Confirmed Scoliosis

Hi, 

I wouldn't be so afraid although it's a big operation the outcome outweighs the risks 100%. I had the surgery 7 years ago I was 14 at the time for myself and my parents it was quite daunting we had never even heard of scoliosis. 

The doctors have to make you aware of the risks but theres very little chances of them ever happening. I remember being sat there and being told I could be blind, disabled etc. not really what you want to hear at 14 years old. But its policy that they tell you these things there just doing there jobs.

I don't know if you can see the curve in your daughters back? but mine started to push on to one of my hips which made it stick out. Looked like I was walking to one side. Eventually it would of just started to crush into other bones and who knew what complications that could of led too. 

But honestly hand on my heart can tell you that you shouldnt be so worried. Looking at me now you wouldn't have a clue that I've got two metal rods and a millon screws in my back. It doesn't limit you from doing anything I remember walking 3 days after surgery and being home within the week. The recovery depends on the person.

Hope this helps a little on your daughters decision 

If theres anything else you'd like to ask feel free

 

Hi,

Unlike Rebecca below, I have not yet had the surgery, but, like your daughter I have been advised to have it and have now accepted.

My decision is based around the pros that it can give me - the curve will be reduced and stabilised, meaning that the chace of her scoliosis ever becoming a problem again is very low - this also means that her pain (if she has any now) should also subside and it should also prevent her getting any serious pain as an adult.

Another reason to accept of mine was due to my obvious postural abnormality - I have a large trunk shift and so I am very self-consious of how I look, especially when people stare at me oddly (I am 15yrs old, and so this is of great discomfort to me).

But of course in surgeries like this, there will be possible complications, The chances of any of these happening are incredibly low - and I know that some of them are hard to hear about, but the doctors have to tell you, and you have to make an informed decision for yourself. For me, I have faith in my surgeon and in the stats - less than 1% of people get any of thee problems!

I wish you al the luck in the world for the coming decision ahead, and please feel free to tell your daughter that she can contact me at anytime, as we are of very similar ages and I really would like to help in anyway that I can!

Izzie xxx

I am 17 years old, and I had to have the surgery when I turned 13. I had the surgery in 3 parts, most of the time it's done all at once, but I had deformities with my vertebres. My curve was at 67 degrees. I am so happy I had the surgery. Because the spine is curved at such a high degree it can eventually crush some of your organs inside, because your body is not being held straight up. It is a great surgery, it relieves so much pain! The benefits of the surgery definitely outweigh the risks!! After a year I was able to get back to competitive and professional dancing. The surgery is completely worth it. A couple weeks out of surgery, she will feel some pain, and it will feel very weird to stand up right. Now after 4 years, I have no back pain from the surgery. It is really hard for you to break hardware in your body, but since I was dancing I had broken 2 screws. I had gone to the doctor and that is when I found out, he said as long as I'm not in horrible pain it's fine. Every once in awhile I'll get pain from the broke screws, but I never get pain for the surgery. I completely understand if she is scared, I was too. It is scary to go into such a big surgery, but in the end it is so worth it! The doctors really know what they are doing, and are very careful when performing this procedure. It has changed my life in a great way! If you or your daughter have any other questions, feel free to message me! I hope everything turns out great for you guys!

Alexis

Hi was just wondering if your daughter has had her operation yet and how it has gone. My 14 yr old daughter has just been diagnosed with scoliosis and has been told she will be having an operation in 3-6 month to insert rods and fuse her spine, so am just looking for any advice people can give, thanks.

Im sorry to hear that - it must have been a huge shock to you. My own curve is only 35 degrees and the doctor who diagnosed it, 35 years ago, chose not to do anything because it was deemed not severe enough. Now approachign 50, my chronic backache has cost me a lot over the years in terms of physio, Alexander Technquie oseopaths etc. I understand your reluctance to embark on major surgery but if the curve is severe, it may be the best option in the long run. Some curves progress more than others so it would be good to find out what the prognosis is for hers moving and how much more growing she has to do.

 That said, there are alternatives to surgery - look up the Schroth Method which is now the treatment of choice for scoliosis in Germany, especially in young people. It requires huge commitment - at least half an hour exercise every day and I don't know how successful it is for large curves, though I do know the best time to start the treatment is when you are young. There is a dediated clinic in London called the SOSsoliosis clinic and a practitioner in Tetbury, Glos. I am on day 4 of a 5-day course with the tetbury clinic and will report back in a while - my curve is not as great as your daughter's but I have 35 years of bad posture and bad habits to undo, which your daughter won't. If you really don't want the surergy it might be worth getting an assessment with one of these, but the best people to advise you are probably those who have had the surgery. Hope this helps and good luck.

Hi we had our 1st specialist appointment yesterday also age 13. Interested to hear how your going. We are waiting for MRl, x rays etc .. Anxious about progression .. How's things with your daughter going on? I hoped he would say use this brace do this stretch.. Problem solved...