From: bounce-scoliosis To: scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu Subject: scoliosis V1 #538 Reply-To: Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis Precedence: bulk scoliosis Tuesday, 19 August 1997 Volume 01 : Number 538 The scoliosis-digest is a daily encapsulation of messages sent to the scoliosis and scoliosis-teens mailing lists. 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". To post your own message to the digest, send an electronic mail message to "scoliosis@ai.mit.edu". Today's digest includes messages with the following subjects: Please add to digest ["Karen Plesur" ] Re: New Brace [Daniel J Brotschul ] Re: Please add to digest [Linda Racine ] Re: New Brace [Linda Racine ] Re: Scoliosis [nyanna@juno.com] post op [KrashLoad@aol.com] Re: Scoliosis [Linda Racine ] Re: post op [Linda Racine ] Re: post op [azzaro.2@pop.service.ohio-state.edu (Susannah Azzaro)] Re: Lower Back Pain [Bogima@aol.com] RE: How does the Instrumentation Feel [HSIUNG@ccsua.ctstateu.edu] Re: Scoliosis [Chris Martin ] AOL Scoliosis Chat Session / IRC Scoliosis Chat Session [RSMVMD@aol.com] RE: Lower Back Pain [Paul Leger ] RE: post op [Paul Leger ] Re; Copes Brace [Kathy Stott ] Re: Copes Brace [G ] [Fwd: Re: How does the Instrumentation Feel] [Linda Racine ] Re: [Fwd: Re: How does the Instrumentation Feel] [CoJazzMstr@aol.com] Re: post op [KBSDALLAS@aol.com] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Karen Plesur" Date: Mon, 18 Aug 97 8:15:50 PDT Subject: Please add to digest Hi. My 50 degree curve has remained the same for 25 years--I'm 44 years old. I'd like to know what percentage of untreated scoliosis curves don't progress? I do not have pain and am quite flexible in the spine. My curve is a single thoracic curve. One doctor wants to operate. I'm going to seek a second opinion. 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: Daniel J Brotschul Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 11:40:45 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: New Brace On Fri, 15 Aug 1997, Linda Racine wrote: > Heather... > Going to a chiropractor cannot hurt. If you have any pain, you might > get some relief from chiropractic. A chiropractor cannot stop or reduce > ...Linda, You are correct when you sight a lack of documented studies as a reason that there is no proof that chiropractic will have a particular effect on a scoliotic curve. However, you are incorrect when you assert unequivocally that chiropractic cannot correct a curve. There is no evidence to support your absolute statement that chiropractic will not have any effect on the degree of curvature. You need to be careful when you make exclusive statements. Daniel For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 08:50:08 -0800 Subject: Re: Please add to digest Karen... I don't know what percentage of scoliosis curves don't increase, but I believe it's high. If your curve hasn't increased AND you don't have significant pain, surgery shouldn't be considered. Linda Karen Plesur wrote: > > Hi. My 50 degree curve has remained the same for 25 years--I'm 44 years > old. I'd like to know what percentage of untreated scoliosis curves don't > ... For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 09:05:43 -0800 Subject: Re: New Brace Daniel.... You're absolutely correct. There are no studies that show that chiropractic doesn't work to stop or correct curves. There are also no studies that show that it can. Linda For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: nyanna@juno.com Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 11:32:00 -0700 Subject: Re: Scoliosis I'm In San Diego Ca,Nyanna For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: KrashLoad@aol.com Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 14:50:59 -0400 (EDT) Subject: post op I would like to know if anyone had trouble sneezing after they had spinal fusion. My lungs were deflated for it, I don't know if that is the reason though. If anyone has any answers to this question I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you! Allison For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 12:01:01 -0800 Subject: Re: Scoliosis Nyanna... Scoliosis specialists in southern California are: Pasquale X. Montesano Carmichael John D. Hsu Downey Susan M. Swank Downey Denneth R. Roth Escondido Ram Mudiyam Fountain Valley Vance O. Gardner Irvine Bruce E. VanDam LaJolla Thomas T. Laughlin Jr. LaJolla James E. Shook Loma Linda William P. Bunnell Loma Linda Edgar G. Dawson Los Angeles George S. Bassett Los Angeles H. Leon Brooks Los Angeles Robert S. Pasman Los Angeles Vernon T. Tolo Los Angeles John C. Brown Newport Beach Behrooz A. Akbarnia San Diego Dennis R. Wenger San Diego Scott J. Mubarak San Diego Allan M. Delman San Pedro