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  • At the risk of being redundant

    Hi there. I am a 27 (in two weeks) year old female who is facing surgery for the first time. I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon by my doctor, who then told me that I have two curves in my spine. The top one is 70 degrees, and the bottom one is 50 degrees. I just found this out on Monday. (today's wednesday). Anyway, yesterday, I went for series of X-rays. I had to bend sideways to measure my flexibility level, and on saturday, I'm going for an MRI. I understand that in order to feel better, this surgery is needed, but my God, I'm terrified! I stumbled on this website by mistake, and I've never been so relieved. I'm meeting with the surgeon on the 30th of May to discuss my surgery, but I was hoping I could talk to you guys first?
    I have a couple of questions, and I was hoping you guys could help me with some of them… I must apologize in advance; some of them will sound pretty stupid… I was just hoping you could help.
    · How much pain will I be in after the surgery? Will the pain be completely unbearable?
    · I know that I will be discussing this on the 30th, but do you think they’ll be going in through the front or the back? Do you think they’ll have to cut my chest open?
    · Considering that they’re straightening my spine, does this mean that I’ll be taller?
    · I have 6 weeks off of school for the summer… do you think I’ll be able to go back to school after the summer?
    · I just found out that its thanks to my scoliosis that one my left breast is a B cup while my right one is hardly an A… do you think they’ll even out?
    · Will the back pain stop? I hurt a lot right now, and I dread walking long distances, or even sitting down for too long… do you my pain will stop?
    · Can anyone tell me or explain to me EXACTLY what it was like for them? At least to get some sort of picture… what did you feel like when you woke up? Could you talk? How long was the surgery? All of that… I need to know… I’m freaking out.
    · How long after it was discovered did you have the surgery? Do I still have a lot to do? I’m going for my MRI on Saturday, then I’m assuming blood work.. what next?
    I understand that I’m asking a lot here, and for that, I apologize. I’d
    just like to hear from someone who isn’t a doctor. My email address is moniayo77@hotmail.com , so if you feel like your reply might be too long a post, please send it there. Thank you SO very much.
    27 Years Old
    Pre Surgery: 76 and 68 degrees
    Post Surgery: 15 degrees
    www.bentoutofshape.blogspot.com

  • #2
    Hi Monie...

    I don't have time at the moment to answer all of your questions. However, the surgery is definitely not an emergency, and I'd encourage you to take some time, to get a second opinion and do a little bit of research. The best book for your research is Scoliosis Surgery The Definitive Patient Reference. You can buy it in eBook format from the author:

    http://www.curvedspine.com

    You might also be able to buy it as a regular book from either the National Scoliosis Foundation or the Scoliosis Association:

    http://www.scoliosis.org
    http://www.scoliosis-assoc.org

    If you let us know where you live, you'll probably get some recommendations on finding the best surgeons in your area from other forum members.

    Regards,
    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

    Comment


    • #3
      Hi Linda.. thank you for getting back so quickly. Unfortunately, the reason I'm even considering surgery at all is because of the pain. I was involved in a car accident last July, and since then, almost everything I do puts me in agony. I unfortunately also don't have the options of changing doctors. The only form of health insurance I have is supplied by the state, and I can only go to whom they want me to... *sigh*.. I don't know... I'm so scared...
      27 Years Old
      Pre Surgery: 76 and 68 degrees
      Post Surgery: 15 degrees
      www.bentoutofshape.blogspot.com

      Comment


      • #4
        Hi Monie, My curves were similar to yours except I'm alot older. I had anterior/posterior surgery done. Your chest is not actually opened. My anterior incision is from my right shoulder blade to just under my right breast. The Dr. removed one rib and six discs. The posterior incision goes from my neck bone down to my crack. I also have an incision on the right hip where bone was taken for the bone graphs. I also have an incision on the left side of my belly where the doctor fused the lumbar spine from the front as where as the back. I really don't remember much of the two weeks that I was in the hospital. You are kept pretty medicated. I went back to work at 5 months postop with resistrictions. I work in an elementary school. I don't have the pain that I had before the surgery. But for the first year or so you may have pain from the surgery and because your muscles have to readjust to your new shape. My husband stayed home with me the first two weeks. I didn't gain any height because of having the discs removed. Alot of people do gain height. I was able to talk when I woke up, so I was told (I don't remember it). If you do have an anterior incision you will most likely wake up with a chest tube because they usually have to deflate your lung to gain access to your spine. My surgeries took a little longer than most due to some surprises for the doctor and the rods not fitting me properly. The first day was 15 hours then 4 days later 7 to 8 hours. Recovery is very slow, you will have lots of down days and then lots of up days. Hope this helps you somewhat. Feel free to ask more.
        Theresa

