I went with my daughter today to her 2 1/2 year post op visit. She had a 2 level fusion and laminectomy in June of '05. Her dr is very happy with everything. He said he sees good bone growth and signs of a strong fusion. He had her bend and try to touch her toes. She's not quite there yet. He told her no restrictions. I wasn't thrilled that she went sledding last week, but he was fine with it.

When he first walked in he began examining her wrist that she broke and had surgery on. He didn't even do the surgery but I called him for advice the night she broke it since we were out of town. He remembered everything we had talked about on the phone that night and that was 3 1/2 months ago. He's amazing.

I was sure that he'd release her today, but wants to see her again in nine months. He can feel two of her screws near the surface of her skin. I'm wondering if that's why he keeps checking on her. They are not giving her any pain at all at this time.

Is this normal for a surgeon to continue to monitor the patient that long post- op? He is a pediatric dr so I don't know if that makes a difference or maybe he's just watching the screws.

Have a great Christmas everyone! cas

How old is your daughter? If she's still in a growing phase then it would seem reasonable for her the surgeon to continue to periodically see her until her growth stops. He probably wants to see how her body adapts to growing with the fusion. Good idea!

Dear Spine,
Thanks for the response. I never thought about growth. She is 18 now and I am pretty sure she is done growing, but thatl be the reason. I never thought about that.
cas

My pediatric surgeon followed me for 3 years after my surgery. He also told me that later in life if I had a problem that he would be there for me even though he was a pediatric doctor. Unfortunately, he does not take my insurance now or I would have gone back to him even as an adult.

I don't think that is out of the ordinary especially with the screws near the surface of the skin. He is probably watching it closely.

This surgeon keeping an eye on her is really a good idea. I wouldn't be surprised if he follows her until she's out of her "teens" entirely.

Spine and Pepper,

Thank you both for your replies. Maybe this is just something pediatric doctors do. My daughter's dr seems a lot like your dr was Pepper. He helped me make the wrist decision, helped her with a scholarship presentation last year, and will always return my calls. He told my daughter that his patients are like part of his family. So we're happy he's still watching out for her. I also think it keeps this 18 year old on her best behavior concerning her back. It just seemed like a longer period than adult drs follow their patients. Thanks. cas

Hi Cas,
I just wanted to say how thrilled I am that this has gone so well for your daughter. She had a gem of a doctor and has healed so well. Congratulations to her AND TO YOU for making it through this ordeal with your sanity intact and a good relationship!

Blessings,
Emily

Thanks, Emily. As you all know these spine and her other medical issues has been a long process. I tell my daughter that we have had some great bonding time waiting at all of her appointments together. She has been very unlucky with many things, but at least luck was on her side that things have healed well for her and she had a fabulous dr. cas

My son's surgery was in May 2005 and he, also, has screws that are near the surface and you can feel them. He's thin so that could be why.

Bobi

Bobi,
I think your son's surgery was near my daughter's. Does his surgeon still follow up on him to check the screws. My daughter's dr did say that he could feel them because she is so skinny. cas

It's wonderful to hear that your daughter is doing SO well! Isn't great as a parent, to see your daughter out there and living life to the fullest and normally too?!!! My greatest gift is seeing my children happy, out living life and in love. So far, neither of my children have complained about spinal issues, and I hope this is something I have not passed on to either of them. I gave them allergies.. that is enough!

Happy holidays to you and your family! Tammy

Tammy,
Thank you for the wonderful wishes. I am so happy to hear that she is doing well from her dr each time we go. It is such a change from seeing her always on the couch and in pain. She is able to live like a normal college freshman now and loving it.

It certainly does scare me when he says she has no restrictions. It's like I want to keep her in that bubble so that she never has to go through all of this again in her life, but I know that is unlikely as the years pass.

Have a wonderful and pain free Christmas. cas