From: bounce-scoliosis To: scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu Subject: scoliosis V1 #659 Reply-To: Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis Precedence: bulk scoliosis Tuesday, 2 December 1997 Volume 01 : Number 659 Today's subjects for scoliosis and scoliosis-teens: Re: Nervous bout Surgery [Andrea Andrews ] Re: Nervous bout Surgery [Cntry6978@aol.com] Re: ["A & S Lanser" ] Let's Get Started [Linda Racine ] Re: Let's Get Started [jdonathan@smtplink.ag-inc.com] Re: Let's Get Started [Linda Racine ] Re: Let's Get Started [EmmaPiddle@aol.com] [none] [Lawrence Zachmann ] Re: Let's Get Started ["A & S Lanser" ] Getting Started/Introductions [Cathy Lutz ] who are we? ["Carmell Burns" ] Getting started; introductions [Bogima@aol.com] Best wishes to Bonnie ["Carmell Burns" ] To: Linda [Hagenmom@aol.com] Re: Let's Get Started [Hagenmom@aol.com] RE: Nervous bout Surgery [HSIUNG@CCSUA.CTSTATEU.EDU] Re: Let's Get Started [Linda Racine ] Let's get started ["carol lytle" ] Re: Getting started; introductions [Linda Racine ] Re: Let's Get Started [Jeff Fremder ] Re: To: Linda [Linda Racine ] Re: Let's Get Started [EmmaPiddle ] Re: Let's Get Started ["Gail Walsh" ] Re: Nervous bout Surgery [Andrea Andrews ] [Fwd: *** WARNING COMPUTER VIRUS ***] [Andrea Andrews ] Re: My Troll. Care to bite? [brotschul_d@DD.PALMER.EDU] Busy period [brotschul_d@DD.PALMER.EDU] Re: Let's Get Started ["Jennie Perry" ] Re: A lot ["Jennie Perry" ] Re: Nervous bout Surgery [Cntry6978@aol.com] Re: Nervous bout Surgery [Andrea Andrews ] Re: Nervous bout Surgery [Andrea Andrews ] Re: Let's Get Started [pjjj4@cvn.net (pjjj4)] Re: Pre-op surgery suggestions [H2okubec@aol.com] Re: Nervous bout Surgery ["Swaney Family" ] Re: Let's Get Started ["Swaney Family" ] Re: Nervous bout Surgery ["Swaney Family" ] Re: Let's Get Started [Michelle Ewing ] Re: Let's Get Started [Linda Racine ] Re: Let's Get Started [Margaret Arth ] Re: Let's Get Started [Linda Racine ] Roll Call [Pam & Jim Sledge ] Re: Nervous 'bout Surgery [GenieJeanie ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Andrea Andrews Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 08:20:32 -0800 Subject: Re: Nervous bout Surgery Benjamin Teo wrote: > > To all, > > ... Benjamin- My steal rod broke due to the pedicle screw. I was only 14 when I had my second surgery. I was 13 when the rod broke. It broke about 6 and half months after surgery. I was so mad. I did absolutely nothing to cause it to break! I didn't even pick up my cat. Where are you from? Who is your doctor? Any more ?'s, just ask! -Lex 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: Cntry6978@aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 08:11:24 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Nervous bout Surgery hi Lex how did you know when something broke in your rods? was it painful or what,,just wonderin how,,,,,,,,,,,laurie 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: "A & S Lanser" Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 07:49:54 -0500 Subject: Re: Test received ______________________________ - -----Original Message----- From: Linda Racine To: scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu Date: Sunday, November 30, 1997 7:53 PM > >Test > > ... ______ 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: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 08:00:41 -0700 Subject: Let's Get Started Karen, one of the participants on this list, sent me an email wondering if we should do a sort of roll call to see who's on the list and to get things rolling. I think that's an excellent idea. So, if you want, please post your info: 1) Are you a patient, a parent or other? 2) Have you had surgery? 3) Age of yourself or child. 4) Age at time of surgery 5) Geographic area 6) Doctor I'll start: I'm Linda, age 48 (today... YIKES!). I was not diagnosed until I was an adult. I had anterior and posterior surgery at age 42. I'm in Northern California, and my doctor is John Gray. Linda BTW, There are (at least) two people on the list who are having surgery this week: Bogima (Bonnie) is having major revision surgery tomorrow, and KBrad (Kay) (who's birthday is today as well) is having surgery on Wednesday. Both are adults. ______ 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: jdonathan@smtplink.ag-inc.com Date: Mon, 01 Dec 97 11:17:16 -0500 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started 1) Are you a patient, a parent or other? 2) Have you had surgery? 3) Age of yourself or child. 4) Age at time of surgery 5) Geographic area 6) Doctor Hello! My name is Jennifer, I'm 23. I'm going to be having surgery in January. I will be fused from T2 to L1. Can someone tell me how that ranks in the scheme of things? Subsequent mobility and all? I live in Somerville, MA, a suburb of Boston. I will be having the surgery at Beth Israel, and my surgeon is Dr. Glazer. Everyone there seems very impressed with him. ;) Jenn ______ 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: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 08:38:26 -0700 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started Hi Jennifer... Two things. First: your fusion is long, but high. When you twist, you'll twist more from your waist and hips than you do now. You'll also be more limited in bending. I have about the same number of vertebrae fused, but my fusion is lower. It's a little more difficult to put on pantyhose than it was before, but that's about it. Second: I'd like to encourage you to get another opinion. Unless I'm mistaken, Dr. Glazer is not a member of the Scoliosis Research Society (http://www.srs.org). The SRS is a group of medical professionals who devote a large percentage of their practice to scoliosis. If Dr. Glazer isn't a member, that doesn't mean he's not a good surgeon. But, for your own well being, I think it would be a good idea to see a second doc. Fortunately for you, Boston is one of the best areas in the country for scoliosis specialists. I really like John Hall, although he's getting pretty old, and Frank Rand. The complete list of members can be found at http://www.srs.org/htm/membset.htm. Forgive me if this is not information you welcome. If you're interested, the National Scoliosis Foundation has a support group in your area. Contact Patty Gregory at 617-665-0632. 