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Advice post scoliosis surgery....

Posted , 4 users are following.

scoliosis_77946
scoliosis_77946

Hey i've had surgery for my scoliosis only on my top half of the spine and not my bottom part couple of years ago as my top curve was more severe, however i'm still experiencing pain and my bottom curve is worsening. Has anyone got any advice? Surgery would be my last resort as i'm not too keen on having it again but i'm not sure what other treatment there is? 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • betty14688
    betty14688 scoliosis_77946

    Posted

    Hi there,

    Was about to go to bed,and you popped up here.I have never heard of this-Only the top part. Could you elaborate a bit? Where do you live, and how old are you?What were you diagnosed with, and what degree of curve? I will be checking on you tomorrow morning,and look forward to hearing back.

    • scoliosis_77946
      scoliosis_77946 betty14688

      Posted

      Hi, as my top curve was over 40 they did my surgery however at that time my lower curve was around 32 so the surgeon said that the lower curve would straighten out theoretically which it did after my surgery. This was 3 years ago, however I've been having recent lower back and hip pains from last year and there is an obvious imbalance in my lumbar part. I've been appointed to see a specialist in July hopefully! 
  • Linda94124
    Linda94124 scoliosis_77946

    Posted

    You should see your surgeon, or another qualified specialist, to assess what's going on.  At this point, there's no benefit to speculating.

    I had my initial scoliosis surgery >20 years ago.  After about 8 years, I started having new onset lower back pain.  Xrays showed that my L3-4 disc was degenerated.  I knew enough to know that if I had to be fused to L4, I would almost certainly need to have my fusion eventually extended again in the future.  I wanted to try to avoid needing to be fused to the sacrum, so I started in physical therapy.  For the next 5+ years, I did almost daily core strengthening exercises, and kept my pain at a manageable level.  I stopped doing those exercises when I started having spasms in my ribcage every time I tried to lay on the floor or any hard surface.  The lower back pain returned full force, and new xrays showed that L4-S1 were now degenerated.  After I started having bad leg pain, I eventually gave in and am now fused to the sacrum.  While I hate the lack of flexibility, I don't have any lower back pain.

  • Jay91157
    Jay91157 scoliosis_77946

    Posted

    This is unusual  not to  have the secondary curve corrected with the top curve. I can only assume it must have been a very minor curve that has progressed. The only answer is going to be from your surgeon. I had top and bottom done together a year ago. However I am getting lower back pain and a few months back I collapsed with the pain and my leg went numb. I am currently undergoing tests, as I have degenerated discs. I am not sure what other options are available if any. It would be good if you could keep this forum updated if and when you do see your sugeon. 
    • scoliosis_77946
      scoliosis_77946 Jay91157

      Posted

      I'm really sorry to hear that and I hope everything turns out well for you! My top curve was above 40 and the bottom less so severe so I only had the top part done. I've been given an appointment in July, which is the earliest they have so will update you then! 
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