Going Home believe it or not
Friday morning came and the nurses came to sort my bed out so I asked them if I was allowed to go in the shower, I had had a good night and was feeling great, the nurse said yes it's fine we will get some waterproof dressings and then you can go in. The nurse helped me but it was lovely just being back to me doing things and I thought to myself I wonder if I would be allowed home, although didn't say anything. After the shower I got my clothes on rather than my pjamas and sat in my wheelchair to have breakfast. Mum then called me to see how I was doing and said I had just been in the shower and managed fine.
Once everything in my room had beensorted I got out of my chair and went for a walk into the ward and to speak to the Sister on duty to see what the likelyhood was that I would be allowed home, she didn't see why not but it would be up to the man himself, and that he would be coming to see me at some point in the day. I knew with it being friday, he would have clinic and therefore could be around lunchtime.
I decided to go back to my room and get in my chair so that I could get around easier and go to the shops. The Dr who had been looking after me came to see me briefly to make sure everything was fine and it was. I then spend the rest of the time whizzing around in my chair.
It is sod's law that when you are waiting too see someone they never come, but the minute you go out they arrive. This is exactly what happened I had gone off the ward for a few minutes and Mr Papastefanou had been too see me and I missed him, or so I thought because as I was heading back he was coming towards me so we stopped and had a long discussion about how I was and how things would be over next few months etc. He asked if I had any questions so I asked would I be allowed to go home now ? if your not happy then I would stay over the weekend etc, but no he was as happy as I was, the x-ray looked good, and I had done everything he had asked me to do, so off you go with my blessing.
It was really an emotional moment for both of us, because he was leaving the country and going home to greece to work, but we both left on a very happy moment, and Mr Papastefanou, if you are reading this I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me, and I will keep my fighting spirit I promise!!!!!!!!
Safe Journey
Once everything in my room had beensorted I got out of my chair and went for a walk into the ward and to speak to the Sister on duty to see what the likelyhood was that I would be allowed home, she didn't see why not but it would be up to the man himself, and that he would be coming to see me at some point in the day. I knew with it being friday, he would have clinic and therefore could be around lunchtime.
I decided to go back to my room and get in my chair so that I could get around easier and go to the shops. The Dr who had been looking after me came to see me briefly to make sure everything was fine and it was. I then spend the rest of the time whizzing around in my chair.
It is sod's law that when you are waiting too see someone they never come, but the minute you go out they arrive. This is exactly what happened I had gone off the ward for a few minutes and Mr Papastefanou had been too see me and I missed him, or so I thought because as I was heading back he was coming towards me so we stopped and had a long discussion about how I was and how things would be over next few months etc. He asked if I had any questions so I asked would I be allowed to go home now ? if your not happy then I would stay over the weekend etc, but no he was as happy as I was, the x-ray looked good, and I had done everything he had asked me to do, so off you go with my blessing.
It was really an emotional moment for both of us, because he was leaving the country and going home to greece to work, but we both left on a very happy moment, and Mr Papastefanou, if you are reading this I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me, and I will keep my fighting spirit I promise!!!!!!!!
Safe Journey
Labels: artificial disc replacement, Cerebral Palsy, neuromuscular disorder
12 September 2009
Artificial Disc Replaement Surgery
Well its a while since I have given you all an update on how my life is going, and thats because you may remember that I posted a bit ago that I was waiting for more spine surgery, well I have had the surgery and im back home safe, sound and doing well.
I went for my pre assessment and long discussions with my Spine Consultant Mr Papastefanou and we agreed to go ahead with the operation on the 19th August. The day was set and I had 2 weeks to get my head around what was going to be happening.
The 18th came and I made my way to the hospital to get admitted to the ward and complete the medical assesments that you usual go through the day before surgery. I have to admit that I was starting to feel a bit nervous, but not as nervous as I was going to be the next day. All the assesments went well and I have to say I was really impressed with my room, I got a room to myself so that I had plenty of space for my wheelchair and I had ensuite facilites so it felt like a hotel room. I was also impressed with the meals, in all the times I have been in hospitals I am never liked the meals and not really eaten much.
I went for my pre assessment and long discussions with my Spine Consultant Mr Papastefanou and we agreed to go ahead with the operation on the 19th August. The day was set and I had 2 weeks to get my head around what was going to be happening.
The 18th came and I made my way to the hospital to get admitted to the ward and complete the medical assesments that you usual go through the day before surgery. I have to admit that I was starting to feel a bit nervous, but not as nervous as I was going to be the next day. All the assesments went well and I have to say I was really impressed with my room, I got a room to myself so that I had plenty of space for my wheelchair and I had ensuite facilites so it felt like a hotel room. I was also impressed with the meals, in all the times I have been in hospitals I am never liked the meals and not really eaten much.
