From: bounce-scoliosis To: scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu Subject: scoliosis V1 #1301 Reply-To: Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis Precedence: bulk scoliosis Monday, 30 August 1999 Volume 01 : Number 1301 Today's subjects for scoliosis, scoliosis-medical, scoliosis-child and scoliosis-teens: Re: Children in Copes Program ["The Driscoll's" ] Read this site.... [Buttonjo@aol.com] Re: Surgery [MAILGIRLON@aol.com] My First Post-Op Post! [Carol Anderson ] Re: Children in Copes Program ["Sherri" ] reply to Lyn [J C ] reply to Dr. Dean [J C ] My First Post-Op Post! [Carol Anderson ] Re: Age for bracing and Shriner's [Pegclay123@aol.com] Re: new Scoliosis book [R.N.A.@worldnet.att.net] Re: My First Post-Op Post! [Linda Racine ] Re: Surgery ["Stabin" ] Re: Surgery [GoGrlz12@aol.com] Re: Curve Corrections [KClark3858@aol.com] Re: Surgery ["Henry G. Herford, Jr." ] Re: Surgery [Sunflwrbjs@aol.com] Re: new Scoliosis book ["ьн" ] Re: Med cost [RSMVMD@aol.com] Re: My First Post-Op Post! ["Stephen Jaskulek" ] Update ["Jeff + Nancy Kennedy" ] Re: Surgery [Bluebonne@aol.com] Re: reply to Lyn [RSMVMD@aol.com] Update on Christopher ["MIKE POOLE" ] Debbie ["MIKE POOLE" ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "The Driscoll's" Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 01:03:30 -0400 Subject: Re: Children in Copes Program During the Phase I seminar, Dr. Copes mentioned that they are working with patients from under 1 year to 60s. The brace can't be used until they are of a certain age, but it is good to understand the scoliosis process, the possible progression, and options for treatment as early as possible. Eric HugEBear36@aol.com wrote: > > In a message dated 8/27/99 2:11:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time, > BUFKINC@wes.army.mil 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: Buttonjo@aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 01:08:27 EDT Subject: Read this site.... Hi, all! I've just read Elizabeth Mina's web site and am so impressed. I don't know her and this is my first visit to her page, but it's like she read my soul. I can't ever remember anyone who put the words together so well to describe how as adults we continue to suffer from this adolescent condition. Check it out if you haven't. http://www.users.nac.net/mina/myscolihistory.html Jolene.. Central Calif ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: MAILGIRLON@aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 04:45:06 EDT Subject: Re: Surgery my daughter was 13 years old at time of surgery 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: Carol Anderson Date: 29 Aug 99 08:26:07 PDT Subject: My First Post-Op Post! Hello Everyone! This is my first attempt at sitting at the computer and sending a message! My surgeries (ASF/PSF) were August 9 and 11 respectively, so I guess that makes me 19 days post op, counting from the second surgery. I am sitting on pillows and have one behind my back as I sit here at the computer. Not very comfortable, but I should be able to get out a few words here! I am trying to go thru the 200+ messages that accumulated since my last time on, so I might be a little late in responding to any messages specifically addressed to me by one of you. PAIN....That is the number one concern for me and drives each day's activities. They have me on Oxycontin, the 12 hr one, taken twice daily, with Percocet for "break-thru" pain. All my pain seems to be break-thru! I had been taking the percocet, 2 tabs every 6hrs to keep the pain managed. That had been working quite well. When I saw that I would run out this weekend if I continued that dosage, I called my doctor for a refill. Had to listen to the "well, we want you to start cutting back..." speech. Yes, I know that is important...but hey, let's manage the pain for now, please!! Anyway, because it is one of the controlled substance drugs, I needed the triplicate original form (he couldn't call it in), so he said, on Thursday, he would mail to me. On Friday, I received a prescription for the wrong drug, for Oxycontin (which I have plenty of) instead of Percocet! Called on Friday...Dr. Pashman and assistant both on vacation. NO one else available to write prescription. Tried getting a hold of my primary care doc to write it...he was gone too. Dr. Pashman's office said I would have to wait until Monday...no other choice. In the meantime, I have been suffering, as I cut back in order to stretch out what few pills I have left. I am starting to feel the "bad pain" again, sometimes at an "8" level, and find myself in tears. By the way, they told me if it gets really bad, to go to Emergency. The pain and discomfort of going thru that (driving 25 miles [45-60 minutes], sitting in uncomfortable waiting room chairs for who knows how long) for a pain med shot is ridiculous! I think would be worse than just staying here and toughing it out. I just need to make it thru the next 24 hours or so. I just want to say thanks to all of you who have sent your prayers and well wishes along! I could feel the support! It is so great to know that you are not alone in this. I mean, it is great to have family and friends support, but they don't really understand what you are going thru like you folks do. Barbara (from this List) was ever faithful in visiting me at the hospital and reporting my progress back to you all. It was great having her as an advocate. She kept the hospital staff on their toes! Well, starting to get a bit uncomfortable... so I best go rest. I have lots to share about my experience and will do so as I am able. Again, thanks to all for your encouragement and support! Warm Regards, Carol in La Puente CA ____________________________________________________________________ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://webmail.netscape.