Saturday, February 27, 2010

"Hey Clinic Graduation Smiles" : Looking back with thankfulness over the last few weeks.

The busy days around Hey Clinic and the hospital often do not give us much time to reflect and give thanks for the many precious people we get to know, and be a part of their lives.
This week we squeezed in several urgent guests, including a Duke nurse, who was in agony with a C67 disc herniation — something I can be very sympathetic about, since I suffered from the same thing several years ago, and was so thankful when that pain was removed with surgery.  We took care of her huge disc earlier this week with a C67 ACDF, and she went home with her EMT husband with a smile!  We also had an urgent adolescent guest flown in from Florida, and another nurse guest who was in agony with her lower back, now doing better.  I saw a woman who had scoliosis surgery elsewhere, who had a severe fracture in her mid-thoracic spine at top of her fusion, and collapse below her fusion who was in tears, and actually losing hope to continue living.   Jenny, one of my 2 awesome PA’s was seeing her first, and pulled me into the room between surgeries.   We were able to explain to her what the problems were, and come up with a plan to get her straightened up and relieve some of the pain that she is experiencing.   I could tell from her face at the end of the visit that she definitely had HOPE for the future. People who come to Hey Clinic often will comment how our PA’s and I do a good job taking the time to figure out what is going on, showing you what is going on with the imaging studies, and giving you treatment options that always begin with the least invasive.  That is why 96% or more of our guests rate their Hey Clinic experience as “Excellent” or “Best Clinic Experience Ever.”

I also saw several second opinions for surgery, for several adolescent and college age guests with painful and progressive thoracolumbar scoliosis, and those interested in XLIF and other minimally invasive procedures.
I really enjoy spending time with my teenage guests and their parents, and answering all their questions about scoliosis and kyphosis treatments and long-term effects.  

One Hey Clinic tradition we have had for many years is to get a “Team Photo” with our surgery guest and family with me and their X-Ray, when they are healed and “graduating”!
These photos are then printed and given to our guests, and then, with their permission, shared on our photo collage in the clinic.

Here’s just a sample of the special people who have come through our clinic over the past few weeks, all different ages, with all different types of spinal problems:  Police officers with severe double curve untreated adolescent scoliosis, adolescent kyphosis, adolescent idioipathic scoliosis, adult scoliosis, lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation treated with minimally invasive / minimally disruptive surgery, spondylolisthesis L5S1 in high performance high school baseball player, very complex revision lumbar reconstructive surgery... And so on.  But at the end of the day, no matter what the initial problem, what matters most is helping our guests and their families to get to the “smile” outcome at the end of treatment.  That makes me smile too, and thank God as well as the many people who helped for the healing we see.

Here’s a web link to some of our recent team photos and other photos that show some of the smiles we’ve shared together.
So here’s something new for the blog:  Our first photo slideshow gallery!  
http://gallery.me.com/drhey/100189

Enjoy the smiles and have a great weekend.  

Life is Precious.  Life is Good.  Enjoy It.  Share it.

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
http://www.heyclinic.com

Thursday, February 25, 2010

FW: Thursday. Charlene gives us an update on her recovery after adult / adolescent scoliosis surgery recovery

----- Forwarded Message
From: CHARLENE
Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:55:47 -0500
To: Lloyd Hey <h>
Subject: Thursday

Hi Dr. Hey!
We are all staying in touch with your blog! Hope you had some sunshiny weather while in Orlando.
We live in FL so we enjoy the sunshine. Anyhow, many things I want to share but will make this one brief.  I feel much better than I did after my surgery on February 9th.  My dear friend Chris shared the day with me today and I
mentioned that I can sleep with the mattress flat instead of upright as we have an adjustable memory foam bed because of complications from the scoliosis.  I cannot tell you the last time I slept flat but know it has been years. I got somewhat emotional with joy when I shared with her today and she said I should share with you.  Small steps each day & giving praise to our Lord.  Walking around the house & on the driveway with friends, family at least twice a day. I will when I feel up to it share my testimony some day soon but until then I want to THANK YOU so VERY much for your help and willingness to take on my degree of scoliosis.  You are amazing, peaceful & an optimistic man.  I thank God every day.  Each day is a gift to be cherished.
My family and I are forever a part of the Hey Family and we are looking forward to seeing you all again.  Also would love to own/buy Hey Clinic
t-shirts to add to our wardrobe. I'd wear one very day!  Again thank you to you, your family and staff. AMAZING!!!  
Forever grateful,
Charlene



------ End of Forwarded Message

33 yo nurse w 4 month history severe L arm pain C67 disc herniation fixed today

C67 acdf w plate.
Large disc fragment was stuck in the neural foramen, gently removed
No complications.
Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Woman from Wyoming fixed today who had XStops and minimally invasive spinal decompression and fusion

Did well.
Removed 2 Xstops and remaining MIS hardware.
L3-iliac revision extension decompression and fusion.
Surgical time: 3 hr 08 min.

