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    I have had 2 surgeries for scoliosis...one in 4/2000 when I was 15 and the other in 5/2001 when I was 16. The first surgery paralized me when the rods were inserted, so they were taken back out. A year later the curve went from 43 to a 67/43 "s" shape. The rods were inserted succesfully the second time, but now I am having a lot of pain, and it doesn't ever go away. I have had MRI's, bone scans, and X-rays all recently, and been to 2 different orthapaedic surgeons, and they can't find anything wrong with anything. They also won't give me anything other than muscle relaxers because I'm only 20 now, and they don't want me to be on pain killers the rest of my life. The muscle relaxers aren't giving me any relief, they only make me sleepy so I just take one before I go to bed so I'm not bothered by them pain while I'm trying to get to sleep. My current doctor -Steven Fiore with Advanced Ortho in Richmond, VA- has spoken with my previous doctor -Chester Sharps with Tuckahoe Ortho in Richmond, VA- and they are now talking about removing my rods. I have an appointment May 10 to discuss what exactly will be done. I'm very nervous about this because I don't want the pain to become more severe than it already is. Can somebody please give me advice or anything to help in my decision on what to do!!!

  • #2
    Your case sounds fairly complicated and maybe should be handled by specialist revision surgeons. There are 4-5 fantastic revision surgeons in the country, and I'd atleast get an opinion from them. Revision spinal care needs a highly skilled and experienced surgeon. I dont know how your doctors, maybe they do indeed have a lot of experience. The reason I stress the importance of this is because some of these top revision surgeons have treated cases a lot more complicated than yours very successfully.
    If I understand this correct, you were partially paralyzed after your first surgery, but since have regained cose to 100% movement and feeling?

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    • #3
      I am so sorry you are going through such a terrible ordeal. I too have an "S" curve....74/75. I had surgery years ago on the top curve. Unfortuately, both curves have progressed through the years. My surgery was done in 1972 at the Chrippled Children's Hospital in Richmond, VA when I was 13. I noticed that you live in Richmond also. If you would like, you can Email me for further information.
      I recently visited a Neurosurgeon/Ortho Surgeon at UVA(Dr. Christopher Schaffery for a consultation. I was impressed with him, however he did not recommend surgery at this time because I only have pain when I stand longer than 10 min. When I sit or lie down I do not have pain. My curves are balanced but much worse. I plan to get a second opinion with Dr. Boachie at the NYC Hospital of Special Surgery. I have heard great reviews about him. I have not heard of any doctors in the state of Virginia that could handle my case....

      Best of Luck
      Donna

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