From: bounce-scoliosis To: scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu Subject: scoliosis V1 #662 Reply-To: Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis Precedence: bulk scoliosis Friday, 5 December 1997 Volume 01 : Number 662 Today's subjects for scoliosis and scoliosis-teens: Re: A few jokes (surprised?) (fwd) [KEBREYETTE@aol.com] Re: Many, many questions... [Tamberly Barker ] ADULT CURVE PROGRESSION [Cathy Lutz ] Hello, I'm new ["Sindy S Green" ] To Wait or Not to Wait [DAVID WHITE ] Re: Hello, I'm new ["Carmell Burns" ] To Linda Racine [kay68@swbell.net] "alternatives" [brotschul_d@DD.PALMER.EDU] Thanks Copes-folks [EarthLady3@aol.com] Re: Hello, I'm new ["Patty Aguila" ] Re: Thanks Copes-folks [Peggy ] Re: Thanks Copes-folks [G ] Re:question on muscles ["Lisa D. Pierce" ] epidurals [Rufus Brown ] Re: Kay Bradley's Surgery [Deannelove ] Copes brace questions [Sherri Lin ] Re: Hello, I'm new [Dawn Hromanik ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: KEBREYETTE@aol.com Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 06:55:58 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: A few jokes (surprised?) (fwd) Megan-- Thanks for the humor, I too think its really important to laugh, and I think that the more serious the situation, once one is able to get to a perspective where one can see the humor, the problem is already on the way to a solution. After my daughter (at age 5) had anterior/posterior fusion, a vertebra broke ten days later and she went back to surgery. Later, I pressed an intern, "Are you certain her instrumentation won't break, etc......." Finally he replied, "Yes, I'm certain, Dr.----lifted her off the operating table by a rod, she's secure." As the image image of my daughter being lifted by a rod in her back made its way to my brain the intern questioned his own judgement in saying that, but finally we had a pretty good laugh. Bizarre? Yes, but just the right tension breaker. 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: Tamberly Barker Date: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 06:12:55 -0800 Subject: Re: Many, many questions... Jeannine, I was diagnosed at the age of 10, but chose not to correct until this year. I am 26. I am using the Copes brace. Look into it. They have success stories from people of all ages. Their web page is www.scoliosis.com Tamberly Barker At 12:28 AM 12/4/97 -0800, you wrote: > >Jeannine Wilk wrote: >> > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Cathy Lutz Date: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 08:33:01 -0800 Subject: ADULT CURVE PROGRESSION Once a curve begins to progress in an adult, does it typically continue to progress the throughout a person's lifetime or can the curve experience "growth spurts" and then slow down--or even stabilize and stop progressing completely. Also, can the onset of menopause cause an acceleration of the progression? My orthopedic surgeon has prescribed physical therapy as a first step in dealing with adult scoliosis. Has anyone else had experience with physical therapy--pre-surgery? ______ 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: "Sindy S Green" Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 08:22:37 -0000 Subject: Hello, I'm new This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_01BD008D.C7B5A180 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi! My name is Synthia, and I am 38 yrs old. I am scheduled for surgery Jan. 15th. I live in Dallas and my surgeon will be Dr. Steven Curtis at Baylor. He will perform the Cotrel-Dubousset procedure. I wore the Boston brace 23 years ago to stop a 40 degree curve. Last summer I discovered my curve had increased to 55 degrees. No wonder I've had back pain! I can't stand it anymore. I have just recently gotten on-line and started researching scoliosis. I cannot believe how much info is out there. I'm trying to gather info. and support to get ready for this surgery. I really feel it is the right thing to so. I am very healthy and have great insurance. What do ya'll think and do you know my surgeon? Synthia - ------=_NextPart_000_01BD008D.C7B5A180 Content-Type: text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Hi!
