Hi Everyone -
I haven't really posted on this forum (only once), but I've been reading everybody's stories and experiences, and they've really helped me out.
As of now, I have surgery scheduled for next Friday with Dr. Antonacci in Princeton. I think the thing I'm most worried about is that I still don't know if it's the right decision or not. My curve is only at about 40 degrees right now, and no lumbar curve yet. Everytime I met with the doctor, he reminded me that it's completely up to me, he was never pushy about anything. Obviously, it's not medically necessary for me right now, but I'm very worried that it's going to get worse in the future. Therefore, the surgery would be longer and so would the recovery. I don't know, maybe it's stupid of me, but I think it just makes more sense to get it over with now while I'm young and it'll be easier to recover from. Plus, I'm 26, and there's definitely moments where I'm in a lot of pain because of this and very self-conscious about the way I look. I really don't want to go through my whole life miserable (but who knows? This could end up making it worse, and I'll really be kicking myself in the butt.).
I'm only going to fused in the thoracic area (I forget the exact areas, but it doesn't affect the disks that easily degenerate). Another reason to get it done now is that the dr. says I'm well-compensated (no lower curve). As I get older, there's a good chance the lower part will start to curve and I'll need to be fused more.
If anybody has any words of advice or tips, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks.
I haven't really posted on this forum (only once), but I've been reading everybody's stories and experiences, and they've really helped me out.
As of now, I have surgery scheduled for next Friday with Dr. Antonacci in Princeton. I think the thing I'm most worried about is that I still don't know if it's the right decision or not. My curve is only at about 40 degrees right now, and no lumbar curve yet. Everytime I met with the doctor, he reminded me that it's completely up to me, he was never pushy about anything. Obviously, it's not medically necessary for me right now, but I'm very worried that it's going to get worse in the future. Therefore, the surgery would be longer and so would the recovery. I don't know, maybe it's stupid of me, but I think it just makes more sense to get it over with now while I'm young and it'll be easier to recover from. Plus, I'm 26, and there's definitely moments where I'm in a lot of pain because of this and very self-conscious about the way I look. I really don't want to go through my whole life miserable (but who knows? This could end up making it worse, and I'll really be kicking myself in the butt.).
I'm only going to fused in the thoracic area (I forget the exact areas, but it doesn't affect the disks that easily degenerate). Another reason to get it done now is that the dr. says I'm well-compensated (no lower curve). As I get older, there's a good chance the lower part will start to curve and I'll need to be fused more.
If anybody has any words of advice or tips, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks.
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