Boys with scoliosis

[s&d]

My 14 year old son was found to have scoliosis last Feb ('03). His back was hurting so we went to our family doctor who thought it was just a muscle strain, but did xrays just to be sure. The doctor came back with his eyes popping out of his head and told us David had a "significant" curve in his spine. Sure enough, with his shirt off, we could just see his back wasn't normal. I felt so guilty that we hadn't caught it earlier, but I hadn't seen him without a shirt for a long time, at least not after he turned 12 or so. And the doctor hadn't done a full exam on him for several months. He assured me that it can progress rapidly, especially during a growth spurt. (My husband still makes noises about the fact that we didn't catch it sooner.) This was at the end of February '03. At that time David had a thoracic curve of 36 degrees and a compensatory lumbar curve of 26 degrees. (He also has a compensatory curve in the cervical area, but they say we can't do anything with that.)

We were referred to a local orthopedist who had David fitted for a Boston TLSO, to be worn 23 hours a day. He hasn't managed to come close to that at all. When he's tried to sleep in it, he takes it off in the middle of the night and throws it as far as he can. It presses on his abdomen so much it makes it difficult to eat - he has esophageal reflux anyway, and this makes it much worse. He's 5'6" now and weighs only 95 pounds, so eating is even more of an issue. He might have averaged 70 hours a week in the brace, during "good" weeks.

Upon his re-check in October, his curves had progressed to 45 degrees thoracic, 37 degrees lumbar. The local orthopedist referred us to an orthopedic hospital that specializes in children (0 - 18) 100 miles away. (I'm still a little wary of mentioning specific places right now.) The doctors there want to truly exhaust all non-surgical options before resorting to surgery, so they have fitted him with a "more aggressive" Boston TLSO. It will push on him even more and they said he has to get up to no less than 84 hours a week in the brace or it won't do anything. More than that would be better. He'll get the new brace a week after Thanksgiving. If he couldn't manage the "less aggressive" brace, how will he adjust to this one?

David doesn't like talking about his scoliosis very much, and dislikes it when it becomes evident to others that he is wearing a brace. "Man, what's up with your back? It's all messed up!" one of his friends shouted at school the other day. Then a teacher chastised him for getting out of a chair to pick up his pencil - she asked him why he couldn't just bend over to pick it up. He just mumbled "Because I can't" and she thought he was being smart-aleck. I recently sent an email to all of his teachers explaining a little bit about his absences recently (MRI's, xrays, orthosis fitting, trips to the out of town hospital). I didn't hear anything back from that teacher.

One thing that has become very evident is that most of the patients who do talk about their scoliosis, casually or as part of a support group, are girls. David thinks he's really weird because he has something that very few boys get, compared to girls. And another aspect of his being a boy with scoliosis is that his growth can continue for a very long time. He might be looking at wearing a brace for at least four, possibly six more years, unless they decide surgery is necessary sooner. In fact, I think that's his fear, that he'll go through the misery of wearing the brace for several years and still need surgery. The new orthopedist says boys do seem to have a more difficult time with bracing.

And David asks if he might still be able to go into the Air Force, in some capacity, with scoliosis, corrected or not.

I apologize for going on and on, but I would like to hear anything about teenage boys with scoliosis and how they have managed their treatment.

Thanks,
SanD

[Carmell]

Hi SanD,

I can only imagine how your son feels, and how you feel helpless. As a parent, we want to make everything better for them. Beating yourself up over the fact that no one noticed his scoliosis before now isn't going to help anyone. It's only going to add to any anger any of you may be feeling.

I have 2 children with scoliosis - a daughter with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and a son who was born with congenital scoliosis. My daughter was diagnosed just after her 12th birthday. At first, I, too, thought that I should have known to watch for a problem, after all, my son was then 3 years old and had been through lots of bracing and a fusion surgery already. But, I didn't. I also realized that the two children have totally unrelated situations with their spines. Something I had to make myself believe.

I'm glad to hear David will be seeing a pediatric orthopedist. Make sure the ortho specializes in spine malformations and scoliosis. Not all orthos understand the complexity of scoliosis.

Before he gets too frustrated with the brace issues, I think talking to a ped. ortho. who understands David's specific spine issues is a good idea. Make a list of questions (in order of priority in case the doc doesn't have time to answer all of your questions). It is so important to understand what the recommendations are, and how they apply to David's specific situation. There are generic treatments and we can all share our experiences, but you and David have unique circumstances that must be fully understood before you can move on with treatment. Surgery is frightening. Surgery is something that should be considered at great length and discussed with a trusted and competent surgeon.

And, as a matter of fact, my 8yr old, Braydon, was an Honorary Pilot for the Day at our local Air Force Base last month. After seeing the many people involved with the base and how it functions, I'm sure there will be something David could do to contribute to the service. They need lots of people and specialists to operate, not just pilots. Braydon would love to be a pilot (his favorite part of the day was "flying" on the F-16 simulator) but he's also very interested in "fixing" things... he would be a great airplane mechanic! My point is that it never hurts to ask.

I hope you find some answers and some peace in dealing with David's scoliosis. Please keep us posted about his progress.

[s&d]

Dear Carmell,

Thank you for your kind reply. I had read another post of yours in this board that detailed your own experiences, particularly those with your son, Braydon. It's so good and kind of you to "mentor" and share with us!

The referral to the specialist was one the best things that could have happened. We were sent to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas and they are leaders in the treatment of scoliosis - and kids! It's a wonderful facility and I have great confidence in the doctors we met and their approach. David has a team taking care of him and we will always meet with the same team. The orthopedist here in our town that referred us to TSRH would have been fine, I think, if David's case didn't look likely to require surgery, but since it's very likely, I have much more confidence in this facility and their expertise in scoliosis treatment and surgery. His doctor at TSRH wants to give him every chance possible to delay, and just maybe avoid surgery, so that assures me, as well, knowing that he's not rushing into it. The doctor here had told us we were already at that point - surgery was next. I'm realistic, with David's curves already at the threshold (45, 37 degrees) and with several years of growth left, he has a minimal chance of avoiding surgery. But perhaps we can give him some growing time, let him fill out just a bit. That and maybe avoid disrupting his school year (freshman in high school - that's traumatic enough!).

I'll pass along that Air Force information and maybe do a little research and see if his back would in fact keep him out entirely (we had assumed it would). He likes fixing things, too (his room has VCR and telephone parts carpeting the floor at this moment!), and I suppose he can get his flight experience through his computer/X-box games!

