From: bounce-scoliosis To: scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu Subject: scoliosis V1 #853 Reply-To: Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis Precedence: bulk scoliosis Tuesday, 9 June 1998 Volume 01 : Number 853 Today's subjects for scoliosis, scoliosis-medical, scoliosis-child and scoliosis-teens: RE: July Surgery [Sharon Kay Miller ] Re: 2 days to go [Cary Smith ] RE: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis/Etiology ["Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" ] Medicaid & SRS Doctors [Thomas & Kelley Moore ] Re: Shriners Hospitals? [Diana Laurent ] numbness [jill.feuk@chron.com (Jill Feuk)] Re: Natl.Women's Health Scoliosis Survey (Brown U) [Quackkerz@aol.com] Re: Natl.Women's Health Scoliosis Survey (Brown U) [MTBIE@aol.com] My daughter's surgery [Tghclu@aol.com] Re: Natl.Women's Health Scoliosis Survey (Brown U) ["Roger S. Gottlieb" <] questions for Cathy Lutz [CRTW14A@prodigy.com ( J STEPHEN)] Re: Preemptive analgesia & POST-OP [Bogima@aol.com] The Back Operation ["Henry" ] Medicaid & SRS Doctors [Thomas & Kelley Moore ] Re: The Back Operation ["Henry" ] Re: Natl.Women's Health Scoliosis Survey (Brown U) [RSMVMD@aol.com] Re: Carla/Shriners Hosp. ["Carla E. Barnett" ] Re: 6 WEEKS POST OP [hmc ] car ride home [jdonathan@smtplink.ag-inc.com] Thanks [Prichard Daniel R ] Re: Medicaid & SRS Doctors [Elizabeth Mina ] Surgery or braces, what is the "smartest" choice..... ["Kjartan Hovland" ] Re: car ride home [Elizabeth Mina ] Re: car ride home [Lilbit0603@aol.com] jenni lytle [cjlytle ] jenni lytle [cjlytle ] jenni lytle [cjlytle ] Re: Natl.Women's Health Scoliosis Survey (Brown U) [Margaret Arth ] Re: Medicaid & SRS Doctors [Bogima@aol.com] Re: questions for Cathy Lutz [Linda Racine ] Jenni's surgery ["Henry" ] Re: hi [dipillo@ix.netcom.com (Pasquale J. Di Pillo)] [none] ["Kathy Stott" ] Re: Surgery or braces, what is the "smartest" choice..... ["Cyndi King" <] Re: numbness [msweety76@juno.com (claire L Cary)] Re: Car Ride Home ["Gail Walsh" ] Re: [LinLou41@aol.com] Re:nursing after surgery [elin edwards f ] Re: Headaches with scoliosis? [Megdoughs@aol.com] Re: Questions [bapp3@juno.com (John R Bapple)] Re: numbness [Megdoughs@aol.com] Re: numbness [Elmo4Me2@aol.com] Other "old timers"? [Diana Laurent ] Re: general questions [ETheroux@aol.com] Re: numbness [Beck301176@aol.com] AOL Chat [Linda Racine ] Re: jenni lytle [Leah640@aol.com] Re: hi ["Carla E. Barnett" ] Re: Questions on the Copes brace ["Carla E. Barnett" ] sore knees!? [elin edwards f ] Good-bye .... ["Kathy Stott" ] Re: car ride home [Eyebe97@aol.com] Re: sore knees!? [Linda Racine ] Re: [hmc ] Re: new diagnosis for us ["Carla E. Barnett" ] New To List [Laura and Tim Decaire ] Re: Questions [RSMVMD@aol.com] AOL Chats [Linda Racine ] RE: hi [Sharon Kay Miller ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Sharon Kay Miller Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 13:11:54 +0200 Subject: RE: July Surgery To Cyndi and Janis, I am also considering surgery and am on a waiting list right now. I, too, have a young daughter (7) whom I need to involve and educate when the time comes. I appreciate your points of view and wish you all the best of luck with your surgery and the recovery so that you both may enjoy your daughters even more!! Sharon > ---------- > From: Cyndi King[SMTP:cbk.skk@snet.net] > Sent: Saturday, June 06, 1998 5:42 PM > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Sharon Kay Miller Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 14:18:34 +0200 Subject: RE: To All THAT ARE GOING TO HAVE SURGERY I agree! Sharon > ---------- > From: Thomas & Kelley Moore[SMTP:tkornot@pe.net] > Sent: Friday, June 05, 1998 12:58 AM > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Sharon Kay Miller Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 14:33:03 +0200 Subject: RE: general questions Ian, You went back to work after 2 weeks??? Even part time, I am amazed. How many vertebrae did you have fused? Was it a posterior op only? Was this something that you'd had diagnosed as a child? Had you worn a brace? Sorry for the 20 questions, but this just sounds amazing to me - they've told me at least 6 weeks before a return to work. (I'm 46 and facing surgery) Sharon > ---------- > From: ianjan[SMTP:ianjan@alphalink.com.au] > Sent: Sunday, June 07, 1998 6:02 AM > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Sharon Kay Miller Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 14:52:00 +0200 Subject: RE: 20's with brace? I agree - there is a nice chiropractor in Oklahoma (Tulsa) whose address has appeared earlier who is bracing some adult women and it is showing good results. I am in Denmark and I'm still considering trying to find out how I could manage to try this. Sharon > ---------- > From: KJ[SMTP:kjartols@online.no] > Sent: Saturday, June 06, 1998 9:45 PM > ... ______ 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: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 10:03:13 -0400 Subject: Re: The Back Operation Well folks, I thought I would try and do a 'good deed' for the group, but seems like I wont be able to. For anyone considering copies of "The Back Operation" video, please read below. I have the message that I sent to WHYY, and their response. Henry - -----Original Message----- From: Henry To: Robyn Goldman Date: Monday, June 08, 1998 2:07 AM Subject: Re: back operation tapes Robyn, I heard that yall will not be producing any more of the scoliosis video tapes (The Back Operation). Is that true? If WHYY will not be accepting any additional orders for the video, how will the general public be able to obtain copies of it? Will ownership transfer to a different entity? Will they make copies of the video available for purchase? I'm not sure who I would have to talk with, but somehow, I would like to obtain the name of a particular person whom copies of this tape could still be purchased from. If necessary, I would purchase them in certain quantities, and resell them under a business name. It would be a shame to allow this video to just disappear. If the decision of the station is to not continue selling that video any longer, would you check on one thing for me. Ask if it would be possible for me to make one last purchase of that video. I would probably be looking at a single purchase of about a dozen copies or so (maybe more, I would have to get back to you). I am not prepared to give an exact number right now, but the order would be a minumum of 10. This time, it would not be for seperate individuals, it would be one large purchase, all being shipped to me directly. Please let me know, what, if anything I can do. Henry Berger - -----Original Message----- From: Robyn Goldman To: bgrmystr@eagnet.com Date: Monday, June 08, 1998 8:29 AM Subject: Re(2): back operation tapes Henry: When I did the original deal with you, I did not know that the program was more than 2-1/2 hours long. I lost a fair amount of money with the tapes I sold to your group. I cannot do that anymore. Because the tape is so long, I cannot outsource the duplication. To make dubs in house, it costs me a minimum of $75 per tape, assuming I don't have to pay for overtime, regardless of volume. We can only make one duplicate at a time, so volume means nothing. Further, we are a broadcaster, not a duplication house. When I first agreed to do this for you, I assumed I could have it done out-of-house. The reason it took so long for me to get the tapes duplicated is because our staff has priorities that are not under my control. And with a pending facilities move which is happening at the end of this month, our staff is very occupied doing other things. I'm very sorry I can no longer offer these tapes, but it is just not cost- nor time-effective for me. WHYY is the copyright owner -- there is nowhere else you can get the program. Please understand that not all televised programs are available for sale on video. In fact, most are not. If I could provide this service, I would. It is just not possible given the resources I have at my disposal. Sincerely, Robyn Goldman begin 666 Henry Berger.vcf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ate: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 10:24:06 -0400 Subject: Re: 2 days to go May God bless her and you. Cary LASK43@aol.com wrote: > God Bless and good luck > > ______ > ... ______ 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: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 10:10:36 -0500 Subject: RE: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis/Etiology >>>>>About a year ago I saw an article in some medical journal suggesting a link between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and an inability to metabolize melatonin. Have there been any additional findings with regard to this link? Have there been any other developments in the search for the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis recently? I recently read that it is not the melitonin (there was a study that showed no positive effectes to meletonin supplimentation) but rather seritonin (another hormone released by the brain). >>>>Also, from what I have read it is not inherited. However, my mother has a mild case of scoliosis and my daughter has a severe case of scoliosis. Both have been diagnosed as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Neither I nor my sister have it. I was wondering if anyone else knows of any inherited cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. I think it is safe to say that scoli _is_ inherited. 