My name is Synthia, and I am = 38 yrs old.  I am scheduled for surgery Jan. 15th.  I live in = Dallas and my surgeon will be Dr. Steven Curtis at Baylor.  He will = perform the Cotrel-Dubousset procedure. I wore the Boston brace 23 years = ago to stop a 40 degree curve.  Last summer I discovered my curve = had increased to 55 degrees.  No wonder I've had back pain!  I = can't stand it anymore.  I have just recently gotten on-line and = started researching scoliosis.  I cannot believe how much info is = out there.  I'm trying to gather info. and support to get ready for = this surgery.  I really feel it is the right thing to so. I am very = healthy and have great insurance.  What do ya'll think and do you = know my surgeon?

Synthia

- ------=_NextPart_000_01BD008D.C7B5A180-- ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: DAVID WHITE Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 10:23:47 -0600 (CST) Subject: To Wait or Not to Wait Cathy Lutz _ My name is Christina White and I know where you are coming from because I was caught in the same dilemma. In my opinion, degree of curves does not constitute "surgery" or "no surgery". As you know, we are all different. It really depends on "How You Feel". I was 30 and "INSISTED" on surgery. I was in pain and I knew I was not going to get any better. In my situation, I felt I was prepared because I had a good medical plan, I wanted to have a baby, I was at a age where recovery would be faster, and I was mentally set to face the inevitable. So, the doctor accepted my decision and set the surgery date. I know it's a difficult decision to make due to the risks involved, but, I know you'll make the right choice for you. Good Luck! Christina ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Carmell Burns" Date: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 09:55:39 PST Subject: Re: Hello, I'm new Synthia, Consider joining the scoliosis-medical list that is a branch of this list. There will be someone on that list (and maybe this list) who will know first-hand about your surgeon and procedures. The lists here offer alot of personal experiences and great moral support for people facing any kind of treatment and/or procedures to help with their scoliosis. ______________________________________________________ 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: kay68@swbell.net Date: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 13:05:39 -0800 Subject: To Linda Racine kay68@swbell.net wrote: I'm glad you are starting a new scientific list. I have remained quiet on this one because of all the bickering. I remain sceptical about some of the techniques and theories about controlling and curing scoliosis, for example, the Copes Brace. I would be very interested in participating in a discussion list limited to more scientific research and procedures in regards to scoliosis. I look forward to hearing from you on the new list! Best Regards! Kassandra ______ 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: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 13:58:52 -0500 (CDT) Subject: "alternatives" Richard, Once again you've missed the point completely. My opinion is one shared by many leading medical professionals. As long as the public demand for alternative treatment proliferates and positive anecdotal outcomes are continually reported, then investigating them scientifically will benefit the public by determining if any are unsafe, ineffective, or useful. More medical research at universities is beginning to explain these otherwise superstitious methods and to reveal their true scientific nature and how they are and are not useful. I have not advocated any alternative treatments. In your all out attack on the entire chiropractic profession, you back your conclusion with a internet cross reference Quackwatch. This site includes many forms of frauds and malpractice. As I read the types of quackery malpractice committed by some chiropractor's, I cringe. I agree that anyone practicing in the manner described on Quackwatch should be stripped of their licences. However, those quacks are not representative of the entire profession. You neglect to ever mention that Quackwatch does endorse certain chiropractors. Visit www.chiromed.com. Read it, along with the sites in which it cross references and tell me what your opinion is. You are not being rational if you ignore the fact that a great deal of legitimate scientific research validates manipulative medicine, and that the medical community recognizes it. More and more MDs are attending postgraduate chiropractic training courses to learn manipulative procedures. 