Graham A. Purcell Santa Monica Paul M. Tsou Santa Monica John D. King Tarzana Saul M. Bernstein Van Nuys Munish C. Gupta Whittier For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 12:26:40 -0800 Subject: Re: post op Allison... Sorry about the sneezing. That must hurt like hell! I was scared to death about sneezing after my surgery. Normally, I sneeze once or twice a day, on a regular basis. For some reason, after my surgery, I didn't sneeze for six months. Strange, but true! Linda For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: azzaro.2@pop.service.ohio-state.edu (Susannah Azzaro) Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 15:37:28 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: post op It's been almost nine weeks since my fusion, and I never had trouble sneezing; I just was a little bit afraid too. It was a tad uncomfortable when I did sneeze, but now it feels like it always did. Susannah For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Bogima@aol.com Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 15:38:35 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Lower Back Pain In a message dated 97-08-17 20:37:42 EDT, you write: << I have scheduled another appointment with Dr.Boachie in September. Unfortunately, I was told that he only accepts HMO and not Blue Cross. >> Alyson... I suggest you speak to Dr. Boachie's office about insurance coverage. I am not a member of an HMO and Dr. Boachie is accepting my insurance, which is an indemnity plan. Of course, I willl be responsible for paying the amount above 80% of what my insurance company decides is "reasonable and customary". 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: HSIUNG@ccsua.ctstateu.edu Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 17:00:03 -0400 Subject: RE: How does the Instrumentation Feel Cary, It doesn't even feel like there are metal rods in my back. The only thing was that the muscles in my back were really sore after the surgery. Sue For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Chris Martin Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 02:07:54 -0700 Subject: Re: Scoliosis The person that I saw for my scoliosis when I lived in CA was Dr. Meir.I don't know weather he is a specialist or not but he has a lot of patiants who have scoliosis and my friend Krissy who has S.P. is alos one of his patiants. He is a good doctor too! He is in OceanSide next to the Tri-City Hospital. Linda Racine wrote: > > Nyanna... > Scoliosis specialists in southern California are: > ... For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: RSMVMD@aol.com Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 18:56:04 -0400 (EDT) Subject: AOL Scoliosis Chat Session / IRC Scoliosis Chat Session Hello all AOL members (NON-AOL MEMBERS AND/OR THOSE WITH IRC ACCESS, SEE BELOW): The next Scoliosis Chat Session on AOL will be this Thursday, August 21st at 8PM ET / 5PM PT. The address of the AOL chat is: "Town Square - Scoliosis" aol://2719:61-2-Scoliosis You can enter the chat room by clicking your mouse on the blue hyperlink below: Town Square - Scoliosis . Hope to see all of you there! For those who have IRC access, let's try an IRC Scoliosis Chat Session NEXT Wednsday, August 27th at 9PM ET / 6PM PT. The server is: EFnet, and the channel is: #Scoliosis. See you there!! Thanks! 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: Paul Leger Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 19:51:22 -0300 Subject: RE: Lower Back Pain Regarding exercise and relieving the pain that way I would have to say that after 3 years of trying to do just that the it has been a resounding failure. Drugs work better. I was extremely active for a number of years. In fact I would say I was in very good physical shape. Then the pain started and even moderate exercises became more and more painful. If you are not in shape and try to start then I would suggest a physiotherapist visit before hand. Paul Leger Hampton, NB, Canada Amateur Callsign VE9NC For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Paul Leger Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 20:00:20 -0300 Subject: RE: post op That must hurt is right. There are two things to avoid when you have either recent surgery or flat back syndrome. These are colds and pneumonia. Both hurt like hell. Coughing or sneezing should be avoided at all costs. Hope you get well soon. Paul Leger Hampton, NB, Canada Amateur Callsign VE9NC Sorry about the sneezing. That must hurt like hell! I was scared to death about sneezing after my surgery. Normally, I sneeze once or twice For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Kathy Stott Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 19:09:36 -0700 Subject: Re; Copes Brace Hi, I am new