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: "Dean A. Hoppenrath, DC" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 10:15:54 -0500 Subject: RE: St. John's Wort >>>>At one point, I believe you mentioned that you prescribe St. John's Wort to some of your patients. I was wondering how your patients have responded. How much do you prescribe? I believe you also mentioned a particular brand you preferred. Did you prescribe it for depression or ? Well to be technical (and safe) I do not (and cannot) prescribe anything. I do suggest to patients however, that the supplement to their diet might help. So far I have had good results with SJW and have seen the patients improve in their self-image and general feeling of well being. Generally I recommend they take the dosage outlined on the bottle. I prefer a brand call Phytopharmica (which is sold to doctors and pharmacies only). they do sell the same products at healthfood stores under the label "Enzymatic Therapy"...same company...a little more expensive. Hope this helps. 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: Thomas & Kelley Moore Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 08:21:50 -0700 Subject: Medicaid & SRS Doctors Elizabeth- It's Medicare that you get when you're on Social Security Disability, not Medicaid. You are covered 100% for hospital care (that's Medicare Part A). You are covered 80% for outpatient services (that's Medicare Part B). Medicare Part A costs you nothing and is automatic when you are on Social Security Disability. Medicare Part B is optional and costs $43.80 per month which is automatically deducted from your monthly check. Most insurance companies (that I've dealt with, anyway) consider Medicare primary. That means that if you have insurance with another company in addition to Medicare, Medicare pays first, then the other insurance company picks up the residual. You should get lower premiums with another insurance company if you have Medicare, for this reason. Every specialist I've seen takes Medicare. Make sure you get that right when asking the insurance billing department at the doctor's office which insurance they accept. Medicaid and Medicare are two different things! Hope that helps. 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: Diana Laurent Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 09:33:30 -0700 Subject: Re: Shriners Hospitals? At 11:10 AM 6/7/98 -0700, you wrote: > >I was just told that there is a Shriners Hospital in my area that deals >with Scoliosis. > ... Shriners Hospitals have the same surgeons as other hospitals. When I had my surgery, my orthopod told us that he would do it at Shriners if we couldn't afford to do it otherwise. They do good work there! ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: jill.feuk@chron.com (Jill Feuk) Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 08:13:54 +0100 Subject: numbness Sharon and Rachel, Melanie is in an underarm brace 20 hrs./day and has recently been complaining of numbness in her right thigh. It isn't hurting her, just annoying. I haven't called the Dr. yet so I dont know how usual this is. Jill (Melanie'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". ------------------------------ From: Quackkerz@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 11:40:29 EDT Subject: Re: Natl.Women's Health Scoliosis Survey (Brown U) interested in survey also run support group here in balto area need all i can keep up with thanks ______ 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: MTBIE@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 11:05:36 EDT Subject: Re: Natl.Women's Health Scoliosis Survey (Brown U) Elizabeth - I too would greatly appreciate it if you could send me the survey results. Thanks, Mary MTBIE@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: Tghclu@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 11:27:27 EDT Subject: My daughter's surgery My daughter is scheduled for anterior spinal fusion from T-11 to L-3 on Monday, June 15.1998. The operation will be conducted at Presbyterian Orthopedic Hospital in Charlotte, NC. DR Ken Wood is the surgeon. Isola rods will be used. Ashley is 15 years old and her curve is 48 degrees. Any advice for a concerned father? ______ 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: "Roger S. Gottlieb" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 09:24:42 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Natl.Women's Health Scoliosis Survey (Brown U) I would love a copy of that report. My 12 yr old daughter has a 55 degrree curve and we are contemplating surgery. thank you Roger S. Gottlieb Department of Humanities and Arts WPI 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609 508-831-5439 hm: 617-522-1005 ______ 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: CRTW14A@prodigy.com ( J STEPHEN) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 10:28:49, -0500 Subject: questions for Cathy Lutz Cathy, I read your six week update, and was glad to hear that your recovery is progressing smoothly. You mentioned that you are taking a pain medication called Lortab. Have you experienced any side effects such as stomach irritation or nausea? When you sit, what kind of chair do you find most comfortable and do you use a cushion? Also, I will have a long ride home from the hospital and wondered how you managed in the car. Janis ______ 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, 8 Jun 1998 11:29:48 EDT Subject: Re: Preemptive analgesia & POST-OP Hi Ann, Sorry to hear you are having such awful problems with nausea. I had similar problems but we were instantly able to identify which drug was the culprit so I could get off it immediately. In the hospital, I did fine on the morphine pump. When that was removed, they tried percoset which made me nauseous. Next day they tried Darvoset which also made me terribly nauseous. Then they put me on Tylenol 3, which did not make me nauseous, but did nothing to relieve the pain. Next came a combination of dilaudud and vicodin. No nausea there, but while stronger than the Tylenol 3, not good enough to relieve the pain. Finally, we found a solution that worked - MS Contin. I started with (by now it was about 2 weeks post-op) 15 mg 3 x daily, with liquid MS Contin of I think 5 mg doses for breakthrough pain. But I was taking the liquid all day whenever possible, so they raised the regular dose to 30 mg 3x daily, without the need for liquid for breakthrough pain. It worked, with no nausea. I was not pain free - the goal is to adequately control the pain so it does not overtake your life, and it did give me adequate control of the pain. About 6 weeks after surgery, we added Neurontin for pain that was thought to be nerve related. I'm still on the Neurontin, 6 months post-op, and the way things are going, I'm guessing that in about two months I won't need it any more. . I was on the MS Contin for five months. As my pain decreased, we slowly decreased the dosage,,with no withdrawal symptoms, so that in the fourth and fifth months, I was taking 15mg 2x daily. To get off it completley, we then dropped the p.m. dose completely so that for two weeks I was on one 15 mg dose daily. Then I stopped that so I was off the MS Contin completley. The only withdrawal symptoms I had then were a slight headache and mild diarrhea for about three days. A very small price to pay for five months of adequate pain control. I cannot understand why so many people are afraid of taking MS Contin for fear of addiction. If you are really in pain and are managed well and get off the medicine slowly, it's no big deal. Really. Now that I'm off the MS Contin, we need to find something else - I don't need the MS Contin, but I do need something. First try was as needed doses of Vicodin, but I was taking two to three tablets daily for about 8 days and wanted to stop that because at this point I didn't see the need to substitute one addictin for another. Next try was Ultram, but my hiatus hernia immediatley reacted to it horribly. Now I'm on Daypro, an anti- inflammatory, which I take with Cytotec to protect my stomach. We'll see how that works. I hope that this summary of my attempts at pain relief helps. Ann, why are you on so many different medications at the same time? 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: "Henry" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 02:27:16 -0400 Subject: The Back Operation This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_0045_01BD9284.F3E2B020 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit This is only for a census, but I would like to find out how many of you are still intersted in purchasing a copy of "The Back Operation" video tape. This is a full length video of scoliosis correction surgery produced in '89, using CD rods. It is shown in full detail, and the dr's give a complete verbal description of everything you are watching in the procedure. The video shows everything from cutting of the skin, the complete surgical procedure, all the way to closure. I cannot give an exact dollar amount right now, but for US delivers in VHS mode only, the approximate cost will be $21 plus $3 shipping. To let yall know what is going on, here goes .. Back in Feb/March time frame, I put together a video order from a TV station that owns this video. I ordered about 20 copies of the video, for people on the mailing lists that were interested. It wasnt the easiest project that I've endeavered on, but I was glad to do it for everyone. I am now being told that the video's will not be available any longer. I sent a message to the TV stationing asking about the possibility of making one last order of the video. I would be making the order in my name, and having the entire order shipped to me. I would then sell it to whomever wanted a copy of it, and ship it out to you. The minimum order they would normally accept is 10 or more copies. I am probably going to be ordering at least that many, but I wanted to get an idea of how many people are interested in