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: "Sherri" Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 10:34:08 -0400 Subject: Re: Children in Copes Program Hi Charla: The best information regarding children around the age of 5 in the Copes program would be available from the Copes Foundation in Baton Rouge, 800-726-8869. They will be able to provide information on the children around that age who are in the program. I believe that it's possible that children this young with an advanced curve might possibly have other problems that should be looked into by neurologists. Dr. Copes designed the brace and treatment program, but the Copes-trained chiropractors, in various areas of the country, administer the program. Dr. Copes originally worked with children with spina bifida, which led to his interest in scoliosis. He has since dedicated himself to designing a brace which helps to correct the spine and rib cage, and he created a program which helps the body to become stronger and healthier to help maintain the corrections. Dr. Copes continues to do research on scoliosis and the way it affects the body, so that the best results can be achieved through the treatment program. He can provide a great deal of information on scoliosis, and should not be confused with a "lay person". Many in his program continue to achieve good corrections, and older people in the program are now thankful to be pain-free. Be sure to consult directly with Dr. Copes, as well as directly with the neurologists and other doctors who should see your child, rather than relying upon second-hand information. Those of us on the list can provide information on our experiences, but every child and patient is different, so be sure to schedule consultations and get several opinions on your child's specific needs. All the best, Sherri Linsenbach sherril@abac.com ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: J C Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 07:55:04 -0700 (PDT) Subject: reply to Lyn Yes, I have been to many physiatrists and they didn't even know to check my back. I am pretty sure I mentioned to them that I have scoliosis and none of them thought to check to see if it progressed. Yes I have xrays that show it progressed over last 9 years from 18 deg to 32 thoracolumbar to the right and now there is also a 17 deg thoracic to the left. It was me who finally decided to see what is going on with my back to try to make sense of what had happened to me. I basically had to ask the doc to write me a prescription, it was wierd, me telling a doc what I needed. But I needed to understand how one month I was racing bikes and triathlons and the next month I was leading a life of chronic pain and disability. I just started to try to remember what had happened about 2 years ago now and the first thing I remembered was not being able to sit right on the saddle, feeling like the right side of the pelvis was digging into the saddle, that somehow when I was on my bike, my right leg seemed shorter than the left leg. Also because around that same time period, pain on the right side of my back was becoming unbearable during cycling. It just seemed that all of these new problems started to happen about the same time and after a year and a half of seeing many different physiatrists who were unable to help me heal or to manage the pain I decided I have to figure this out myself. So I did research on the internet and kept trying to figure out if I had one leg shorter than the other or if it was an uneven pelvis due to scoliosis. I moved to Maryland to see a doctor here who isn't convinced that my scoliosis led to the hamstring tendon injury, but he does think it needs to be addressed. And now that I changed my whole life to come down here, I've hardly been able to see him and he seems to always be away on vacation or something. So I'm pretty frustrated. And he hasn't helped with my pain and he doesn't know much about scoliosis and he doesn't know what I should do about it and all he could suggest was to go to John Hopkins bec he figures that would be a reputable place to go since I'm in Maryland now. So I'm still looking for the right physiatrist. Often they aren't the ones who will prescribe the controlled pain meds. It is hard to get a prescription for a heavy duty pain med. I just keep getting let down by all of these places. They have given me trigger point injections galore and they just don't seem to work. I'm waiting to get in touch with a doctor from JH that sent me an email. It sounds like she isn't completely blowing off my theory about how I got injured and that she does think it matters that my curve has progressed even tho it is not at the degree at which most docs consider surgery. But she did warn me about Copes in her email saying that there were federal investigations into them