I am 44 years old and have had scoliosis since I was 4. By age 11 every doctor I saw said I needed surgery, but my mother was deathly afraid of back surgery and chose not to do it. I believe my Tcurve at that time was 80 degrees.
I studied ballet, and became a dancer. I currently still perform, and run a dance studio. My back never bothered me until recently, when I started experiencing lower back pain. My massage therapist suggested that I go and see a specialist.
This I did, and the answer was that I have no choice but to have the surgery. In time my lung capacity will be compromised, pain will increase, and the longer I wait the strength of my bones will deteriorate (I have the beginning stage of osteopenia) and then I won't be able to have surgery.
I had xrays taken in 98, but they were never measured. I just had new x-rays taken- have no idea what the degree is now, but on the pictures my spine is about an inch away from the right side of my body. Obviously a severe curve- almost looks more like a box.
I'd like to know if there is anyone out there who had such an extensive surgery in their 40s and are now in their 60's to get an idea of long-term outcome. Doesn't make sense to go through something like this now only to run into more or different problems later.
Also, is there anyone out there with severe scoliosis who did not have surgery? How are they coping?
I know my spine is deformed, but my body has adapted to it for over 30 years. The organs, muscles, nerves... making such drastic changes can't be easily accepted by the body. Any thoughts, advice, info would be greatly appreciated!
Rosella
I studied ballet, and became a dancer. I currently still perform, and run a dance studio. My back never bothered me until recently, when I started experiencing lower back pain. My massage therapist suggested that I go and see a specialist.
This I did, and the answer was that I have no choice but to have the surgery. In time my lung capacity will be compromised, pain will increase, and the longer I wait the strength of my bones will deteriorate (I have the beginning stage of osteopenia) and then I won't be able to have surgery.
I had xrays taken in 98, but they were never measured. I just had new x-rays taken- have no idea what the degree is now, but on the pictures my spine is about an inch away from the right side of my body. Obviously a severe curve- almost looks more like a box.
I'd like to know if there is anyone out there who had such an extensive surgery in their 40s and are now in their 60's to get an idea of long-term outcome. Doesn't make sense to go through something like this now only to run into more or different problems later.
Also, is there anyone out there with severe scoliosis who did not have surgery? How are they coping?
I know my spine is deformed, but my body has adapted to it for over 30 years. The organs, muscles, nerves... making such drastic changes can't be easily accepted by the body. Any thoughts, advice, info would be greatly appreciated!
Rosella
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