Hello everyone! This is my first time on, and here is my story. It may be a bit long.
I wore the milwaukee brace from age 14 to age 16. My doctor did not recommend surgery for me, he didn't think I was that bad at the time. So I got through having the brace. Then over the years my back didn't really bother me that much. I had my two children daughter 18 and son 21 who also has scoliosis not to bad. My back started to bother me about 10 years ago. I went to see my old Doctor and he said to take some muscle relaxers but didn't bring up surgery. So I dealt with pain on and off. Then I would say about five years ago it was my relatives that actually mentioned to my husband that it looked like my posture was getting worse. So I went to see a orthopedic surgeon my GP recommended. He told me I would need the surgery from front and back removing a rib. Two surgerys. They would have to fuse my spine from the neck down. Yikes!!
I guess I was a bit shocked, but figured the time had come. Although that Dr. did not do the surgery any longer. He made a list of hospitals he recommended for that type of surgery.
I didn't want to go out of state, I live in Michigan. I went to U of M Ann arbor and saw the specialist there. He recommended I (wait and see) and try therapy. He said I would be more disabled if I had the surgery and wouldn't even be able to tie my shoes. That frightened me and I have to say I was a bit disappointed since I went there thinking I needed the surgery. I thought I would finally be straight and could get the surgery done. I went to therapy which does help when my back hurts and I get that stiffness feeling.
I then decided I wanted another opinion and went to St. Joseph in Ypsilanti MI. to the Spine institute. That Doctor also recommended waiting. He said there are alot of risks to surgery. Recommended I work on losing weight (which I know I need to) and keep an eye on it. Ok,( but a bit disappointed
again.)
Am I too old?? at 44. Are they afraid to touch me? I have an upper curve in the 40's and a lower curve about 70 degrees. I lean quite a bit to the left. I guess deep inside I would like to get the surgery to straighten me out. I feel very uncomfortable at times. I hurt when shopping, standing etc. I also have been getting quite alot of heartburn. I don't know if thats associated with scoliosis or just the weight thing. I am about 40-50lbs overweight and just found out my thyroid is at a low level. Now taking medication. Maybe that will help.
I don't know if I should just (wait and see) or continue with another Doctor.
Anyone been in my position. I would love to hear from you.
When is the decision made to have surgery? I'm afraid of waiting to long. I feel my curves are quite severe. Sorry so long!
I wore the milwaukee brace from age 14 to age 16. My doctor did not recommend surgery for me, he didn't think I was that bad at the time. So I got through having the brace. Then over the years my back didn't really bother me that much. I had my two children daughter 18 and son 21 who also has scoliosis not to bad. My back started to bother me about 10 years ago. I went to see my old Doctor and he said to take some muscle relaxers but didn't bring up surgery. So I dealt with pain on and off. Then I would say about five years ago it was my relatives that actually mentioned to my husband that it looked like my posture was getting worse. So I went to see a orthopedic surgeon my GP recommended. He told me I would need the surgery from front and back removing a rib. Two surgerys. They would have to fuse my spine from the neck down. Yikes!!
I guess I was a bit shocked, but figured the time had come. Although that Dr. did not do the surgery any longer. He made a list of hospitals he recommended for that type of surgery.
I didn't want to go out of state, I live in Michigan. I went to U of M Ann arbor and saw the specialist there. He recommended I (wait and see) and try therapy. He said I would be more disabled if I had the surgery and wouldn't even be able to tie my shoes. That frightened me and I have to say I was a bit disappointed since I went there thinking I needed the surgery. I thought I would finally be straight and could get the surgery done. I went to therapy which does help when my back hurts and I get that stiffness feeling.
I then decided I wanted another opinion and went to St. Joseph in Ypsilanti MI. to the Spine institute. That Doctor also recommended waiting. He said there are alot of risks to surgery. Recommended I work on losing weight (which I know I need to) and keep an eye on it. Ok,( but a bit disappointed
again.)
Am I too old?? at 44. Are they afraid to touch me? I have an upper curve in the 40's and a lower curve about 70 degrees. I lean quite a bit to the left. I guess deep inside I would like to get the surgery to straighten me out. I feel very uncomfortable at times. I hurt when shopping, standing etc. I also have been getting quite alot of heartburn. I don't know if thats associated with scoliosis or just the weight thing. I am about 40-50lbs overweight and just found out my thyroid is at a low level. Now taking medication. Maybe that will help.
I don't know if I should just (wait and see) or continue with another Doctor.
Anyone been in my position. I would love to hear from you.
When is the decision made to have surgery? I'm afraid of waiting to long. I feel my curves are quite severe. Sorry so long!
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