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  • Complicated Surgery?

    Hi,
    I have a 48 degree long throacic scoliosis curve and kyphosis particularly in the lumbar region.
    I saw my specialist, Dr. Reilly of BC CHildren's Hospital today.
    My specialist said since i'm 18 in December 2004. I will be transfered to Vancouver General Hospital and to an adult scoliosis specialist.
    Today, he told me that my scoliosis curve got worsen from 44 to 48 degrees and i have lumbar kyphosis, not sure what degree.

    He also said i was born with a fused vertebrate in the Lumbar Section, not sure which L-section. I'm not sure if that is important.

    I was about to make an appointment with Shriners but after today's appointment, i might just stick to my hometown specialists. Dr. Reilly told me that if he were to operate on me right now it would be hard for the surgeon to operate on me and that there is alot of risks and complications and he recommended I to not do any surgery and wait for my next appointment with the Adult Scoliosis surgeon because he feels its better that the doctor and the patient knows each other well so if any complications occur, he can redo the fusion surgery if necessary.

    I am not sure of what risks or complications he means. Is it because i have scoliosis and kyphosis. Or is it because of that fused lumbar vertebrate i was born with. Or is it because of spinal surgery risks such as fusion success rate, paralysis, unable to bend totally from lumbar, etc.

    Thanks,
    Justin
    Last edited by Justin; 11-16-2004, 08:36 PM.

  • #2
    HI Justin,
    I am not sure what your doctor thinks is the greatest risk. I would get more opinions. Have a look at the threads from Ross, under Matt. He has scoliosis as well as kyphosis and has had surgery. He may be able to answer some of your questions.
    Best wishes.
    Cheryl.

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    • #3
      Thanks mumof5. I was not aware of others who have both scoliosis and kyphosis. It seems like i have to do both anterior and posterior fusion and my type has high risk of paralysis.
      I'm not scared of surgeries though. 2 surgeries no problem.
      Now just wondering if anyone know the Spokane or Portland Shriners surgeon will do the surgery if necessary.
      If you even have the direct email address of a surgeon from those places it would be great if you tell me about it.

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      • #4
        Hi Justin,
        I am in Australia so I don't really know anything about the American doctors or hospitals except for what I have read here. I Do know that Ross went to one of the Shriners hospitals. If you have a look in the members list you will find his email address. I'm sure he will answer questions for you.
        Cheryl.

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        • #5
          Justin...

          You are not the only one on this site with both Scoliosis and Kyphosis. My 13 y.o. daughter has both (her diagnosis is: Kyphoscoliosis) and she is having surgery in about 18 days. Her Kyphosis is anywhere from 73*-79* depending on what doctor/resident measures her. Her Kyphosis is located in the thoracic region as well as her Scoliosis.

          We saw a doctor at the Shriner's of Philadelphia and were very pleased. However, we are having the surgery done at our local Children's Hospital as opposed to Shriner's for a number of reasons. The main reason is the doctor at our local hospital seems more knowledgable in some other areas of concern that we have with my daughter.

          Some of the best advice I received from this site was to make sure my daughter's doctor was a pediatric orthopedic doctor. Since you are almost 18, I would strongly recommend you find a doctor who is experienced in treating adults with Scoliosis.

          I hope I've helped you. Feel free to send me a private message if there is more I can help you with. Good luck. Hang in there, you've come to the right place not only for information, but for support.

          Mary Lou

          P.S. There are some people with just Scoliosis; some with just an increased Kyphosis( I say increased because we all have some Kyphosis); and some with both.

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