Should i have scoliosis surgery?
Question:
well i have 42* and 47* spinal curves. (thats with me bending against the curve. i cheated because i didn't want surgery.) but now i think i do, i mean this has made my torso SO short that i can use my hand (streatched from pinky to thumb) and it will cover my breast bone to my pants. thats short! also, my back looks so screwed up, it looks like play dough that someone has beaten up on.
so here's my pros and cons of a surgery:
pros:
i'll have a normal shaped back
longer torso
no more scoliosis pain
i'll be taller
i can say "ya, well, i was in a surgery, so there."
cons:
it'll be painful.
i'll have to skip 1 month of school
i'm scared.
i'll have a scar down my back.
Answers:
Hey there. I read your post here and thought I would reply. I am a young adult with my worst curve being at 90 degrees in my middle back. I also have a lung disease, which prohibits me from being able to have surgery. My only method of treatment is yoga stretches that I have to do for the rest of my life. You should know that there are major risks to having the surgery. All surgeries carry risks. Did your doctor tell you that you may be paralyzed once they straighten your spine? That was what my orthopedic surgeon told me when he was telling my family and me about the risks of the procedure. Good luck on whatever route you decide to go.
It sounds like a bad case, yea you should get surgery! Don't worry about the nasty scar, you'll have an intresting story to tell from it.
My cousin had scoliosis surgery. She was about 19 when it was done. She has been alot happier, and in alot less pain since then. Her only word of advice was don't try to look at your toes right after surgery.
Working in doctor's offices for a number of years I always heard was to avoid back surgery if at all possible. Came from both the doctor and patient. Before you have surgery, talk to the surgeon and if you don't feel comfortable with his/her reasons of for or against surgery, then get a 2nd opinion. You have not said how old you are but at 49 y/o I have lost height and it is a natural part of aging. It is not comfortable but I would not let anyone operate on my back.
If your scoliosis is caused by spinal abnormality, the underlying problem must be diagnosed and treated. Sometimes, all that is needed is physical therapy, which will concentrate on improving posture and toning up spinal muscles. If this fails to correct the curvature, you may have to wear a spinal brace. Such braces are fitted by an orthopedic surgion, are kept in place for at least a year, and help straighten the curvature. Surgery may be necessary for treatment as well.
I can understand all the cons, and I think you should have the surgery. The pain from the surgery will be short compaired to the life of scoliosis pain. Missing the school will be hard, but you will get lots of sympathy from class mates and friends and you can keep up on your school work at home. You will better be able to hang out and do things with friends too.
As for the fear, well that is something I can not really help with. The Dr can explain everything step by step but fear is still something you have to deal with on your own.
The scar, it will fade as you get older and if done carefully will not be too bad. the longer you wait the less it will heal and faid as you get older.
I wish I could help you better.
i had scoliosis surgery,
i didn't mind being short or anyting but my doctor said i needed it or i could die, my lungs would be crushed and i would suffocate
i am taller after surgery, don't know how much-but i am taller
the surgery was relly painful becase my curve was so bad, i think it was somewhere near 112 or something i dont know
my right shoulder was significantly higher before, now theyre almost even
my left hip went out a lot to the left side, its almost straight now
my backbone stuck out since i was skinny and yuo could see my every curve, shapes as a huge S sticking out as my body kind of crippled in..hats the only post-surgery thing i dont like..now you can see all the hardware in my back, its gross
i had bad breathing problems before, now i can take a deep breath!
my voice was messed up, like someone put a plastic bag over my head, now its pretty normal
since my condition was near-fatal, my insurance covered it, but if youre doing this just for a straight back, and you dont need it, it can cost you $$$$$
i can admit i do like the new me better, surgery changed my life, but i still will go between loving and hating the scar
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