David plays cello in his school orchestra and I found out last night that the famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma also had scoliosis and had surgery for it. I don't know how old he was when he had the surgery, but the article stated that before the surgery he was in so much pain he almost gave up the cello! I've spoken at length with David's orchestra teacher about his scoliosis so that he would understand when David had to adjust his sitting position or move in an unusual manner due to the brace (position being very important - they can get points counted off for posture issues). He's been very kind and compassionate and I'm grateful for that.

David's sister is a freshman in college and she came up (from Austin, about 240 miles away) for a short visit this weekend. I barely saw her, but she whisked David away to go watch movies wtih her and her friends. They had become very close before, and now I think she's really wanting to support him through this time of change and worry. I know it means a lot to him. When we go to TSRH for his January appointment (we go Dec. 3, too) she'll be on break and can go with us. I want her to be able to ask questions, too, and TSRH really encourages the whole family to be involved. She's very bright and analytical, so she will likely think of things we haven't thought of yet.

Thanks for indulging me here. I've taken advantage of your kindness and compassion, I'm afraid, but again, I do so appreciate just being able to talk about it with people who have been there/are there/are about there :D

S&D

[Carmell]

S&D,

Thanks for your kind words. I continue to post because I know all too well how isolated and alone parents and families feel when they are given a scoliosis diagnosis, especially in infants and young children.

I think letting David talk about his feelings, whenever he needs to helps. I also have found that letting teachers know about the potentially long term "issue", they are more willing to work with the student. They have to, it's a federal law. I also think that researching other "famous" people with scoliosis helps (teenagers especially) realize that having scoliosis doesn't have to be a prison sentence. There are amazing things people have done who have scoliosis.

Scoliosis is not the end of the world, but until he has the confidence he needs to emotionally deal with his own body, he'll need lots of encouragement. Braydon was born with a curved spine - he doesn't know any different. For him, it's not been an emotional adjustment - there was nothing to adjust to or from. He takes life in stride and most the time handles his hospital trips like another adventure or vacation. I think that makes a difference.

I look forward to your updates. I'm so glad you found a team of doctors who are willing to help David through his growing years and will be there for him emotionally and physically - that helps more than anything!

[M.Armstrong]

Hi! I am new to this site. My son is 13 years old. He was diagnosed with scoliosis in March 2003. Lumbar 35, thoracic 28
He was put in a boston brace in the middle of May, 2003.

I know what your son is going through: however, my son worked his hours up within a week and a half to 22 hours per day. He has asthma and I can tell you that this was very diffucult for him. He also has marfan's syndrome which is a connective tissue disorder. His doctor told me in the beginning that because of the marfan's syndrome he could get to the point that his brace would not hold his curves. We would have to take it one day at a time. He went for a follow-up appointment in August, 2003 and his curves had maintained the same degrees, but he had grown several inches and his doctor told me that his brace was getting too short. He told me to bring him back in November for his 3 month check-up. In November, when we went back for his check-up my son's curves had increased to 43 lumbar, not change on the top. He recommended another brace and told me however,, that Brandon could end up having surgery later. Brandon grew about 6 inches from May til November. He is now 5'11".

I know what you are going through because my is upset that his life has changed, all of his clothes have holes in them regardless of what we have done, and his curves have still increased.

He has not fudged on wearing his brace except for my Brother's wedding and a couple of days while we were on vacation in July.

There are no boys who post on this site; however, my son got up enough nerve and he has had only one reply. I think this is sad. My son would probably enjoy talking to your son.

[Bonnie]

Hello,
I feel for you and know every bit of what you are saying. Although I have a 14 year old daughter with scoliosis, She also DOES NOT like to talk about it. Her stepbrother has it too and had the surgery 10 years ago. He only had a single curve unlike my daughter that has a double. Today he is doing fine so far.
You might have seen my posts here or at another board. My daughter is at surgery level and is refusing it. They will not do it unless she cooperates for the most part. I can relate that your son doesnt wear the brace. My daughter was not braced because of the degree of her curves (50 and 40) at the time. They said because of that and her age that it wouldnt help. She is doing this alternative for now trying to lower the degrees some. If anything it might give her more time. Anyway, she is good at doing her treatments at night but never does it in the morning. Just like Im sure your son understands he should be wearing the brace all the time, she knows this too about her treatments but will not stick to it.
Her stepbrother had a brace and would do the same thing, take it off and throw it.
Do you think there is any chance that your son may talk to my daughter? I know she is a girl but they still seem to have a little in common. Let me know! My daughter will be xrayed next sat and we will know if what she has done has helped or if her curves have gotten worse. Im real nervous about it. Good luck to you and your son! Bonnie

[jake]

Hi,

I am a 27 year old man who was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 7. I went through several types of braces and even something called a scolotron(it used electrodes to stimulate the back, has since been proved to be ineffective). I spent several years in what was called a modified Milwaukee brace. I eventually had a spinal fusion when I was 13 (in 1989, performed by Stephen Albanese). I can say that it was very hard as an active young boy to wear the brace for the required 23 hours a day, and by the time I was 11 I had figured out how to take it off and put it on by myself(the straps were in the back) or had friends help me. This new ability led to my brace spending more time in my school locker than on my back. As hard as wearing the brace was the next two years of recovery were just as hard because the surgery had restrictions on what types of activities I could do. I can tell you that I gained 4 inches in height from my surgery even though I still have two significant curves(after the surgery a third one developed near the base of my neck). I did wrestle on my high school wrestling team my junior and senior year. I later spent 4 years rowing on a varsity collegiate crew team. I did try military service through ROTC and after two years of ROTC was medically disqualified because of my spinal fusion - the rods were the issue. I do know that if your son is interested in the service he can try and get a senator to right him an exemption. For years after the surgery I could feel the weather change or knew a day or two in advance that a storm was coming because my back would ache. Today I am still very active and do have to deal with some lower back pain. After spending years with the lower third of my back used for all my flexibility it has started to ache in the mornings. I credit my surgeon for doing such a great job that I have had no issues to date, and because of that I can’t say whether or not I regret not wearing my brace. I know that this post doesn’t answer any particular question but I hope that you can at least let your son know that other boys his age have gone through this and come out the other side ok. If you or your son had questions about what is was like being a boy with scoliosis pleas feel free to ask. I know that one of my biggest struggles was that it seemed like the only other people I had heard of with scoliosis were girls and for a adolescent boy that is a big deal. Best of luck.

[jwilso8]

Hello, I'm a male who had Harrington Rod surgery in 1977 as a 17 year old. (note: Harrington Rod procedure was to fuse the thoracic vertebra and insert an 18 inch stainless still bar. Pretty barbaric by today's standards.)

