From: bounce-scoliosis To: scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu Subject: scoliosis V1 #704 Reply-To: Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis Precedence: bulk scoliosis Friday, 16 January 1998 Volume 01 : Number 704 Today's subjects for scoliosis and scoliosis-teens: Re: surgery up date.... [Bogima ] Re: sleeping ["Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" ] Re: heart problems ["Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" ] Excersizing after Surgery [Cary Smith ] Re: surgery up date.... ["carol lytle" ] Alternatives to surgery for congenital scoliosis ["Margie Stelzer" ] Re: surgery up date.... [Lilbit0603 ] This & That [EarthLady3 ] Re: Wednesday's chat, and AOL email problems .. ["carol lytle" ] Re: Marfan diagnosis ["Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" ] The Debate Continues [Thomas & Kelley Moore ] won't play sports -Reply [Kate Hauer ] Re: surgery up date.... [Linda Racine ] Re: surgery up date.... [Linda Racine ] Re: surgery up date.... [Julio2222 ] Re: Marfan diagnosis [Julio2222 ] Fw: Sindy's surgery ["Henry" ] Fw: Sindy's surgery ["Henry" ] Alternatives to surgery for congenital scoliosis ["Margie Stelzer" ] Indian Proverb [Jessie Deyoe ] post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? [jdonathan@smtplink.ag-in] post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? [jdonathan@smtplink.ag-in] Re: sleeping [cathy casper ] Re: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? ["Swaney Family" ] Re[2]: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? [jdonathan@smtplin] Re: Alternatives to surgery for congenital scoliosis ["Dean A. Hoppenrat] Re: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? [Linda Racine ] Sindy's (june bug) surgery update #2 .. ["Henry" ] Re: Sindy's (june bug) surgery update #2 .. [Linda Racine ] Re: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? ["A & S Lanser" ] Re: Indian Proverb [Margaret Arth ] A Lurker's Two Cents [SFatouros@aol.com] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bogima Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 09:00:58 EST Subject: Re: surgery up date.... Glad everything went well. I know how rough this is on you - I am also the mother of a scoliosis surgery patient. I've been where you are now and I know how awful it is to see your child in pain, etc. I have also been the patient - I've had two operations for scoliosis. No matter how hard your daughter's surgery is on you, it's harder on her and she needs your complete support. Please do not withdraw from her because you are having a difficult time of it. She needs you. My mother could not participate much in my recovery because she found it difficult to see me in that condition. I can't tell you how alone and lonely that made me feel, even though I had the support of many other people. When it came time for my son's surgery, I made sure that I put his needs first. I really don't mean to criticize; I'm trying only to be helpful. 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: "Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 08:32:32 -0600 Subject: Re: sleeping I will assume that this is a device for sleeping on the stomach? Just a thought, from a medical/chiropractic standpoint, I think that the most effective type of situation would be one where gravity assists in the stretching of the muscles while you sleep. In other words, your hips should be elevated so gravity, and the weight of your head, can pull gently on the back muscles (this would be a form of traction that may actually help the condition beyond the improved sleep). There should be no back bending of the neck so as not to damage the cervical area. It cannot be to large because you want to still sleep in the same bed as your significant other. I think that if this is design correctly, it could be marketed to all people with back pain (I will endorse it :o) - and make a silly infomercial). And since females are affected 9 times more than males, it should be designed to be comfortable for woman first, men second (meaning there should not be a lot of pressure on the breast area). Dr. Dean PS I am looking for the incidence of scoliosis in the population. - -----Original Message----- From: cathy casper To: scoliosis@ai.mit.edu Date: Wednesday, January 14, 1998 6:21 PM Subject: sleeping > >Hi list, >I am posting this a second time as I dont think it went through before. > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 08:41:10 -0600 Subject: Re: heart problems >It's been a year and a half since I saw my cardiologist for a check-up. >Upon examination of the echo, he says that my pulmonary pressure is up >quite a bit (I might have gotten the medical lingo on that mixed up). > ... Very! >Although it is not as important as some of the other valves, he is worried >about it's cause. He thinks it could be because of the progressive >kyphosis. Has anyone here had problems with their tricuspid valve? The tricuspid valve connects the right atrium with the right ventrical. If it leaks, the blood that should be going to the lungs is squeezing backwards back into the atrium. I would venture a guess that you get very tired very easily and that any type of exercise makes you out of breath. My >mitral valve prolapse and SVT is unchanged, which is good. He wants to >see me in three months again and possibly check out the valve with an >endoscopic tube. Normally I'm not queezy(sp?) about medical stuff, but it > ... I will tell you what, the endoscopy of the heart is probibly safer than your scoli surgery, and both need to be done by the sounds of it. I wouldn't worry too much about endoscopy, in the realm of surgeries, its a reletively safe and often done procedure. Dr. Dean ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Cary Smith Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 10:24:16 -0500 Subject: Excersizing after Surgery Hi, I am five months post op. My uppper body looks disproportion becuase of the shifting of muscle and stuff. I would like to start working out again to regain my muscle mass ( note for those going to undergo surgery expect to lose alot of weight. I lost about 25 pounds after surgery. I have only gained 10 pounds of it back. :) Anyway, I would like to know how long you guys waited after surgery before you started excersizing. My surgeon suggested using light weights to rebuild my muscle strength. Howver, I am afraid to do so. Any feedback? 