Winning Strategies

Scoliosis Surgery circa 1983

I had my first scoliosis surgery in 1983. It was a brutal operation back in that day. Many components of how they perform this operation has improved. Today it barely resembles the way it was back then.

I was in a circle bed, confined to a bed for 6 weeks. It was like being imprisoned in your own body. I couldn't leave the bed, or the room for that matter for 6 weeks. They would rotate the bed around in a circle allowing me to lay on my stomach every once in awhile.

Heather's dad, Jeff, was there daily. He was my saving grace- standing there next to my bed for hours to talk to me. The sacrifice he made- always being by my side through that whole ordeal- still amazes me. It is amazing that 27 years later- I am still moved to tears by those acts of kindness.

Make a difference in someone's life today. Even after you are deceased, it will still brighten their day. Love someone with a sacrificial and enduring love. So- this post is for you, Jeffrey Lynn Carter (Feb 13, 1964- Dec 11, 1995). In loving memory always.

Urgent care options for Rowlett/Rockwall

Ok- dilemma solved. LakePointe has built a very nice (new), customer friendly urgent care off of Ralph Hall, directly behind the new Kroger in Rockwall, Texas. This center is open on Sundays from Noon til 10PM (yeah!). So- I guess this story does have a happy ending. For information on the center, check out their web site at: http://www.lakepointemedical.com/CWSContent/lakepointemedical/ourServices/medicalServices/Urgent+Care+Center.htm Also- if you are in other states, check out the new MinuteClinics and RediClinics settling into CVS and WalMart stores around the nation. Soon, individuals will have many customer friendly, convenient, price efficient places to get good care- fast. It couldn't come fast enough- (says this mother of 3 that has raised 2 asthmatics!). Thank goodness for change. -------------------------- Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device

Customer Service is Dead at CareNow

Thank goodness that there are new clinics springing up at the likes of stores everywhere- because customer service is so poorly lacking at the ones in existence. I checked Brandon in on-line at CareNow in Mesquite and they called me and said to come right in. After driving several miles- I arrived at the CareNow run by Tim Lambert, MD at exactly 5PM. The doors were locked and they refused to even open the door to listen. It is amazing that we have gone from physicians who use to drive to the house to care for patients to physicians that tell you to come in- then refuse to deliver care. I think CareNow should be renamed CareNever! Uggghhh, why does this have to be so hard!!! I'll find better care alternatives for Rowlett/Garland/Rockwall residents and I'll blog those when I locate them. All for now- not much of a mother's day gift! -------------------------- Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device

Axial Biotech makes a major scoliosis breakthrough with DNA!

In a press release dated 3/17/2008, Axial Biotech announced that it has met several major scientific milestones in its development of the first genetic prognostic test for Adolescent Idiopathis Scoliosis (AIS).

This would be a major breakthrough in Scoliosis identification leading to treatment.  As a teenager, I waited years to find out if my scoliosis would progress past the 'point of no return' requiring surgical intervention- or if the ugly brace I wore would ward off the curvature of my spine. 

I participated in this genetic study.  Both me, and both my parents provided DNA for the research to look for a genetic link through DNA to the scoliosis 'gene'.

For their next stage of the research, they are looking for individuals who:

• Were diagnosed with scoliosis between the ages of 9 and 15
• Were first diagnosed with a mild curve (preferabley between 5 degrees and 24 degrees)
• Had 4 or more office visits with a scoliosis doctor during their childhood/adolescence
• Have finished their growth and their curve did not progress beyond 39 degrees (mild to moderate)

This will help them to identify any DNA differences , if any, between mild, moderate and severe scoliosis.  To contact Axial Biotech, see their website at www.axialbiotech.com or call 888-992-9425.

I wept when I read this news.  It would have been amazing to KNOW BASED ON DNA if my curve was going to be MILD / MODERATE/ OR SEVERE.

A big hip hip hooray for science and the researchers working on Scoliosis.

YEEHAH!