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: EmmaPiddle@aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 11:41:56 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Let's Get Started In a message dated 97-12-01 11:11:08 EST, you write: << 1) Are you a patient, a parent or other? 2) Have you had surgery? 3) Age of yourself or child. 4) Age at time of surgery 5) Geographic area 6) Doctor >> OK...I'll be next: 1. My name is Karen....I am a scoliosis sufferer myself (and I do suffer with it!) 2. I had surgery with CD instruments from T2-T10 in Feb. of 1993, surgery in July of this year to have the rod on the right side removed (as well as a cross bar that was stabbing), and then another surgery 6 weeks later to clean out staph infection that had developed. 3. I am 38 years old...found out that I had scoli at 17 yrs. old 4. I was 33 at the time of the fusion, and 38 when the rod was removed 5. I live in Rochester, NY (fusion surgery done here), and am originally from Texas (rod removal done there) 6. Dr. Kenneth Jackman (Roch, NY) did the fusion, and Dr. Alan Heilman (Houston, TX) did the removal. Yes!!!! I know that Jackman is an SRS Dr. and Heilman is not!!!!(this became an issue on the other board, and if it does here, I guess I'll have to unsubscribe!!! Dr. Heilman was hands down a better Dr. than Jackman...so to me PERSONALLY....being a member of SRS, although I'm sure very helpful, is not the end all for me in choosing a surgeon!!!) I hope to find support on this board for the ongoing trials that scoliosis brings our way...I need that very much at this time...having recently gone through 2 surgeries. To Linda: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! (have a wonderful day!) To Jennifer: Good Luck on your surgery...you have a young body on your side!! Also, I've heard great things about that particular hospital in Boston! My fusion wasn't quite as long as yours, but I have a lot of bending flexibility. What I find the most diffucult is twisting to either side to look in back of me. ______ 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: Lawrence Zachmann Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 11:49:47 -0500 Subject: [none] "Patty Aguila" 11/27/97 10:59am wrote On what basis does Prudential refuse to pay for your brace? Is durable medical equipment covered in your contract? Patty - ---------- > From: G > To: scoliosis@ai.mit.edu > Subject: Surgery patients > ... __________________--- My daughter had 2 Boston Braces that the insurance company (ChoiceCare of NY now Vytra) did not cover because "Durable Medical Supplies" were an option my com[pany signed up for. I was able to make a deal with the Brace Maker and only paid $900 and $1100 each. WOW! This rate was the Medicare rate. She also had surgery a year ago with Blue Cross/Blue Choice coverage. Everything except the autogolous blood was covered by them. Since they would have paid for transfusions and the cost of the blood in the operating room I could not understand why that was not covered. Larry ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "A & S Lanser" Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 11:57:52 -0500 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started >1) Are you a patient, a parent or other? >2) Have you had surgery? >3) Age of yourself or child. > ... 1) I'm a patient 2)No 3) 32 4)Diagnosed at 12, no brace, no surgery. Thoraco-lumbar curve at 58 degrees (1997) 5)Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 6)Hoping to get appointment with Dr. Aebi in Montreal Sanet Lanser PS: Happy Birthday, 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: Cathy Lutz Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 11:56:25 -0800 Subject: Getting Started/Introductions My name is Cathy, aged 49. I live in Vienna, VA, near Washington, DC. My "crooked hip" was first noticed by family members when I was about 12. In 1985 and 1989, I saw two orthopedic surgeons for unrelated problems and both x-rayed my back, but neither recommended any treatment for the scoliosis (1989 measurement was 33 degrees). I was x-rayed this past October (51 degrees T11 to L4). The orthopedic surgeon's name is Ian Gordon (Alexandria, VA). He recommended monitoring every 4-6 months. I'm getting a second opinion this afternoon (Dr. Reing in Annandale, VA). After that, a third opinion with an SRS member in Baltimore (and a member of my medical plan). Does anyone have first-hand experience with an orthopedic surgeon in the Mid-Atlantic region? ______ 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: "Carmell Burns" Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 09:32:08 PST Subject: who are we? 1. Carmell, mother of Braydon 2. Yes, Braydon had anterior/posterior fusion T5-L1 3. Braydon is 2 1/2, I am 32 - this is a common age among the participants of this/these lists. Is this a coincidence? :-) 4. Braydon was 11 months old at the time of his surgery. 5. We live in Northern Utah - 2 hours from Salt Lake City 6. Dr. John Smith is our pediatric orthopedist. Okay Linda, Dr. Smith is not an SRS member. However, he was on the faculty at UCSF with David Bradford before coming to SLC. I have to believe that we have, or have access to, the latest in medical technology for Braydon. His scoliosis and related problems will be a life-long event. We are very happy to have Dr. Smith in our area and to have his knowledge and expertise for us. I am very grateful (especially this time of year) for modern technology and that there are new and improved ways of helping little ones like Braydon. Had Braydon's spine gone untreated, he would have been wheel-chair bound by age 5. That is not including all of the internal problems associated with a severe curve in such little children. I am very happy to be associated with those of you who believe in 'proven' methods of treatment. ;-) ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.