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: "carol lytle" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 07:31:39 PST Subject: Re: surgery up date.... Bonnie, I too am a mother with scoliosis (no surgery) and have a daughter having surgery in June. This is my biggest fear, not being able to handle seeing her in pain, or at least not being able to hide the fear in my face. Everyone tells me when I start to get upset (this happened alot when we found out how bad she had gotten, less now, but the fear creeps up on me once in a while)that I need to be strong for her. That is so easy to say, but when she is having a difficult day, sometimes I can hear the fear in my own voice when I try to console her. I have a wonderful husband that can be as tough as stone, but I KNOW my daughter will prefer her mom to be there every minute with her. Any advice you have (I'm an avid book reader too) please let me know. I can sympathize with Linda so much, she really had to do what felt ok for her. Maybe she was too upset and only making the situation worse. Thanks, Carol >From bounce-scoliosis@life.ai.mit.edu Thu Jan 15 06:27:13 1998 >Received: (from daemon@localhost) > by life.ai.mit.edu (8.8.5/AI1.15/ai.master.life:1.19) id JAA28200 > ... JAA28194 > for ; Thu, 15 Jan 1998 09:26:20 -0500 (EST) >From: Bogima >Message-ID: <4ab441c7.34be169c@aol.com> >Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 09:00:58 EST > ... "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with word "info" in message body (not subject) >X-Info2: Or, write to "owner-scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu" with your question. > > >Glad everything went well. I know how rough this is on you - I am also the >mother of a scoliosis surgery patient. I've been where you are now and I know >how awful it is to see your child in pain, etc. I have also been the patient - >I've had two operations for scoliosis. No matter how hard your daughter's >surgery is on you, it's harder on her and she needs your complete support. >Please do not withdraw from her because you are having a difficult time of it. >She needs you. My mother could not participate much in my recovery because >she found it difficult to see me in that condition. I can't tell you how alone >and lonely that made me feel, even though I had the support of many other >people. When it came time for my son's surgery, I made sure that I put his >needs first. I really don't mean to criticize; I'm trying only to be helpful. >Bonnie > >______ > ... "help". > ______________________________________________________ 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: "Margie Stelzer" Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 23:25:56 -0600 Subject: Alternatives to surgery for congenital scoliosis Has anyone heard of alternatives to surgery for a congenital (not idiopathic or infantile) scoliosis with a non-incaracerated, fully segmented, lumbar hemi-vertibrae. We are seriously considering hemi-vertibrae excision and fusion for our 2-year old, Spencer, and I want to be sure that I have examined all possible courses of treatment. I am especially interested in what the chiropracters have to say. Thanks! Margie ______ 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: Richard Lethin Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 11:02:35 -0500 Subject: Marfan diagnosis I've heard that one of the diagnostic tests for Marfan is to measure arm-span length relative to height. How good is this test? Are there better tests? Rich ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Lilbit0603 Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 11:07:03 EST Subject: Re: surgery up date.... January 15.98 As you all know Crystals surgery was yesterday....Her dad spent the night with her last night. She had a fairly okay nite.Didnt sleep much. Today she is in a lot of Pain.....They said they couldn't give her any more morphine....so I am waiting to here what it is they are going to do. We had a nasty ice/snow storm last night so I am stuck home and cant get back down there....Car wont start.....AS if I don't have enough problems right now.... Cant say I will be any better at handling it today than yesterday.....The guilt that IM feeling is horrible and weighting very heavily. I thought I was prepared for all this and thought I could be strong......Boy what a shock that was when I completely lost it.... And now how angry I am cuz I cant get down there..... She was alert last night and even jokeing around.....I dont understand why they dont have her on the morphine pump like they said that they would...... Although her respiration's were very low, slow.... I'm praying for strength for myself and for Crystal.....I am not good to here if I am a wreck because then she feels she needs to be strong for me!!!!!what a wimp I am.... Will up date as soon as I can PLEASE PRAY FOR US!!!!! Linda M. LILBIT0603@aol.com ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: EarthLady3 Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 11:25:17 EST Subject: This & That Sherri wrote: <> Hi Sherri! That's good to know and I hope I feel the same way after I get mine. And it's *wonderful* that the brace has helped your son's breathing. I enjoyed reading your post to Kelley on Dr. Copes - and learned a few things I didn't already know. I too will encourage him to update his patient files on the website when I see him next month to get my brace. I'm also concerned about *retaining* the correction over a long period of time - I'm already convinced the correction can be obtained. Have you (or anyone else here) heard from any adults who underwent the program early on? I don't know what's happened to Melanie - haven't heard from her in a while myself. Melanie, where are you??? Also, where did G disappear to? G? You lurking? Abby wrote: <> Believe me, I don't think *any* of this program is easy! I hope that I didn't imply otherwise. I was just wondering what the main problem was, and if you had the kinks worked out yet regarding how the brace was pressing on you. And we don't have to wait until next month - I'm *already* having trouble sleeping just waiting for the dang thing! Hang in there - and I hope that you stick around. We need all voices here. EarthLady ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "carol lytle" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 08:34:48 PST Subject: Re: Wednesday's chat, and AOL email problems .. I missed the session last night, when do you think you will have another one? I was looking so forward to it, just had things come up. Carol >From bounce-scoliosis@life.ai.mit.edu Mon Jan 12 15:28:46 1998 >Received: (from daemon@localhost) > by life.ai.mit.edu (8.8.5/AI1.15/ai.master.life:1.19) id SAA29812 > ... SAA29800; > Mon, 12 Jan 1998 18:26:11 -0500 (EST) >Received: from bgrmystr.eagnet (unverified [199.76.206.169]) by eagnet.com > (EMWAC SMTPRS 0.83) with SMTP id ; > Mon, 12 Jan 1998 18:22:12 -0500 >From: "Henry" > ... "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with word "info" in message body (not subject) >X-Info2: Or, write to "owner-scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu" with your question. > > >I tried to send the following message(s) to 4 different people who have = >requested it from me. Each of those folks have AOL for their internet = >provider. For whatever reason a lot of people are having a difficult = >time getting email messages to AOL email addresses. The of those = > ... = >specific details on how to install icq onto thier computer. I hope this = >answers everyone's requests. I can receive email from AOL, just cannot = >get mail to them. The email times out at AOL for whatever reason.