and so I feel that I"m getting all of this conflicting info and meanwhile I'm in pain and I have to do something quickly. I figure all I can lose to try a brace is the money and the hassle of wearing it. If I go that route, I will give it at least 6 mos to see if there are any initial improvements and just go from there. The problem with going to the doctor that I moved to this state for is that I ended up finding a job pretty far away from his office and his latest appt is 6pm only one day a week and I don't think I can make it in rush hour even if I leave my office at 5pm and being new and all, I don't want to be asking to get out early and I certainly don't want them to know about all of these medical problems so I would need an excuse to leave early and I work in the type of business where if you aren't done at 5pm, you don't leave. So I'm kind of in a bind because he wanted me to try his treatment program consisting mostly of doing physical therapy at his wife's PT facility and then after 3 mos if I don't get better he will supposedly write me the letter I need for my insurance co to get them to agree to pay for surgery on the hamstring tendon from a doctor in Finland who is an expert in this unusual injury. I am just worried about going all that way to get surgery and then if my scoliosis was an underlying cause and still not treated, then I would be wasting my time. So I was thinking that if I ultimately do end up going to Finland, that maybe I could try to improve my curve first just in case it would make the operation on my hamstring more successful. Even if they are only remotely related, I would feel better mentally if I improved my curve before trying to fix my leg. But I just started a new job so it is not like I can even take a big medical leave yet so it makes sense to use this time to maybe try the brace. I dunno, I'm very confused. I got a decent job and I owe a lot of money and I'm in pain which makes it hard to go to work and now I don't see how I'm going to drive all the way to the doc that says he is the only one that knows how to treat my tendon injury. So I decided just to see what would happen if I try to find a different doc. There is a place called the National Rehabilitation Hospital that shouldn't be too far from where I work. I am going to see if they can help me over there. At least the name of the place sounds hopeful. I am in desperate need of rehabilitation. But on top of the other problems, my health insurance is pretty bad. It only pays for $1,000 PT per year and that is only maybe a month and a half worth of visits bec I can't seem to find anyone in the state of Maryland that accepts my insurance. The doc I came to see doesn't take it. Neither does NRH. Nobody seems to have heard of it here. And I"ve already used up some PT visits. And for my injury, if PT is still the answer, I'm sure I"m looking at the very least 3 mos. So how on earth I will pay for that on a 24K salary with rent and needing to buy furniture and all that, I have no idea. Also, my insurance plan specifically states that it does not cover pain management procedures and I know that this new doc I plan to see does stuff like medical accupuncture and how would I pay for that w/o insurance. My health insurance from my job wouldn't kick in until the end of November and even then there is probably a pre-existing clause so I don't see that as being a solution. The move has cost me a lot of money and now my credit cards are about maxed out. Plus, the docs don't have late hours so I have to try to make it to this new doc at NRH during my lunch hour which is really going to be a squeeze. All of the physiatrists I saw prior to the one in Maryland completely missed my injury. They did not even know the pain was from a degenerated hamstring tendon and SI joint dysfunction. They thought oh it is just some muscle spasms or tendinitis or adductor strain. Now it is easier to go to docs bec I already have the diagnosis and now I can just ask them if they can help me with the pain and advice on rehabilitation. Sorry this is so long, but I am trying to explain to people that I have indeed already seen a slew of physiatrists and physical medicine specialists and I'm not really finding anyone that I'm completely happy with. I also don't trust the doc I came here for bec I met a guy that says he went to him for back pain and he claims that it didn't help, but he did admit that he didn't follow his PT program like he was supposed to and then he just went on to say that the doc and his wife are some of the richest people around this area which made me feel like maybe he is just using me to make more money and he really can't help me. But on the otherhand he could be the ticket to the letter to go to Finland, but then again, maybe the new doctor would be willing to write that letter should they be unable to help me. Welp, that is the whole thing. Thanks for the advice. At this point I feel that I just have to decide which doc to stick with, see if the long drive is worth it for the doc that claims to be my only savior and decide what to do about the scoliosis. But it will be my decision and I will no longer accept a doctor's advice like it is the word of god because they are just people and from my experience most of them are terrible. - -JC __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: