My scoliosis, advice??
Posted , 24 users are following.
Hi, I am a 14 year old female currently going through a major academic exam stage of my life, I have idiopathic scoliosis which is currently between 36'-37' in my thoracic and lumbar spine, and I am getting significant amounts of pain in my lumbar spine. I was diagnosed 2 years ago, and due to my late diagnosis I was never offered a brace of any kind, however since then, my curve has progressed and my pain levels are rising.
My question is this, should I opt for surgery? I understand that surgery is discussed at around 40' but I am close to that now and my spine is still progressing, therefore I have been thinking about it quite a bit - part of me is obviously worried about the surgery and the impact it would have on my academic studies, but another part of me is saying that I would rather have the surgery as if I didnt I would be in considerable pain for the remainder of my life, which to me does not seem to be a great option!
I am currently being monitered 6monthly, but I don't feel very comfortable with this! My doctor said himself that my curve had worsened, but still they had nothing to do about it? Is there really no other options? Physiotherapy has not helped to reduce the pain, and it has now got to the point that I really want something done about it!
Thanks for reading and any advice would be amazing!!!
2 likes, 56 replies
betty14688 BizzieIzzie
Posted
You precious thing! I was diagnosed with a 56 degree curve when I was 12 years old.There was no choice, had to have the surgery-Double Harrington Rods.I didn't meet my mother until I was 17 years old. She had scoliosis, never got it treated, and was a hunch back.At your age,get it stabilized.While you're on your parents insurance, if not, you're out of luck .Sometimes,well,all the time,we see ourselves as we are in our own minds and souls.But, this disease,is very rude.It's like the mean girl that calls you out in school.It's progressive, so nothing you do will change it.
Now, as far as studies,your back has nothing to do with your studies. You have a disease, so you will need to be truly fascinated by what you read. It should take you away, and put you on a plain where your body is the least of your worries.I would love to help you with this..
I own my own business, along with my husband.We have a construction company,and I fought tooth and nail to get where i am-And guess what? No man has ever nailed up boards as fast as I can. We have won the "Angies List" Super service award for 4 years straight-Don't ever let anyone tell you what you can, or cannot do.I hated losing gymnastics,so there are a few things you won't be able to do-But with everything they tell you you can't do anymore, create 3 more things that you can!
I have found,sweet child,that if we have to ask, we already know the answer.
Now,with this said-Many a man and woman have torn themselves apart because they have pain after surgery.Your doctors surely fear this for you.You see,you may be too young to know this, but you have to be responsible with whatever decision you make.You get the surgery, be strong-Expect pain for the next decade of your life.Not just from the surgery, but from your body trying to malform the way it did in the past.Physical pain translates into emotional pain,You'll be a wreck-But, if you don't have the surgery,with your degree of curvature,well-it will progress.The surgery not only reverses,but it prolongs the inevitable.It puts it off,but it won't stop it.You need to come to terms with the fact that you're sick.You have a sickness that will always affect you.You will have to live life quicker,and give more,than your fellow man.Either way, your time is precious,so do what you know you need to. Make a difference in this world while you can.And know, we are chosen for this.There is no such thing as happenstance.There is only fate,and purpose.You're no worse of than many in this world.Make your life count
BizzieIzzie betty14688
Posted
I actually took the decision to have the surgery, much like your own with double H-rods in July this year (20 weeks ago to be precise) and whilst it does hurt, I hope that one day my body will become accustomed to these rods and this position and the pain will subside.
You sound like an abolutely incredible woman, I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and all you seem to have acheieved in your life - it really is incredible and will remind me for the rest of my life that I should not let this disease stop me. I have fought it and I will continue to fight it, and I will win, and that is partly thanks to you.
You have genuinely changed my life forever, and I cannot thank you enough - all my love, Izzie x
ben89450 BizzieIzzie
Posted
I hope by know that your a lot better and that your healed or healing soon.
I have a good friend who has scoliosis but she accidentally told me. If you accidentally told someone you didn't want to tell them that you had scoliosis what would you want to hear from that person?
margaret85310 BizzieIzzie
Posted
Can you get a second opinion, hopefully from a spine specialist? It concerns me that they did nothing to correct your spine when you were younger, and now you have pain. In my case, surgery was necessary and I'm glad I got it done, but if you were my kid I would want to know if there were any other good options before putting you through it. But please don't delay, the younger you are, the better your results will be if you do opt for surgery.
LasVegasgirl BizzieIzzie
Posted
Please listen to this very carefully. There is a new procedure for teens whose spines have not developed to full adult maturity. I believe it is called MAGEC, but I am not sure. You must research this!!! They put magnetic rods in your back for one year and slowly pull out your curvature, then remove the rods. Any surgeon that has not told you about this should have their license revoked! Feel free to write me if you would like to hear about my surgery.
sarahmcc51 BizzieIzzie
Posted