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: EarthLady3@aol.com Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 16:18:07 -0500 (EST) Subject: Thanks Copes-folks Thanks all who responded so quickly to my questions! Here's another: has anyone had their first 3-month evaluation yet? (besides Daniel that is ;) Or, are most of you still at the beginning stages? If anyone's had any evaluations, please post your results - thanks! Peggy: How many braces do you estimate that Natalie might go through during her growing process? At $3800 a pop, I'm sure that you don't want to replace the brace as quickly as you do her shoes! How is she doing now that the surgery is over? Tami: I think I missed welcoming you - welcome! If you don't mind, what are your 'stats' (age, curvatures, etc.) and what results do you expect in the brace? (my apologies if you've already posted this!) G: I wonder where those 30 pounds are supposed to go? I'm glad to hear that it's getting easier for you. I thought the San Diego office could do everything in 4 days also - but my chiro didn't think so. Guess I need to make another phone call. For the fitting process - how on earth did you *get* any sleep that first night? Melanie: I don't think the weight-loss would work to my advantage - I'm 5'7" and 100 pounds. I usually only eat small amounts several times a day anyway, so I don't think it will be too much of a problem. Until I visit my mom and she makes her famous chicken and noodles that is. . . I'm in Tucson (southern Arizona) and considering the drive to San Diego in Jan/Feb/March - depending on who I can get to go with me. Maybe I'll see you at the office! And my consultation is due back next week - but I'm just hoping for before Xmas. EarthLady3@aol.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: "Patty Aguila" Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 16:25:49 -0500 Subject: Re: Hello, I'm new Hi Synthia: It's amazing how so many doctors have told me that scoliosis is no "big deal" and it doesn't progress. Every time I read a story like yours it just makes me realize how ignorant some of these people are. Have you gotten some good recommendations about the doctor who will be performing your surgery? I hope all goes well for you -- if you have great insurance that's half the battle!! Patty Gore - ---------- From: Sindy S Green To: scoliosis@ai.mit.edu Subject: Hello, I'm new Date: Thursday, December 04, 1997 3:22 AM Hi! My name is Synthia, and I am 38 yrs old. I am scheduled for surgery Jan. 15th. I live in Dallas and my surgeon will be Dr. Steven Curtis at Baylor. He will perform the Cotrel-Dubousset procedure. I wore the Boston brace 23 years ago to stop a 40 degree curve. Last summer I discovered my curve had increased to 55 degrees. No wonder I've had back pain! I can't stand it anymore. I have just recently gotten on-line and started researching scoliosis. I cannot believe how much info is out there. I'm trying to gather info. and support to get ready for this surgery. I really feel it is the right thing to so. I am very healthy and have great insurance. What do ya'll think and do you know my surgeon? Synthia ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Peggy Date: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 18:27:24 -0800 Subject: Re: Thanks Copes-folks EarthLady3@aol.com wrote: > > > Peggy: > ... Well, I don't really know on this one. Copes originally estimated around 3 years. But that was before we found what we think was the cause of the scoliosis, (the syrinx). Now that that has been drained we are optimistically hopefull that we can kick this in a year. (maybe over optimistic but positive thinking can't hurt) Maybe 2 braces?? Her brace is covered 80/20 so if she has to change as she grows it won't be too painful for us financially. My feeling is now is the time to attack this while she is changing rapidly and is more moldable. How is she doing now that the > surgery is over? > > She is way ahead of schedule recovery wise. The doctors can't get over how well she is doing. Constantly remarking on her execellent state of health. (I really credit Copes program for this) All parents of kids who went through this procedure and the neurosurgeon warned us about headaches from hell for at least 2 to 3 weeks following surgery and she has not had one since we got her home. She takes sublingual B complex which is supposed to be good for healing nervous system. I know I take it when I feel irritable or have headaches and it works amazingly. From your stats, I wondered why you were worried about weight gain? Thanks for asking about Nat. Wish you good luck with your brace and the program. Take Care. ______ 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: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 13:27:20 -0500 Subject: Re: Thanks Copes-folks Earthlady - I know this sounds wacky, but the very first night I got the Copes brace, I wore it to sleep for 7 hours straight without waking up a bit! For me, wearing it at night is the easiest part! There was only a couple of times in the past 6 weeks that it woke me up - one night was soon after the air bladders and i had put it too tight. -G ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Lisa D. Pierce" Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 15:33:52 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re:question on muscles Carl's last question influenced me to finally write and ask my question. It relates to muscle problems and scoliosis. I have only a 15% curve, but while in the military I injured my back carrying too much weight and having it unevenly displaced. I can't get any information about by injury, and or how it could have been worse on my back because of my scoliosis. Does anyone have information on how scoliosis affects the muscles and how the muscles can become injured from such strain? Or do you know where I could get such information? I would appreciate any helpful