Labels: artificial disc replacement, neuromuscular disorder, Scoliosis
04 September 2009
He couldn't sit, now will walk
BANGALORE: Prateek (12) had developed a progressive sideward bending of the spine, and found it difficult to sit or walk.
A cerebral palsy patient, Prateek was diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis (sideward bending of the spine) of 100 degrees. He needed a galveston (spino-pelvic) fusion surgery, but as it is a rare surgery, involving high risk and expertise, the boy had to wait for two years for the right facility and surgeon. Finally, Manipal Hospital came to his rescue.
The surgery done by a team headed by Dr S Vidyadhara, consultant spine surgeon, lasted for eight hours. He was given six units of blood.
Now, two days after the operation, Prateek can sit straight. His post-operative radiograph shows all implants are in good position.
According to Dr Vidyadhara, cerebral palsy is quite common and affects one in a thousand children born of normal deliveries. It is the result of hypoxic damage to the brain during labour that causes muscular paralysis and results in neuro-muscular scoliosis.
Prateek's case was challenging because of the severity of the curve -- it was 100 degrees and rigid. Also, a side of the pelvis got lifted up on one side and due to which he lost balance while sitting. All this had to be corrected. He also faced risk of paraplegia (impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities). The other challenges were increased surgical time and risk of blood loss, the doctor said.
Prateek can now move both his legs, and will be able to use a walker in two-three days once the operative pain is reasonably reduced.
A cerebral palsy patient, Prateek was diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis (sideward bending of the spine) of 100 degrees. He needed a galveston (spino-pelvic) fusion surgery, but as it is a rare surgery, involving high risk and expertise, the boy had to wait for two years for the right facility and surgeon. Finally, Manipal Hospital came to his rescue.
The surgery done by a team headed by Dr S Vidyadhara, consultant spine surgeon, lasted for eight hours. He was given six units of blood.
Now, two days after the operation, Prateek can sit straight. His post-operative radiograph shows all implants are in good position.
According to Dr Vidyadhara, cerebral palsy is quite common and affects one in a thousand children born of normal deliveries. It is the result of hypoxic damage to the brain during labour that causes muscular paralysis and results in neuro-muscular scoliosis.
Prateek's case was challenging because of the severity of the curve -- it was 100 degrees and rigid. Also, a side of the pelvis got lifted up on one side and due to which he lost balance while sitting. All this had to be corrected. He also faced risk of paraplegia (impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities). The other challenges were increased surgical time and risk of blood loss, the doctor said.
Prateek can now move both his legs, and will be able to use a walker in two-three days once the operative pain is reasonably reduced.
Labels: Cerebral Palsy, neuromuscular disorder, Scoliosis
02 July 2009
Curvature of the spine: Could your child have scoliosis?
In a person with scoliosis, the spine may curve side-to-side in a "C" or "S" shape. Sometimes the spinal bones (vertebrae) may also twist. © iStockphoto.com
By Laurie Sammeth, Contributing Writer, myOptumHealth
Content provided by
myOptumHealth
Subtle signs of scoliosis, such as an uneven hemline or one hip appearing higher than the other, may first be noticed during a growth spurt in the early teen or preteen years. While these signs can be alarming, scoliosis is usually mild and won't get worse. Only about four children in 1,000 will need any treatment for it. In some cases, bracing is used to stop the progression of a curve. Rarely, surgery is needed to correct it.
Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine. Normally when you look at a person's back, the spine or backbone falls in a straight line from the base of the neck to the tailbone. In a person with scoliosis, the spine may curve side-to-side in a "C" or "S" shape. Sometimes the spinal bones (vertebrae) may also twist.
What causes scoliosis?
Most of the time, doctors don't know what causes scoliosis. In these cases, it is called idiopathic scoliosis. In a few cases, it may be caused by another condition, such as a connective tissue or neuromuscular disorder.
Scoliosis tends to run in families. Idiopathic scoliosis occurs more often and tends to progress more in girls than in boys. Posture, a heavy book bag, or diet and exercise have nothing to do with whether someone will develop scoliosis.
What are the symptoms?
Scoliosis usually causes the spine to curve in an "S" or "C" shape. There may be no symptoms in the early stages of mild scoliosis. Signs of scoliosis include having:
One shoulder higher than the other
An uneven waistline
Ribs that stick out farther on one side of the body
A shoulder blade that sticks out farther on one side of the body
A tendency to lean to one side
Most cases are mild and don't get worse. In other cases, early treatment with a brace may prevent a curve from getting worse.
