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Breathing Issues - Scoliosis

Posted , 4 users are following.

ShannonHorse
ShannonHorse

I had my X-RAY 3 years ago at the age of 15 and was told I have severe Scoliosis - however, I wasn't born with this. Nothing has been done since it was discovered. My next appointment with my Orthopedic doctor in March 2017 for a more recent X-RAY to see what has changed. I also suffer from Lumbar Lordosis.

I've been experiencing what feels like "crushing lungs" on the left side of my body where my shortest curve is. My largest curve is on the right side. I'm leaning more toward the left now and starting to hunch over like Quasie-Modo. I've also been experiencing tremendous headaches as well. 

Walking can be painful, especially long distances. However, no matter what distance I walk, it feels like my lung is crushing on the left side, leaving me quite breathless. Exercise in general is quite painful for me.

I'm just wondering if breathing difficulties and all of the above is normal with someone with Scoliosis?

Thank you.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • ShannonHorse
    ShannonHorse

    Posted

    Here is my X-Ray from when I was 15 years old.
    • Jay91157
      Jay91157 ShannonHorse

      Posted

      Having looked at your Xray and what you have said in your post it definitely looks like a curve that needs surger. I have a pic of my xray post surgery and would like to send it to you privately if that is ok. I think it will help you to see how they have straightened me to the best they could as over the years as I have said I have stiffened so they could not straighten me fully. Seriously think about the op thought so you are prepared when you have your appt. Bracing will not help the degree of you curve.
  • Jay91157
    Jay91157 ShannonHorse

    Posted

    I ws not born with mine either. It presented at 14 years and refered to as adolesence scoliosis, very common. I was left after the age of 16 leaning over to the left and as you put it Quaise-Modo too. Many years later with rib problems, and a concave hip I wen to an osteopath who refered me to an orthopeadic surgeon. At 57 my curve top 72 bottom curve 48. I had the op Feb2015. Not quite straight as over years back got to stiff. When you go back in March ask the degree of your curve and as breathing is an issue is surgery on the agenda. You recover better the younger you have it done. But all your symptoms are normal. Do you know your curve degrees?
    • ShannonHorse
      ShannonHorse Jay91157

      Posted

      Mine presented at the same age as you. GP insulted my parents for bad parenting because they didn't notice early enough. If I remember correctly, the top curve (biggest) is around 40% to 50% and the bottom curve is between 25% to 30%.

      My orthopedic wanted to check how flexible my spine is, so he pulled my body left and right (hopefully that makes sense). He struggled to get a full turn on the left side but wow, the clicks that I had received surely did relief some tension. From my neck down to the tail bone - a huge relief of clicks. I click every day, usually at the bottom of my spine - happens without forcing it. They're worried about my spinal discs and the cords. 

      Hopefully, in March, they will recommend the surgery. They said it was an option 3 years ago, but only if it progressed. They didn't recommend a brace as my curves were far too advanced. I don't know if it has progressed since I haven't had an X-RAY since, but my family has seen drastic changes of my posture and spine shape (when I bend over, my spine is visible with a big lump). 

    • margaret85310
      margaret85310 ShannonHorse

      Posted

      It seems strange to me that they insulted your parents yet did nothing themselves. My curve had just begun to develop at age 11 when I had my surgery. I had it that young because they wanted to get the rods in to keep my spine straighter as I entered adolescence. This was back in the 1970s, so the technique has been around a long time! It just seems odd that nothing was done 3 years ago...
    • ShannonHorse
      ShannonHorse margaret85310

      Posted

      I'm glad you had the operation, I hope it helped you.

      Tell me about it. My parents were so angry at my GP for blaming something that was actually inherited by generations in my family! My mum's sister also has Scoliosis & Lumbar Lordosis and so do many other members of my family (only got told tonight). I'm surprise it took so long to find it myself, but I don't blame my parents for it! I'm quite a personal girl who keeps herself hidden under layers of clothing, haha - so no wonder they never noticed. 

      We found it extremely odd how it was left for 3 years, but my therapist (I suffer with various Mental Health issues) has finally kicked them up the backside so they will do something about it! Angry at the fact I have to wait until March 2017 though! 3 years is enough!

    • margaret85310
      margaret85310 ShannonHorse

      Posted

      In my case the operation saved my life, it was severe enough that my internal organs would have been crushed if not corrected.

      As an adult, I developed another curve in my lower spine due to my uneven leg lengths. I was told I needed surgery for that also, but I've been able to manage the pain by going to Bikram Yoga.

    • Jay91157
      Jay91157 ShannonHorse

      Posted

      How can your GP be so rude to your parents? I would be inclined to see another GP in your practice,as at the moment they have not taken any steps. 40% is normally at the stage of being operable in the UK. If your parents say your shape is changing then I can ony conclude the curve is worsening. If you get to see a consultant specialist and agree to the op it is quite  a long wait as there are several test to ensure your body could cope with the op, and what the surgeon believes he will be able to straighten your curve too. Any female with scoliosis will have worn clothes to cover up as the teens are an impressionable age. March is not too far away, but you and your parents need to have a clear vision of what you want and you have to stand firm. Even if you go for the op,and it will have to be your choice, it will not happen over night. It is a big op so if you are brave enough have a look on you tube to see how others have coped. I believe it is all worth is,just to be straight or straightish. I have no regrets and it will only be two years Feb 2017. Best Wishes 
  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname ShannonHorse

    Posted

    Shannon

    Your GP is an insult for being a medical professional who has done nothing constructive for a child diagnosised with severe scoliosis!!!!! Guess your GP graduated at the bottom of his class!

    Yes, your scoliosis is preventing your lung from expanding. You should bw under the care of a scoliosis expert.

    That said, it is not normal for a physician to leave severe scoliosis untreated.

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