obtaining copies of it. I would order a few more copies in addition, so later on, any new people to the list would still be able to order a copy, if they so desired (until I run out). please either 'reply to author' with out changing the subject, or type in "Video" in the subject line and send to: bgrmystr@eagnet.com Either way, please reply directly back to myself, as I am not on all of the scoliosis lists. Thanks, Henry - ------=_NextPart_000_0045_01BD9284.F3E2B020 Content-Type: text/x-vcard; name="Henry Berger.vcf" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="Henry Berger.vcf" BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:2.1 N:Berger;Henry FN:Henry Berger ORG:Just-Reboot TITLE:Owner NOTE;ENCODING=3DQUOTED-PRINTABLE:ICQ - 383711 (2fuzzy)=3D0D=3D0A = - 4087834 (Scoliosis Support Chat =3D Room)=3D0D=3D0A - 12093088 (Just-Reboot) =3D0D=3D0A=3D0D=3D0AIf = you don't have IC=3D Q, check out:=3D0D=3D0Ahttp://www.icq.com=3D0D=3D0A TEL;WORK;FAX:912-882-2715 ADR;WORK;ENCODING=3DQUOTED-PRINTABLE:;;555 charlie Smith Sr. = Hwy=3D0D=3D0ASuite 8 #326;St. Marys;Ga.;31558;US LABEL;WORK;ENCODING=3DQUOTED-PRINTABLE:555 charlie Smith Sr. = Hwy=3D0D=3D0ASuite 8 #326=3D0D=3D0ASt. Marys, Ga. 31558=3D0D=3D =3D0AUS ADR;HOME:;;;St. Marys;Ga. LABEL;HOME:St. Marys, Ga. URL:http://www.eagnet.com/edipage/user/bgrmystr URL:http://www.just-reboot.com EMAIL;PREF;INTERNET:bgrmystr@eagnet.com EMAIL;INTERNET:2fuzzy@mindless.com REV:19980608T062716Z END:VCARD - ------=_NextPart_000_0045_01BD9284.F3E2B020-- ______ 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: Thomas & Kelley Moore Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 08:21:50 -0700 Subject: Medicaid & SRS Doctors Elizabeth- It's Medicare that you get when you're on Social Security Disability, not Medicaid. You are covered 100% for hospital care (that's Medicare Part A). You are covered 80% for outpatient services (that's Medicare Part B). Medicare Part A costs you nothing and is automatic when you are on Social Security Disability. Medicare Part B is optional and costs $43.80 per month which is automatically deducted from your monthly check. Most insurance companies (that I've dealt with, anyway) consider Medicare primary. That means that if you have insurance with another company in addition to Medicare, Medicare pays first, then the other insurance company picks up the residual. You should get lower premiums with another insurance company if you have Medicare, for this reason. Every specialist I've seen takes Medicare. Make sure you get that right when asking the insurance billing department at the doctor's office which insurance they accept. Medicaid and Medicare are two different things! Hope that helps. Kelley ______ 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: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 10:03:13 -0400 Subject: Re: The Back Operation Well folks, I thought I would try and do a 'good deed' for the group, but seems like I wont be able to. For anyone considering copies of "The Back Operation" video, please read below. I have the message that I sent to WHYY, and their response. Henry - -----Original Message----- From: Henry To: Robyn Goldman Date: Monday, June 08, 1998 2:07 AM Subject: Re: back operation tapes Robyn, I heard that yall will not be producing any more of the scoliosis video tapes (The Back Operation). Is that true? If WHYY will not be accepting any additional orders for the video, how will the general public be able to obtain copies of it? Will ownership transfer to a different entity? Will they make copies of the video available for purchase? I'm not sure who I would have to talk with, but somehow, I would like to obtain the name of a particular person whom copies of this tape could still be purchased from. If necessary, I would purchase them in certain quantities, and resell them under a business name. It would be a shame to allow this video to just disappear. If the decision of the station is to not continue selling that video any longer, would you check on one thing for me. Ask if it would be possible for me to make one last purchase of that video. I would probably be looking at a single purchase of about a dozen copies or so (maybe more, I would have to get back to you). I am not prepared to give an exact number right now, but the order would be a minumum of 10. This time, it would not be for seperate individuals, it would be one large purchase, all being shipped to me directly. Please let me know, what, if anything I can do. Henry Berger - -----Original Message----- From: Robyn Goldman To: bgrmystr@eagnet.com Date: Monday, June 08, 1998 8:29 AM Subject: Re(2): back operation tapes Henry: When I did the original deal with you, I did not know that the program was more than 2-1/2 hours long. I lost a fair amount of money with the tapes I sold to your group. I cannot do that anymore. Because the tape is so long, I cannot outsource the duplication. To make dubs in house, it costs me a minimum of $75 per tape, assuming I don't have to pay for overtime, regardless of volume. We can only make one duplicate at a time, so volume means nothing. Further, we are a broadcaster, not a duplication house. When I first agreed to do this for you, I assumed I could have it done out-of-house. The reason it took so long for me to get the tapes duplicated is because our staff has priorities that are not under my control. And with a pending facilities move which is happening at the end of this month, our staff is very occupied doing other things. I'm very sorry I can no longer offer these tapes, but it is just not cost- nor time-effective for me. WHYY is the copyright owner -- there is nowhere else you can get the program. Please understand that not all televised programs are available for sale on video. In fact, most are not. If I could provide this service, I would. It is just not possible given the resources I have at my disposal. Sincerely, Robyn Goldman begin 666 Henry Berger.vcf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ate: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 11:42:31 -0500 Subject: Re: Carla/Shriners Hosp. Chris, My daughter's curve is 52º thoracolumbar so it is headed to "scary." By the way I was born in Sacramento CA and raised in the small town of Sacramento KY. Funny??? - ---------- > From: Chris Michelet > To: scoliosis@ai.mit.edu > Subject: Carla/Shriners Hosp. > ... in > Northern > Calif., and Sacramento is where I'd be taking my daughter. It sounds like > you are > about at the same stage we are. My daughter Amanda is 12 and her big curve > is > 40º, so it looks like we are going to try a brace, and hopefully avoid > surgery. It > ... your > daughter. Christine Michelet > > ______ > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: hmc Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 11:45:45 -0600 Subject: Re: 6 WEEKS POST OP Thanks for your post, Cathy! As haphazard a person as I am, I am organized in my own bizarre fashion, and I like, veritably _need_, to know what to expect in things that I'm unsteady about. This helps *a lot*. I realize it varies from person-to-person, but still, it's so reassuring. Sounds like you are doing wonderfully and that your spirits are up (Yea!) So glad for your progress! - --hmc. ______ 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, 08 Jun 98 13:15:18 -0500 Subject: car ride home Hello! I just want to say, with regard to the car ride home: I suggest leaving right after you take your pain medicine, and filling the prescription at the start of the journey (maybe there's a pharmacy by the hospital) rather than waiting til you get home. By the time I got home, the pain medicine had wore off and it took far too long in my opinion for my friend to go and return with the Percocet. <:-\ I had been in a real rush to leave the hospital, as the nurse care had deteriorated so much by then, so I left at noon even though I had thrown up at 10:30 and had my first shower at 11. Two very debilitating events! And let me tell you, that car ride and then having to wait for the Percocet was not very nice. And I only had about 15 minutes of driving to get through. <:-\ So, if possible, be patient about leaving until you are in good shape. Hopefully your last day at the hospital will be smoother than mine! <:) Hopefully other people will have tips on pillows and things to make the ride itself easier... I just suffered along without that stuff... All I can say is, make sure you have plenty of pain meds at the start, and do your best to get a friend to drive you who is willing to drive SLOWLY!!! Unfortunately, my boyfriend just does not know how, nor does he know how to take turns slowly. It really sucked. Make sure your driver is willing to go slowly and carefully and doesn't mind holding traffic up. <:) If by any chance you have a minivan/4x4 type vehicle available, that might be better than a car... I found getting _down_ into the car very very hard... the roof was too low for my head to fit in without bending (no bending, please). Good luck!! You'll get through it. <:) 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: Prichard Daniel R Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 12:58:20 -0500 Subject: Thanks To Carla, Kelley, Lois, Donna, Peg, Jewel, Elizabeth and Sherril (and anyone I missed). Thanks for responding to my post. I'll try to keep you posted on Cara's progress. Her first day in the brace was an adjustment period, to say the least. She cried most of the time, because the brace was so tight. We loosened it slightly, but by the 3rd day, we had it back to the original setting, and she had no problems with it. She is able to play softball and golf in it, and basically wears it at all times except to bathe and swim. She wears a cloth 'tube' under the brace and, so far, has to change it only daily, although it does get a little damp. Our first visit with the orthopaedic doctor since Cara getting her brace is this Thursday, so perhaps I'll get to see if the brace has any positive affect on her curvature. The doctor seems fairly conservative regarding surgery, as upon viewing Cara's initial x-rays, she immediately recommended a brace, even with 40 degrees thoracic, and did not consider surgery an acceptable 'first choice'. One of you asked if I had scoliosis, because I have used chiropractors in the past. The answer is no, and in fact, I not aware of anyone in my wife's or my families with scoliosis. Cara's scoliosis seems to be one of those unknown cause cases. