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What questions shall i ask?

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  • What questions shall i ask?

    So I have made an appointment with a scoliosis specialist in one of our government hospitals in Malaysia. Was just wondering what kind of questions shall i ask my surgeon? If let say im thinking about having the surgery.

    I hope you guys can help me with this because ive asked almost all the possible questions and i just dont want to miss out any

    Thanks a bunch ..
    Have a nice day

  • #2
    Here were some of the questions I asked and just to warn you there are A LOT!

    Scoliosis Questions

    ·Given my degree of curvatures and rotation, will the de-rotating and straightening of my spine cause my shoulders to be uneven or shoulder blades or ribs to stick out (or cause a hump)?

    ·What are the major surgery risks for me during and following surgery?

    ·How likely or common is it for patients (similar to myself) to develop Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome after surgery? How is this treated?

    ·What is the maximum correction I can expect given my curvatures?

    ·How much height can I expect to gain?

    ·What determines whether or not my sacrum will need to be fused?

    ·How limited will my range of motion be? How flexible will the spine be post op? What will be my activity limitations both long and short term?

    ·Can I expect any chronic (long-term) back pain after surgery?

    ·At what curvature level (and how long from now) would I require a level 3 osteotomy?

    ·At what point will my curvature be past the point of being operable?

    Given my rate of progression how long will it be before I reach that level?

    ·What internal organs is my curvature affecting and to what degree is it affecting them now? What will the effect be on them as my curve continues to progress?

    ·Will having spinal fusion impact fertility and my ability to have normal pregnancy?

    After fusion (to sacrum or L4) will I be able to deliver vaginally or will I require a cesearean section?

    ·In your professional opinion, do you feel I need to have this surgery now for the best outcome?

    ·At what point will my curvature be past the point of being operable? Given my rate of progression how long will it be before I reach that level?

    There were lots more but reading through the posts gives you so much info and sending people messages is also a GREAT resource. Hope these help some
    Laurie Anne
    Age 30
    Pre-Op Curves T68, L80, Kyphosis 48 degrees
    Post-Op Curves both around 10 degrees
    Surgery with Dr. Lenke & Dr. Kelly 12/13/10
    Gained 2.5 inches now 5'9
    PRE-OP Photos: http://s1080.photobucket.com/albums/...urieScoliosis/
    5 Mos Post Op: http://s1080.photobucket.com/albums/...s%20Post%20Op/
    1-Year Post Op: http://s1080.photobucket.com/albums/...r%20Post%20Op/

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    • #3
      You might want to do a search of threads, as this is a relatively common subject. You'll notice, if you do, that my opinion is that you should not go to a specialist with a list of questions that someone else has written. I work for spine surgeons, and I can tell you that the appointments that are the biggest messes are the ones where people come with a list of questions that don't necessarily apply to them. Instead, I would focus on what the specialist has to say, and ask questions as they occur to you. Also ask if there's a way that you can get additional questions answered if you think of them after you leave.

      --Linda
      Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      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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