        April 8 & 12, 2004 - Anterior/Posterior surgery 15 hours & 7 hours
        Thorasic - 79 degree down to 22
        Lumbar - 44 degree down to 18
        Fused T2 to sacrum
        June 2, 2005 - Pedicle subtraction osteotomy @L3 7 hours
        MAY 21, 2007 - Pedicle subtraction osteotomy @ L2, extended the fusion to S2 and added pelvic instrumentation 9 hours

        FUSED T2 - SACRUM 2

        Comment


        • #5
          Thanks Theresa... That does answer some of my questions... I'm glad I stumbled on this website because everyone seems so normal... I'm not so sure why I'm terrified, though.... I find myself hyperventilating everytime I think about it...
          Do you know what decides whether one'll have an anterior or posterior incision? Is it the severity of the curve? The location, or God forbid, the medical insurance that one has? If that was a dumb question, I apologise... I'm just really scared and confused. I keep thinking that because I have an HMO, they don't do as much as they ordinarily would... *sigh*...
          27 Years Old
          Pre Surgery: 76 and 68 degrees
          Post Surgery: 15 degrees
          www.bentoutofshape.blogspot.com

          Comment


          • #6
            Hi Monie...

            I'm curious. Would you mind sharing who you're being sent to?

            Regards,
            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

            Comment


            • #7
              Hi Linda.. no problem at all.. His name is Dr. Philip Lucas at Rhode Island Hospital. He's an orthopedic surgeon.
              27 Years Old
              Pre Surgery: 76 and 68 degrees
              Post Surgery: 15 degrees
              www.bentoutofshape.blogspot.com

              Comment


              • #8
                Pre-Op Dread

                Hi Monie, and All,

                It's so "nice" Monie, to hear someone sound as terrified as I am . I didn't start out this way; I was advised several years ago that this day was probably coming, but now that the dates have been set (Aug 05,) I just can't imagine going through with the whole thing. I really have no choice though, as the discomfort is interrupting my work life more and more, and I can't quit. I'm down to 32 hours a week, and that's even too much. Since the surgery seems inevitable, I feel now is the time since I'm 53 years old and have pretty good insurance now. I also suffer from osteoarthritis and several other conditions that are not going to improve, so....
                I "only" have a 43 degree curve and compensary curves, but have become very uncomfortable with the stenosis, degenerative discs, muscle soreness, etc. I keep looking for some definitive answers SOMEWHERE about how it all will work out, but of course, everyone's different and I'll just have to find out for myself. I am wondering about one thing though that maybe some one can help me out with. My doc says I'll spend about 3 weeks in a rehab hospital before returning home. Does this seem excessive? I can't imagine being away for that long. I will have 2 surgeries 4 days apart. He'll remove a rib, take bone from the hip, and fuse T6 to L5. Do they keep you semi-unconcious between surgeries? Any info is appreciated...
                Singing the Blues
                Female 1951
                A/P Surgery Oct 13th & 17th '05, from T7-L5, 46 degree curve reduced to 19 degrees. Rib hump almost gone, but I have flatback. Thought it was "normal" and I would improve over time. I developed kyphosis above the surgical area. Had surgery with Dr Menmuir in Reno, Nv on October 13, 2010.
                Today I am still plagued with flatback, and I'm considering ALIF surgery.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Monie, Usually the Anterior procedure is done when they need to remove discs because of the severity of the curve and the condition of the discs. My discs at L-3 and down were in very bad shape. He said they were deformed. They remove the discs to make the spine more flexible. Little cages with bone chips in them are inserted where the discs use to be. I have aniexty so I had my doctor prescribe me some medicine to help with that. I already take Prozac and Trazadone but when I start getting rattled and worried even more so I take Ativan. I was also allowed to take it the night before the surgery. When I got to the hospital they gave me something in the IV. I thought I was asleep but my family told me that as they wheeled be down to the operating room I was talking to them. That's some good stuff. I was also really scared whenever I thought about it but I find the more I talk about it and research it the better off I am. I also think about what the future would have held for me if I didn't take care of it when I did. My sternum was already off center of my chest. It is now back where it belongs. Don't worry about your questions, if you don't ask them you'll only worry more.
                  Theresa