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Elizabeth Mina Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 14:04:50 -0400 Subject: Re: Medicaid & SRS Doctors Dear Susan, Thanks for the Medicaid info. Boy, health care now is such a bummer it's hard to believe. I spend more time worrying about my insurance than almost anything else except my scoli--and they're related! Elizabeth ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Kjartan Hovland" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 21:16:45 +0200 Subject: Surgery or braces, what is the "smartest" choice..... This is the 4 time I try to send this... I can't get it thru.. My English is not perfect, so if you don't understand some sentence. sorry. - --------------- Hi all. My name is Kjartan (KJ), I am 20 1/2 years old, and have been on "the list" for more than 1 year now. I have got help from this list many times before. And I now need some more help. I had a doc that didn't want to do a thing white my scoliosis, thanks to this list and the support I got from the people on it one year ago, have I been abel to change my old doc, and not "done anything stupid"....... (Thanks for giving me a new chanc) He didn't want to do a thing, only telling me that my pain will disappear when I "stopped growing", and that it was nothing to do. My scoliosis was "put on paper" when I was 12. Then I had a 20º curve. Well, I don't want to go inn on the past, so to make a long story short: I was on a "doc visit" at him 5 min, every 2 years. He didn't take x-ray or any test other test. Something that maked me supisius. As my age increased so did my pain. November 97 (I was 19) had my pain got so bad that I was not abel to stand, sit or lay down. I was at the doc (the old one) the same monde, and the thing he told me was that my scoliosis had stopped "growing" when I was 14, so it was impossible that I had pain and that it then had to come from my head. Well, I have now changed doc, he told me that my scoliosis is still progressing. And that is now (25 February 1998) 43º in the thoracic. He then send me to a special spine hospital her inn Norway, I am going to meet them the first time this upcoming June 11. I was at my heart surgeon this June 4. I have a heart and lung problem to, so he wanted to find out if my heart will manage a surgery, in case the spine hospital wan't to do one. His conclusion was that if they want to do a surgery on my scoliosis then he can tell me that it looks like I will manage it, but he will that I shall try everything else first. The only option I have left is Surgery and a brace. I have tried everything else(exersais, massage, so on). They didn't help for my pain level at all. Because that I am finally getting help for my scoliosis, have I been searching the net a LOOT. I got inn contact whit a USA doc. His practice is inn Colorado, USA. I have been mailing him for about 1 weeks now, and he told me that they will do a surgery at me because that my scoliosis is so sever. But when I told him that I have to try everything else first, because of the risk, he told me this: "It sounds like from what you've said, that you may be fitted with a Milwaukee brace to attempt to prevent the upper curvature from progressing. If this is so, please don't panic. While wearing a brace is not easy, the Milwaukee brace looks worse than it is....." I then got what he didn't want me to have... namely, panic. I then wrote a letter telling that it is not usual to use Milwaukee on persons that is older than 19, this was his answer: "You are right about the usual use of the Milwaukee brace. It typically is used in adolescence before skeletal maturity is reached, to prevent curves from getting worse. Since you are probably skeletally mature, or very nearly so, it would probably be used if surgery is not an option. The Milwaukee is also used sometimes for a year or so after surgery, but that use depends on your particular condition. It sounds to me that given your intense pain and severe curvatures, surgery is likely the best option. The only question is whether your cardiovascular problems will make the risk of surgery too great. Since your thoracic curvature is high and involves your cervical spine, too, the most likely brace candidate would be the Milwaukee. This is because it does encircle the neck and can be fitted with shoulder rings and various straps that help elevate low shoulders and help hold high curvatures. Are you familiar with what this brace looks like? The brace looks intimidating, and with the metal and straps it at first looks like you'll never be able to tolerate it. But, surprisingly enough, many people adapt quite well to it. So, please don't worry." I am have no big problem doing anything, my mom want to get a wheel chair to me so that see can get me out of the house, but I will not use it before I really need it. I then asked this US doc I have got hold of if he cod have a look at my x-rays and a photo of me standing. So he did, and told me this: "The photos help me quite a bit. It certainly does appear to be a serious scoliosis. It also appears that the scoliosis is compressing your heart and lungs, especially on the right side. The x-rays are hard to read on the e-mail. Anyway, based on what I see, it seems that a Milwaukee brace would be the best choice. One thing I can't tell from photos is how flexible the curvature is. In other words, I would want to watch it as you stand up and bend at the waist to the left and to the right. A curvature which is lexible and partially "corrects" when you bend has the best chance of being helped with bracing. I would expect that after the initial discomfort of starting to wear the Milwaukee, you'll find that it helps reduce your back pain, and may lead to improved lung and heart function. This should be especially true if, as it appears, your spine and ribs are compressing your heart and lungs because of the curvature......" I have been taking whit a gye that had scoliosis and he told me that the brace is best because the brace can bee take off, something you cant do whit a surgery. He also told me that surgery inn Norway on back's have a 40% chance of successes. (USA has 80% of successes I think) And that my heart problem will just decrease the chance. I am also going on a private school her in Norway, I have not been there at all, so the school have told me that if I manage to go there again, I will get the year free. But that offer stand only for next year. It will be my last year. I have figure out that if I use a brace just for 1 year, then I can have the surgery next year, so I am favoring the brace thing. I can then complete my school now, and take one year off to have the surgery. I am going to this spine hospital next Thursday (June 11). I want some input on this, and some help what I can say/do to get the new doc to use a brace. Some of the teens on the list will probably think I am crazy because I am willing to use a Milwaukee, but when you have so much pain that the only thing you are abel to do is to eat pain killers and sleep (I have not been out of the house inn 6 monde), then you will get pretty desperate. I will try to avoid the surgery as much as possibly because of the risk and the school thing. I have also figure out that my old doc shod have send me to this spine hospital when he first saw that I had scoliosis, that was 8 years ago. If he had, then they I wood have been in a brace from 12 to 19 (or so). I had then had a 50/50 chance for not having to have a surgery. And not a 100% chance for surgery that I have now. I am thinking on suing this doc. Not for the sake of money, but to get his license taken inn, then he cant do this to other people. I thank you for reading my entire letter, I had a loot of thing on my mind, that I just had to get some others opinions on. Hope it wasent to dificult to understand. If you want to mail me privatly, send the mail to kjartols@online.no. Thanks - -KJ ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Elizabeth Mina Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 14:20:15 -0400 Subject: Re: car ride home For the car ride home, my husband took the back seats out of our minivan and lay down our camping air mattresses for me to lie down on. I can't even imagine anyone riding home after a spinal fusion in any type of sitting or upright position. That's especially true now when patients are so anxious to get home even earlier than ever before because of the super poor nursing care in the hospitals. Elizabeth ______ 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: Lilbit0603@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 14:54:46 EDT Subject: Re: car ride home ANOTHER TIDBIT ABOUT THE RIDE HOME... TAKE ALL THE PILLOWS YOU CAN AND PACK THEM AROUND YA LIKE A COOCON... IT HELPED CRYSTAL FEEL MORE SECURE IF ANYTHING. AND THAT IS RIGHT ABOUT THE PAIN MED...ABOUT 1/2 HR BEFORE WE LEFT SO SHE WAS OK FOR THE MOST PART BUT STILL VERY UNCOMFY... ______ 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: cjlytle Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 12:59:27 -0700 Subject: jenni lytle