I do understand what your son is going through. I was in to sports and wanted a military career. It is just one of those life's lessons that you don't always have things they way you want them. Just like anybody who encounters some type of adversity, I think scoliosis made me stronger mentally even as it made my weaker physically.

I have to admit, I have never met another male who had surgery for scoliosis. I've met a few females who did. I've spotted plenty of males who have minor scoliosis. When you have a bad case you get a sharp eye for seeing it in others.

My 14 year old son is diagnosed with the disease now. I think it bothers me more than it does him. It's not that big a deal to him since "dad" has it. I think he is more worried about heart disease or other more common illnesses.

Next month it will be my 27th aniversary of the surgery. I can say that I have lived a very normal life so far. Once "I" got over it, dating and other young adult activities were as easy for me as anybody else. My wife-to-be picked me out of a crowded classroom because I had such good posture. Of course she didn't know an 18 inch steel bar made me sit so straight.

Last year I saw a young adult girl who had a double major curve that had not been surgically corrected. It was one of the most tramatic events of my life. She had a beautiful face and intelligent eyes and a life expectancy probably in months.

I thank God constantly that I was born after the surgery came into existance and that my parents loved me enough to pay the money to have it done. One month on my back and 9.5 months in a body cast were a small price to pay.

And to tell you the truth, I think my sports damaged knees and allergies have been a bigger pain in life than scoliosis.

My advice is the same that I plan to do with my son. I'll stand by his side and support him for the duration. I am not going fuss at him about braces etc. Parental love and understanding is what he really needs. He will have to prove himself a man without having to do it on a battlefield.

Mark
Matthews, NC

[Alleycat]

I'm sure you guys dont care. Mianly since I'm not a guy. I'm 15 year old girl with scoliosis. I never wore a brace, but i went straight to surgery. I was diagnosed two months before my surgery degree was 43 and at surgery date 57. I had spinal fusion. I think of myself as a guy and that is why I'm posting. I play football, basketball, and soccer. I play regular tackle football for my high school. My doctor does not approve but it is something I love and I was not willing to give it up. I also play soccer (field, indoor, and coed-competive league). Almost all my close friends are guys and none of them have ever had a problem with me having scoliosis manily because I never let it get in my way. I know some of your sons do not have that option, but I would like to say that even if I had the option of going into a brace I wouldn't have done it. I would have gone straight for the surgery. I having metal rods in your back is not all that restricting or even different. I can do anything any of my friends can do. I know alot of people who have had the surgery though and use it as a excuse. they never challenge what they can and can't do. I was playing basketball after 3 months of my surgery, running the mile in 7 and half minuites after 8 months, but I worked at everything. I never gave myself the chance to rethink what I was going to do other wise I probably wouldn't have done it and would be a All-State and All-Region Soccer player or have a couple of player of the weeks in football and basketball. I even have MVP trophies from games, where my quick thinking and not rethinking got me them. So no one will probably read past the first sentence. since I'm a girl. I just thought I'd say my opnion.
any questions email me at : Alleycat017@hotmail.com

[jwilso8]

No problem hearing from a female. It is really good to hear how good the medical technology is now.
I think regardless how you get an injury that you should try to power through it. My doctor actually pushed me. I was doing factory work a couple of years after surgery. 25 years later I realize it was not a good thing to do but everything has worked out. Of course all of us a just one car wreck away from dealing with painfull problems.
I play golf pretty well at age 44. I can consistently drive 280 yards with old fashion steel clubs.
I doubt more than 3 out of the hundreds of people I have known over the years even figured out I had a disability. All of them had something wrong to so they knew what to look for.
The other thing I wrote is oriented towards males. Males do have pressure put on them to be very physical so males can be mentally fragile when disabled.
Good to hear of a young lady with a great attitude and I wish you the best.

[Bedson]

I am new to this site which I stumbled accross while searching on Scoliosis. I read your story about your son, and I too can see your problelm. I have a now 16 year old son who was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 12. When diagnosed he was at about 30 degrees, he was fitted for a brace. I felt just horrible, how could this have gotten by me? How did I not catch this? The guilt was overwhelming. As soon as we got the brace home, he refused to wear it. The fight was on. He was so active, every sport you could think of. We also live in the country where he rides horse on a daily basis, but couldn't ride with his brace on. So it sat and collected dust. Him and I swam 4 times a week for about 6 months (great for my figure, but not impressive for him). Over the next 3 years I researched every book, web site, library, doctor possible to find some clue, cure, miracle. We found a couple of things that we kept on trying faithfully, but all had empty promises. Finally in March of 2003, he started to get lazy. Now this could just be a 15 year old, but I was getting concerned. His appetite went down (not like a normal teenage boy), he seemed to be in more pain with his back all the time. So I made another appointment with the local children's hospital. I did alot of research again on this orthopedic doctor we were going to see. In April of 2003 his scoliosis had progressed to 47 degrees. The doctor wanted him back in the fall to keep rechecking him. So we returned in November of 2003, only to find that my son had gone through a huge growing spirt in the last 8 months and his curve has now progressed dramaticly to 72 degrees. The surgeon sat us down and explained that surgery was the only course of action now. The scoliosis is progressing so quickly that if he should reach 100,we don't want to know the answer. Since November we have been 150 miles in and out of the city weekly to have many many test done. My son (now 16) has been a changed boy. His attitude stinks, his disposition towards life is..........I am going to live and live now before this surgery, just in case I can't after. Now I agree that that doesn't sound like a bad thing, except everytime he leaves the house I am scared. Sometimes the phone rings with news that he is in the local hospital, getting stitches, broken arm, broken leg. He is taking chances way beyond his means and hurting himself each time. I am to the point now where I would just like the surgery done and over with so then I know he is at home with me and safe. I realize he must be scared and of course we have talked and talked but it seems like I am the one talking not listening cause he has nothing to say. He keeps saying he is fine, don't worry mom, you worry too much!!!!!!! Isn't that my job? I have read alot of stories on this forum and like you say alot are of girls, but boys just seem to want to keep everything bottled up inside. Sorry I have been going on so long, but it's nice to be able to talk and maybe someone is listening
BB.

[Carmell]

BB - Welcome to the board. My children with scoliosis have different situations, but, when I read your post, I could follow your emotional battles going on. It is very hard to give your teenager the freedom they need, without being so worried about their every move. Add to the normal teenage issues, his scoliosis and the pending surgery must be a challenge, at best. Surgery should never be taken lightly, however, there are ways to get through the surgery as smoothly as possible. Maybe being consistant with him and making sure he understands your side (as much as a teenager will listen) will help you feel better. Do you have a surgery date scheduled? Is his surgeon well experienced in scoliosis surgery? Will the procedure be done at a children's hospital? Feel free to email me or post here. Having an outlet for YOU to share your feelings helps a lot. My email is boulderfam@hotmail.com

Take care and I wish you both the very best!