J C Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 08:21:42 -0700 (PDT) Subject: reply to Dr. Dean The bone I sit on the digs in is the ischial tuberosity, it is part of the ischium which is part of the big hip bone, the illium. That is the part I meant that I sit on and is causing me a lot of pain. The pain does not usually travel like sciatica, it is mainly concentrated right on the bone. However, if I go from a kneeling position to standing up, the stress that places on the hammy will cause it to hurt at the main spot and then all thru the hamstring about down to the knee. I am waiting to see if I will go to Finland for a desperate attempt at surgery. I have to give PT one last try and try to see if reducing my curve will help me to rehab by leg by making my hips more even and putting less unusual strain on the muscles that pull on the ischial tuberosity. Welp, that is the story. Thanks for the advice. - -JC __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Carol Anderson Date: 29 Aug 99 08:26:07 PDT Subject: My First Post-Op Post! Hello Everyone! This is my first attempt at sitting at the computer and sending a message! My surgeries (ASF/PSF) were August 9 and 11 respectively, so I guess that makes me 19 days post op, counting from the second surgery. I am sitting on pillows and have one behind my back as I sit here at the computer. Not very comfortable, but I should be able to get out a few words here! I am trying to go thru the 200+ messages that accumulated since my last time on, so I might be a little late in responding to any messages specifically addressed to me by one of you. PAIN....That is the number one concern for me and drives each day's activities. They have me on Oxycontin, the 12 hr one, taken twice daily, with Percocet for "break-thru" pain. All my pain seems to be break-thru! I had been taking the percocet, 2 tabs every 6hrs to keep the pain managed. That had been working quite well. When I saw that I would run out this weekend if I continued that dosage, I called my doctor for a refill. Had to listen to the "well, we want you to start cutting back..." speech. Yes, I know that is important...but hey, let's manage the pain for now, please!! Anyway, because it is one of the controlled substance drugs, I needed the triplicate original form (he couldn't call it in), so he said, on Thursday, he would mail to me. On Friday, I received a prescription for the wrong drug, for Oxycontin (which I have plenty of) instead of Percocet! Called on Friday...Dr. Pashman and assistant both on vacation. NO one else available to write prescription. Tried getting a hold of my primary care doc to write it...he was gone too. Dr. Pashman's office said I would have to wait until Monday...no other choice. In the meantime, I have been suffering, as I cut back in order to stretch out what few pills I have left. I am starting to feel the "bad pain" again, sometimes at an "8" level, and find myself in tears. By the way, they told me if it gets really bad, to go to Emergency. The pain and discomfort of going thru that (driving 25 miles [45-60 minutes], sitting in uncomfortable waiting room chairs for who knows how long) for a pain med shot is ridiculous! I think would be worse than just staying here and toughing it out. I just need to make it thru the next 24 hours or so. I just want to say thanks to all of you who have sent your prayers and well wishes along! I could feel the support! It is so great to know that you are not alone in this. I mean, it is great to have family and friends support, but they don't really understand what you are going thru like you folks do. Barbara (from this List) was ever faithful in visiting me at the hospital and reporting my progress back to you all. It was great having her as an advocate. She kept the hospital staff on their toes! Well, starting to get a bit uncomfortable... so I best go rest. I have lots to share about my experience and will do so as I am able. Again, thanks to all for your encouragement and support! Warm Regards, Carol in La Puente CA ____________________________________________________________________ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com. ______ 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: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 12:47:13 EDT Subject: Re: Age for bracing and Shriner's In a message dated 99-08-28 19:56:39 EDT, you write: << A 5 year old with that degree of curvature needs a complete neurological and orthopedic work-up. Keep in mind that the Copes office is NOT a treating office. >> Charla, I completely agree with the statement above even though we had tremendous success using the Copes brace and the chiro, nutrition and exercise program that so many have had success with. I repeatedly point out that anyone under 11 who is diagnosed with severe scoliosis should have an MRI to rule out any cord or nervous system complications. Copes is an orthotist (brace maker) and any treating is done by the Chiropractors that you see while participating in the program. Copes has simply done a lot of research over several years and has put together a program working with several Chiros that has proven successfull for many of the people that he has designed braces for. We saw both orthos and neuros prior to using Copes. Natalie had no bone deformities like malformed