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: Bogima@aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 12:36:20 -0500 (EST) Subject: Getting started; introductions Hi... Happy Birthday, Linda!!!! I'm 56, was diagnosed at 13, had surgery with harrington Rod 20 years ago at age 36 (curve was 70/55); now have flatback syndrome, DDD and am having surgery tomorrow to repair the damage. My Doctor is Dr. Boachie, at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. My husband, Greg, and/or my son, Gary, will keep Linda informed on my progress until I can get back to the computer myself. Wish me luck!!!! Bonnie ______ 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: "Carmell Burns" Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 09:58:59 PST Subject: Best wishes to Bonnie Bonnie, You will be in our thoughts and prayers throughout this week and the coming weeks during your recovery. We will also be wishing you and all of the others facing surgery a quick and successful recovery. Carmell ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.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: Hagenmom@aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 13:49:52 -0500 (EST) Subject: To: Linda Dear Linda, I have a question, I saw one doctor that was with the SRS, and I wasen't real fond of him for a couple of reasons, then I saw another dr. that isisn't associated with SRS, but I really liked him, and I am not sure about something, maybe you have the info. I am looking for..... I am wondering how a specialist becomes a member of the SRS? Do they go through any extra training or just what do they go through to be associated with or becomea member of the SRS. I would appreciate any information on this subject... Thank You , Sue W. (hagenmom) ______ 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: Hagenmom@aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 14:17:40 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Let's Get Started My name is Sue as some may already know. I was diagnosed with scoliosis at 11yrs. old. Wore the Milwaukee Brace for approx. 3 years. I have double major structural Scoliosis. My curves were around 28 and 39 at that time. The brace was supposed to stop my curves from progressing...... In 1995 I found out my curves had progressed to 75degrees(top) and 65 at the bottom. I am still researching and looking for the right specialist, however they all say the same thing, surgery is inevitable due to the pressure on my heart and lung. I need to loose around 50 pounds in order to have surgery to be less "risky". My breathing is getting worse, so I am planning on going to see if my curves have progressed since last X-ray in March of 95. I am 33 years old, been married for 14yrs. and have a 7 year old son(which I am worried about since I just found out he has a leg discrepency like I do) I have to take him to an Ortho. to monitor him, I am scared to go......... I am from the Buffalo N.Y. area(Hi Karen:) I have seen Dr. Simmons, Dr. Lifeso, and Dr. Weiss so far. Linda, I hope you have a fantastic B-day....... And God Bless those who are going in for surgery, My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!! Hagenmom(Sue W.) ______ 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: HSIUNG@CCSUA.CTSTATEU.EDU Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 14:23:35 -0500 Subject: RE: Nervous bout Surgery benjamin, my experience was a lot like yours was. except when they found that i had scoliosis, my curve was already up to 38. in the next few years it hit 40 and then kept going up. i had surgery over the summer. it wasn't too bad...i have no idea how much the rods cost, but my insurance covered it i think. i'll agree with linda that rods rarely break, and it was just really unlucky of lex...the most important thing about after surgery is not to try and do too much at once cuz that could really hurt your back later on...if you have any questions, just ask! sue 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: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 11:45:03 -0700 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started Karen... This is difficult for me to put into words, but I'd like to make sure that everyone understands my point. Being a member of the SRS does not mean the doctor has any skill. And, not being a member does not mean that a doctor is not a great scoliosis surgeon. I've known people who've had good and bad outcomes with SRS surgeons and with non-SRS surgeons. I feel the best way to protect ourselves is to get as much information as possible. When you're selecting a surgeon, be sure to ask: 1) how many scoliosis surgeries they've done / or do per month. 2) how many adults, adolescents, teens they've done 3) if they've had any significant bad outcomes 4) names of patients who have similar cases Call the referrals and get their opinions. Also, if you have a scoliosis group in your area, ask around. A doctor will not give you the names of the patients with bad outcomes, but these people may be known by other patients you can find. Hope this helps. I think the SRS site is a good place to start. But, I agree that it's not the be-all and end-all. So, with that behind us, I take it that you still have pain. Can you describe it? 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: "carol lytle" Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 11:42:49 PST Subject: Let's get started Name: Carol, age 38 Scoliosis me? yes, 38 degree right thoracic Scoliosis daughter? yes 52 degree right thoracic, age 14 No surgery for me Surgery for daughter scheduled June, 1998 Residence? Arizona Doctor? Dennis Crandall (SRS) ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.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: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 11:52:16 -0700 Subject: Re: Getting started; introductions Bonnie... Didn't know whether you'd be checking in today or not. I'll be thinking good thoughts about you all day tomorrow. I know you'll do just great, and hope the surgery resolves all the problems. 