Carmell

[Alleycat]

Hello BB,
I would love to speak to your son. I am 16 myself, but I am a female. I understand it that your son might not want to talk to me or you might not want him talking to me. But I had scoliosis surgery a couple of years ago my curve them was only 58, i think, and was causing me no pain. I would love to talk to your son about what would happen. I myself play all sports football, basketball, soccer, and I'm trying out hockey. I loved to horseback ride. I still get to play the sports I love and horse back ride a little. I play soccer and basketball for my high school and I will try out for wide receiver this may for my high school. I play hockey on a local club team. I live a normal life more then I could ask for. Actually I live my life better then most. I understand what your son is going through because I kind of go through it to. I live my life to its fullest, and I have gotten hurt doing that, dislocated knee, slight acl tear, dislocated sholders, sprained wrist, multiple fingers broken. But I have never regreted what I have done. Well, I would love it if you or your son would email me at Alleycat017@hotmail.com . Thank you, -Ali

[jwilso8]

Bedson,
I know it is frustrating being a parent and dealing with this. I've had to deal with it as a teenager and as a parent.
From my view I would just provide him the love and support that a parent can provide. Distractions from the disease would be better than concentrating on it. I'm from the school of thought that you either have surgery or do nothing. When teenagers go through dangerous activity they are probably just trying to distract themselves. I am trying to concentrate more on just providing the normal teenager support (gradually treating them as equal adults instead of possessions).
I was the youngest of 4 children and didn't get all the attention even though I had severe scoliosis. Unfortunately my father was a type of fundementalist and thought God was punishing me. I would advise against such thoughts.
Just remember this challenge is really you child's and not yours. You are in a supporting role only. Don't accidently push your child away by trying to do too much.

[htownraider]

SanD,
I don't have a child with scoliosis, but I am a male who has scoliosis. I was diagnosed at age 13 (I am 44 now), and fitted with a Milwaukee brace.

Like your sons, I hated that brace. I was active in wrestling, and I was very self conscious about wearing the brace. So I rebeled. No matter what my parents told me, I would look for any opportunity to take the brace off. It was hard on my parents, especially my Mom.

Unfortunately, I don't know any magic words that you can use to convince your sons of the importance of wearing the brace. The only thing I can offer is my personal experience. If I could back the clock, I would have strapped that brace on as tightly as possible and adhered to the 23 hours a day.

In hindsight, the brace was working despite my attempts to not wear it. For about two years, my curves were perfectly stable. Because they had not improved, I used this as a reason to become even less deligent. By the time I was 17, I quit wearing it completely.

Now I have lived a fairly normal life to this point. However, my curves are starting to progress. Consequently, I am now likely to face surgery over the next two years. I also have lived with curves that I don't like my entire adult life.

Tell your son that he will regret not wearing his brace. I know I do!

Tim

[Sue Fredricks]

I had no idea that there were so many folks out there feeling some of the same things I have been feeling. I too, have a 20 year old son with a 74% curve and a 15 year old son with kyphosis. The 20 year old refused to wear his Boston brace, and also took it off in the middle of the night and threw it across the room. I had a very difficult time with this, as I was hoping against all odds that he would wear it and stop the progression of the curve, as I lost my brother to a pulmonary embolism during his second surgery for scoliosis at the age of 36 back in 1985. I have lived in fear for the past 7 years, since my 20 year old was diagnosed with scoliosis that history would repeat itself. He went for a check up two weeks ago and learned that his curves had progressed from 62-74% and that surgery was in the future. To complicate matters, he has a blood disorder that predisposis him to clotting...which most likely my brother had as well. It has been extremely difficult to face that he will need to undergo the surgery, all the while knowing the strong family history. I found this website forum only a few days ago, and it has helped to realize that there have been many people who have had the surgery with positive results. I feel for all of you parents out there who are struggling with the same issues with bracing and surgery that I have felt. There is nothing worse than seeing your child suffer and feeling helpless to do anything about it. Teen age boys seem to have a mind of their own and how I wish my son would have worn his brace as it had been prescribed.

Sue Fred

[Joe's Mom]

My 15 year old son has already had 4 major surgeries in his life. Each and every one was scary for him and for us. He is now like an old soul - that is good and bad.

What I worry about most is forcing a brace on him and it will do no good at all. So far I have never been given a very good rationale for standard of practice . . wait and see . .. brace . . surgery.

What I think I have gleaned is that the wait and see/bracing may work to delay surgery if the curve is progressing. Delaying surgery may be good if it allows the child extra growth and development before surgery.

But I have never ever read of any brace fixing anything or improving any curve.

My son said, at the last doctor visit when the doctor said he was on the verge of getting a brace, that he was not going to wear a brace at all. He knew that surgery was inevitable and why wear a brace and be so restricted and tortured when they were just going to go ahead and do surgery anyhow.

He has a lot of body image problems emerging now . . .his deformed foot, shorter stature, and curvatures are all taking a toll on him emotionally. If there has been a missing link to his ortho treatment it is a failure to recognize and deal with and consider the emotional toll this takes on patients, especially boys. They are so very different from girls, yet so much of what is out there seems to apply to girl patients.

any information, observations, etc will be greatly appreciated.

[hizkid42]

I too have a son with scoliosis. He has three curves in his back. They are 27, 37, and 25 degrees at shoulder, midback, and hip. He was diagnosed in school at age 13 and was fitted with a TLSO brace so that the curve would not progress. He hated wearing that brace and it made him stand out. He wore it for a year and a half and then after he became severely depressed because of situations at school, he orthopedic doc switched him to a brace worn only at night that bent him in the opposite direction. He could not sleep and the depression just got worse. When he would take the brace off at night, eventually I just let him keep it off and get a little sleep. We also worked out a schedule with the doc and gave him a day off the brace now and then.

He has stopped growing at age 15 and a half and the doc has taken him out of the brace for now. He is checked every 6 months to make sure that he is not progressing. In his mind, the worse thing about having scoliosis is the way it affects him. He has a definite rib hump and just being different from others is significant enough. He has always walked funny, toes out, and complained about back pain starting around age 12. I brought this up several times to the GP/Pediatrician but they did nothing. He had regular yearly physicals and then a growth spurt of 5" in one year. That is when the scoliosis became evident. There are other things I question. IF there is nerve damage to the spine because of scoliosis, can it cause bowel and bladder dysfunction? If anyone knows where I can find the answer to this, I would be glad for a link to answers. More people need to know that boys DO get scoliosis. I didn't know that scoliosis was in my husband's family - neither did he. His uncle had it. He is now 50 + and it just wasn't talked about.