this is an update on jenni's surgery. The operation has been successful and she is out of surgery and in the recovery room. she might not have to be in icu at all and if so, maybe only for the day. Her x-ray is just beautiful. they fused her from T-2 - L1. Reduced the curve from 60% to 20% She used only 1 unit of her own blood. the other unit she gave will be put back into her tomorrow. They had to get some bone from the Bone Bank because she did not have quite enough of her own. The doctor said it was a perfect operation. The spinal cord monitoring was perfect, not even a bleep The rib section does not have to be don, the hump has gone down prominently The wake up test was good, she wiggled her feet with no problem. I will keep in touch as time goes by thanks for your support ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: cjlytle Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 12:59:27 -0700 Subject: jenni lytle this is an update on jenni's surgery. The operation has been successful and she is out of surgery and in the recovery room. she might not have to be in icu at all and if so, maybe only for the day. Her x-ray is just beautiful. they fused her from T-2 - L1. Reduced the curve from 60% to 20% She used only 1 unit of her own blood. the other unit she gave will be put back into her tomorrow. They had to get some bone from the Bone Bank because she did not have quite enough of her own. The doctor said it was a perfect operation. The spinal cord monitoring was perfect, not even a bleep The rib section does not have to be don, the hump has gone down prominently The wake up test was good, she wiggled her feet with no problem. I will keep in touch as time goes by thanks for your support ______ 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: cjlytle Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 12:59:27 -0700 Subject: jenni lytle this is an update on jenni's surgery. The operation has been successful and she is out of surgery and in the recovery room. she might not have to be in icu at all and if so, maybe only for the day. Her x-ray is just beautiful. they fused her from T-2 - L1. Reduced the curve from 60% to 20% She used only 1 unit of her own blood. the other unit she gave will be put back into her tomorrow. They had to get some bone from the Bone Bank because she did not have quite enough of her own. The doctor said it was a perfect operation. The spinal cord monitoring was perfect, not even a bleep The rib section does not have to be don, the hump has gone down prominently The wake up test was good, she wiggled her feet with no problem. I will keep in touch as time goes by thanks for your support 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: Margaret Arth Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 16:02:09 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Natl.Women's Health Scoliosis Survey (Brown U) Elizabeth, OK, me 10:). Though I was wondering if you could send it to the following address: wouldabin@aol.com My address probably wouldn't be able to handle it. Thank you. - --Megan ______ 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: "Steve Wright" Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 13:14:01 -0700 Subject: hi I'm new to the list, but want to say I appreciate all the information everyone shares. I'm 45 yrs old and have had scoliosis since my teens. My spine is a pretty balanced S curve and I jog, play tennis etc. Internal organs have shifted OK. My last xray was when I was in my 20s. The Kaiser doc said it was a 70 degree curve at the biggest point, which sounds right since one shoulder blade sticks out pretty significantly, though not to noticeable. Bottom line is that I haven't had much trouble with it. However, I wonder if anyone else has had experience with untreated scoliosis like this and what, if any, changes might occur with aging? I wonder whether I should get another xray and review. Thoughts? Thanks, Steve ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Bogima@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 16:01:40 EDT Subject: Re: Medicaid & SRS Doctors Hi, Elizabeth Kelley is right, it's Medicare you get when on SSD, not Medicaid, but I believe you don't become eligible for Medicare until you've been on SSD for 2 years. 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: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 13:05:11 -0700 Subject: Re: questions for Cathy Lutz Janis.... As you'll quickly discover on this list, for every question you ask, you'll get at least 2-3 different opinions. I can't tell you how much I dreaded the ride home from the hospital. It's about a 45 minute ride for me. Prior to that, I had only managed to sit for about 15 mintues at a time. And that was with 3 pillows to cushion my back and sides. I took pain meds about an hour before leaving the hospital. The ride home was a breeze. My friend was very cautious of making soft turns and avoiding too many bumps. I think I was SO happy to leave the hospital, nothing could dampen my spirits. Good luck to you. Regards, Linda ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Henry" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 16:28:56 -0400 Subject: Jenni's surgery - -----Original Message----- From: cjlytle Date: Monday, June 08, 1998 4:05 PM Subject: jenni >Jenni is out of surgery and doing great! the operation only took 3 hours and >she did great on the wake up test. wiggled her feet and everything. they >fused her from T-2 to L1 and reduced the curve from 60% to 20%!!! she only >had to use one unit of her blood. it was a perfect operation the doctor said >and she might not have to even be in ICU. if she does, it will only be for >the day. we will let you know the room she will be in. It is at Phoenix >Children's Hospital. will keep in touch as I know things. > ... begin 666 Henry Berger.vcf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m new to the list, but want to say I appreciate all the information > ... 20s. >The Kaiser doc said it was a 70 degree curve at the biggest point, which >sounds right since one shoulder blade sticks out pretty significantly, >though not to noticeable. Bottom line is that I haven't had much trouble >with it. However, I wonder if anyone else has had experience with >untreated scoliosis like this and what, if any, changes might occur with >aging? I wonder whether I should get another xray and review. Thoughts? >Thanks, Steve > Steve; Your situation is similar in some respects to mine. I am 63 years old, male, 4'10" tall, and have untreated scoliosis. My curve is severe (140+ degrees) but I never had too many problems when I was young. I was active in golf and bowling, travelled extensively to Europe and, aside from my shortness, I was well adjusted (still am!). Much has changed in the last 10 years. My breathing has become worse and I have lost the ability to walk any distance without becoming winded severely. My traveling days are over. I play golf riding an electric cart, but, now, even that is very strenuous for me. I was recently hospitalized for difficulty in breathing (low blood saturation levels) and now must use a ventilator each night and also a little during the day. Steve, I am not an MD but I would highly recommend that you see a specialist, have Xrays taken and have periodic (annual?) measurements to track the extent of your curve. Of course, your curve is less severe than mine but watch yourself carefully. Keep in shape. Best Wishes, Pat Di Pillo ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Kathy Stott" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 18:23:29 -0700 Subject: [none] This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01BD930A.89669780 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Unsubscribe please - ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01BD930A.89669780 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
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- ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01BD930A.89669780-- ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Cyndi King" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 19:02:33 -0400 Subject: Re: Surgery or braces, what is the "smartest" choice..... KJ - I wore the older, bulkier version of the Milwaukee brace 30+ years ago. I weighed less than 100 pounds. Wore it five years and had good correction. There is a web site that shows the photo, I believe it is posted by Linda Racine of the medical list. It looks much less cumbersome. You are very brave to continue to research. I did not maintain my correction most likely due to an instability on the S1 vertabrae (spina bifida occulta). I hope your visit on June 11 goes well, I will keep you in my thoughts that day. Regards - CBK - ---------- > From: Kjartan Hovland > To: scoliosis@ai.mit.edu > Subject: Surgery or braces, what is the "smartest" choice..... > ... sorry. > --------------- > "It sounds like from what you've said, that you may be fitted with a Milwaukee brace to attempt to prevent the upper curvature from progressing. If this is so, please don't panic. While wearing a brace is not easy, the Milwaukee brace looks worse than it is....." > > I then got what he didn't want me to have... namely, panic. > I then wrote a letter telling that it is not usual to use Milwaukee on persons that is older than 19, this was his answer: ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: msweety76@juno.com (claire L Cary) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 16:29:51 -0400 Subject: Re: numbness Jill, I don't wear a brace but sometimes my legs get a little numb. Ususally if I sit for a long time, or just aren't having much activity. If I rub my leg hard or walk around-jump, it helps. ~claire _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] 