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: Jeff Fremder Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 11:55:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: Let's Get Started > 1) Are you a patient, a parent or other? > 2) Have you had surgery? > 3) Age of yourself or child. > ... A Parent of Austin (7) who will probably have surgery for a 62 degree thorasic curve this winter. Austin has infantile scoliosis that has been treated with a Charleston Bending Brace and a Boston Brace. He had Heart Surgery at age 2 and had a tethered spinal cord released at age 3. We live in Milwaukee WI Dr. John Thometz is Austin's Orthopedist _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.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: Jeff Fremder Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 11:55:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: Let's Get Started > 1) Are you a patient, a parent or other? > 2) Have you had surgery? > 3) Age of yourself or child. > ... A Parent of Austin (7) who will probably have surgery for a 62 degree thorasic curve this winter. Austin has infantile scoliosis that has been treated with a Charleston Bending Brace and a Boston Brace. He had Heart Surgery at age 2 and had a tethered spinal cord released at age 3. We live in Milwaukee WI Dr. John Thometz is Austin's Orthopedist _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.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: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 12:09:33 -0700 Subject: Re: To: Linda Hi Sue... Following is the relevant text from the SRS bylaws that talks about membership: Candidate fellowship shall be limited to orthopaedic surgeons and non-physician members of allied specialities who are committed to research in the field of Scoliosis and related spinal deformities and to the objectives of the SRS, and who express a willingness to commit to a clinical practice, where applicable, in which 20% or more is devoted to some aspect of spinal deformity, including fractures and spondylolisthesis. Physician candidates must be board eligible or certified and have completed an approved orthopaedic surgery residency and possess a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery. Active Fellowship shall be limited to orthopaedic surgeons and members of allied specialties who have fulfilled all the requirements for Active Fellowship as enacted by the Board of Directors. Applicants must have a clinical practice, where applicable, in which 20% or more is devoted to some aspects of spinal deformity, including fractures and spondylolisthesis, and have made a significant contribution to spinal problems, both as determined by the Board of Directors of the Society in their sole discretion. Candidate fellows shall be required to serve for 5 years before they may be considered for active fellowship. During this period of time candidate fellows shall be expected to: (a) Submit at least 2 papers or posters for presentation at an annual SRS meeting; and (b) Complete and submit Morbidity and Mortality reports annually; and (c) Submit a list of patients diagnosed and treated during the calendar year immediately prior to application for Active Fellowship; and (d) Conform to any other requirements enacted by the Board of Directors. No individual is eligible to become an Active Fellow unless and until he/she has served five (5) years as a Candidate Fellow, at which time all Candidate Fellows must apply for Active Fellowship. If the application is rejected, the Candidate Fellow can reapply the following year. If the Candidate Fellow does not reapply or is denied Active Fellowship a second time, he is no longer a Fellow of the Society. A Fellow who fails to attend the annual meeting of the Society for 3 consecutive years without written approval from the Board of Directors shall be automatically terminated from Fellowship in the Society unless otherwise excused by the Board of Directors. Phew! ______ 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: EmmaPiddle Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 15:23:27 EST Subject: Re: Let's Get Started Dear Linda, I love the suggestions that you gave for questions to ask a Dr. when interviewing them. The Dr. that I interviewed to remove my hardware actually offered to put me in contact with a woman who he had done the exact same surgery on the year before....I got the idea that he hadn't done a lot of hardware removals...but he was willing to to give me all of his credentials, and put his neck out on the line by giving me the name of someone who he hadn't heard from since 6 weeks post op. That helped SO MUCH! Call those referrals! She did praise the skill and bedside manner of the Dr., and said that it helped her get on with life, but also talked about the length of recovery (longer than she thought) etc... To answer your question about pain.....I think I am dealing with 2 things: 1. nerve pain/damage from the two surgeries that I just had......a trade off anytime you let someone cut on you. I am hoping that this will go away in time. 2. weakness/aching/pain in the area directly below the fusion - This is something that I have been told to expect with a fusion. I just wasn't expecting it this soon! (It's been 5 years since my fusion). My game plan for this is keep swimming (that helps), loose 5 or so pounds (I am very petite, and kinda short, so five pounds on me makes a big difference), and keep taking Ultram as long as I need it. Karen ______ 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: "Gail Walsh" Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 16:49:14 -0400 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started First,let me say good luck to those having surgery. I am 38 and teach computer science. I wasborn with congenital idipathic kyphoscoliosis and had surgery at the age of 17 at the Boston Children's Hospital. Despite the pain that the surgery may have caused, it was well worth it and I would recommend that hospital and my physician, Dr. John Hall, to anyone. I had a severe curve and while it did not prevent me from enjoying and active and full life both personally and professionally, it did have its moments. I certainly wish this kind of mailing list had exisitng when I was a teenagre, for example. There was so little information on it where I lived-New