[s&d]

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted that first message. I had some health problems, then my son has been through a long saga of more health problems and I just didn't ever get back to this forum (then when I did I couldn't post for quite a while because I couldn't remember my screen name and the forum wouldn't/couldn't email it to me! Just a fluke that a search turned it up today).

Let's see, the headlines are: David, now 16 1/2, went for his regular 6-month check-up with his orthopedist last January('05) and his curves had progressed almost 20 degrees in 6 months - the major thoracic curve up to 66 degrees. The doctor was very skeptical that the measurement was accurate, said there were a variety of reasons it could be "off" and told us to come back in 6 months, but that in any case we were getting to the point where we needed to talk about surgery. David didn't want to at the time, but I sure wish we had gone ahead and scheduled surgery for the summer.

Fast forward to July '05: we go back and sure enough, the progression was "real" - the major at 68 degrees, the compensatory lumbar in the 50's, but I can't remember exactly. So we start talking surgery for real and decide on December - the doc had suggested August but I begged off, thinking it would be an awful way to start the school year. (Good thing, too, because I was hospitalized twice - in August and the beginning of September. And we don't have an extensive support system where we live. No family - a few, very busy friends.)

I took David to see his primary care physician, just for a check-up and to make sure we had him in good shape for surgery in a few months. The doctor was alarmed to see that David had lost 6 pounds off his already very thin frame - and in only about 6 weeks, too. At a scoliosis-affected height of 5'8", he weighed only 102! The same as his 5'3" 20-yr old sister! Many blood tests, MRI's and specialists' visits later, we found out he has a chromosomal disorder, sometimes called Klinefelters syndrome, which is caused by having an extra x choromsome (girls are xx, boys are xy, he's xxy). As a result, his body can't make enough testosterone - he has had enough to make him look like his peers - he doesn't look at all feminine, but he is very thin. Treatment is lifelong hormone replacement - he has started taking a monthly injection of Delatestryl, an anabolic steroid - no effects, good or bad, noticed yet. But this condition is why he has been so fatigued, weak, and depressed for so long. He's been on a a couple of different anti-depressants over the last two years but has only had moderate success with one of them. His shrink was very surprised at the diagnosis, but told us that explains why David never had full success with the anti-depressant medication - when the body is fighting to make enough hormones and can't, there's no way the medication can be fully effective. It's all chemical - I understand it pretty well, but don't need to go into it here - I'm wordy enough.

This xxy condition, with the low testosterone level, contributes to the development of scoliosis. Testosterone levels control bone maturity and growth and that affected his spine. (I wonder if now it isn't considered 'idiopathic', but with a determinite cause?) We've been told that no amount of brace-wearing would have held his curves. That took a load of guilt off David. Another effect with this condition is that it renders these males irreversibly sterile, and that will be something he will eventually have to deal with. We are all gradually adjusting to this news and at his age it's not easy to talk about some of the issues regarding this condition, so I'm really glad that we are already associated with a good adolescent psychiatrist who happens to be somewhat familiar with this condition.

Sorry I am so wordy - but I'm including all of this just in case there's someone out there who might benefit.

NOW - surgery is scheduled for December 12 - a couple of weeks. Pre-admission tests will be Dec. 8. The proposed fusion, as of last July, is from T-4 to T-11, posterior approach. This will stand if he hasn't progressed much, but from looking at him and the way he feels, I think his curves have progressed. We'll see on the 8th. He has a very noticeable rib-hump and I know they are taking the bone grafts from his ribs. I know the full defect can't be corrected, but I sure hope it's much less noticeable.

I bought Dave Wolpert's book on scoliosis surgery (the 2nd edition) and it's been helpful for us. What advice do you, as adolescent surgery patients and parents of surgery patients have? We live about 125 miles from the hospital - what's your experience on the trip home if you had to drive a distance? Most of it will be on an interstate. Practical advice - any items that you found to be helpful - or not? Do we need to get a raised toilet seat, a shower chair? Exercise - our winters tend to be very mild, with occasional blasts, but our big problem in our semi-rural neighborhood is lots of large, loose dogs. I fear one of them jumping on David if we go out to walk - that would be bad. Should I try to find an inexpensive treadmill? Returning to school - the post-op plans indicate a return at 3 weeks - is this realistic? His school is huge and very spread-out. I already have a 504 plan in the works for his return, but that 3 week date seems terribly optimistic.

Okay, that's A LOT to throw out there right now - I'll ask more later. Thank you in advance - you are an awesome support community.

SanD

[LeaEvelyn]

Hi SanD,
I am a mom to a son with scoliosis. I read your first post, and it sounded so familar. It isn't that common in the male population. So I asked his doctor if he had many boys to treat. He said, yes because he specializes in pediatric scoliosis. But by far there was more girls. I first noticed my sons scoliosis when he was eleven. It was at 32 degrees. He wore a boston brace for eighteen months. He progressed anywhere from 7 to 10 degrees each four month check up. By the time his curve reached 45 degrees, his doctor said that bracing would no longer be effective. We schedualed surgery, which took about four months to get in. His doctor did his sub-speciality training in the Scottish Rite Childrens Hospital in Texas. I thought you might find that interesting, for isn't that where your son is having his surgery? We are from Michigan, and have to travel to Detroit to go to our appointments. It was a two hour drive home from the hospital. My son had to have two surgerys for his scoliosis, and he is quite active on the support site called Spine Kids. He wrote a story about his experience with scoliosis. It can be found on that forum. The page is www.spinekids.com/shane.shtml.
It was a year ago November 9th, that he had his first surgery. This is what we did. Going home, we used our truck, so he wouldn't have to bend down to get into the car {he gained about two inches from the surgery}, so therfore was almost six foot. We were told he couldn't bend, lift or twist. To get positioned into the truck, we put a plastic bag on his seat. Then he backed up onto the seat, and turned his body to slid his legs in, the bag did the twisting for him. We were told to stop after an hour to give him a break. We had to stop to get pain meds for home anyway, so that worked out perfectly. At home, we used a lift stool for the toilet, and a shower stool. He also had a grabber. This is something that picks things up off the floor so you don't have to bend. Maybe you could check with your hospital, they may offer some of the neccessities of this surgery, to make for a good recovery. If you have any more questions, I'll be more than happy to help. Remember, we went through this not once, but twice.
Take Care, Our Best to you and Your Family
LeaEvelyn

[flowerpower]

s&d,

My son's surgeon also did his fellowship training at TSRH, they have an excellent reputation so you should feel good knowing your son will be in very competent hands. Best wishes to your and your son, hope all goes well with surgery and recovery.