vertebra - if she had we may have used some sort of intervention by the ortho. She did have neuro complications which we addressed with neurosurgery. After neuro surgery she was still left with management of the scoliosis. The ortho offered stabalizing and then fusion in early teens. We found the concept of working to correct more appealing. Our neuro gave his blessing on the values of chiropractic and muscle work, and nutrition, he saw the brace, and while that is not his area of expertise, saw that there was nothing harmful in it, and the concept of applying positive pressure for change made sense to him - he did advise that we check back periodically with the ortho just to be sure. We also saw a pulmonary expert who has many scoliosis patients, when he saw the level of correction that was achieved he was amazed, looked over the brace and said that it made perfect sense and that since it has given the correction that it has, by all means keep it up. We chose a more active route with a correcting, rather than stabilizing brace, with chiropractic adjustments and muscle work to help de-rotate the spine, in combination with exercises to strengthen the muscles to hold the correction and nutrition program to make sure the muscles and body in general were not working against any deficiencies and it has worked for us. It is critical to check for bone deformity and neuro complications, because with either of these present, until they are addressed, attempts at correction are dangerous and not likely to succeed. Also get a good chiro, ours has an MD on staff, has many MD's as patients, works with orthos and neuros when the situation demands. He does adjustments for orthos while patients are under anesthesia (spelled wrong im sure). He does muscle work and many types of adjustments, low impact when necessary etc. He also is trained in accupuncture. He has many scoliosis patients in all different type of braces and also post surgical patients. He has been very impressed with the Copes brace. ______ 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: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 13:09:40 +0000 Subject: Re: new Scoliosis book I was aware of this book but preferred not to order on line. Both major book stores in the area said it was due out in the middle of September. I called one of the two today and was given the same story. Do on-line bookstores ship them out earlier? ______ 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: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 10:21:47 -0800 Subject: Re: My First Post-Op Post! Carol... I am SO sorry that you're going through this. It is totally unacceptable that you cannot get an RX for percocet from your doctor's office. To try to wean you off of it so quickly is ridiculous. Perhaps your next message to Pashman's office should be something like "the next call will be from my attorney." You should not have to suffer because the doctor called in the wrong RX. You have the right to disturb his precious vacation. Hope you get it resolved. Regards, 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: "Stabin" Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 12:59:59 -0300 Subject: Re: Surgery Cassy- I had surgery this June, when I was thirteen. Actually, I still am thirteen, for six more months. On March 3rd, I can say "was thirteen". ;) Laura stabin@hotlink.com.br 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: GoGrlz12@aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 13:26:38 EDT Subject: Re: Surgery To those who had surgery when they were still growing. Did the surgery make you stop growing? Cassy 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: KClark3858@aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 13:32:02 EDT Subject: Re: Curve Corrections Someone said that some practices don't correct curves. Which practices are those? Karen ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Henry G. Herford, Jr." Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 12:47:06 -0500 Subject: Re: Surgery I had surgery Aug. 17th, a month shy of my 16th birthday. Rachael 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: Sunflwrbjs@aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 15:42:20 EDT Subject: Re: Surgery Cassy, no I am still growing after my surgery. My Mom swears that I have been growing like a weed lately. Bethany 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: "ьн" Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 14:40:47 -0500 Subject: Re: new Scoliosis book What kind oof pricw were you given by the bookstores that said the book would be out in mid-Sept? Is it hard back, tradepaper, etc.? - --hmc. R.N.A.@worldnet.att.net wrote: > I was aware of this book but preferred not to order on line. Both major > book stores in the area said it was due out in the middle of September. > I called one of the two today and was given the same story. Do on-line > ... ______ 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: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 15:26:04 EDT Subject: Re: Med cost In a message dated 8/19/99 6:01:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time, prfbones@att.net writes: > I may look into that hydrotherapy thing after all, there's several facilities around > here for that. Richard, have you tried any of them? Allison, I have not personally done any type of hydrotherapy (I have been doing a special exercise program in the pool at the "J" (aka: Jewish Community Center). I do know that the two physical therapy locations that I've had treatments at do offer hydrotherapy. They are Sunspectrum-Matrix Outpatient Rehabilitation with locations in Chevy Chase and Rockville, and Rock Physical Therapy with locations in Montgomery Village and Olney (I believe they do their hydrotherapy at the Gaithersburg Holiday Inn pool). I hope this helps!! :-) Let me know if you try either of them. 