Hey, everyone. Finally deciding to bite the bullet and have surgery after 20 years of avoiding it! Very scared and any encouragement/feedback from postop patients would be very helpfull. Seeing my surgeon April 1st to schedule.
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Welcome! Let me be the first to tell you we're glad to have you asking questions and hope we can help. Good luck through this decision-making and journey to possible surgery. JanetJanet
61 years old--57 for surgery
Diagnosed in 1965 at age of 13--no brace
Thoracic Curve: 96 degrees to 35 degrees
Lumbar Curve: 63 degrees to 5 degrees
Surgery with Dr. Lenke in St. Louis--March 30, 2009
T-2 to Pelvis, and hopefully all posterior procedure.
All was posterior along with 2 cages and 6 osteotomies.
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Hey, I'm seeing DR Antonio Castellvi in Tampa, he told me I needed surery 7 years ago but I got pregnant. Anyway, done having kids now. I too was talked out of it by a Dr in the past. I have had 3rd and 4th opinions. Now I'm going back to Dr. Castellvi because his advice was best. Good luck!36 year young cardiac RN
old curve C 29, T 70, L 50
new curve C 7, T 23, L 20
Surgery June 11, UCH, Dr. Cronen T2-L5, posterior
Revision December 20 L5-S1 with pelvic fixation
and Osteotomy to L3 at Tampa General Hospital
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Oh, I hate making these decisions. I saw 4 DRs. Two said I need lumbar and thoracic spine fused. 2 said I need just thoracic fused. Maybe I should see your DR and get a 5th opinion. Dr. Castellvi did tell me the risks of surgery but also told me I would die if I did not have it because my heart and lungs would be crushed. He was a little intense in that way. However; he was one who would fuse top and bottom and as my last Dr said, why not have it all done than risk going back. I do have most of my pain in the lower back because my hips are so uneven. More to think about, I guess.36 year young cardiac RN
old curve C 29, T 70, L 50
new curve C 7, T 23, L 20
Surgery June 11, UCH, Dr. Cronen T2-L5, posterior
Revision December 20 L5-S1 with pelvic fixation
and Osteotomy to L3 at Tampa General Hospital
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I made a appt. to see DR Cronen for Wednesday. Wish me luck!36 year young cardiac RN
old curve C 29, T 70, L 50
new curve C 7, T 23, L 20
Surgery June 11, UCH, Dr. Cronen T2-L5, posterior
Revision December 20 L5-S1 with pelvic fixation
and Osteotomy to L3 at Tampa General Hospital
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Awesome! Best of luck - I can't wait to hear how it goesLynette - 44 years old.
Pre-surgery thoracic 55 degrees
Pre-surgery lumbar 85 degrees
Post-surgery thoracic 19 degrees
Post-surgery lumbar 27 degrees
Surgery April 1st 2010.
Posterior spinal fusion from T9 to sacrum.
Dr. Cronen at University Community Hospital - Tampa, FL.
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My thoracic was 63 pre-op and I had absolutely no breathing/cardiac problems from it. (And they checked lung capacity at my app't.) I'm a swimmer and a singer so I would certainly be aware of respiratory issues. I know everyone is different, but I personally would be a little apprehensive about a Dr. using heavy duty scare tactics. The first Dr. we saw had a very fine reputation, but we knew he wasn't the right one for me. You just have to use your own best judgment.
Anne in PA
Age 58
Diagnosed at age 14, untreated, no problem until age 50
T4 to sacrum fusion
63 thoracic now 35, 92 lumbar now 53
Dr. Baron Lonner, 2/2/10
Am pain-free, balanced, happy & an inch taller !
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Originally posted by jsully View PostDr. Castellvi did tell me the risks of surgery but also told me I would die if I did not have it because my heart and lungs would be crushed.
Knowing what I know now, if a surgeon said that to me, I'd be running out the door before the last words rang out. While scoliosis occasionally can cause heart and lung problems, it's usually only with very large curves. I know people who have curves of >180 degrees who are still alive and kicking. That doesn't mean that it's wise not to have surgery, but I would be very leery of a surgeon who used such a scare tactic.
With that said, I'm not sure we always hear 100% correctly when we're in with a surgeon hearing about scary surgeries!
Regards,
LindaNever argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
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Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation
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