Renee

[Bill's mom]

SanD,

My son, now 17, had surgery a year ago. I just wanted to address a couple of your concerns regarding scoliosis surgery and recovery. (Wish I could help with your other issues. Bless your heart. What a time y'all have had.)

First, Bill did donate one unit of his blood and my husband donated a second unit. They were not needed. They recycled his blood during surgery and there was absolutely no need for transfusions.

In terms of recovery, we couldn't believe that the doctor thought he would be able to go back to school so quickly either. (He had surgery on 11/3 and the doctor said he could go back after Thanksgiving. That's roughly three weeks.) He ended up not returning to school until after the Christmas break but only because he had trouble sitting all day long and the school wouldn't let him come half days. (The school district said he'd be marked absent in the classes he didn't go to each day, so we just kept him home and continued to have a tutor from the district come to the house. He actually was in no hurry to return!)

When he did go back, the only thing special we did was have a set of textbooks in the classroom and one at home so that he didn't have to lug those back and forth. He did not need anything else special. Didn't even leave classes early to avoid being bumped and/or to get to the next class on time. He didn't want that and apparently, didn't need it, because he did just fine.

In terms of special stuff at home - again, we didn't really get anything special for him. He used the toilet fine without a special seat. Took a shower on his own before I even had time to think about how he was going to do that (and didn't use any special chair there either).

I don't remember how much he walked during his recovery time (that's all his doctor recommended - walking - and, a few weeks later, swimming if we had access to a pool. He definitely did not walk on a treadmill and we have one, but I envisioned him flying off of it so that was not something that we even considered!) Just ask your doctor. He'll know what's best for David. And if he recommends outside walking, someone will just have to walk with him and beat off the dogs!

Hope this has helped. As you said, this is a great support community and everyone on this board understands what you are going through and is happy to answer questions or share in your concerns. So just let us know what you need.

Take care,
Susan

[s&d]

Thanks to all for sharing and providing good informaiton. I know each case is different, but learning of your experiences helps me to be both optimistic and prepared.

I read Shane's story - the pictures and x-rays were very encouraging. That's probably what I would share with David at this point, as any mention of complications or less-than-ideal results really gets him down, although he is aware of most of the complications that can occur. I am the filter right now and try to keep him focused on the positive future - I have to do that for my husband, too, because if he can find something to knaw on and worry about, he will (not that I don't worry - I just do it differently - like I come to this forum for support!).

We've had a second set of books for a couple of years. His school is very big and spread-out and they've all but phased out lockers, so everybody has to haul all of their very heavy books around all day. Since we had a medical reason at hand we requested a second set. There's been a little friction with a couple of teachers (one of them demanding, in class, to know "why are YOU so special that your daddy got you an extra set of books?!" Still makes me steam!), but most have been fine.

I will be meeting with teachers and administrators at his school next week, so I will be armed with more information - again some "best case" and some less-than best case to prepare for. I will be able to ask more specific questions because of all the good information I've gained from this forum.

Thank you again,
SanD

[Bill's mom]

SanD,

Since you’re looking for positives, I went through some old correspondence to get dates so you and your son and husband would have some more positive references.

[Just for background info - I found Bill’s curve in June 2004 when he was 15. The pediatrician confirmed it was scoliosis and pretty advanced and referred us to an orthopedist who we saw in July. At that time, his curves were 28 and 53. The doctor said that surgery was our only option and we picked the first available date for surgery, Nov. 3. By November, his larger curve had progressed to over 60. He is fused T3-L3 and has two rods in his back.]

His surgery was on a Wednesday. It lasted about 6 hours. He went into ICU and was on heavy medication although he, surprisingly, was communicative pretty early on and remembers much of what most people say is not remembered. He started breathing exercises at about 5 p.m. - about 3 hours after getting to ICU - and they started rolling him at about 11:00 p.m. Breathing exercises were hourly. Rolling was every two hours. The next morning they took him off of his IV morphine. He was in ICU for a total of 2 nights. Friday, he moved to a regular room and sat up in the morning and in the evening for about 30 minutes each time. This was the most painful part for him and the only time that he said he'd rather be in school! By Saturday he was off of the morphine self-administering pump (not his choice, but a good one nonetheless) and walked around the nurse's station twice. Saturday they also removed his catheter. He remained pretty groggy through Sunday and, just for your knowledge, when he was awake he seemed sad. (The nurse said that was to be expected given what he had been through. The sadness continued for a few days.) On Sunday, he finally, barely, had a bowel movement and on Monday we got to take him home.

By the time we got home, he was able to walk - very slowly - without help, could get in and out of bed alone, and could sit for at least 30 minutes at a time, many times a day. He, actually, sat at his computer for about 30 minutes the first day! He was off of all pain meds - except for an occasional Tylenol - within the first few days of being home. 8 days after surgery several friends came over and they played cards at the dining room table for about 30 minutes. 16 days after surgery he went to the movies and 18 days after surgery he went to a friend’s house and played video games for 4 hours. I can't remember when the tutor started coming, but I think it was a week after we got home.

He returned to full days of school in January without any problems. Generally, he’d come home and rest, but did not seem to have any problems with the rigors of school - sitting, walking, etc. (His school has done away with lockers also. Must be a Texas thing.)

The doctor has always been very pleased with his checkups and told us at 6 months that he probably was fully fused. He wanted to see us in November for the one year checkup. We didn’t make that because his doctor moved AND in August, Bill started marching band and ended up with stress fractures in both feet. (The new doctor said going from not doing much to marching 4 hours a day would do that.) His feet have healed, his back held up to the rigors of marching (and the band played at state one year to the date he got out of the hospital) and he’s scheduled for a checkup in January.

He is not an athlete so this hasn’t really affected his quality of life very much. He still can sit and play video games and work on his computer and that’s pretty much all he wants to do. (And with the exception of numb shoulder blades at the start of band, his back did better than his feet with band.) In actuality, his only restrictions are no football and no trampoline and not to lift more than 50 pounds. Of course he can’t twist and bend his spine but he’s really used to that.

He never wanted to talk about his back before surgery and I wouldn’t be surprised if your son is the same. But I’m sure if your son wants to communicate with a boy who has been through it, Bill would be happy to email your son. Just let me know.

Good luck with your meetings next week. (I think that last week before surgery, I was trying to not think too much about what was to come because I knew I’d worry and I didn’t want Bill to pick up on that so I sort of stayed in a fog.)

(Sorry this got so long!)