She should do very well.

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis an Spine Surgery

Monday, February 22, 2010

FW: Giving Thanks (55 yo woman 4 years after T4-L5 instrumentation and fusion for severe adolescent idiopathic and degenerative scoliosis surgery

------ Forwarded Message
From: Rita
Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:15:50 -0500
To: Lloyd Hey <>
Subject: Giving Thanks

Dr. Hey,
It has been almost 4 years since my surgery and I, almost daily, find myself giving thanks for my new life.  Yes, I still have some pain; however, it is no comparison as to my life before surgery.  There have been countless people that I have shared the results with and a few that you have performed surgery on.  Your work continues to build your impeccable reputation and I know this must be so fulfilling.
I continue to work  in Real Estate, even with the challenge of our current market; which I feel is getting much better since the first of the year. Please keep me in mind if you run across someone in need a great Realtor.
Have a wonderful week,
Rita

Disorders of the Spine Conference

I just got back from four days away at a neurosurgery spine
conference, down in Orlando Florida, and today is my first day back to
work, in my regular "scrubs" outfit. It is good to be back.

The 26th Annual Meeting of the AANS/CNS section on DISORDERS OF THE
SPINE AND PERIPHERAL NERVES was a good conference.
I got a chance to catch up with my former Duke Spine Fellow, Dr. Ollie
Damisa, who is now working in Virginia and doing well. So good to see
you Ollie!

Over the next few days, as time allows, I'll share with you some of
the "inside scoops" I picked up on, in areas that you might find
interesting, including minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS), XLIF/
DLIF technology, healthcare upcoming changes, and scoliosis surgery.

I also want to send out a special message to Shelbi and Meredith from
Hey Clinic, who are both down at Disney Institute for Quality training.
Look forward to hear what they are learning!

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

L45 spondylolisthesis and stenosis fixed today

Severe back and bilateral leg pain
L45 decompression and fusion w tlif, and L4 laminectomy
Surgical time 2 hrs.
Complications: none.

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery

Happy Birthday Hey Clinic Cake!

One of our traditions at Hey Clinic is birthday breakfasts. Everyone
brings in home made treats and we celebrate then go to work!

Here I am w Sue who made me a birthday big cookie w the Hey Clinic Logo!

Thanks guys!

Dr. Lloyd Hey

Monday, February 15, 2010

L45 spondylolisthesis and stenosis fixes today

Had previous failed laminectomy.
Fixed today w revision lumbar decompression instrumentation and fusion
w TLIF.
Ebl: 100 cc.
Surgical time: approx 2 hrs.

Did T11-iliac wing revision extension instrumentation and fusion for
L1 fracture at top of old fusion.

A great day!

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic For Scoliosis and Spine Surgery

Back to life from John D.

Three months prior to surgery, I began having spasms that lasted up to 18 hours. During a spasm, the pain was very intense and I could not get into a position of any kind that would relieve the pain. Pain meds also provided no relief. My active lifestyle had come to a halt. Even when not having a spasm, I could not drive, sit in a chair, stand or walk.

Here it is 15 months after becoming immobile and I am able to resume a normal life. For the past year since my operation, done by Dr. Hey, I have either walked or ridden an exercise bike six days a week for at least 30 minutes. My fusion has healed 100% and I am now able to go to the gym and exercise my upper body to get my strength back. The bottom line is I have my life back. I advise all to follow Dr. Hey’s instructions to achieve the best results.

John D.
L2-S1 fusion
SX date: 2/10/09

-----------
Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Raleigh, NC  USA
Http://www.heyclinic.com

Thursday, February 11, 2010

12 YO girl w 51 degree adolescent idiopathic scoliosis fixes today

Amanda has had rapid progression of her curve over past 18 months.