information. Thank you, Lisa On Tue, 25 Nov 1997, Carl Leonard wrote: > > Searching the Web using Alta-Vista http://www.altavista.digital.com/ on +"coxsackie virus", I found the following information on Coxsackie Virus. There were a total of 450 "hits" . > > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Rufus Brown Date: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 19:29:31 Subject: epidurals >From: Momble@aol.com >Date: Tue, 2 Dec 1997 08:18:48 -0500 (EST) >Subject: Re: facet injections & epidurals > ... Momble, Thanks so much for sharing your positive experience from the epidurals. If you do have the opportunity to ask your doctor the name of the drug that was injected, I would love to know, for future reference. I would like to avoid the use of cortisone, if at all possible. I am having some good results from the 2nd of 3 sets of facet/muscular cortisone injections. But that will be all of those I will be allowed to have. Best of luck to you; I hope your epidurals last 5 years too! Cathy with a "C" :-) ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Deannelove Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 20:32:35 EST Subject: Re: Kay Bradley's Surgery Hi Linda, Sent you a message and then opened my E-mail only to discover that of course you were the link to everyone with regard to Kay. Thanks for being there and keeping us posted. It is great to have such a knowledgeable person and one who is so caring to keep us informed. My husband is disappointed that Dr. Bradford's office has not gotten back to him about observing but hee is going to be a little more patient before he presses further. Thanks again for the update. Deanne ______ 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 Lin Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 22:41:12 EST Subject: Copes brace questions To Jeannine Wilk: Regarding your brother's scoliosis: My son is 18 and is wearing the Copes brace and going through the treatment program. He had a 40-degree thoracic curve which progressed to 50 degrees in less than a year, before he went into the brace. He's been in the brace for two months, wears it 18 hours a day, goes for chiropractic treatment three times a week, and follows the Copes treatment plan. By following this treatment, his curve should be corrected within two to three years. For information, you can call them in Louisiana at 504-292-4333 or toll-free at 800-726-8869. My son's curve is very noticeable, but in the past couple of weeks we've noticed that it's now less prominent when he takes off the brace, and his shoulders are much more level. We know it will be some time before we see a major change, but just seeing this small improvement helps to inspire him to continue wearing the brace. One thing that I feel is very important about the Copes system is the importance of the vitamin and mineral supplements. Our son had many nutritional deficiencies, which seems to be a part of scoliosis. He was sick quite often with colds and flus, headaches, fatigue, etc., but he's beginning to feel much better since being on the vitamins and has more energy than before. We often think we're getting proper nutrients by eating the right foods, and this is certainly helpful. But many organic nutrients have been stripped from the lands in the past 20, 30, or 40 years. Consequently, many of the fruits and vegetables no longer have the same quality of vitamins and minerals as they had years ago. So, those people who have nutritional deficiencies often need the extra boost from specific vitamin and mineral supplements. This is something that the Copes program also addresses. Regarding the cost of the brace, which is something someone else mentioned, some insurance companies cover it. We are paying for it ourselves. Our son would have liked a car at age 18. He's opted for a brace, instead, which I know is tough for him. Without insurance, I've found that we get better deals on chiropractic treatments, X-rays, etc., although the cost of the brace remains the same. We're all working a lot more hours for the next several months (or years!), but we feel it will all be worth it in the end! SherriLin@aol.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: Dawn Hromanik Date: Wed, 12 Nov 1997 12:27:30 -0600 Subject: Re: Hello, I'm new At 08:22 AM 12/4/97 -0000, Sindy S Green wrote: >Hi! >My name is Synthia, and I am 38 yrs old. Hi Synthia, I'm 32 and was also in a brace for a 33 degree bottom and a 18 degree top. The Boston brace was my companion during my teen years. I wore the Boston brace 23 >years ago to stop a 40 degree curve. Last summer I discovered my curve had >increased to 55 degrees. No wonder I've had back pain! I can't stand it >anymore. I have had back pain and aches for several years, especially after I've had kids. I *know* my curve has at least gone back to the way it was, sometimes I'm sure it's more. Sometimes my back goes out sideways and I'm tilted sideways. Very painful.. I haven't had my back x-rayed, I really don't want to go thru surgery..Most days I just get used to a sore and constantly aching back. ______ 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 #662 ************************ 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". 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