If scoliosis becomes severe, it may cause back pain or breathing problems. The earlier a child develops it, the more severe the curve can become.
How is it treated?
What treatment your child may need for scoliosis will depend on his age and how much more a child is expected to grow. Treatment also depends on how severe the curve is.
The main treatments for scoliosis include:
Observation. If your child has only a mild form (a spinal curve under 25 degrees), she most likely will not need treatment. But she should see the doctor every four to six months for observation until she stops growing.
Bracing. If your child is still growing and has a spinal curve over 25 to 30 degrees, he may need to wear a brace to prevent the curve from getting worse. There are many different kinds of braces and each must be custom fit for your child.
A brace will not correct the spinal curving but may keep it from getting worse. Your child must wear the brace every day for as long as the doctor recommends. But she can often take it off to exercise and play sports.
Surgery. If your child's scoliosis is severe (a spinal curve over 45 to 50 degrees) or if bracing does not stop its progression, surgery may be suggested. Surgery involves fusing (connecting) two or more vertebrae to straighten the backbone and inserting a permanent implant, such as a metal rod, to help keep it straight.
Having scoliosis can affect your child's self-esteem during the vulnerable teen years. It may be helpful to join a support group of others coping with the same condition.
SOURCES:
US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Screening for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents.
Scoliosis Association. Scoliosis facts.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Scoliosis.
Greiner KA. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: radiologic decision-making. American Family Physician. 2002;65:1817-1822.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Scoliosis in children and adolescents.
By Laurie Sammeth, Contributing Writer, myOptumHealth
Content provided by
myOptumHealth
Subtle signs of scoliosis, such as an uneven hemline or one hip appearing higher than the other, may first be noticed during a growth spurt in the early teen or preteen years. While these signs can be alarming, scoliosis is usually mild and won't get worse. Only about four children in 1,000 will need any treatment for it. In some cases, bracing is used to stop the progression of a curve. Rarely, surgery is needed to correct it.
Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine. Normally when you look at a person's back, the spine or backbone falls in a straight line from the base of the neck to the tailbone. In a person with scoliosis, the spine may curve side-to-side in a "C" or "S" shape. Sometimes the spinal bones (vertebrae) may also twist.
What causes scoliosis?
Most of the time, doctors don't know what causes scoliosis. In these cases, it is called idiopathic scoliosis. In a few cases, it may be caused by another condition, such as a connective tissue or neuromuscular disorder.
Scoliosis tends to run in families. Idiopathic scoliosis occurs more often and tends to progress more in girls than in boys. Posture, a heavy book bag, or diet and exercise have nothing to do with whether someone will develop scoliosis.
What are the symptoms?
Scoliosis usually causes the spine to curve in an "S" or "C" shape. There may be no symptoms in the early stages of mild scoliosis. Signs of scoliosis include having:
One shoulder higher than the other
An uneven waistline
Ribs that stick out farther on one side of the body
A shoulder blade that sticks out farther on one side of the body
A tendency to lean to one side
Most cases are mild and don't get worse. In other cases, early treatment with a brace may prevent a curve from getting worse.
If scoliosis becomes severe, it may cause back pain or breathing problems. The earlier a child develops it, the more severe the curve can become.
How is it treated?
What treatment your child may need for scoliosis will depend on his age and how much more a child is expected to grow. Treatment also depends on how severe the curve is.
The main treatments for scoliosis include:
Observation. If your child has only a mild form (a spinal curve under 25 degrees), she most likely will not need treatment. But she should see the doctor every four to six months for observation until she stops growing.
Bracing. If your child is still growing and has a spinal curve over 25 to 30 degrees, he may need to wear a brace to prevent the curve from getting worse. There are many different kinds of braces and each must be custom fit for your child.
A brace will not correct the spinal curving but may keep it from getting worse. Your child must wear the brace every day for as long as the doctor recommends. But she can often take it off to exercise and play sports.
Surgery. If your child's scoliosis is severe (a spinal curve over 45 to 50 degrees) or if bracing does not stop its progression, surgery may be suggested. Surgery involves fusing (connecting) two or more vertebrae to straighten the backbone and inserting a permanent implant, such as a metal rod, to help keep it straight.
Having scoliosis can affect your child's self-esteem during the vulnerable teen years. It may be helpful to join a support group of others coping with the same condition.
SOURCES:
US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Screening for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents.
Scoliosis Association. Scoliosis facts.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Scoliosis.
Greiner KA. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: radiologic decision-making. American Family Physician. 2002;65:1817-1822.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Scoliosis in children and adolescents.
Labels: curve, idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular disorder, Scoliosis