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: "Gail Walsh" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 17:57:02 -0500 Subject: Re: Car Ride Home Hi, The discussion about the car ride home brought back some memories. When I had my scoliosis surgery as a teenager, my parents had to drive me home from Boston, a distance of some 500 miles or so. They borrowed a friend's station wagon (since going on Air Canada or any airline would have required the purchase of three seats for me!). So, I laid in the back of the station wagon. We left late , ever anxious to get home, which necessitated staying in a hotel overnight in New Hampshire. I was in a body cast at the time so was even more immobile than people are now. Despite everything,I found comfort in the wagon. I took darvon for pain and the hospital provided us with a generous amount. We did have to purchase it at their pharmacy. However, lots of pillows and the back of the wagon made the long trip bearable. So, it might be a thought to consider a station wagon. This past winter after my gastrectomy surgery, I went home in a van, sitting in the back seat. I took a percocet before leaving the hospital and the nursing staff kindly provided me with a few more in the event that I would need more, having not yet filled a prescription. It was somewhat painful but satisfactory till I could get home and lie down. I have to say in retrospect that I preferred the station wagon drive home. It was infinitely more comfortable. I also want to weigh in on the pain management issue, something I have been dealing with all my life. I am fortunate at the moment that I am off the percocet and take 2 acetominophen with codeine (8 mg. of codeine per pill) once or twice a day. I also was on MS Contin for about six months and I would advise anyone who needs it not to worry about addiction. It may not be the best choice for chronic pain but if you need it, you should take it. It was quite satisfactory as a pain med. I had surgery just before stopping it so any withdrawal was not really noticeable since I did not feel that hot anyway. My attitude was to get it over all at once. My family physician, a family friend, suggested it would just be flu like symptoms and that was an accurate characterization. My biggest problem now is trying to sleep at night and I hate the prospect of taking a sleep aid. Occasionally, I take Dramamine which helps to some extent. I have rather sever pain in my neck, a symptom I suspect is a result of my rods being so high (up to the first thoracic vertebra) and the complication of aging and living in a cold climate. I have a prospect of a professorship at the University of South Florida and am considering it for health reasons. We shall see! I am so sorry to go on for so long!! Gail ______ 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: LinLou41@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 19:37:50 EDT Subject: Re:
______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: elin edwards f Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 18:35:39 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re:nursing after surgery Carmen-- If you have questions about nursing and surgery, it might be a good idea to get in touch with your local La Leche League leader. While they primarily offer support for nursing mothers in ordinary situations, they have resource sheets for women in unusual situations which have been written with professional medical input, as well as access to medical advice. (I was a leader years ago when my now-19 year old was a baby, and I remember we had volumes of special situation sheets available beyond the ordinary problems and worries of new mums.) If the number isn't in the phone book, check with your hospital ob. department. elin edw. > > > Hello Folks, > ... ______ 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: Megdoughs@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 18:54:00 EDT Subject: Re: Headaches with scoliosis? I wear a Milwaukee brace and this numbness used to happen to me. They had to adjust the plastic base of the brace because it was tilting my lower spine in too much putting pressure on the nerve. 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: bapp3@juno.com (John R Bapple) Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 16:53:53 -0600 Subject: Re: Questions Hello, Ya 'all have been so wonderful in answering my questions! I have a few more : ) I was told that I would need a hospital bed when I arrived home and a walker. The walker I can see a need for, we have BIG dogs and small children. Do I need a hospital bed also? I called to see if our insurance would cover part of the cost and they were kind of snotty and couldn't tell me what companies they work with in the Denver Metro area. Also about riding in a car, are you telling me I won't be able to sit up? We have about a 45 minute drive. Maybe I could lay in the back of our station wagon and pretend I'm a Christmas Tree: ) What else do I need to know, that probably one has bothered to tell me? Thanks a Bunch, Carmen _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ______ 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: Megdoughs@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 18:57:11 EDT Subject: Re: numbness Hi jill my name is megan I wear aMilwaukee brace. I used to get numbness in my legs and they had to adjust the base of the brace because it was putting too much inward pressure on the lower part of my spine. They called it lordosis tilt. 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: Elmo4Me2@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 20:21:20 EDT Subject: Re: numbness any people out there tha has recently had the surgery please let me know. i am having surgery next wednsday. Elmo 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: Diana Laurent Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 17:31:05 -0700 Subject: Other "old timers"? Hi! Anyone else out there Harrington rod "old timers"? I had mine in 1961, and was the first in northern California to get it. I'm fused T3 to L3, and been having stenosis problems for about 15 years in the remaining joints. My surgery was textbook. The rods came out in 1963, and my spine has been stable ever since at 35 and 25 degrees. I've been researching endoscopic surgery for the stenosis. A lot is being done for discs, but not bony growth. There is a guy in England who is doing some experimentally, though. I keep waiting for the technology to catch up to me. Conventional surgery is obviously very risky because of scar tissue (who needs more, anyway?). Has anyone had conventional stenosis surgery after scoliosis surgery? If so, did it help? I may be running out of time...I've been getting heavy legs after those episodes of pain like fireworks going off, and shooting pain in the vulva. If it continues, I'm off to the orthopod again for a consult. Diana ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: ETheroux@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 20:33:40 EDT Subject: Re: general questions Surgeries these days are amazing, I had mine in October posterior/anterior, back to work in 6 weeks, a repair job replacing screws on a Monday at noon in April, I was home Tuesday night and back to work on Friday morning. No pain, just minor aches occasionally, using Ibuprofen if needed. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Beck301176@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 20:33:57 EDT Subject: Re: numbness Elmo i had surgery this past january Becky 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, 08 Jun 1998 18:32:34 -0700 Subject: AOL Chat Hi... If any of you have information about Stacey's Scoliosis Chats on AOL, would you mind posting it, or sending it to me? There are several subscribers on the Teens list who would like to know. Thanks for any information you can provide. Regards, Linda ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Leah640@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 21:39:37 EDT Subject: Re: jenni lytle In a message dated 98-06-08 16:17:04 EDT, you write: << this is an update on jenni's surgery. The operation has been successful and she is out of surgery and in the recovery room. she might not have to be in icu at all and if so, maybe only for the day. Her x-ray is just beautiful. they fused her from T-2 - L1. Reduced the curve from 60% to 20% She used only 1 unit of her own blood. the other unit she gave will be put back into her tomorrow. They had to get some bone from the Bone Bank because she did not have quite enough of her own. The doctor said it was a perfect operation. The spinal cord monitoring was perfect, not even a bleep The rib section does not have to be don, the hump has gone down prominently The wake up test was good, she wiggled her feet with no problem. I will keep in touch as time goes by thanks for your support >> Wonderful!!!! Iam so glad it went so well, hope her recovery goes just as smooth and well. I never new they had a bone bank, thats great. Keep thing going great, and my thoughts are still with you. Leah ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Carla E. Barnett" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 20:46:36 -0500 Subject: Re: hi Steve, I am also 45 and female. I have also had scoliosis since my teen years, but back then no one thought much about it except that I unfortunately had a crooked spine. I really am amazed that you have done so well. My curve is a backward S. We are now trying to figure out how to treat our daughter who has a 2º thoracic and 52º thoracolumbar. I have managed pretty well. Seems at sometime mine quit curving around 40º both ways. However, I have a herniated disc and some degeneration of the thoracic discs and