D4 Update?

[George K]

@Jolly said in D4 Update?:

Only way to go with a back. I detest orthos doing back work.

Gonna disagree with you, a bit.

A well-trained ortho is probably fine for the non-complicated stuff. Emphasis on well-trained. I've seen some ortho guys do outstanding work. Former chair of ortho at Northwestern did all the scoliosis surgery there. He was really good.

But, that said, it's rare, and I assume it's not a huge part of most residencies.

Given the choice, I agree, neuro > ortho. But there are some fine ortho spine surgeons out there.

D4's doc:

[George K]

Staff bent the rules and let G2 and G3 visit (they are 6 and 2 years old).

I lived in this building in medical school.

[Jolly]

That's great!

[jon-nyc]

@George-K said in D4 Update?:

@89th said in D4 Update?:

I'm curious does the doctor enjoy talking with you more than most parents because of your medical knowledge? I'd imagine it's a nice change for him/her/they/them.

I usually don't let them know. However, when I have questions, I end up using "the vocabulary."

That happens to me all the time. And obviously I’m not a physician. But I am immersed in that world and the vocabulary sticks to me. ‘Hepatocyte’ falls from my mouth easier than ‘liver cell’. So they ask if I’m a physician and I say ‘no, but I spend too much time with them’ and explain my job.

[George K]

@jon-nyc said in D4 Update?:

‘Hepatocyte’ falls from my mouth easier than ‘liver cell’.

Funny you should comment on that. When we last met, you were dropping all kinds of fancy-schmancy words that I haven't heard or used since medical school. I was surprised.

You're obviously in a very different part of the world than I am was.

[89th]

@George-K I'm sure the kid visits provided a nice emotional boost.

[George K]

By the way, that out-the-window view? See that green patch of land. That's where the VA Hospital used to stand. It was torn down, and nothing ever was built there.

Considering the area, that block of land is worth many, many millions. It's never been developed, and the only explanation I can come up with is that it's federal land and not for sale.

[89th]

Seems refreshing, honestly, to have a bit of green space (and a good chunk of it) in the middle of all that steel.

[taiwan_girl]

@George-K hugs to you and D4. She is lucky to have you and Mrs. George nearby and willing and able to help and support.

[Jolly]

She's very fortunate to have two supportive and knowledgeable parents close.

As for mom and dad wanting to help an ill child in any way they can... That's just part of being a parent. No matter if your child is five days or fifty years old (or older).

If you ever have kids of your own, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Sometimes it's hard to explain that ball of love, responsibility and concern that never goes away...

[89th]

@George-K Surgery still on for tomorrow (or today, if you're reading this in an hour or two)?

[kluurs]

Not going to be an easy day. My heart is with you and your daughter.

[Jolly]

Praying for a good outcome and pain relief...

[Mik]

Here too.

[George K]

Gonna be a sonofabitch procedure. Her first fusion was open, so they have to open EVERYTHING up, see if it's compatible with what they're going to use, and if not, redo the whole thing.

Looks like it'll be 11 or so...so everyone's gonna have a long, long day.

[Horace]

Good luck to her.

[Doctor Phibes]

Best of luck, and best wishes to all. I hope everything goes as smoothly and successfully as possible

[89th]

Sending prayers and best wishes.

[Mik]

Any word yet?

[George K]

Surgery started large ~ 3:45. Got an update at 5:30 - still working but no problems. I expect another hour.