Susan

[s&d]

Thank you sooo much - you can't imagine how encouraging your post was for me! (And then noticing "Central Texas" for your location...I was born and raised and lived 36 years in Austin and most of my family history is connected with Central Texas...moved to near Tyler 11 years ago - the trees are pretty, but I miss the clear creeks and limestone and hills and good, cheap Mexican food - mostly I miss my friends.)

(Oh, and my sister's name is also Susan and there are/were a bunch of Bills, including my brother and dad - okay, I know that's really, really reaching, but when you're feeling overwhelmed and a little alone things like that take on meaning for some reason :) )

I will share this post - or the highlights - with David. I'm sure it will give him some encouragement. He's been having more and more back pain recently and that's making him sort of look forward to the surgery in hopes that this pain will go away, eventually. On the other hand, he's worried about pain management and side effects of morphine, etc. I keep assuring him that many good people will be looking after him, and that his dad and I will be there, one of us, around the clock.

The information about your son's marching band activity will be of interest. We know how rigorous that is! Especially in August, in Texas! Just orchestra people in my home, but we're always in awe of what the band has to do.

I find myself making ever more detailed lists of things to do before we go to Dallas - must be one of my coping devices. One thing I'm being reminded to do is rest and take care of myself so I believe I'll go do just that, with this positive recovery in mind!

Thank you so much, and bless you for taking the time to share this!

SanD

[Bill's mom]

SanD,

I would assume that though you miss friends, the geography, cheap Mexican food (would miss that too!) and the Austin area, that you’d be glad to be out of Austin. What a crazy place it has become. My husband, who went to UT years ago, still can’t get over how it has grown and changed. We’re in New Braunfels. Moved here in ’91 from Houston and, obviously, have never regretted that decision.

I’m so glad that my post helped you and hopefully, David. It is a very trying time and I remember always being comforted by people who were on the other side of surgery.

Regarding David’s back pain – I took Bill to a chiropractor the day after I found his scoliosis. (I looked at his back and discovered the scoliosis - will never forget that moment - because he complained about his back hurting.) I know chiropractors can’t fix the problem and get very mixed reviews, but my experience has been that they can adjust muscles to reduce spasms. I have a slight case of scoliosis and go to the chiropractor about once a month for adjustments so I knew and trusted this man. He reduced Bill’s pain tremendously in one visit. So, if you have someone you know and trust, it might be worth an appointment.

One other thing I thought of when rereading your post from 11/26. (I assume you’ve thought of it but wanted to mention it.) Following surgery, David will go several days without eating. As a result, he will not be able to take oral medications, so if he’s still on meds for depression, you might check with his doctor to make sure that won’t cause any problems. (Bill takes Zoloft for anxiety, so I can fully relate. He did skip his meds – with his psychiatrist’s blessing – and it was not a problem although I wonder if that contributed to his sadness following surgery.)

Try to have a good weekend and get some rest.

Susan

[s&d]

Yeah, you're right about Austin. My daughter's at UT and is definitely looking at employment elsewhere after she graduates. I know it's changed so much and it's crazier than ever, but the last couple of visits there have been remarkably pleasant. I'd just like to get back to the greater Austin-San Antonio-Hill Country area. That's where the remainder of my family is located. New Braunfels has always been dear to me - many happy childhood memories of Landa Park. So your son is a NBHS Unicorn?

So much on my mind right now, you see I'm taking a little mental vacation :D

I'll ask around about a good chiropractor. We went to a father/son practice years ago after we were rear-ended and all had whiplash. The father was pretty good but the son was too rough and the kids started saying, "I feel fine, nothing hurts!!!!!" just so we wouldn't go anymore.

I was thinking about physical therapy, too. I'd feel better if we had some sort of "prescribed" or structured therapy, but that seems to be fairly rare. I'm over-thinking this, aren't I?

I'm glad you mentioned the medication issue. Part of me tends to think that all doctors know about almost all medications but I've found myself spending a lot of time lately informing doctors about this or that medication that one of us is taking. TSRH contacted David's psychiatrist - I hope they discussed medication management, but I'm going to put a call in to him tomorrow. David's tolerated the Wellbutrin XL for quite a while now but he's been saying for the past week or so that he thinks he might be having some side-effects such as dizziness and some headaches and just feeling "off". He says maybe his body is telling him he doesn't need it, or that dosage, anymore.

We're feeling pretty good, and thanks to you, Susan, and others who shared such good advice, pretty confident and prepared. Feeling a bit nervous now about getting to our pre-op Thursday morning since they are predicting snow/sleet/ice for the Dallas area and into East Texas. You know the world here comes to a screeching (literally) halt with a little bit of ice. Just a little hitch, though, I'm sure I-20 will be fine (if it ever is).

David is ready now, no more nerves, wants to get the show on the road. The meeting at his school this morning went well and it looks like they'll work with us for whatever we need, post-surgery. He's already taken some of his finals and a couple of his teachers decided not to worry about giving him finals at all (shhhh!).

Thanks again. I hope I can be the voice of experience (good experience!) here in a few months. The input and advice from patients and parents here has been incredibly helpful and comforting.

SanD

[Bill's mom]

SanD,

Yes he is a Unicorn. That’s so funny that you know that. Of course, it’s a pretty unique mascot.

I’ve been thinking about you, wondering if you got to your appointment yesterday. We had plenty of ice but not much on the roads. I know the Dallas area was hard hit. Hope everything worked out okay.

Just want you to know that I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you on Monday. When you get a chance – it may not be until you get home although I know some people have access to computers in the hospital – post and let us know how everything went.

Hang in there.

Susan

[s&d]

Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated - I've relayed them to David and he is very touched by the support from strangers.

Had a difficult day all around yesterday. Read this http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2909 if you have a chance and let me know what you think.

Must run (teaching a class in a few minutes), but I'll be checking in, just to help me get by.

By the way, toured David's hospital room (already assigned and decorated for him) - he's got an incredible view of Dallas and Reverchon Park. We'll have to bring his camera. The Dallas Cowboys and Cheerleaders are coming to Scottish Rite on Monday, but it'll be while he's in surgery. Too bad.

[Bill's mom]

SanD,

Sorry to hear about your rough day. I totally understand your frustration, sadness, disappointment, etc. However, as all the other moms said in the other post, don't give up. I, too, assume the doctor gave you "worse case". Our experience was that they don't know anything for sure until they get in there. And, assuming he can get some correction, just the correction can help tremendously with the rib hump. Bill did not have any ribs removed (used donor bone for the fusion) and it was a fairly significant hump prior to surgery. However, now days, unless you really look, you can't detect the hump. All, without any ribs removed.