spinal stenosis. I also suffer sciatica pain down the legs. These symtoms are mild compared to others I read about on this forum. I do suggest you get a new x-ray and have a qualified radiologist measure (Cobb's is standard.) Annual checkups with a qualified scoliosis doctor would not be a bad idea either. However, it is obvious that people can live normal and productive lives with scoliosis. But do take care of yourself. Carla - ---------- > From: Steve Wright > To: scoliosis@ai.mit.edu > Subject: hi > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Carla E. Barnett" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 21:31:44 -0500 Subject: Re: Questions on the Copes brace Sherri, I really appreciate all the information given in your last posting. I continue to be impressed with all I hear about the Copes Bracing Program. Against all odds (you know where I am) we have decided that is what we want to do. I consider myself an intelligent person who doesn't just take everything at face value. However, after weighing surgery vs bracing I feel in my heart we must try bracing first. My daughter and myself are both seeing a chiropractor 3 times a week. Unfortunately, neither are Copes trained, but I have been bold and have given them the information to read. If they think I'm "off", then we will have to keep looking. So far, I cannot find anyone in our area who has more than casually heard of it. Besides that, we are trying to get the hospital to release our daughters x-rays because the lady I spoke to on the phone in LA said the complete 36" x-rays and MRI would be best for Dr. Copes to view. Everything seems to take so long, and with a 52º curve I fret that every moment is precious. Supposedly they are sending the reports and x-rays to our doctor who is actually specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This process should be very interesting to him, but he was also that sent us to the orthopedic in the first place. I'm really hoping he'll at least listen. If not, I'll keep looking. This all just makes so much sense to me. All of the scoliosos health patterns fit me to a T. Now I can see the same patterns emerging in Anna. I know that if we cannot at least reduce the curve below the danger zone, she will definitely be in for a lot of suffering in future years. My symptoms are increasing as I get older, but I have been fortunate. My chiro x-rayed me last week and said he would guess my backward S curve to be about 40º each way. I was fortunate that at some point I quit curving. However, I have herniated a disc, have some spinal stenosis, and constant sciatica. This last year has really made a difference in my overall being. I try to exercise, keep my weight down and I don't smoke. Still, some days are such a struggle. But I'm optimisitic that I'm going to get better so I can help Anna. Continue to keep us in your thoughts and informed about your son's progress. I have boys his age too. They're pretty neat aren't they? Carla and Anna - ---------- > From: sherril@abac.com > To: scoliosis@ai.mit.edu > Subject: Questions on the Copes brace > ... to > the hips, so it's not what I would call "small". However, it is > lightweight and fairly comfortable. A photo of the brace might be on the > Copes web site at www.scoliosis.com, or he can send you literature and > ... body. > These air bladders, called pneumatic force vectors, apply pressure along > the curves to help guide the curves back into alignment. The air bladders > can be re-inflated and re-positioned by Dr. Copes as the curves begin > correcting, so that they continue to apply pressure in the correct areas. > > ... very > important for doing the required exercises to strengthen the muscles, as > well as any other activities and recreation one would like to participate > in. The 6 hours out of the brace daily are also important so that the > ... within > several months. However, it's been common for some people to not begin > seeing results the first 6 months. Our son, fortunately, has gotten great > results during his first 6 months. But some spines will "resist" what is > trying to be done (the correction and re-alignment) by the brace, and > others have "stubborn" spines. After trying to "resist", however, the > ... the > treatment period, the bone would not heal properly. If a person with > diabetes didn't want to take their insulin, they would be very ill. If > that person did take their insulin faithfully, but didn't want to eat > ... of > some curves. Some, with 40 or 50 degree curves, might need two to four > years, and some who are more mature, or who have 60 or 70 degree curves > might need additional time in the brace. This depends on each person's > ... they > follow all aspects of the treatment. However, neither the brace nor the > muscle stimulations need to be continued the rest of the patient's life. > > ... those > who have had long-term results. One girl, particularly, stands out in my > mind. She was a young dancer who went on to open several dance studios as > an adult, and she is extremely proud of her straightened spine. The walls > in the hallway of Copes' Tampa office display photos from those who > continue to send pictures of themselves, as they thank him for his help. > Keep in mind that, compared to other braces, the Copes brace is still > ... and > like many of those areas, is fairly complex to describe. The therapy is > very simple, though, and basically is meant to correct the eye-to-hand > coordination. You might notice that some people with scoliosis tend to > ... person > without scoliosis tilted their head and shoulder in a similar fashion, they > would feel somewhat askew or possibly off-balance as they walked. But the > person with scoliosis finds the tilted position "normal". The brain, over > time, has adjusted to the tilt, and has come to perceive it as "normal". > As the scoliotic patient becomes straighter and the spine is aligned, they > can begin feeling off-balance, because the straightening of the head and > shoulders does not feel "normal" to them, and mixed signals are being sent > to the brain. The eyes (ocular) and brain must be retrained to accept the > straightened position as the correct position, or the head and shoulders > could begin tilting back into the old "normal", slanted position. > > ... unit > which holds the head in a straight, upright position as the patient > exercises upon a stair-stepper, while keeping their eyes focused on > vertical-striped wallpaper or contact paper, or some other vertical image. > This exercise eventually takes about 20 minutes. Over time, the cervical > traction unit helps straighten the cervical (neck) curve and the tilt of > the head, and the stair-stepper exercise retrains the brain to perceive > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: elin edwards f Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 22:04:39 -0400 (EDT) Subject: sore knees!? This is particularly for those of you with ancient harrington rod fusions: This past month my knees have both hurt almost constantly. I have a 31 year old harrington rod, waist to shoulders (I've never known vertebrae numbers), but have had little trouble over the years. I should probably go to my family doctor and find out what might be up, but I'm wondering if there could be a connection between back and knees? I haven't done anything I remember to injure either and haven't had arthritic tendencies - -- this just showed up a month or so ago, very painful, very strong in both knees. When I've been sitting, I have to stand for about a minute before I can walk. Anyway, I'm babbling (I just got out of my night class where, once again, I was embarrassed after sitting on the edge of the desk lecturing for half and hour, then turning to write on the blackboard and having to stumble and shuffle). Any link to the back thing, or am I grasping for straws? Have a good evening. elin edw. ______ 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: "Kathy Stott" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 22:25:43 -0700 Subject: Good-bye .... This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_0017_01BD932C.6056FE80 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hi All, I have had a few of you e-mail me privately to say "good-bye" and I = probably should have sent this e-mail before "trying" to = unsubscribe........so yes, I am leaving the list for now BUT will be = back, perhaps in a few weeks and if not then my husband has promised to = update the list on the outcome of my surgery and how I am doing. = Surgery scheduled for July 7th (anterior), July 14th (posterior). I = will be coming to you guys for advice and support afterwards, you have = helped me get this far.....big thank you! I have a zillion details to = work out and only have my husbands lap top in the evening, I just need = to focus my mind elsewhere right now. Take care and best wishes to all who have surgeries coming up in the = next few weeks/months, be back soon....... Kathy Stott - ------=_NextPart_000_0017_01BD932C.6056FE80 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Hi All,
 
I have had a few of you e-mail me = privately to say=20 "good-bye" and I probably should have sent this e-mail before=20 "trying" to unsubscribe........so yes, I am leaving the list = for now=20 BUT will be back, perhaps in a few weeks and if not then my husband has = promised=20 to update the list on the outcome of my surgery and how I am = doing.  =20 Surgery scheduled for July 7th (anterior), July 14th (posterior).  = I will=20 be coming to you guys for advice and support afterwards, you have helped = me get=20 this far.....big thank you!  I have a zillion details to work out = and only=20 have my husbands lap top in the evening, I just need to focus my mind = elsewhere=20 right now.