=20 > >If there is anyone that needs more information, please email me and let = >me know .. If you have an AOL address, I'll respond via the these 2 = >lists. > > ... = >give >you the option of "Save this program to disk" .. select that option .. = >then >click ok > > ... = >write >this down on paper, so you know where to look for it later .. also = >write > ... = >give >you a few promts, that you have to click OK on ... After theprogram is >installed, it will as you a few questions about yourself, like your = > ... = >your >list .. then repeat the process for uin 383711 (you'll see the nickname = >of >2fuzzy - thats me) .. > > ... = >a >number like 7123456 .. email me and give me that number, if you have any >problems getting the users added to you list .. > >then click Done .. at that point, icq is installed and ready to go .. = > ... = >.. > >ps, you may want to print this before you start the process, so its an > ... ______________________________________________________ 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: pjjj4@cvn.net (pjjj4) Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 11:46:59 -0500 Subject: Re: surgery up date.... Linda- I know I haven't communicated with you before, but I am a "lurker" and have been reading your posts about Crystal. I think you are being way to hard on yourself. Not all of us are cut out for the intense medical stuff, and it sounds as though your husband doesn't mind it as much as you do. Going in to your daughter and trying to be strong is all well and good, but if its just really hard for you and your husband is with her, why not allow him full reign for another day and get yourself rested for whats to come. Crystal will pull through this acute phase and will need you just as much in a day or two, but possibly it won't be quite as agonizing for you when she is a bit more stable. As for why she can't have more morphine, of course the doctors and nurses could know that answer for sure, but my guess is she wasn't tolerating it as well as they liked, and so had to switch her to something else. Morphine is pretty rough on some-I didn;t tolerate it well after my surgery at all. You have to balance trust in your doctors with "well put" questions so you know whats going on too!, and so you can be an effective advocate for Crystal. My prayers are with you today! Julie S. I believe God made us all the way we are for a purpose-some are good in going the long haul in a calm effective way (as Crystal will need), and some are good in the "harried times"-but together we all make a team! - -----Original Message----- From: Lilbit0603 To: scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu Date: Thursday, January 15, 1998 11:29 AM Subject: Re: surgery up date.... > >January 15.98 >As you all know Crystals surgery was yesterday....Her dad spent the night with >her last night. She had a fairly okay nite.Didnt sleep much. Today she is in >a lot of Pain.....They said they couldn't give her any more morphine....so I >am waiting to here what it is they are going to do. >We had a nasty ice/snow storm last night so I am stuck home and cant get back >down there....Car wont start.....AS if I don't have enough problems right >now.... >Cant say I will be any better at handling it today than yesterday.....The > ... was >prepared for all this and thought I could be strong......Boy what a shock that >was when I completely lost it.... >And now how angry I am cuz I cant get down there..... >She was alert last night and even jokeing around.....I dont understand why > ... would...... >Although her respiration's were very low, slow.... >I'm praying for strength for myself and for Crystal.....I am not good to here >if I am a wreck because then she feels she needs to be strong for me!!!!!what >a wimp I am.... >Will up date as soon as I can >PLEASE PRAY FOR US!!!!! > ... ______ 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: "A & S Lanser" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 11:44:08 -0500 Subject: Re: surgery up date.... Dear Linda M. It is okay to feel the way you feel.....It is a terrible feeling not to feel "in control". If I'm not mistaken you might be a lot like me, and that is an "organizer". (Please correct me if I'm wrong...) I had to learn (and am still learning) that everything doesn't always work out as planned or as we expect them to work out. A book by Barbara Johnson, has taught me one thing, and that is that every day brings new opportunity. We don't always have control about what happens to us, but we are in control of how we are going to react to it. That was wonderful news to me! An example of how I apply that to my life is: Last night I didn't sleep well. Now, usually, one of the first things my husband asks me, is "how did you sleep". And then I would complain about all the hours that I was wide awake, to the exact minute, etc. etc......I was still lying in bed this morning, when I just decided, no, this is a new day, and I am not going to ruin it....So I lied there, and thanked the Lord for blessing me with a new day. What a difference! So, it's okay.....to feel angry for not feeling in control. It's okay for feeling all that you are feeling! Tomorrow is a new day, and I'm sure by then your car problems will have been sorted out, and the pain meds. will have been sorted out! Don't feel bad! You can make a difference! As far as morphine is concerned......if breathing is slow, they cannot give it, because one of the side effects of morphine is suppression of breathing. I'm sure they will find an alternative. Good luck and may God bless you and hold you and your family in his Hand. If things get tough out there- lean on your heavenly Daddy's shoulder! Sanet ______________________________________ - -----Original Message----- From: Lilbit0603 To: scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu Date: Thursday, January 15, 1998 11:16 AM Subject: Re: surgery up date.... > >January 15.98 >As you all know Crystals surgery was yesterday....Her dad spent the night with >her last night. She had a fairly okay nite.Didnt sleep much. Today she is in >a lot of Pain.....They said they couldn't give her any more morphine....so I >am waiting to here what it is they are going to do. >We had a nasty ice/snow storm last night so I am stuck home and cant get back >down there....Car wont start.....AS if I don't have enough problems right >now.... >Cant say I will be any better at handling it today than yesterday.....The > ... was >prepared for all this and thought I could be strong......Boy what a shock that >was when I completely lost it.... >And now how angry I am cuz I cant get down there..... >She was alert last night and even jokeing around.....I dont understand why > ... would...... >Although her respiration's were very low, slow.... >I'm praying for strength for myself and for Crystal.....I am not good to here >if I am a wreck because then she feels she needs to be strong for me!!!!!what >a wimp I am.... >Will up date as soon as I can >PLEASE PRAY FOR US!!!!! > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 10:57:25 -0600 Subject: Re: Marfan diagnosis Rich, I do not think this