Hi,
I am a 57 yo male with adult degenerative scoliosis and have a flexible curve in my lumbar spine. When sitting or standing my curve is in the 40's and when lying down it in the 20's. So when sitting or standing the muscles in my back overwork and eventually go into spasm. Muscle relaxants, stretching or lying down provide me with relief. The pain has been increasing for the past 10 years and last year I went on disability. Not having to sit at a desk everyday has helped reduce the pain and if I plan my day carefully I can manage the pain. If I have to sit or stand too much, I will be in terrible pain on the days that follow. So while my quality of life is severely effected, if I manage the time I sit or stand, I can get by.
I spoke to a surgeon that I trust who wants to fuse me from T-12 to the sacrum. I think I'm most scared of loosing flexibility. So I guess my question is do I have surgery and learn to deal with loss of flexibility or continue to live a life on disability until I have no choice to have the surgery? Right now this feels like its an elective surgery. But at the same time I know I will never get better and surgery is inevitable.
Your opinions are appreciated.
I am a 57 yo male with adult degenerative scoliosis and have a flexible curve in my lumbar spine. When sitting or standing my curve is in the 40's and when lying down it in the 20's. So when sitting or standing the muscles in my back overwork and eventually go into spasm. Muscle relaxants, stretching or lying down provide me with relief. The pain has been increasing for the past 10 years and last year I went on disability. Not having to sit at a desk everyday has helped reduce the pain and if I plan my day carefully I can manage the pain. If I have to sit or stand too much, I will be in terrible pain on the days that follow. So while my quality of life is severely effected, if I manage the time I sit or stand, I can get by.
I spoke to a surgeon that I trust who wants to fuse me from T-12 to the sacrum. I think I'm most scared of loosing flexibility. So I guess my question is do I have surgery and learn to deal with loss of flexibility or continue to live a life on disability until I have no choice to have the surgery? Right now this feels like its an elective surgery. But at the same time I know I will never get better and surgery is inevitable.
Your opinions are appreciated.
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