to the list, I am 32 yrs old and have a 'S' curve both at 60 degrees. I have recently sent x-rays and my medical history to the Copes Foundation to see if I would be a candidate for the Copes brace and treatment program. During my teenage years I wore a Milwaukee brace for 6 years, the last thing I want to do is wear another brace but according to Dr. Copes, his brace can correct curvatures sometimes up to 80%. I have daily back pain and do not want surgery if there another alternative. Would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has worn the Copes brace, especially in my age category with similar degrees. Regards, Kathy For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: G Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 19:33:26 -0500 Subject: Re: Copes Brace Kathy, I just did the same thing you did - I had X-rays done by a Copes doctor in South Fla. and I just got my report back. I have a 41 degree lumbar curve, 14 thoracic. I am 27, and because I still have flexibility, they told me they believe it is possible (no guarantee of course) that I could have a full correction of the curve! but this would take 42-47 months of the full program with the brace. I'd love to keep in touch with you, and see how you deal with the situation, since we are both at the same stage of making the decision to go through with it. I feel that this is my only option, because I will do anything to avoid surgery, and I am not willing to put up with anymore pain and misery. Genene For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 17:00:06 -0800 Subject: [Fwd: Re: How does the Instrumentation Feel] Cary Smith meant to send this to the list, but sent it only to me by mistake: Thanks for the replys, I am 23 by the way. I know that age plays a factor in recovery. I am very atheletic. I play soccer lift weights and all that good stuff. I a, donating the last pint of blood needed for surgery tommorrow morning. After that I am meeting with my doctor on Sept.3 to go over my bend films and discuss the procedure. He is bringing the intrumrentation and everything. For thops of you from new England I am doing the surgery at the New England Baptist Hospitol. I must admit that it has been great being apart of this newsgroup. It has REALY helped a formerly scared young man cope with what is about to be done on Sept 11. You have been great nad I hope to be back online a couple weeks after Sept 1.. giving yoo guys updates and helping others who have yet to have the surgery. I MUST admit that my biggest fear is not having the surgery it self but the pain. I have gotten some nasty cuts and bruises which have been painful. So all I can think about is HAVING tiny chunks of bone removed to put hooks in and having sections of my ribs removed to provide fusion material...... I am Thinking that must HURT like HELLLL and I hope i have the courage to deal with it ... Cary 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 Aguila Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 20:28:01 -0400 Subject: Re: Copes Brace G wrote: > > Kathy, > > ... > I'd love to keep in touch with you, and see how you deal with the > situation, since we are both at the same stage of making the decision > to go through with it. I feel that this is my only option, because I > ... I AM ALSO DOING THE COPES PROGRAM. MY BRACE IS DUE TO ARRIVE ANY DAY NOW. I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE WHO IS DOING THE PROGRAM. I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL. I'M 34 AND I FIND NO OTHER OPTION (OTHER THAN SURGERY WHICH I WILL TRY TO AVOID AS MUCH AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE). I'M SHORT OF BREATH -- AND FEEL VERY PHYSICALLY AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. I'M WILLING TO GIVE THIS PROGRAM MY ALL. I WISH YOU THE BEST -- KEEP IN TOUCH. - PATTY GORE > > 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: CoJazzMstr@aol.com Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 23:32:09 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: How does the Instrumentation Feel] Please send this to Cary. Good luck with the surgery. :) Kev For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: KBSDALLAS@aol.com Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 02:07:29 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: post op In a message dated 97-08-19 01:28:17 EDT, Paul writes: << Coughing or sneezing should be avoided at all costs. >> That would be nice...but if you can't, try having a firm support (like a wall or a high, firm chair back) to lean back on when you cough or sneeze post-surgery. It's a hassle, but I sure felt my spine was safer and it also lessens the pain. Karen 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 #538 ************************