is a very accurate test because typically in Marfans the arms are long AND the person is tall, so both grow out of proportion together. Marfan's is a disorder of the fibrollin gene on chromosome 15, however there is no simple test to determine it's precence. To be diagnosed with Marfan's, a person with family history of it has to have disorders in two seperate body systems; those without family history need features in the skeletal system and two other systems, AND one of the major criteria of ectopia lentis (lens of the eye is deformed), dilation of the aortic root (as it exits the heart), or aortic dissection. Dr. Dean >I've heard that one of the diagnostic tests for Marfan is to measure >arm-span length relative to height. How good is this test? Are there >better tests? > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Thomas & Kelley Moore Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 08:56:20 -0800 Subject: The Debate Continues Daniel- Why are you on this list? Kelley ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Kate Hauer Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 23:15:27 -0600 Subject: won't play sports -Reply Hi Susan, Your daughter could just be very modest and not like to change in front of her peers. Is she insecure with her body? Can you see her scoliosis - - what I mean is - is her body really out of alignment and you can see it when she is standing in front of you? Maybe she is just shy about her scar. It is so lonely to be the only one with anything - especially scoliosis. Thirteen is such a hard age with feeling good about yourself and who you are. There is so much crazy peer stuff going on. Who Knows? Have you tried to ask her about it? Make her tell you whats going on. Staying active is so important after spine surgery. My back would hurt everyday if I didn't exercise and keep my muscles strong and flexible. Maybe she won't feel this until she gets older. From reading all of the e-mails on this list I have realized how important it is to stay active and healthy to prevent future pain. I had surgery 17 years ago on my thoracic spine T4 - T11 fused. This weekend I went to the Southwest Yoga Conference and did the best backbend I've done since my surgery. I do not ever let this stop me from doing anything. I thank god every day that my body still serves me well after everything it's been thru. Communication is the key. Kate ______ 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: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 09:18:00 -0700 Subject: Re: surgery up date.... Bonnie... A great post. You certainly have a very unique perspective! 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: Linda Racine Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 09:22:52 -0700 Subject: Re: surgery up date.... Linda M.... Doctors sometimes won't put a patient on the pump until they're alert enough to push the button when they're in pain. I know how difficult this must be for you. Please remember that it won't be long before she's much better. And, before you know it, the pain will be a distant memory. Hope you can get to the hospital soon. 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: Julio2222 Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 12:38:45 EST Subject: Re: surgery up date.... I think everyones situation is different with how they handle their childs needs-with surgery. I was so embarrassed and horrified with how I reacted at the doctors office when told of the need for surgery. I couldn't talk and after listening for about 5 min, I broke down and started crying. I just couldn't imagine her going through it. Well, this frail child that freaked over a splinter prior to this, came over to me and put her arm around me and said she'd be fine- that was her attitude all through everything after. I had to leave the office I was so upset. I hated that doctor- at that moment- there was no way I was going to let anyone do that surgery to her.My husband was the one that had all the convidence in the doctor-he asked all the questions- he convinced me of his abilities.I thought he was too arrogant- He thought that was great! I have to say- My fears at seeing her after surgery, were what haunted me before.I spent the first 3 days non stop with her- Then had to get a hotel room to sleep- which my husband stayed then. It was hard for him to do this. All of this was harder on him. Linda is so lucky to have a husband that could be there like that. To this day- my husband can't look at her back- and hasn't seen it. Yet he has maintained that positive attitude that my daughter has.My husband was really there before the surgery- I guess I took over after. Everybodies situation is different . I feel for a single parent that doesn't have that other person to share the load. Cene' ______ 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: Julio2222 Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 12:45:59 EST Subject: Re: Marfan diagnosis There is some question as to my daughter having Marfans. Her armspan is longer then her height. Also the funnel chest and scoliosis, very thin. But the heart tests came back okey- so it's just wait and retest in five yrs. They don't really have a single test- it's a combination of symptoms. Thats the way I understood it anyway. Anybody know of a test? ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Henry" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 13:07:20 -0500 Subject: Fw: Sindy's surgery I got this just a few minutes ago .. thought I'd share it with everyone .. I'll get more updates later .. Henry >Subject: Sindy's surgery >Sindy's surgery went well this morning. The doctor says everthing was >normal. > ... ______ 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: "Henry" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 13:07:20 -0500 Subject: Fw: Sindy's surgery I got this just a few minutes ago .. thought I'd share it with everyone .. I'll get more updates later .. Henry >Subject: Sindy's surgery >Sindy's surgery went well this morning. The doctor says everthing was >normal. > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Margie Stelzer" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 13:03:06 -0600 Subject: Alternatives to surgery for congenital scoliosis Has anyone heard of alternatives to surgery for a congenital (not idiopathic or infantile) scoliosis with a non-incaracerated, fully segmented, lumbar hemi-vertibrae. We are seriously considering hemi-vertibrae excision and fusion for our 2-year old, Spencer, and I want to be sure that I have examined all possible courses of treatment. I am especially interested in what the chiropracters have to say. Thanks! Margie ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Margie Stelzer" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 13:02:06 -0600 Subject: Acupuncture Dr. Dean: Have you ever done or know of practioners that do acupuncture for post-operative pain relief? My 2-year old son may be having surgery to correct a congenital scoliosis in the next year and I want to begin exploring all types of pain relief