 
Take care and best wishes to all who = have surgeries=20 coming up in the next few weeks/months, be back soon.......
 
Kathy Stott
 
- ------=_NextPart_000_0017_01BD932C.6056FE80-- ______ 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: Eyebe97@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 23:12:15 EDT Subject: Re: car ride home I didn't have very much trouble going home. I had a pillow behind me and one to sit on. The nurse who took me to the car instructed me to sit down in the car with my feet on the ground and then swivel into the car while someone helped my legs into the car. It worked very well and I used that method for the next few times I went in the car. After awhile, I was able to lift my legs on my own. The bumps were no fun, but I took a Percoset right before I left the hospital. I was so happy to finally be "outside" that when I got home, I didn't want to go inside, so I sat outside for awhile. Then, I actually did a load of laundry! Just take it slow and listen to you body....Ellen ______ 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, 08 Jun 1998 20:25:07 -0700 Subject: Re: sore knees!? Elin... I've never heard of a connection between scoliosis and having pain in both knees. It could be something age related. I have problems with my ankles. After I've been sitting for a while, it's very painful to walk up or down stairs until I warm them up a bit. 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: hmc Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 22:30:32 -0600 Subject: Re: LinLou41@aol.com wrote: > >
> Does anyone know what this is/what this means? - --hmc. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Carla E. Barnett" Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 22:42:45 -0500 Subject: Re: new diagnosis for us Pam, I have already written you once, but I'm sure you can't remember. So many messages fly on this forum. I have a 14 year old daughter with a 52º thoracolumbar curve. The orthopedic also recommended surgery. We are exploring all options too. I'm a firm believer in surgery last. The reason I'm writing you again, is when I was deleting some of the messages I noticed you were going for a second opinion to Dr. Richard Mcarthy. I looked up the SRS page and realized he is probably the closest SRS doctor near to us. We live in Western KY and Little Rock is about five and half hours from here. However, no one around here seems to know that much about scoliosis, except that once you are past 40º surgery is recommended. Have you gone for the appointment? I'd like to know what you found out. Surely, there is a way for our daughters to get some correction so they will not have to suffer future consequences of surgery or no treatment at all. Would appreciate hearing from you. Carla and Anna - ---------- > From: Whitley, Pamela J > To: 'scoliosis@ai.mit.edu' > Subject: new diagnosis for us > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Laura and Tim Decaire Date: Tue, 09 Jun 1998 00:37:30 -0500 Subject: New To List Hello, My name is Laura.I have a seventeen year old son who has just been diagnosed with kyphoscoliosis with a seventy degree curveture.We are Canadian and have been told the only way to correct the problem is corrective surgery or live with it. There is a possibility we may not get into see the surgeon in london ontario for 5-6 months possibly could be a wait of a year just for consultation.Are there any canadians on the list who could give us some advice or information to help us.. Thankyou Laura ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: RSMVMD@aol.com Date: Tue, 9 Jun 1998 00:41:48 EDT Subject: Re: Questions In a message dated 6/8/98 7:47:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time, bapp3@juno.com writes: > I was told that I would need a hospital bed when I arrived home and a > walker. The walker I can see a need for, we have BIG dogs and small > children. Do I need a hospital bed also? Carmen, Since you said that you have BIG dogs, I would highly recommend that you get the hospital bed, esp. if you generally allow the dogs on your bed. It could also help with your small children, esp. if they like to climb up on "mommy". I had my surgery in 1996, and stayed at my parents house during my recuperation. I had my dog and my parents' also have a dog. The hospital bed can be raised which would make it more difficult for both pets and children to climb up on. Furthermore, I had split side bars, which I would highly recommend! I had both up on one side and only the upper (head) side on the other. This setup aided in getting on and off the bed, and definitely kept the dogs off. I hope this helps! Good luck with your surgery, etc. Richard S. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Linda Racine Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 22:13:30 -0700 Subject: AOL Chats For those of you interested in AOL chats, send an email message to sgdmb@aol.com, who can apparently give you all the information you need. Regards, 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: Sharon Kay Miller Date: Tue, 9 Jun 1998 09:14:37 +0200 Subject: RE: hi Hi Steve, I'm 46 and have about a 40 degree 'S' curve, not knowing I had scoliosis until I was in my 30's. I have had a lot of trouble lately, and they are recommending surgery, although I still haven't made up my mind. I have now had two opinions - one was that the scoliosis is progressing about 2 degrees a year and the other is that the progression is really only 'wear and tear' - in other words, aging. In any rate, you apparently can go for a long time without troubles as long as the bone structure itself is good, and you are in good shape. I had trouble after my pregnancy, and it got a lot worse after I was very sick for a few months. I have spent the last 2 years really trying to get myself into shape again with back exercises and diet, but it is a long haul! Anyway, you probably can count on sooner or later - just like everyone else does, getting some form of degeneration, and it may be worse because of the curve. This is the one opinion I'm getting - the vertabrae are slipping away because the disk inbetween is being worn out. This is worst at the greatest part of the curve. Sharon > ---------- > From: Steve Wright[SMTP:swright@cctimes.com] > Sent: Monday, June 08, 1998 10:14 PM > ... ______ 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 #853 ************************ You're reading a composite here: the scoliosis-digest is a daily encapsulation of messages sent to four different mailing lists: scoliosis, scoliosis-medical, scoliosis-child and scoliosis-teens. If you're responding, you can determine which list message above was posted to by looking at the message footer. To post your own email to scoliosis, send it to "scoliosis@ai.mit.edu". To post your own email to scoliosis-medical list, send it to "scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu". To post to scoliosis-child, send your message to "scoliosis-child@ai.mit.edu." To post your message to scoliosis-teens, send it to "scoliosis-teens@ai.mit.edu". Be sure to see the scoliosis web page at "http://www.ai.mit.edu/extra/scoliosis/scoliosis.html". For help on using the scoliosis-digest, (especially unsubscribing) send an electronic mail message to "scoliosis-digest-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". Spammers and promotional posts not allowed.