She did great with surgery today.
T5-L1 instrumentation and fusion.
Ebl: 500 cc.
Complications: none.
Surgical time: 2 hr 58 minutes.
Correction: excellent.

Very good morning!

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

18 YO young man w 84 degree Scheuermann's kyphosis fixed today

Had severe pain and deformity.
T3-L3 instrumentation and fusion w 3 thoracic osteotomies.
Surgical time: 3 hr 57 minutes
Complications: none.
Ebl: 1600 cc.
Blood transfused: none.
Correction: excellent.

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Charlene from Florida gets straightened up today!

50 yo Charlene found us through Face Book. She had a painful large
adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with progression and degeneration w
severe deformity.

Her surgery today went great.
Surgical time 3 hrs 35 minutes
Ebl: 700 cc.
Blood transfused: none.
Complications: none.
Correction: excellent.

Charlene told me tha she has many friends through FaceBook keeping her
in their thoughts and prayers today.

Those prayers were answered!

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery

Friday, February 5, 2010

Letter from woman who had Harrington Rod extension lumbar-sacral-iliac wing surgery for scoliosis.

We received this letter dated January 27 2010 From Sherry, a 42 yo woman who had degenerative scoliosis collapse below an old Harrington Rod fusion with flat back syndrome and severe pain.  Four months ago, I performed an L1-Iliac wing extension instrumentation and fusion with multiple osteotomies.  Jennifer from my office read this encouraging letter at yesterday’s Hey Clinic weekly Learning and Quality Conference.

Dr. Lloyd Hey, Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery.  http://www.heyclinic.com.

==============
January 27, 2010

Dear Dr. Hey,
I am writing this letter to thank you for all you have done for me.  Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough.  Not only have you given me a new life by making me pain free, you’ve made what could’ve been a financial burden on my family completely go away.    I sit here not knowing exactly what to think of someone who doesn’t care about the financial aspect of your work, but more how you can help.  People like you, in this day and time are very rare and will be rewarded for what you do.  I know that I’m just one of many patients you’ve helped, but what you’ve done for me has completely changed my life in so many ways.  I can’t thank you enough for your compassion for me and the many patients you help on a daily basis.  You’re a GOD send.

May GOD Bless you,
(signed)
Sherry B


Starting clinic w a big hug!

I just saw Miracle as a new patient. She has cerebral palsy with
scoliosis surgery done years ago at Baptist.
She can't talk, but she sure can hug! She hugged me, as well as my 2
physician assistants.

We will be following her for her scoliosis and kyphosis. Her scoliosis
may be progressing since hardware was removed due to infection.
Getting all of her old films would be really helpful an. Mom will try
to get them. Hospitals often will discard films more than 7 yrs old.
Grab them if you can before they throw them away so your scoliosis
doctor can accurately measure change over time.

From now on, new Hey Clinic Rule: let's always start clinic with a hug!

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and spine Surgery

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Severe kyphoscoliosis fixed today

This lady's rib cage was sitting on her pelvis w severe scoliosis,
kyphosis and spinal stenosis. Her pain was very bad and walking very
limited.

We fixed her today w a T3-iliac wing instrumentation and fusion with
multiple osteotomies and 5 level laminectomy.

Surgical time: 5 hrs 0 minutes.
Ebl: 1,200 cc
Blood transfused: 1 unit
Complications: excellent.

Check out her rib cage now compared to preop!

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery.
Http:/www.heyclinic.ccom

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

43 yo woman w very painful collapsing 54 degree double curve fixed today

This young lady was inspired by our Hey Clinic scoliosis guest who
shared her picture paddling a canoe and her postoperative story on my
blog.

Her surgery went great today. Just finishes up.
Ebl 2000 cc
Complications: none.
Correction; excellent
Surgical time: 5 hrs 45 minutes

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic fir Scoliosis and Spine Surgery
Http://www.heyclinic.com

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

40 yo woman from Minnesota w grade 1 spondylolishesis and spinal stenosis fixes this morning

This young lady braved the winter stormy weather to make it down here
before our big snow and ice storm this weekend.

She had been suffering for many years w severe back pain, leg pain and
trouble walking.

We fixed the problems today w L4 laminectomy, L45 TLIF and laminectomy.

Dr. Lloyd Hey
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Surgery