Hi, Jennifer:

Thank you so much for all the links, as well as your personal experience with Dr. Fogelson.
I looked at all these interesting links with amazement at what these doctors did for these patients. I do feel so much more energized about coming to Mayo to see if Dr. Fogelson can help me with the pain I’ve had since my very first surgery (2008). The down side is, according to the Patient Coordinator I spoke with last week, I probably won’t be seen until December. That was very disappointing, however, no surprise.
I’m not sure just how many of my posts you read, but the Pain Management doc I last saw who did my latest injection, refused to give me any more of the Percocet I’d been taking for 15 years. Needless to say, my pain is no better and I act feel it’s somewhat worse. I cannot stand more than 5-10 minutes, and I’m not able to walk without the use of a walker. As an aside, that particular inability may be due to the fact I had hip surgery last Feb after a very nasty fall in the shower. The doctor who did that surgery later told me he SHOULD’ve done a hip replacement instead of the open reduction fixation. Gee, doc…NOW you tell me?
So, in essence, I’m just a physical train wreck. Although I don’t have any pain from my hip surgery, I still have this never-ending pain from all my scoliosis surgeries. When I was taking Percocet for this pain, I was at least able to function. I had definite limitations, but was able to be physically active (weights, recumbent bike) 3-4x a week. Now I cannot do anything but sit on the couch all day. My quality of life is pretty much at zero.
I wish I could remember all my levels fused, but I can say it starts at the bottom of my neck and goes all the way down to the top of my pelvis. That’s the best I can do. I hope you can maybe get an idea, Dr. Fogelson will be able to see very clearly the extent of my fusion when he sees my imaging,
Again, I thank you so much for taking the time to be so helpful to a total stranger. I’m so glad you were able to get the help you so badly needed.
BTW, your painting of Dr. Fogelson looks fantastic! I’m sure just be looking at your incredible likeness of him, never forget how he helped you.
Take care. I’ll certainly keep you informed of my progress. Thanks to your email, I feel very encouraged that I’ll be able to be pain-free one day!

With Gratitude,
Karen