Brunswick, Canada , that no-one really understood it. I had a Harrington rod fusion and for 38 days, I was inhalofemeral traction. These were the days when one had a "cast" for three months and then a "walking cast" for another three months so I had to miss an entire year of university. As a classic overachiver, this did not impress me! However, the results did!! Currently, I find I have trouble with breathing occasionally and my lung capacity is only 48% which presents problems when I am having any kind of surgery, however minor! I also have chronic pain which rather suspect may get worse as I age and I would like to know how people are coping with that. I have trouble bending and I am a complete klutz but while part of that is related to the scoliosis, I also am extremely uncoordinated. I think I would not have become the person I am were it not for scoliosis. I have a sense of what people with medical problems are going through and I think it has made me a better person. (Hopefully, anyway!!) I really want to be able to help others who are going through the uncertainties of surgery and dealing with the illness and appreciate hearing from anyone else who is coping with respiratory problems and knowing how they deal with them! It is snowing here in Moncton, new Brunswick and a blizzard is forecast so I had best get on my way home. Looking forward to sharing more information with all of you. Sincerely, Gail Walsh ______ 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: Andrea Andrews Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 16:59:06 -0800 Subject: Re: Nervous bout Surgery Cntry6978@aol.com wrote: > > hi Lex > how did you know when something broke in your rods? was it painful or > ... Laurie- The others say it is unlikely and I agree, but I must admit that steal rods have broken quite a bit lately. There is a big lawsuit (which I am involved in) where the pedicle screws have caused steel rods to break. I don't mean to scare anyone, only to inform! My mom knew something was wrong, when I couldn't sit up straight and part of my back was sticking out further than the other half. The week it broke I was in serious pain, but after that I had no pain. When my mom called to tell the doctor something was wrong she had to beg them to take me. They said it was not time for me to come in and that she was probably woried for nothing. Boy, were they wrong! I do still recomend surgery. Only I think you should make sure that you have an informed surgeon who knows all the info. Any more questions, just ask! -Lex 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: Andrea Andrews Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 17:03:00 -0800 Subject: [Fwd: *** WARNING COMPUTER VIRUS ***] This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - --------------518B5CE15514 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I thought everyone might enjoy a laugh! -Lex - --------------518B5CE15514 Content-Type: message/rfc822 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline Received: from mail1.bellsouth.net (mail1.bellsouth.net [205.152.0.6]) by mail.lig (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id UAA13575 for ; Thu, 13 Nov 1997 20:51:09 -0500 (EST) From: zcampeau@awod.com Received: from sumter.awod.com (sumter.awod.com [198.81.225.1]) by mail1.bellsouth.net (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id UAA06374 for ; Thu, 13 Nov 1997 20:51:07 -0500 (EST) Received: from default (chs0172.awod.com [208.140.96.172]) by sumter.awod.com (8.8.7/8.8.5) with SMTP id UAA20826; Thu, 13 Nov 1997 20:50:56 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19971114015052.00686efc@awod.com> X-Sender: zcampeau@awod.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Thu, 13 Nov 1997 20:50:52 -0500 To: (Recipient list suppressed) Subject: *** WARNING COMPUTER VIRUS *** *** WARNING COMPUTER VIRUS *** Please warn all your friends and everybody you have ever met - ---------------------------------------------------------- WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING - ---------------------------------------------------------- If you receive an e-mail message with "End-All Virus" in the subject line, DON'T OPEN IT. If you do: End-All will re-write your entire hard drive. Not only that, it will scramble any disks (and eggs) that are even close to your computer. It will turn your CD ROM drive into a coffee cup holder and you will be forces to hum into the phone to get your modem to work. It will recalibrate your refrigerator's coolness setting so all your ice cream will melt. It will demagnetize the strips on all your credit cards and bill you for the service. It will screw up the tracking on your VCR (If you ever figured out how to program the darn thing) and it will use subspace field harmonics to scratch any CDs you try to play. It will give your ex-girlfriend your new phone number. It will mix Kool-aid into your fishtank. It will leave dirty socks on the coffee table when company comes over. It will make you type Tipos. End-All will leave the toilet seat up. It will hide your car keys when you are late for work. END ALL invites your mother-in-law over for a month. It replaces the sugar in your coffee with sweetener, causes your cable to only tune in home repair programs, and make people aware of all the things you are personally guilty of actually doing It moves your car randomly around parking lots so you can't find it. It is insidious and subtle. It is dangerous and terrifying to behold. And it makes you read funny e-mails. - -zach - --------------518B5CE15514-- 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: Andrea Andrews Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 17:05:57 -0800 Subject: [Fwd: Some of you need to read this (not a chain letter)] This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - --------------66EC443D60F0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Everytime I get down I read this and it helps! I thought this might brighten some lights and shed a little light! -Lex - --------------66EC443D60F0 Content-Type: message/rfc822 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline Received: from