Well. when I count how many GOOD days I have, rather than how many Bad days, I guess it is time to seriously consider surgery. I started at age 15 with a 45 degree lumbar and 35 degree thoracic curve. I wore a back brace until I stopped growing at 18 1/2. I was virtually pain free until my mid thirties. I am now 42 and the degrees are progressing, currently
60 lumbar, 45 thoracic. I have been on NSAIDS for 8 years and have seen three doctors. The first two wanted to do surgery while I was a teen. The third one was a very kind man at the University of California back in the '80's. He suggested that I wait until symptoms actually occured and not to do anything so drastic until necessary.
I now live in Bend, Oregon, and have a doctor whom I am very comfortable with. She is very much into non-invasive treatment for as long as possible. I have had epidural injections for three years now. For anyone who is afraid to do it (like I was) I want you to know that it made a huge difference in my everyday life. If you are at wit's end and want to postpone surgery, it was well worth it. Unfortunately, it is no longer helping my nerve pain. I am back to numbness and tingling down my leg all the way to my foot. I was also taking vioxx for several months and it really helped. Since that is no longer an option, the injections are not working, and the curve is worsening, I have an appointment December 14 to discuss other options.
I have a lot of confidence in my doctor, but was still wondering if anyone out there has been a patient of hers or has success stories from her to share. Her name is Dr. Kathleen Moore, and she was in the Minneapolis area at one time before coming here to Bend.
Also, I haven't seen much on how people cope with the financial part of going through surgery. I have vacation and sick pay, but I am sure it won't be enough time. Like most Americans, I have lots of obligations that I am worried about meeting. I do NOT want to have to file bankruptcy after 25 years of near perfect credit. What are people doing?
This is my first message, so I hope I get it right. Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories. This place is a gold mine! I'll be back a lot during the next few months, especially if we decide to schedule surgery. I'll have lots of questions.
Jenee'
60 lumbar, 45 thoracic. I have been on NSAIDS for 8 years and have seen three doctors. The first two wanted to do surgery while I was a teen. The third one was a very kind man at the University of California back in the '80's. He suggested that I wait until symptoms actually occured and not to do anything so drastic until necessary.
I now live in Bend, Oregon, and have a doctor whom I am very comfortable with. She is very much into non-invasive treatment for as long as possible. I have had epidural injections for three years now. For anyone who is afraid to do it (like I was) I want you to know that it made a huge difference in my everyday life. If you are at wit's end and want to postpone surgery, it was well worth it. Unfortunately, it is no longer helping my nerve pain. I am back to numbness and tingling down my leg all the way to my foot. I was also taking vioxx for several months and it really helped. Since that is no longer an option, the injections are not working, and the curve is worsening, I have an appointment December 14 to discuss other options.
I have a lot of confidence in my doctor, but was still wondering if anyone out there has been a patient of hers or has success stories from her to share. Her name is Dr. Kathleen Moore, and she was in the Minneapolis area at one time before coming here to Bend.
Also, I haven't seen much on how people cope with the financial part of going through surgery. I have vacation and sick pay, but I am sure it won't be enough time. Like most Americans, I have lots of obligations that I am worried about meeting. I do NOT want to have to file bankruptcy after 25 years of near perfect credit. What are people doing?
This is my first message, so I hope I get it right. Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories. This place is a gold mine! I'll be back a lot during the next few months, especially if we decide to schedule surgery. I'll have lots of questions.
Jenee'
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