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: "Stephen Jaskulek" Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 16:25:37 -0300 Subject: Re: My First Post-Op Post! Carol, The medications you are taking are the same as those I was prescribed following my surgery in June. Percocet is an oxycodone and acetaminophen combination. They are combined to get a syngergistic effect on pain. Oxycodone is similar to other narcotics in terms of effect and addiction. Acetaminophen is better known as Tylenol. Percodan's generic equivalent is a combination of oxycodone hydrochloride(4.5 mg) oxycodone terephthalate (0.38 mg) and aspirin 325 mg. Generic equivalents usually use 5.0 mg of oxycodone and 325 of aspirin and are if anything slightly stronger. Oxycontin is a time released form of Oxycodone; the typical presciption contains 10 mg of Oxycodone per pill, which is released over a period of 10-12 hours. If you take 2 oxycontin pills twice per day, you would be receiving a total of 40 mg. of oxycodone per day. If you normally take percocet or percodan in addition to this, then you are in effect increasing your oxycodone intake plus some aspirin or acetaminophen (tylenol). I discussed the tradeoffs between oxycontin and percodan/percocet with my doctor and pharmacist a couple of months ago, and was told that taking additional oxycontin plus aspirin or acetaminophen was pretty equivalent to taking percodan or percocet. It is therefore possible that you might get through this shortfall by using the oxycontin that you have and aspirin or acetaminophen. When I had a similar problem, this was the approach recommended to me. Please note that I am not a doctor, and am only repeating the information that was told to me. Narcotics are pretty serious stuff, and any actions you take should be afer carefully working out equivalent dosages, etc. I hope this helps, and good luck! Steve > PAIN....That is the number one concern for me and drives each day's > activities. They have me on Oxycontin, the 12 hr one, taken twice daily, with > Percocet for "break-thru" pain. All my pain seems to be break-thru! I had > been taking the percocet, 2 tabs every 6hrs to keep the pain managed. That > had been working quite well. ______ 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: "Jeff + Nancy Kennedy" Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 17:39:45 -0400 Subject: Update This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_002D_01BEF245.7B76C8C0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hi,=20 Just a quick update on my daughter's post surgical state. Hayley,13, had = a vertebrectomy on June 21. The surgery took ten hours and she was in = the hospital for ten days. The first month was very difficult. We took = her back to the surgeon for a followup visit a month later. That = appointment was so stressful. She still couldn't sit upright for long = and we all know what those waiting rooms are like. She was in tears = until she got in the examining room. Then we had to head downstairs to = x-ray and she was very dizzy and almost passed out. They were very = understanding with her in x-ray. She was exhausted when we were finally = done. Friday was a month after that horrible day and I'm pleased to say = it was a totally different child I took to the hospital. Dr. Borshneck = saw her sitting in the waiting room as we was heading into one of the = examining rooms and he called out to her. He said don't you look much = better! Next thing I knew an orderly came out with a req for x-rays. I = found this to be so thoughtful...not to have to wait until you see the = Doctor and then go for x-rays and then come back. The walk to x-ray was = easy. We have come so far in just one month. Saturday we took Hayley and = her friends to see the Circus and she walked at least 2 blocks to get = there and sat through the performance with little discomfort. She was = tired after but happy. Although she won't admit it, I think she is = looking forward to starting school on the seventh of September. We go = back to the Doctor in three months and then we will talk about the = removal of some of the hardware in her back. It's quite noticeable. I = guess I just want others to know that when the recovery seems so = difficult, try to realize that there will be a light at the end of the = tunnel.=20 Nancy - ------=_NextPart_000_002D_01BEF245.7B76C8C0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Hi,