mail1.bellsouth.net (mail1.bellsouth.net [205.152.0.6]) by mail.lig (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id LAA06139 for ; Sun, 26 Oct 1997 11:40:15 -0500 (EST) Received: from sumter.awod.com (sumter.awod.com [198.81.225.1]) by mail1.bellsouth.net (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id LAA10556 for ; Sun, 26 Oct 1997 11:40:13 -0500 (EST) Received: from [208.140.96.23] (chs0023.awod.com [208.140.96.23]) by sumter.awod.com (8.8.7/8.8.5) with SMTP id LAA06232; Sun, 26 Oct 1997 11:40:06 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Sun, 26 Oct 1997 11:42:07 +0100 To: bmandrew@bellsouth.net, chapmanb@awod.com, rbrown@awod.com, TCSTANLEY@Charleston.Net From: fvesel@awod.com (Fred Vesel) Subject: Some of you need to read this (not a chain letter) >> LIFE >> >>>>>>>>>> >> >>>>>>>>>> Life isn't about keeping score. > ... - --------------66EC443D60F0-- 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: brotschul_d@DD.PALMER.EDU Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 15:17:45 -0500 (CDT) Subject: Re: My Troll. Care to bite? Richard, Was your message an indirect or direct reply to my message regarding hypothetical approaches to scoliosis treatment? I am not asking for exemption having to provide scientific validation. Rather, I am fully prepared to provide it and I am asking for the opportunity to do so. Manipulative therapy is a medical treatment, and there is plenty of existing research that can shed light on how it can and cannot help scoliosis. It does not fit the definition of "alternative" in medical references, although that is largely an issue of semantics as well as subjective opinion. Inclusion in the so-called medical scoliosis list is not my concern. Instead, I am concerned about the potential for that list to misrepresent itself and to wrongfully malign those topics in which it privately chooses to exclude. 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, 01 Dec 1997 13:28:35 -0700 Subject: Re: Nervous bout Surgery Lex... I believe the "rods" used in conjunction with pedicle screws are very different than the Harrington and C-D type rods used. It's hard to describe, but the rods used with pedicle screws have a much smaller diameter. Linda 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: brotschul_d@DD.PALMER.EDU Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 15:56:20 -0500 (CDT) Subject: Re: My Troll. Care to bite? Richard, I had to bite again. Your bate appealed to my scientific, my anthropologic, and even my philosophic sides. My independent study in the philosophy department at UF dealt with varying scientific paradigms among different cultural systems, so I am less inclined to look at things as having only one explanation. I have no problem in adhering to scientific parameters. My area of interest as it applies to scoliosis fits within them. However, I'd like to take a step back and make some broader points about the "lameness" of non-scientific methods, as you had put it. Some other forms of healing have been developed separate from science in cultures outside of our own. Often they show promising clinical results and are often found to have scientific validity upon further investigation, as they are becoming of growing interest to Western medical scientists (I wonder why). I want to point out that there are inherent problems in applying a model of reality and ways of talking about something that have nothing to do with that particular thing, where its origin lies, and how the people who have used it for many centuries understand and talk about it. What constitutes medicine in some other cultures exists independently of this social construct we call science. For example, the fact that a particular herb, root, or cooked extract works for the people who don't think of it scientifically is not independent of the fact that they think of it on their own terms; which belong to a separate and equally as intricate cultural system. It doesn't work because science says it works, but rather, if such causal factors matter in a particular culture, it is because of the system of accumulated knowledge that they have developed. They know it works from a distinctive system of ideas that are equally persuasive as our explanatory model of science, which incidentally look just as silly as ours does when they are taken out of their cultural context (we look pretty silly to many other cultures). And therefore, whether we think of them as scientific does not matter. We often think of science as being causal, but in truth, it is not. If we choose to label something as being scientifically valid, it is merely being descriptive- and often a failed attempt. (There are so many things that science cannot account for, and there are so many things that science claims to account for but really doesn't.) Much of the chemical, physical, and biological science I learned at UF was that of theory undergoing continual debate. Incidentally, when science tries to explain various phenomenon in cultures outside of our own, it is at a loss, and it cannot reach an explanation, (more precisely, a satisfactory one) while the indigenous culture does have an explanation. Whether you agree with this or not is not important at this time. My point is to show the hubris and the intellectual precipice one stands on by thinking that the discourse of science can be used as an interpretive model for discerning the legitimacy of something that exists in a culture where science has no place. Never mind, thinking in the first place that science is objective- it is only your subjective mind telling/tricking you that you are being objective, or that something is even real. I just want to point out the problem of talking about (understanding) something in a way that teases it from its context (or original domain/cultural and social context). 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: brotschul_d@DD.PALMER.EDU Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 16:00:40 -0500 (CDT) Subject: Busy period I know a lot of people have directed some inquiries to me. At this time, I am very busy preparing for exams, so I may not be able to reply in the timeliest manner. Please be patient, and don't view my delay as being rude. 