available for him. Thanks, Margie ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Jessie Deyoe Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 12:02:05 -0700 (MST) Subject: Indian Proverb This just came to me from a secretary whose husband is a psychologist with the Indian tribe here in Tucson. I thought it was great and wanted to share it with all of you! Jessie * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TOHONO O'ODHAM PROVERB Be careful of your thoughts for your thoughts become your words Be careful of your words for your words become your actions Be careful of your actions for your actions become your habits Be careful of your habits for your habits become your character Be careful of your character for your character becomes your destiny * * * * * * * * * * * ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: jdonathan@smtplink.ag-inc.com Date: Thu, 15 Jan 98 14:44:08 -0500 Subject: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? Hello! I just met with Dr. Rand at New England Baptist. Lex, you are right, he does seem as great as you said! He told me a couple things I hadn't really heard before. They're relatively minor I suppose, but I hope you all will help me with a little survey here.... He said that, if you get an incision on the side for rib shortening and a posterior incision for the fusion, you will be numb between those two scars, permanently. Has this happened to anyone out there? Or rather, *not* happened? And, he said that having the upper vertebrae fused (I am scheduled to be fused as high as T2) will make me prone to chronic upper back pain, which then, when he described the exercises that could alleviate it, sounds just like the tension we all get when we hunch over a computer, just more often I guess. But, have any of you had SEVERE upper back pain due to tall fusions? Or, have you found it to be pretty normal discomfort? One more thing, actually: how have you all found the recovery from getting your ribs shortened? Breathing-wise, I mean in particular. He had a very gloomy picture to paint about the lung capacity I would have after the surgery, which might eventually get back up to what I have now... My surgery is scheduled for next Thursday, but Dr. Rand was very ambivalent about if I should go through with it or not. He said my healing rate and flexibility isn't going to change from now (23 years old) to even 35 years old, so I could wait and make sure it really is progressing, 5 years at least, without any bad effects. Isn't that interesting?? Well, gives me something to think about tonight as I continue to get ready to go to the hospital. >:| Whoops, one more question: anyone think it makes much difference if the fusion starts at T4 versus T2? Like I said, Dr. Glazer wants to start it at T2, but Dr. Rand would actually start it at T4. Any insights would be most appreciated! Jenn, nervous as always. <:) 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: jdonathan@smtplink.ag-inc.com Date: Thu, 15 Jan 98 14:44:08 -0500 Subject: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? Hello! I just met with Dr. Rand at New England Baptist. Lex, you are right, he does seem as great as you said! He told me a couple things I hadn't really heard before. They're relatively minor I suppose, but I hope you all will help me with a little survey here.... He said that, if you get an incision on the side for rib shortening and a posterior incision for the fusion, you will be numb between those two scars, permanently. Has this happened to anyone out there? Or rather, *not* happened? And, he said that having the upper vertebrae fused (I am scheduled to be fused as high as T2) will make me prone to chronic upper back pain, which then, when he described the exercises that could alleviate it, sounds just like the tension we all get when we hunch over a computer, just more often I guess. But, have any of you had SEVERE upper back pain due to tall fusions? Or, have you found it to be pretty normal discomfort? One more thing, actually: how have you all found the recovery from getting your ribs shortened? Breathing-wise, I mean in particular. He had a very gloomy picture to paint about the lung capacity I would have after the surgery, which might eventually get back up to what I have now... My surgery is scheduled for next Thursday, but Dr. Rand was very ambivalent about if I should go through with it or not. He said my healing rate and flexibility isn't going to change from now (23 years old) to even 35 years old, so I could wait and make sure it really is progressing, 5 years at least, without any bad effects. Isn't that interesting?? Well, gives me something to think about tonight as I continue to get ready to go to the hospital. >:| Whoops, one more question: anyone think it makes much difference if the fusion starts at T4 versus T2? Like I said, Dr. Glazer wants to start it at T2, but Dr. Rand would actually start it at T4. Any insights would be most appreciated! Jenn, nervous as always. <:) ______ 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 casper Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 14:52:07 -0500 Subject: Re: sleeping Dr. Dean, I have printed this out and will take it to Gary at DeRoyal (Stat) next week. The device I had rigged up to sleep on myself (Partly on my side and partly on my stomach) is solid under my neck soft under my head (sort of contour pillowish), with a soft wedge that comes down and elevated my chest on one side. I find it hard to breathe when I am laying down and cannot lay flat on my stomach. Becuase of the one sided wedge it would be different (on the opposite side) for those who sleep facing the other direction. Any other thoughts you have will be great. If they end up designing this I do not want it to be something that could do unknown harm and medically I am not sure what is good only what has been working for me. Cathy Hoppenrath, DC wrote: > > I will assume that this is a device for sleeping on the stomach? > Just a thought, from a medical/chiropractic standpoint, I think that the > ... ______ 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: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 08:57:38 +1300 Subject: Re: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? > He said that, if you get an incision on the side for rib shortening and a > posterior incision for the fusion, you will be numb between those two scars, > permanently. Has this happened to anyone out there? Or rather, *not* happened? Jenn - I had the incision in the side for that - I had my ribs broken not shortened - but what he said is wrong.