someday if things get bad. No md will touch my back with a ten foot pole which is probably smart. Betty in ALA. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Ruth Andrick" Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 20:55:19 -0500 Subject: exercise and pain management Betty You are like a word of hope. I am in my early forties and there are days I feel 80!!! I too excercise, and have since I can remember. When my schedule gets too hectic and I don't excercise for a long period I definately feel the difference. My questions are: Do you have a rod, or have you had revision surgeries? Is your fusion, your original fusion? I don't have the time that you do to excercise, to if you had to boil your routine down to 45min or an hour a day what would you recommend. Do you have alot of pain and has accupunture worked well, who administers it. I am having alot of problems with my hips and knees. Some opinions on my trouble is arthritis, because I have flat back syndrom, it is thought that I have over used and misused my joints in my knees, and hips have you experienced any of these problems. Has anyone had alot of hip and knee problems. By that I mean, do your hips pop and crack - (like you would crack your knuckles) Sometimes my leg locks up and I can't step forward till I pull my leg up and pop it - it feels like I am putting it back into place. My knees have always been a problem - it runs in the family. But now they swell up quite regularly, is this back related? Ruth ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: BettRich@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 20:50:51 EST Subject: Re: Re: Was it just a bad day? You are so right, as I can attest. I never had pain until 70 except after surgeries but a curved spine can act up at any time. Betty ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Pegclay123@aol.com Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 22:24:02 EST Subject: Re: Scoliosis Veronica, Due to the family history and the dramatic rotation, you may want to ask the doctor to order an MRI to rule out any cord complications. Good luck to you. You sound like a strong person. Don't beat yourself up over not noticing. As the doctor told you many people go for years without being diagnosed. Keep us posted. Peggy ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Jennifer Wright" Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 23:08:31 -0600 Subject: Re: No Subject Michael, Your information sounds very similiar to mine, however I am only 48!! I think the best know revision specialist in New York is Dr. Boachie at the Hospital for Special Surgery. (212) 606-1948). I flew from New Orleans to see him and I was quite impressed. It is an extensive surgical procedure so be prepared! I have quite a few articles if you want to do any reading on the subject. Stay in touch and good luck, Jennifer - - ______ 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: Elenascape@aol.com Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1999 01:03:18 EST Subject: Dr. King??? Tonia, What is yours Dr.'s first name? I'm asking because there is a Dr. King here in WA also. Thanks, Elena ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: WinBai@aol.com Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1999 02:36:11 EST Subject: Re: Dr. King??? Elena, His full name is Dr. John Dunn King. Maybe a relative, I doubt he flies back and forth:) Tonia ______ 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 #1081 ************************* 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". 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