1st check up in 3 years?

[dakotamidnight]

I know, bad, but I haven't had my scoliosis/kyphosis checked in 3 years. Last I recall, it was at a 50 or so degree, and I refused surgery {I was 17 and starting college}. Stupid I know, but I was stubborn

Now I'm 20, and it's flared up. I've lost about an inch and a half in the last 3 years, and shudder to think what the scoliosis is at degreewise.

So.....what should I ask the doctor? I'm seeing Dr. Meadows in San Antonio {the only one I could get into this week}, and will likely be referred to someone else. I was told by the ER I went to earlier this week that the scoliosis was almost certianly pressing on my lungs and irritation a mild heart murmor I have, so surgery is a must.

Also, I'm overweight about about 50 lbs or so, and was wondering if they would do the surgey with me being overweight or will they wait until I get below a certian weight? If so, anyone know roughly what that weight might be?

Thanks!

[LindaRacine]

Hi DakotaMidnight...

Please don't settle for the first doctor who can see you. Depending on his/her ethics, many doctors will perform scoliosis surgery despite the fact that they only rarely see cases. You can find a list of specialists here:

http://www.srs.org/directory/directory.asp?mode=search

Surgery may be the only answer for you, but it won't be an emergency. You have time to do a little research and get a few opinions.

At 50 pounds overweight, you probably won't have any trouble finding someone to perform surgery on you. If possible, if you're not already doing something, it would be great if you could start some sort of fitness program. This surgery is very difficult, and I think most surgeons will tell you that the fitter the patient, the easier the recovery.

Best of luck in your journey.

Regards,
Linda