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class=046374917-01042010>fyi,</SPAN></FONT></DIV><FONT face="Trebuchet MS"
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<FONT face=Tahoma size=2><B>From:</B> Romney Tannehill
[mailto:romney@romneytannehill.com] <BR><B>Sent:</B> Thursday, April 01, 2010
7:46 AM<BR><B>Subject:</B> Nanci Rowes's Upcoming Back
Surgery<BR></FONT><BR></DIV>
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<DIV><BR></DIV><FONT class=Apple-style-span size=5><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">My Back Surgery<BR><BR>It’s finally going to
happen. I am scheduled Wednesday, April 7</SPAN></FONT><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=5><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">th</SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class=Apple-style-span
size=5><SPAN class=Apple-style-span style="FONT-SIZE: 18px"> for the first
of two spine surgeries. The second one will be one week later. My
scoliosis has been getting worse these past three years. It had gotten to
the point where I felt I just couldn’t live with it the way it was any longer.
My curvature would continue to get worse to the point that it would compromise
my heart and lungs. At this point there is a 45 degree curve (this is
huge) in the lumbar area.<BR><BR>The only way to correct the problem is to
implant two titanium rods that run up the back next to the spinal column.
At the first surgery the doctor attaches screws to the wing-like bone that
protrudes on the side of the spinal vertebrae. One week later they go back
and attach the rods to the screws. Each rod is about 14” long. Then they somehow
pull the spine into alignment. Sounds like lots of fun, doesn’t it? These
rods are permanent so my back will be fused. Each surgery takes about 6-8
hours, which is why they don’t do it all at one time. The rate of
complication is reduced dramatically by doing the procedures
separately. <BR><BR>I will be in the hospital about two weeks.
I may or may not go to a rehab hospital afterwards. The doctor will decide
as my discharge date gets closer. He prefers that I go home. Since I
will be having a wonderful male nurse named Tom to take care of me, I know I
will be in good hands. (Hot dogs, again??) <BR><BR>The surgery is
taking place at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.
This doctor came highly recommended by two gals I have met who have had spinal
surgery by this doctor. He has a long list of impressive
credentials. We have total confidence in him and his
team. <BR><BR>The recovery takes about 3-6 months. The healing will
continue for up to two years. I will be wearing a body brace for 12
weeks. But luckily, I can take it off to shower and sleep. Thank
goodness for small things!<BR><BR>Tom will be sending you an update after
surgery to let you know how everything went. I just want to have the
surgery, heal and then get on with the rest of my life. <BR><BR>Love and
hugs,<BR>Nanci and Tom</SPAN></FONT>
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