(well it is for me anyway). Because they have to cut nerves in the incision the area is very numb for about the first year after surgery - just until all the nerves grow back. Mine (I'm nearly 2 years post-op) is now the slightest bit numb - (I can feel when people touch there now - before my parents would rub their hand over that area and I wouldn't feel a thing) - and its getting better all the time. I think your doctor was being a bit dramatic - I don't think that you have anything to worry about at all. Its just cos the nerves are cut and need time to knit back together and heal. > And, he said that having the upper vertebrae fused (I am scheduled to be fused > as high as T2) will make me prone to chronic upper back pain, which then, when > he described the exercises that could alleviate it, sounds just like the tension > we all get when we hunch over a computer, just more often I guess. But, have > any of you had SEVERE upper back pain due to tall fusions? Or, have you found > it to be pretty normal discomfort? > I'm fused from T3 to L1 (one lower than yours) and I have absolutely no pain at all. The only time I get pain is if I am carrying something really heavy - like a big tramping pack (so I just don't do it!) It was sore of course after the surgery, but it does go away - well it has for me anyway, and I'm sure you have nothing to worry about here either. I hope this has calmed some of your fears - keep your chin up - From Pip ______ 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: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 15:07:35 -0500 Subject: Susan from Vermont wrote: Susan from Vermont wrote: My daughter had surgery for scoliosis 4 years ago with thoracic instrumentation. She had been reluctant to play group sports, and for the past month she has been finding ways to get out of gym class. (forgot shorts, had a leg cramp). She says these are legit excuses but I suspect something is wrong that she is not telling me. She is 13. Anyone have any ideas what is wrong? I have a call into the teacher to see if any new rules were instituted in the past month, like mandatory showers after gym. She is driving me crazy. Susan from Vermont Susan, My daughter is 12 and is 1 year post op with thoracic/lumbar instrumentation. She is just about to re-start gym. She like your daughter is very reluctant to do physical types of things. She was never a great athlete before the surgery and continues now after the surgery. She will not get back on roller blades. Her fear is that she may fall and break one of the rods in her back. We have talked to her about it but I think it will be some time before she really trusts it. She fears having to have the surgery again. Maybe your daughter also has a similar fear she is not vocalizing. 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: jdonathan@smtplink.ag-inc.com Date: Thu, 15 Jan 98 15:28:44 -0500 Subject: Re[2]: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? Pip, Thank you, thank you!! I kind of hoped what he was talking about wasn't as universal as he was making it sound... Thank you so much for responding so soon. :) 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: "Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 14:39:00 -0600 Subject: Re: Alternatives to surgery for congenital scoliosis I don't know of any alternative in this case. I think I would recommend the surgery. It's a tough one though, him being 2 and all. Make sure he's taking his vitamins and keep his immunities up. As for the Acupuncture, I do use it post surgery but more for the pain the surgery didn't fix rather than the natural post surgical pain, but I would assume it would work on that too. Dr. Dean - -----Original Message----- From: Margie Stelzer To: Scoliosis e-mail list Date: Thursday, January 15, 1998 1:53 PM Subject: Alternatives to surgery for congenital scoliosis > > > > ... ______ 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: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 12:58:43 -0700 Subject: Re: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? Hi Jenn... Glad you liked Dr. Rand. He's a very sweet gentleman. I agree with him about the numbness between the two incisions and the chronic upper back pain. It will take a while, but you'll get used to the numbness eventually. I'm VERY interested in the exercises he'd prescribe for the upper back pain. When you get them from him, I hope you'll share them with the rest of us. I think most people who've had the surgery at age 35+ would agree with me that you're better off having it now. Especially since you're already mentally prepared for it now. I wouldn't worry about the difference in starting the fusion at T2 or T4. I don't think it will make much difference in your flexibility. Dr. Rand has an awful lot of experience, so if I were you, I'd trust his judgement. Please let us know what you decide. Regards, LindaR 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: jdonathan@smtplink.ag-inc.com Date: Thu, 15 Jan 98 16:14:41 -0500 Subject: Re[3]: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? Whoops: But now I recall, of course, that he (my second opinion guy, Dr. Rand) said: sure you will have a good outcome at one year, and at 5 years, but eventually the odds are you will have pain in the upper back etc due to the fusion. What do those who've had fusions for longer have to say? :-\ What did your surgeon say about the long term, Pip? 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: pjjj4@cvn.net (pjjj4) Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 17:00:08 -0500 Subject: Pain and pregnancy This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_002A_01BD21D7.092448A0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hello All- I don't really know what can be done here but I'm open to all = suggestions. I am pregnant, 35, and have a 2 year old fusion T4-L4. = Up till the pregnancy, I was taking Relafin , and anti-inflammatory, = exercising daily, and stretching. These things kept me relatively pain = free. I am not able to take the Relafin anymore-just Tylenol. I still = exercise and stretch. I am having serious sciatic pain through my = buttocks and leg regions. Sitting is the worse, with lying down = running a close second. This has been happening for about 2 weeks. I = have tried curtailing long periods of sitting, hot baths, mineral = ice, rest periods, whatever I can think of to heal this naturally. = I don't seem to be making any headway, however, and the only suggestion = the docs have is to call a physical therapist. Help! =20 Julie S. - ------=_NextPart_000_002A_01BD21D7.092448A0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Hello All-
 
I don't really know what can be done = here but=20 I'm open to all suggestions.  I am pregnant,  35,  and = have a 2=20 year old fusion T4-L4.  Up till the pregnancy,  I was taking = Relafin ,=20 and anti-inflammatory,  exercising daily,  and = stretching.  These=20 things kept me relatively pain free.   I am not able to take = the=20 Relafin anymore-just Tylenol.  I still exercise and stretch.  = I am=20 having serious sciatic pain through my buttocks and leg regions.  = Sitting=20 is the worse,  with lying down running a close second.  This = has been=20 happening for about 2 weeks.   I have tried curtailing long = periods of=20 sitting,  hot baths,   mineral ice,  rest=20 periods,   whatever I can think of to heal this = naturally.  =20 I don't seem to be making any headway, however,  and the only = suggestion=20 the docs have is to call a physical therapist.   = Help!  =20
 
Julie S.