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: "Jennie Perry" Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 14:08:01 PST Subject: Re: Let's Get Started Hi y'all- I'm Jennie, I'm 16 almost17. I was diagnosed with scoliosis at almost 8 years old. I have never had any type of brace or surgery. I was be followed for this by two doctors one at Riley hildrens hospital in Indianapolis and one here In Fort Wayne, Indiana. The one in Indianapolis recommended surgery and the one here recommended waiting til about 30 and thats about the time when I would start having backaches. I have been having backaches for the past 3 years now and my mom is going to schedule me for a sports physical for tennis and find out what they will say. I guess thats all, any questions ask!! Happy Birthday Linda and Kay, hope its a great one!!! I will be praying for you all having surgery this week and your recovery!!!! Sorry so long thats for your your time Jennie747@hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.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: "Jennie Perry" Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 14:22:30 PST Subject: Re: A lot >1.)Has anyone else here gottten some kinda "adult" thing? What sick >pervert out there could have given then our addresses? Lex- I also got this e-mail. I thought this list didn't allow ads and that Richard checked through all the mail so we wouldn't get these type things Hey congrats on the boyfriend and I was wondering how you were doing. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.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: Cntry6978@aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 17:56:44 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Nervous bout Surgery Hi Lex thanks for getting back to me.Now I feel better prepared with questions for the doctor that is for sure.I hope you get some compensation for all of this,,,goodness you have had much to contend with,,,laurie 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: Andrea Andrews Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 21:53:41 -0800 Subject: Re: Nervous bout Surgery Linda Racine wrote: > > Lex... > > ... Linda- You are definately right. I had an Isola rod at first. Now I have 2 Harrington rods. -Lex 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: Andrea Andrews Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 21:56:00 -0800 Subject: Re: Nervous bout Surgery Cntry6978@aol.com wrote: > > Hi Lex > thanks for getting back to me.Now I feel better prepared with questions for > ... Laurie- You are so right! I am glad I could help. I came here hoping for help and I found a lot more than I was looking for and now I am helping! How wonderful this is. I should hear about the lawsuit any day now. -Lex 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: pjjj4@cvn.net (pjjj4) Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 21:00:09 -0500 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started Well , O.K. then- I guess I'll take a turn too! >please post your info: > >1) Are you a patient, a parent or other? I'm the patient-my name is Julie- >2) Have you had surgery? Yes Fused from T4 to L4 in June 1995 >3) Age of yourself or child. 35 >4) Age at time of surgery 32 >5) Geographic area- Pennsylvania >6) Doctor Dr. Edward Schwenkter-Hershey Medical Center-not SRS but talented nonetheless. He is a pediatric scoli surgeon. To Karen- I too am dealing with some pain that I didn't expect quite so soon. I almost hate admitting it but realize ignoring it is impossible! To Linda- A very Happy Birthday! Glad to be conversing again! ______ 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: H2okubec@aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 22:22:59 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Pre-op surgery suggestions kate g My son just had the surg. Nov 18th. two weeks later we are having a hard time keeping him down. I can't believe how well he did as is doing. The first wk in the hosp. was rough. Watching your child go thru the pain is almost unbearable for the parents. I was so surprised on how quickly the pain turned into not bad, to nothing. He is not on any pain meds now. With your child having downs, I'm not sure what to tell him to expect. I feel it was worht it and so does my son. We go back to surg. on Mon to see the amount of correction. He was 56 lumbar curve. They fused and also rodded him. If I can help, please e-mail me. Pam ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Swaney Family" Date: Tue, 2 Dec 1997 16:33:24 +1300 Subject: Re: Nervous bout Surgery Benjamin - I had surgery last year, and all my hardware cost $NZ12,000, but our healthcare system paid for it. Your insurance should pay for it though, so don't worry. You can't put a price on your health. My experience with surgery was good, I have been fine since it, and had no troubles. I am so pleased that I had it, but since my curve was 76 degrees, it was really the only option for me. I hope everything goes okay with you, and if you have any questions - feel free to ask. from Pip 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: "Swaney Family" Date: Tue, 2 Dec 1997 16:36:41 +1300 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started > 1) Are you a patient, a parent or other? > 2) Have you had surgery? > 3) Age of yourself or child. > ... HI everybody - I'm Pip Swaney, I'm almost 15 (my birthday's on Sunday) and I am a patient. I had surgery in April 1996, for a 76 degree thoracic curve. I am fused from T3 to L1 with two 28cm ISOLA rods. I was 13 when diagnosed, and 14 at the time of surgery. I'm from Christchurch, New Zealand, and my Doctor is Bruce Hodgson. Good luck to all those having surgery soon, and Happy Birthday 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: "Swaney Family" Date: Tue, 2 Dec 1997 16:41:23 +1300 Subject: Re: Nervous bout Surgery Linda - I have two ISOLA rods - they are 1/4 inch in diameter I think, and I have pedicle screws. I thought this was quite big - what is the diameter of other rods? Lex - Are there many people that had ISOLA rods and Pedicle screws that had their rods break?? I have just found out that I have pedicle screws, and am quite worried that they could break. It has kinda scared me - and just wondered if you knew any of the statistics about them. Thanks - Pip 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: Michelle Ewing Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 22:41:26 -0500 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started Hello Linda! Happy Birthday!! 