                  April 8 & 12, 2004 - Anterior/Posterior surgery 15 hours & 7 hours
                  Thorasic - 79 degree down to 22
                  Lumbar - 44 degree down to 18
                  Fused T2 to sacrum
                  June 2, 2005 - Pedicle subtraction osteotomy @L3 7 hours
                  MAY 21, 2007 - Pedicle subtraction osteotomy @ L2, extended the fusion to S2 and added pelvic instrumentation 9 hours

                  FUSED T2 - SACRUM 2

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Sharon, Will there be anyone at home with you? My doctor had said that I could go to a rehab hospital but with having my husband and daughter there he said I would be just fine at home if I didn't want to go. I didn't go. The first two weeks at home are kind of a blur. The third week my daughter started making me get out at least once a day. We had her law school graduation to go to so I had something to work for. There has been alot of people on here that have gone to the rehab hospital. I don't think anyone stayed three weeks though. My surgeries were scheduled four days apart also. I don't remember any of it but I was talking and driving my family crazy (so I'm told) I hope this helps you somewhat.
                    Theresa

                    April 8 & 12, 2004 - Anterior/Posterior surgery 15 hours & 7 hours
                    Thorasic - 79 degree down to 22
                    Lumbar - 44 degree down to 18
                    Fused T2 to sacrum
                    June 2, 2005 - Pedicle subtraction osteotomy @L3 7 hours
                    MAY 21, 2007 - Pedicle subtraction osteotomy @ L2, extended the fusion to S2 and added pelvic instrumentation 9 hours

                    FUSED T2 - SACRUM 2

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Hi Monie, I am glad you found this website, it is great! You'll be able to read a lot about other people's experiences, even a few people around our ages. If you would like to "talk" I am happy to correspond by email (if you private message me I will send my email address). I recently was advised to wait a while before surgery - for my progressing curves - but I went through a lot of mental preparation and anxiety while I was assuming I would do the surgery this year and if you think I could help in any way I'd be happy to. Take care and good luck, Laura
                      30y/o
                      Upper curve around 55
                      Lower curve around 35

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        p.s. also, yes, I recently noticed one side of my cup size has definitely decreased since I was a teenager, I was guessing this has to do with the rotation of the ribcage... maybe somebody else would know if that gets corrected...
                        30y/o
                        Upper curve around 55
                        Lower curve around 35

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          To Monie

                          Monie- I am 26 and had a 52 degree thoracic curve. Had the surgery last August and don't regret it at all!

                          Just try and relax. And take your time- get a few extra opinions. I went to like 5 sugeons over 5 years for opinions and when I finally found one I was comfortable with, I did it. Your body can wait a few more months until you feel ready. Definitely have the surgery- you shouldn't live with pain.

                          And you will gain height! Your body will be more balanced after the surgery, too. That aspect of it is amazing, but it will be hard sometimes. It is not a fast recovery. Takes time. It's been 9 mos for me and I am stiff when it rains and sometimes feel tired after walking. I live in Manhattan and walk nearly a mile a day- best exercise post op. You will feel your body improve SLOWLY on a weekly basis. It's not that bad, though. You will just be very tired and weak in the beginning...first 1-3 months. But slowly you will see good results. It's a life altering thing- my once pessimistic outlook is now much more sunny and optimistic. Getting through major surgery is a HUGE accomplishment and the aesthetic changes and lack of pain since surgery are powerful mood boosters.

                          I am here if you need to talk or have any questions. michelekemp9@netscape.net

                          Good luck!

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Sharon...

                            Yes, that does seem excessive. I'd want to be sure that your insurance company has cleared it.

                            Regards,
                            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

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Thanks

                              Theresa and Linda,

                              Thanks for your input. Linda, what a great moderator you are! I've found loads of useful info in your replies and reference materials.
                              I do have a hubby who can take time off to help me. I'm thinking I'll cut the rehab time down to no more than a week. It makes me a little curious as to why my doc would recommend so much rehab time...a cut of the $$$ ??? He comes highly recommended locally. Has anyone heard of Dr Michael Fry in the Lake Tahoe/Carson City Nevada area??? His dad and brother are also physicans, though not spine specialists.

                              Thanks again, ladies!
                              Sharon
                              Singing the Blues
                              Female 1951
                              A/P Surgery Oct 13th & 17th '05, from T7-L5, 46 degree curve reduced to 19 degrees. Rib hump almost gone, but I have flatback. Thought it was "normal" and I would improve over time. I developed kyphosis above the surgical area. Had surgery with Dr Menmuir in Reno, Nv on October 13, 2010.
                              Today I am still plagued with flatback, and I'm considering ALIF surgery.

                              Comment

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