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My journey with a T11 to L4 spinal fusion - 40 degree scoliosis curve
Spine Health | Last Active: May 9 10:33am | Replies (217)Comment receiving replies
@sherrym25
I'm jumping in to these older messages because I was looking for anyone who had surgery at Mayo in Rochester. I have an appointment with Dr Helgelson. I didn't think we could post names of surgeons here, but since it looks like Dr McClendon was mentioned then it must be ok. I think I got confused about a surgeon that was recommended, but I guess they are all pretty good at Mayo. I would hope. Any comments about Dr Mel Helgelson ? I read that he is very good with endoscopic surgery.
Replies to "@sherrym25 I'm jumping in to these older messages because I was looking for anyone who had..."
@annie1
Hey Annie! Sorry for the late response but life has been busy for me the last couple months. I need to connect with a few people on this site to update!
I’m not sure about any restrictions regarding naming surgeons, but I have not had any problem recommending my surgeon who is absolutely amazing.
Dr. McClendon is at the Phoenix Arizona clinic and specializes in minimally invasive surgery. A surgery that would normally take two hours took him eight and the recovery is quicker. I had my 18 month follow up with him a couple weeks ago and he explained that by doing the minimally invasive for my T11 to L4 surgery. He did not destabilize my L4 to L5 which could have created problems in the future.
Many surgeons do not offer the minimally invasive surgery and I honestly don’t blame them based on how much more work is entailed. That being said, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. McClendon’s work ethic and what a perfectionist he is.
I have seen your posts for months looking for people who have experience with surgeries who have osteoporosis. I want you to know you’re in my prayers. As for additional information, I also joined a few Facebook groups that share wonderful information. Just search spinal fusion and spine surgery, spine, surgery, osteoporosis, etc. and there are a lot of groups where people are sharing much more information.
I really hope this helps in someway and please feel free to direct message me or ask any questions that you might have!
Wishing the best for you,
Sherry
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@annie1
Hi Annie, I had surgery at Mayo Rochester last year. My surgeon was Dr. Jeremy Fogelson and I highly recommend him. He is excellent. My surgery was fron T10 to my pelvis.
Here is a link to his profile:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/fogelson-jeremy-l-m-d/bio-20055624!
I wish you all the best.
Nadine