Just a quick update on my daughter's = post surgical=20 state. Hayley,13, had a vertebrectomy on June 21. The surgery took ten = hours and=20 she was in the hospital for ten days. The first month was very = difficult. We=20 took her back to the surgeon for a followup visit a month later. That=20 appointment was so stressful. She still couldn't sit upright for long = and we all=20 know what those waiting rooms are like. She was in tears until she got = in the=20 examining room. Then we had to head downstairs to x-ray and she was very = dizzy=20 and almost passed out. They were very understanding with her in x-ray. = She was=20 exhausted when we were finally done. Friday was a month after that = horrible day=20 and I'm pleased to say it was a totally different child I took to the = hospital.=20 Dr. Borshneck saw her sitting in the waiting room as we was heading into = one of=20 the examining rooms and he called out to her. He said don't you look = much=20 better! Next thing I knew an orderly came out with a req for x-rays. I = found=20 this to be so thoughtful...not to have to wait until you see the Doctor = and then=20 go for x-rays and then come back. The walk to x-ray was easy. We have = come so=20 far in just one month. Saturday we took Hayley and her friends to see = the Circus=20 and she walked at least 2 blocks to get there and sat through the = performance=20 with little discomfort. She was tired after but happy. Although she = won't admit=20 it, I think she is looking forward to starting school on the seventh of=20 September. We go back to the Doctor in three months and then we will = talk about=20 the removal of some of the hardware in her back. It's quite noticeable. = I guess=20 I just want others to know that when the recovery seems so difficult, = try to=20 realize that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. =
Nancy
- ------=_NextPart_000_002D_01BEF245.7B76C8C0-- ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Bluebonne@aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 17:41:29 EDT Subject: Re: Surgery I have grown two inches since my surgery and am still growing. I grew a little in my back, and then my body compensated by growing in my legs. Laura (Bluebonne@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: RSMVMD@aol.com Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 18:30:45 EDT Subject: Re: reply to Lyn In a message dated 8/29/99 1:01:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ghostjc@yahoo.com writes: > I moved to Maryland to see a > doctor here who isn't convinced that my scoliosis led to the hamstring > tendon injury, but he does think it needs to be addressed. And now > ... JC, I live in Montgomery County Maryland. Where in Maryland are you? Which doctors have you been to? You also mentioned something about your just moving to Maryland, a new job, and difficulties with health insurance. Where do you work, and what is your insurance? I work for the Federal Govt., and I'm in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee program. I could MAYBE answer some of your concerns. Richard S. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "MIKE POOLE" Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 19:47:27 -0400 Subject: Update on Christopher Hi Everyone, Well, after talking with both the orthos this week, we were finally able to make a decision on where to take Christopher for his surgery. The Dr. we had been seeing this whole last year told us he has not performed the hemivert. excision part of the surgery, only assisted in this procedure. Also, his goal for surgery was to keep the curve from getting worse, not correcting the curve. Our 2nd opinion surgeon has performed the procedure with good results and felt good correction could be obtained with the excision. So we are scheduled for Nov. 10 at Hopkins. It does not feel as comfortable to us since we have only been there twice but are more confident in the Dr. I also asked about instrumentation which may be used for Christopher but will ultimately be decided on during the surgery. If anyone is interested in the instrumentation question, let me know and I'll go into more of what I was told. I feel relieved having a definite date at least and thanks to all for sharing cast, diapering, bathing tips, etc. - we'll be needing them! Kim - mom to 2 1/2 yr. Christopher (cong. scol.) and big brothers Conner (5) and Gene (20) ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-child-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "MIKE POOLE" Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 19:28:35 -0400 Subject: Debbie Hi Debbie, Thanks for writing. You are right from what our Drs. have told me this week. The hemivertebra excision is the removal of a portion of the vertebra thus correcting the direction of growth from that point up. It is also the most risky part of the surgery in terms of neurological implications. Our Dr. feels confident that some degree of correction can be obtained. Christopher's curve was 37 degrees in June so in case the fusion does not stop the progression, we would like to have as much correction as possible. Is surgery an option for you as an adult? Kim (mom to Christopher 2 1/2 yrs. cong. scol.) ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-child-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ End of scoliosis V1 #1301 ************************* 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". For help on using the scoliosis-digest, (especially unsubscribing) send an electronic mail message to "scoliosis-digest-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". Spammers and promotional posts not allowed.