- ------=_NextPart_000_002A_01BD21D7.092448A0-- ______ 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: "Henry" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 20:42:37 -0500 Subject: Sindy's (june bug) surgery update #2 .. I spoke with Sindy on the telephone. She is alert, and in very good spirits. The operation took 2 hours 6 minutes. She is fused from T5-L3. She says she is stiff, and "can't wait to be rolled over", but otherwise feels find. They have her on a morphene pump, so she wont feel much pain. She also said that as far as she can tell, they removed all of her rib hump also. She'll find out tomorrow how good the correction is. The Dr's told her that everything went well, and there were no complications, or problems. She believe's she's about 1-1/2 inches taller. Her family is at the hospital with her. She wants to thank everyone for their emotional and moral support. She says it really helped. For Jenn, Sindy asked me to give you a message. She said to bring Maalox. That is what they gave her for her stomach problems, and it worked. I'll be talking with her tomorrow evening. If anyone has any messages or questions, just email me, and I'll be sure to pass them along. Henry bgrmystr@eagnet.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: "Henry" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 20:42:37 -0500 Subject: Sindy's (june bug) surgery update #2 .. I spoke with Sindy on the telephone. She is alert, and in very good spirits. The operation took 2 hours 6 minutes. She is fused from T5-L3. She says she is stiff, and "can't wait to be rolled over", but otherwise feels find. They have her on a morphene pump, so she wont feel much pain. She also said that as far as she can tell, they removed all of her rib hump also. She'll find out tomorrow how good the correction is. The Dr's told her that everything went well, and there were no complications, or problems. She believe's she's about 1-1/2 inches taller. Her family is at the hospital with her. She wants to thank everyone for their emotional and moral support. She says it really helped. For Jenn, Sindy asked me to give you a message. She said to bring Maalox. That is what they gave her for her stomach problems, and it worked. I'll be talking with her tomorrow evening. If anyone has any messages or questions, just email me, and I'll be sure to pass them along. Henry bgrmystr@eagnet.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: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 18:25:59 -0700 Subject: Re: Sindy's (june bug) surgery update #2 .. Henry... Sindy's progress is, indeed, remarkable. I wasn't able to talk with anyone on the phone until 7 days after surgery! It's also remarkable that they were able to finish the surgery is such a short time. Tell Sindy I'm really glad she's doing so 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: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 22:41:52 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: surgery up date.... Carol, Have you thought about discussing your fears with your daughter? How old is she? I'm sure, especially if she is in her teens, that she would appreciate your disclosure because she will understand. That also will probably make a stronger bond between the both of you. You are correct in that she does need you, every minute. But sometimes being strong means being able to show your deepest emotions, in this case fear. It's so easy to turn away or become stoic. I don't think that this will 'burden' her. It's kind of like this list - we all discuss our problems, but we get support in that. And you two have a much stronger connection than we have on a list. I strongly believe that listening to a person or being listened to is much more important than necessarily having a 'solution.' I think it is wonderful that you are there to console her as empathy is very powerful. I hope that this is somewhat helpful, and wish you and your daughter the best. - --Megan ma247@columbia.edu On Thu, 15 Jan 1998, carol lytle wrote: > > Bonnie, > I too am a mother with scoliosis (no surgery) and have a daughter having > ... ______ 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: "A & S Lanser" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 21:13:08 -0500 Subject: Re: post-fusion upper back pain & numbness, anyone? Jenn, answers inbetween..... >My surgery is scheduled for next Thursday, but Dr. Rand was very ambivalent >about if I should go through with it or not. He said my healing rate and >flexibility isn't going to change from now (23 years old) to even 35 years old, >so I could wait and make sure it really is progressing, 5 years at least, >without any bad effects. Isn't that interesting?? I am 32, have had scoliosis since age 12. Now my curve is at 58 degrees, with a progression of 6 degrees in the last 8 years. I have never worn a brace, nor had surgery and I am glad, because over the last couple of years, the technological advancements made in the ever dynamic field of medicine, has had a big effect on scoliosis surgery and treatment. If I were in your shoes, without any real threat to my general health (especially vital organs- you mentioned breathing?) because of scoliosis, I would wait. My feeling with any scoliosis surgery, is to wait as long as possible, so that you lessen your post-surgery years, which will also decrease the number of years that your remaining discs have to do the job of the fused ones. >Whoops, one more question: anyone think it makes much difference if the fusion >starts at T4 versus T2? Like I said, Dr. Glazer wants to start it at T2, but >Dr. Rand would actually start it at T4. Any insights would be most appreciated! > I would definitely opt for the "lower" fusion from T4. That leaves me with another two "shock absorbers" and they can be fused later on.....if necessary. NB- not professional advice- just my personal opinion. In the end your doctor will know best. If two differs, how about a third opinion? Good luck and God bless. Sanet ______ 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: "A & S Lanser" Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 21:02:30 -0500 Subject: Re: Pain and pregnancy This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_0023_01BD21F8.E4AA1640 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Dear Julie S. Since pregnancy hormones have a "softening" effect on your ligaments, = you will stand a greater chance of injuring yourself while excercising. = The pain you are experiencing can be as a result of this normal effect = of pregnancy on your body, or it could be an injury. I would therefore = suggest you really take your doctor's advice seriously and see a = physical therapist for a excercise regimen that suits you as a scoliosis = patient, who are pregnant. =20 Be careful of taking hot baths, because the effect that the hormones = have on your circulatory system, can cause a lowered bloodpressure, and = a hot bath also lowers your bloodpressure. So, pregnancy and hot baths = don't go together! =20 Avoid lying on your back in an advanced pregnancy, since the weight of = your baby causes pressure on your "big arteries and veins" and that can = also cause your bloodpressure to fall (which results in less oxygen = reaching your baby). This applies to any expectant mother, not only scoliosis patients. = Remember your goal is: "healthy mother, healthy baby". You will soon = "get into it!"=20 Enjoy this very special time in your life and please feel free to ask if = anything is unclear or write me if you just feel like a "chat". Sanet _________________________________ - -----Original Message----- From: pjjj4 To: scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu Date: Thursday, January 15, 1998 5:03 PM Subject: Pain and pregnancy Hello All- =20 I don't really know what can be done here but I'm open to all = suggestions. I am pregnant, 35, and have a 2 year old fusion T4-L4. = Up till the pregnancy, I was taking Relafin , and anti-inflammatory, = exercising daily, and stretching. These things kept me relatively pain = free. I am not able to take the Relafin anymore-just Tylenol. I still = exercise and stretch. I am having serious sciatic pain through my = buttocks and leg regions. Sitting is the worse, with lying down = running a close second. This has been happening for about 2 weeks. I = have tried curtailing long periods of sitting, hot baths, mineral = ice, rest periods, whatever I can think of to heal this naturally. = I don't seem to be making any headway, however, and the only suggestion = the docs have is to call a physical therapist. Help! =20 =20 Julie S. - ------=_NextPart_000_0023_01BD21F8.E4AA1640 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Dear Julie = S.
 
Since pregnancy hormones have a "softening" effect on = your=20 ligaments, you will stand a greater chance of injuring yourself while=20 excercising.  The pain you are experiencing can be as a result of = this=20 normal effect of pregnancy on your body, or it could be an injury. I = would=20 therefore suggest you really take your doctor's advice seriously and see = a=20 physical therapist for a excercise regimen that suits you as a scoliosis = patient, who are pregnant.  
 
Be careful of taking hot baths, because the effect that the = hormones have=20 on your circulatory system, can cause a lowered bloodpressure, and a hot = bath=20 also lowers your bloodpressure. So, pregnancy and hot baths don't go=20 together! 