And, to further reassure you, the morning of Bill's surgery, the doctor said he might not get any correction (talk about bait and switch!) but at least it would be stabilized. Then, when he went in, he managed to get some correction. So don't worry too much about that yet (although I totally understand. It sort of makes you want to throw up. Right?)

And, when we went for our pre-op, they had no idea who we were. No one seemed to know why we were there and the person I spoke with was not there that day. Talk about questioning our decision. I thought if they can't be organized for a pre-op how is the operation going to go. But all went well, so try and be reassured by that. (I can't get over that his room is already decorated. Take that as a strong sign that all will be well.)

And just keep praying. I have good feelings about this for you and David, so don't despair. Here in New Braunfels, we will be petitioning God and all His angels and saints on your behalf.

Susan

[s&d]

Your support and prayers are better than gold. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I'm feeling better now, having read your post here and the others' posts in the surgery forum. Still adjusting, but feeling back on track. David and I had a good visit about it in the car (one advantage to living out in the sticks - we have at least 30 minutes or so of captive time in the car every afternoon). His disappointment has lessened and he was talking about the curves at least being balanced afterwards and the need to stop the progression.

So we have re-grouped for the most part, thanks in no small part to the support on this site, and marathon conversations with the Lord.

I'm secretly making some posters with pictures of jets (David's passion) and the family and the cat - just stuff to let his caregivers know more about him and fun stuff for him to look at when he feels like it.

I get to stay in David's room...might trade out with my husband and sleep in the hotel if I really need to, but my husband snores loud enough to wake the dead so I insisted on this arrangement. I had to kick him out of my hospital room back in August because of that. At home I can poke him and make him stop for a while.

There I go, yammering again. Stress.

Much to do, must pack and get things around here in order but you know I'll keep coming back, until we leave Sunday.

SanD

[Bill's mom]

SanD,

Not sure what time you're leaving today (hope you haven't left yet) but wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and your family. Hope you can manage to have a nice afternoon and evening. Our thoughts and prayers will be with y'all in a very special way tomorrow. Tomorrow is a good day to have surgery (if there can be a good day). It is a special feast day of Mary, Jesus' mother. She has always been a powerful intercessor for us. I know that she will be joining in our prayers for David's successful surgery.

Take care.

Susan

[s&d]

Susan I am going to attempt to send you a private message - haven't done that on this forum as yet. Sorry I didn't get to read your message before we left, but yes, Dec. 12 as well as Dec. 8 are very significant to us and when we saw how it was all going to be scheduled we felt somewhat amazed. More, hopefully, in a message --

Things went very, very well - only half a unit of blood lost and very good reports from his surgeon on the speed of David's recovery this week - "A++" he says. We were released yesterday (Friday) after surgery on Monday! We did have to call Scottish Rite after midnight last night because his temp was right at 101 and we were all a bit nervous about it. It is wonderful to be able to call them 24/7 and get immediate help, talk with the nurses who cared for him and know that a doctor who is familiar with him is on call, too.

Not a huge amount of correction in the curves, but his head does seem more centered over his pelvis. We go back in a bit more than two weeks and we'll see how things are then.

David's showing determination and grit that we've never seen before and it is truly inspiring. He pushes himself to move and do a bit more each time, to do more than is expected. He gives very clear directions to us in assisting him. Sometimes he can walk - slowly - unassisted, and sometimes he is so exhausted he can't move his arms or legs without help ("Dad, put my hand on my knee, please").

I can't say enough about Scottish Rite. It is an even more amazing place than I ever knew. Someday when things settle down for us I think I'll write about our experience in detail. David kept praising them and telling them that they made him feel like they were all focused on him and how secure and comfortable that made him feel. I was so proud of him for expressing his feelings and having such great manners, despite his pain/discomfort. He's normally a very, very quiet, softspoken kid. Maybe the drugs loosened his tongue a bit, but thank goodness everything that came out was positive.

He is, and we are, of course exhausted much of the time. But I must say that I know that we are all strengthened by the prayers and support of so many people - friends, family, and many who don't know us at all. This is something I can't begin to express my full gratitude for, but I'll never forget and I'll certainly 'pay it forward', as well as back.

Update when I can -

Thanks again, from all of us,
SanD

[LeaEvelyn]

Hi SanD,
So glad to hear everything went so well, and that your son is on the other side of surgery now. Believe me, I know what a great feeling that is. It feels like you have climbed this huge mountain, and won. I hope everything just keeps getting better for both of you now.
I never picked up on the correction the doctor did get, was is good? And also, after surgery, the body does straighten up even more over the next few months. By my sons three month post op appointment, his shoulderblades were almost level again. Well take care, and I hope David has a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
LeaEvelyn

[KRIS ATKINSON]

S&D, congratulations and welcome to the other side. Kris

[s&d]

We'll get more detailed info on correction when we go back in a couple of weeks, but initial results immediately after surgery show a decrease in the thoracic from 68* to about 55* and lumbar 49* down to 40*. Also, surgeon decided not to do a thorocoplasty and and fused one less vertebra than planned, T-5 instead of T-4, down to T-11. David's doing well, but at this point, from the pain management aspect, I'm glad he's not dealing with the removal of up to 5 ribs. I imagine that would make moving around and breathing much, much more difficult.

I'm being summoned...update later

[LeaEvelyn]

Hi SanD,
I hope David is doing much better by now. I haven't heard from you in a while, so I just thought I'd check up on you's. If you get this, please give us an update on his recovery, OK.
Take Care,
LeaEvelyn

[s&d]

Hi -
David has done very well, recovering nicely with no major problems. His doctor is very pleased with his progress. David returned to school half-days this week - well, he made it three of the four days. Going half a day on Tuesday morning was more taxing than he thought and on Wednesday he just couldn't make it, but Thursday and Friday he went to his afternoon classes and was okay. Still has discomfort, mostly his chest, left shoulder and rib cage, but not the area in his back that used to hurt before the surgery. That was at the apex of his major curve...the pain that his doctor said wasn't really caused by the scoliosis.

My visits to this forum have been curtailed by my return to work, the subsequent exhaustion, and computer problems. I hope to resolve the exhaustion, but the computer problems may persist for a while. :(

The computer is acting up at this moment, in fact, so I'd best go before it does...more later, I hope.

[LeaEvelyn]

I'm glad to hear he is doing so well, and is back in school. My son also went back for half days. He did this for two weeks. His major complaint was; a burning sensation in his shoulderblade. This took quite some time to clear up. We asked his surgeon about it, and he said, it was from the muscles being stretched, from the straightning of the spine. I hope David continues to do great. All the best to you's.
LeaEvelyn