Friday, June 26, 2009

RIP, Michael

My personal media filter is up and running in the wake of yesterday’s news that Michael Jackson -- musician, dancer, artist -- has died of an apparent heart attack.

I don’t want to hear about the past scandals, the eccentric behavior and the massive debt. I just want to enjoy my own memories of Michael and the Jackson Five as they blazed a new trail in musical entertainment during the 1970s, creating their own sound and style. Michael took that groundbreaking tradition further when he went solo, securing his place as the bonafide “King of Pop.”

I grew up with the Jackson Five, singing and dancing to their albums in the privacy of my bedroom. My family had to pound on the door to get my attention, so absorbed was I in the magic of their music.

It’s amazing how many generations of people throughout the world know of Michael Jackson and his incredible talent. As I listened to the BBC this morning, folks from around the globe were reminiscing about him, and how his music and dancing affected their lives.

I count myself among them now as we all mourn this tragic loss of an icon.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Spinal fusions, pregnancy and childbirth – oh my!

A high school friend recently said she was relieved that my spinal fusions had not prevented me from having children. That surprised me. I never thought of my back being a hindrance in that way. In fact, I’d always considered my spine to be stronger than average, having been fortified through fusions.

However, I did consider if I should reproduce – and risk passing spondylolisthesis and scoliosis to my progeny. As I point out in my memoir, if I’d been born a century earlier, I would have been paralyzed by the time I’d reached child-bearing age, and my genes would have stopped with me.

It was amazing how quickly those lofty ideals fell, though, after I married Mark. Subsequently, we have two beautiful children that, thankfully, have not developed any spinal problems.

My first pregnancy was uneventful. Sure, I had some lower back aches, but what expectant mother doesn’t? I remained active by walking our dog every morning and attending a weekly, prenatal exercise class. All in all, I felt great – and very excited to meet my baby.

Then, after 12 hours of unproductive labor – and three incidences of my daughter’s heart rate dropping! – the doctor decided an emergency C-section was in order.

Enter the anesthesiologist. I had not discussed my spinal fusions and the possibility of an epidural up until that point, but when he learned about my previous surgeries his advice was succinct and to the point: “If you’re not having any problems with your back, I wouldn’t risk it.”

The OB who was monitoring my labor and delivery was the one doctor -- out of a practice of five – that I didn’t like. What are the odds? He was arrogant and cocky and actually boasted that he would get that epidural needle in me – if that’s what I wanted.

“Does it matter what I want?” I asked him.

“Of course.”

“Then, put me to sleep!”

Although Mark was in the OR for J’s birth, I hated not being awake for it. So, in the third trimester with my son (who was to be a planned C-section, since he was a Kell baby: http://tiny.cc/XBa0g), I consulted with my then-orthopedist to determine if I had other options. He mentioned a caudal block (
http://tiny.cc/wD7qA), but didn’t really advocate for it.

In the end, I was asleep for both of my children’s births and, given the risks, I think I made the best choice for my future spinal health.

Monday, June 8, 2009

The redheaded stepchild of orthopedics

Make no mistake. Scoliosis is serious stuff. Just ask me – or anyone else who has it.

So, why is it so difficult for scoliosis to be taken seriously?

I’m not talking about people who are afflicted with scoliosis – or know someone who is. I’m referring to the media and the general public, and maybe even some in the medical community.

In my “Milwaukee Brace” post, I cite the scene in Sixteen Candles where a girl wearing the brace attempts to quench her thirst at a water fountain. But, that’s just one example of many I’ve seen and heard where the punch line involves “the kid with scoliosis.”

And while it may be good for a laugh, scoliosis isn’t “sexy” from a publicity standpoint.

Several years ago, I offered my services as a PR professional to the National Scoliosis Foundation pro bono to help them publicize the importance of early screening for effective treatment of scoliosis. Since many school systems nationwide have determined that in-school screenings are cost-prohibitive, the story was a public service encouraging parents to request scoliosis screening at the pediatrician’s office. The most prominent placement of the press release came from a local, weekly newspaper whose editor had an adolescent relative with scoliosis.

Even within the medical community, scoliosis is treated like the redheaded stepchild of orthopedics. So, as a condition, it doesn’t get much attention, and that inattention can extend to its patients.

Last summer I wanted to establish myself as a patient with a local orthopedist that Mary had recommended, but when the doctors learned I was an adult scoliosis patient – in pain – my file was shuffled from one to the other until the pain specialist in the practice finally delivered the news: they couldn’t (or wouldn’t) see me!

I’ve since learned that this is very common for adult scoliosis patients. Why? I have no idea, but I figure any doctor who practices in that manner is definitely one to avoid.