1. I am the parent of a 13 year old boy w/ a 25 degree curve. 2. He has not had surgery yet. 3. Iam 44. We live in Northern New Jersey. We have seen Dr. David Roye, NYC and we have Dr. Mark Rieger, Cedar Knolls, NJ as our primary care ortho, however Dr. Roye has agreed to consult on our son's case as well. Michelle ______ 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: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 20:06:18 -0700 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started Pip... In case I forget, Happy Birthday on Sunday. That's my baby brother's birthday as well. Thank you all for your birthday wishes. I talked to Kay earlier (who had a really bad day today) and passed your good wishes on as well. 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: Margaret Arth Date: Mon, 1 Dec 1997 23:04:12 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Let's Get Started I guess I'll be next. > 1) Are you a patient, a parent or other? > 2) Have you had surgery? > 3) Age of yourself or child. > ... 1)I'm the patient 2)I had surgery Jan. 1990 with fusion from T12-L2. I realize this is a lot less than other people here. Because I was 12 (Q. 4) at the time the surgeon wanted to fuse as little as was necessary. I will have another 2 surgeries this Feb. 3)I'm 20 yrs old 5)I live in NYC during the school year and on Long Island during breaks. 6)My pediatric surgeon for the first surgery was Dr. David P. Roye at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in NYC. I thought it was kind of interesting that I wound up going to the same university for my education, coincidence?? My surgeon for this coming Feb is Dr. Mark Weidenbaum at the same place. So far I'm very happy with both of them. This is a question for everyone, I noticed that people have mentioned that they or their child has had heart problems. I developed a very rare form of supraventricular tachycardia (only one other known) and mitral valve prolapse when my scoliosis was progressing and had surgery for that, though unsuccessful. Does anyone know the connection between heart problems and scoliosis. I'm wondering if the SVT would have developed anyway. Happy Birthday Linda and Kay. Good luck to you and Bonnie. I wish you the best! - --Megan ma247@columbia.edu ______ 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: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 20:19:25 -0700 Subject: Re: Let's Get Started Hi Megan... I don't know about the SVT, but mitral valve prolapse is VERY common for women, so it makes sense that it's common in people with scoliosis. A lot of people with severe scoliosis end up with heart problems because of the ribs pushing into the area where the heart and lung are supposed to be. 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: Pam & Jim Sledge Date: Mon, 01 Dec 1997 23:23:13 -0500 Subject: Roll Call Hi I am Pam. I am 44 years old and had surgery when I was 14 in 1967. I have Harrington Rods. I am from Maryland and had surgery at Children's Hospital in Baltimore. Dr MacDonald was my surgeon. Pam ______ 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: GenieJeanie Date: Tue, 02 Dec 1997 07:32:05 -0800 Subject: Re: Nervous 'bout Surgery Hi Benjamin, With a curve of 38 degrees, you sound like a good candidate for a brace. Has your doctor suggested one? A brace could prevent your curve from ever progressing to the point that surgery is needed. I'm assuming that you are still growing, since you are posting to "scoliosis teen". How old are you, and has your doctor determined your risser level? (risser 1 to 5, tells how much growth is left to do, risser 1 = lots of growing to do, risser 5 = fully grown) If you're close to fully grown, there's a good chance that your curve won't progress any further. If your curve does progress, and you need surgery, PLEASE get more than one opinion, and find Dr's that are members of the Scoliosis Research Society. You can find Dr's that are SRS members at: http://srs.org/ In my son's case, we didn't discover his scoliosis until his curves were 44-30, and in just over 6 weeks they had progressed to 52-42. We saw 3 doctors, (all members of SRS) We decided to have Dr. J. C. Brown do the surgery. My son's surgery was last Monday, Nov. 24. We just got home from the hospital today. I won't kid you, it was no walk in the park. His surgery was done anteriorly, (from the front of his spine) and lasted 9 hours. He had 6 vertibrae fused in his thoracic spine, (instumentation used was the double Kaneda rod) and 4 ribs resectioned. The correction achieved is amazing. The xray of his spine looks almost straight! I haven't heard the exact measurements yet, but it looks like about 5 degrees in the thoracic area, and between 10 to 15 in the lumbar area. For anyone intrested, I plan to post details of the surgery on my web page. I know that before my son's surgery, I wanted all the info that I could get about other's experiences, so I thought we should share ours. I'll let you know when it is posted. Jeanie, Brian's Mom For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-teens-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ End of scoliosis V1 #659 ************************ The scoliosis-digest is a daily encapsulation of messages sent to BOTH the scoliosis and scoliosis-teens mailing lists. You can determine which list a message above was posted to by looking at the message footer. 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 scoliosis, send an electronic mail message to "scoliosis@ai.mit.edu". To post your message to scoliosis-teens, send it to "scoliosis-teens@ai.mit.edu". Also, see the scoliosis web page at "http://www.ai.mit.edu/scoliosis/scoliosis.html".