 
Avoid lying on your back in an advanced pregnancy, since the weight = of your=20 baby causes pressure on your "big arteries and veins" and that = can=20 also cause your bloodpressure to fall (which results in less  = oxygen=20 reaching your baby).
 
This applies to any expectant mother, not only scoliosis = patients. =20 Remember your goal is: "healthy mother, healthy baby".  = You will=20 soon "get into it!"
 
Enjoy this very special time in your life and please feel free to = ask if=20 anything is unclear or write me if you just feel like a = "chat".
 
Sanet
_________________________________
-----Original = Message-----
From:=20 pjjj4 <pjjj4@cvn.net>
To:=20 scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu= =20 <scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu= >
Date:=20 Thursday, January 15, 1998 5:03 PM
Subject: Pain and=20 pregnancy

Hello All-
 
I don't really know what can be = done here=20 but I'm open to all suggestions.  I am pregnant,  = 35,  and=20 have a 2 year old fusion T4-L4.  Up till the pregnancy,  I = was=20 taking Relafin , and anti-inflammatory,  exercising = daily,  and=20 stretching.  These things kept me relatively pain = free.   I=20 am not able to take the Relafin anymore-just Tylenol.  I still = exercise=20 and stretch.  I am having serious sciatic pain through my = buttocks and=20 leg regions.  Sitting is the worse,  with lying down = running a=20 close second.  This has been happening for about 2 = weeks.   I=20 have tried curtailing long periods of sitting,  hot = baths,  =20 mineral ice,  rest periods,   whatever I can think of = to heal=20 this naturally.   I don't seem to be making any headway,=20 however,  and the only suggestion the docs have is to call a = physical=20 therapist.   Help!  
 
Julie = S.
- ------=_NextPart_000_0023_01BD21F8.E4AA1640-- ______ 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: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 23:31:26 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Indian Proverb I really liked that one! There's so much truth in it. - --Megan ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: SFatouros@aol.com Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 01:12:17 -0500 (EST) Subject: A Lurker's Two Cents To the list, I am a lurker who has been following this list with great interest for almost a year now. I have relatively mild scoliosis and have never been braced or, for that matter, treated in any way for the curvature in my back. But I am very interested in what people have done about their scoliosis for a number of reasons; a) It is hereditary in my family, b) I do have some discomfort from this condition, c) I want to know what advice and recommendations to give young girls with early signs of curvature whom I teach in dance classes, d) I think there is still a lot of research to be done and a lot of information yet to be discovered about the origins, treatment of, and repurcussions of this condition. I am writing now because I have several comments I'd like to make after reading this past month's "discussion" on Bracing vs. Surgery. I hope none of you feel it intrusive of me to do so when I so rarely contribute to the list. First of all, I think this list is an incredible resource and that everyone on it should stand back and recognize what an accomplishment it is. This list seems to me to be the best possible use of the Internet; as a forum for exchange of information, ideas, opinions, encouragement, and support. I believe that all the postings on this list should be recorded for the future as a resource and database of scoliosis information. Is anyone else out there SAVING all this? I am serious; just think that Dr. Nancy Miller is only now starting to do research into hereditary factors of scoliosis. There is so much else to be done. Maybe Megan or Daniel could use information culled from this list as a basis for a paper or thesis; "Scoliosis Treatment, Then and Now," or "Adolescent Trauma from Scoliosis Bracing," etc, etc. How reassuring that such intelligent young people are interested in furthering the breadth of knowledge about this disease. In any case, everyone should be very proud of their openness in participating in this forum. As far as the Bracing vs. Surgery debate goes, others have already pointed out the usefulness of having both sides be heard in an unimpeded manner. We all have so much to learn from each other's thoughts and experiences. I do find it interesting that those who are the staunchest defenders of surgery are also those who have had the unfortunate necessity of repeated surgeries. They have personally experienced the complications that those contemplating surgery fear most, yet they are steadfast in their belief of its efficacy. This cannot be a coincidence. It makes sense that they have developed a self-protective defense mechanism to be able to handle the difficulties they have encountered in their treatment, their condition, and their physical and emotional pain. In order to maintain their core of inner strength, they must believe that their own decisions, as well as those of their physicians, were the best possible given their circumstances. And they are right; they did do whatever was necessary to heal themselves. They are all remarkable in their resiliency, courage, and willingness and ability to help others. Those of us on the list who have not yet had surgery must remember to have empathy and respect for those who have gone through so much. Likewise, those who believe in the positive results of surgery should learn to understand others' search for alternate treatments. This struggle for finding new therapies is one that is now going on all over the western world as people learn to take charge of their own health management. I think it is a good thing that more and more people are trying to discover ways to participate in the search for more preventative health care measures. Along with the concept of prevention goes the idea of the body functioning as a whole, a sum of its parts, not as a bunch of separate, non-interacting parts. This is the basis for "holistic" care; that which takes into account the whole person, not just the body part exhibiting symptoms. ( I am not speaking of "holistic medicine" or of any one practice in particular. I am only referring to the general ideas behind so-called "Alternative Therapies.") I don't think anyone on this list, including those following the Copes protocol, is attempting to advocate a particular therapy; they are only trying to report and inform others of their own experiences. So when people exchange ideas about nutrition, acupuncture, or yoga, they are not declaring opposition to the entire medical community but are only advocating supplemental care for the well-being of all those dealing with the multitude of symptoms found with scoliosis. Perhaps recognizing this will make it easier for those who believe in surgery as the best possible solution for most scoliosis sufferers. I hope that someday all those being treated for medical conditions are cared for on all levels of health and well-being. Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York is currently exploring ways to combine medical and alternative therapies to achieve the best possible results for their patients. Thus, a person going in for surgery would be treated for their anxiety beforehand which would in turn aid in the positive result of the procedure itself. And after the physical trauma of surgery, a person would be cared for with the proper nutritional, emotional, and physical support in order to achieve the best possible recovery. I think these are ideals that all of us can agree on as each of us travels on our own journey toward good health. Thanks for letting me add my "two cents!" 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