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  • question/reassurance needed

    Hi - I am a 53 year old woman scheduled for scoliosis surgery in mid-May. I have been in pain for years with a progressive curve. Can anyone tell me how one gets over the fear of having the surgery? I am haunted by the fear of moving forward. I am worried about all of the possible complications and yet I am also worried about doing nothing. It is getting a few degrees worse every year. My daughter, under the name leviwood, has alaready posted some questions on my behalf. She is my number one supporter - Annette

  • #2
    Hi -- if it helps at all, I'm just a tad younger than you and I'm scheduled for surgery next year, and I'm scared too! What I keep thinking of is that hundreds of people have this surgery done every year and they seem to do just fine. My surgeon said the "vast majority" of people he operates on are happy with the results and glad they had it done, even though the recovery is a challenge. Getting lots of exercise and keeping very busy helps me too.

    Good luck,
    Chris
    Chris
    A/P fusion on June 19, 2007 at age 52; T10-L5
    Pre-op thoracolumbar curve: 70 degrees
    Post-op curve: 12 degrees
    Dr. Boachie-adjei, HSS, New York

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    • #3
      Hi Annette,

      Try to think of several things:

      1. You don't have one day more than the Lord gives you. At the same time you don't have one day less.

      2. It's not cancer...so that in itself should put the Scoliosis in perspective...it can be fixed. My husband is a 10 yr cancer survivor...and during my recovery I thought of this many times.

      3. For me, it was a new body...without the curved and rotated spine, the rib hump and the uneven and protruding hips.

      4. If your curve is progressing a lot...it probably will not stop...you may or may not be able to get by without surgery later in life. I was 42 yrs. old when I had my surgery...I wish I had done it sooner. For most people, the younger you are the easier the recovery.

      Kindest Regards,
      Gail
      Last edited by Gail; 04-01-2006, 01:08 PM.

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      • #4
        thanks

        Thanks Gail and Chris - sounds like we are in good company. Your words of encouragement help a lot. Annette

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        • #5
          Hi Crooked Teacher! I am 46 and I had my surgery last May. I knew since I was 16 years old that I would have to have this surgery eventually. When I felt like I could no longer put it off, I just jumped into it and had it done as quickly as possible. I tried not to think about it or any of the possible things that could go wrong. I just found the best surgeon in the area with the best references and decided to trust him. At the very last moment when they were wheeling me into the OR, I asked both my surgeon and the anesthesiologist to make sure that nothing went wrong and reminded them that I have 4 kids to take care of. I am sure that comment made no difference to them, but it made me feel better. I am not going to say that it was easy, but it had to be done. Recovery is slow, but the long term prognosis is a lot worse if the correction is not done. So eben though it has been hard, I am still glad that I had it done. After 30 years of hiding my crooked back and uneven shoulders and increasing hump. I feel normal! I do not even mind the scar! Unless I am in a bathing suit, no one sees it anyway. Good Luck, hang in there and just don't allow yourself to worry too much. Let all of your loved ones take care of you and look at it like a very extreme way to take some time off. Relax and heal! It will be worth it!

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          • #6
            Welcome! I am a 49-year-olf (as of yesterday) and had my surgery this past November. It is hard to believe that I am right at 5 months out! It seems like yesterday. My surgeon (I live in TX and had my surgery done in Boston) was the best I could find after my doctor in San Antonio recommended him. I researched doctors in Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and in Boston. Just feel comfortable with your surgeon. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure your surgeon is a SCOLIOSIS surgeon. And, like was already said, allow your family to help you. I am doing great!

            By the way, I was in the store today, and someone tapped me on the shoulder. She said, "Been there, done that!" referring to my turtle brace. She had had her surgery 15 years ago, and is doing great. I would estimate her age to be about 65. Hope this helps! Linda

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            • #7
              I'm scheduled for May also and have good days and bad ones. I'm exercising, taking yoga, keeping busy and going on vacation next week. I also buy a few things each week that have been recommended, so I'm not getting everything at once.
              Jenn
              37 y/o female
              60 degree lumbar
              45 degree thoracic
              1st time anterior/posterior surgery May 8th and 10th 2006
              T 5 to S 1
              NYC

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              • #8
                HI Annette~~
                I'm 53 and i'm also a teacher!!!
                I had my surgery this past October.
                The thing that got me thru was the thought that if i did nothing, the pain and the disability were going to continue and worsen.. without a doubt. With the surgery, i had a good chance that the pain would lessen, i'd be able to walk normally, and it would not worsen any further.
                Sure it would have been easier to recover if we were younger, but that can't be helped now... I did it ... and you can too... I'm a big wimp The surgery is no piece of cake, and recovery is long, but there IS a recovery and then it's BETTER!!! That's the amazing part for me... the surgical 'grunts' are fewer and farther between... and i find myself doing things that i had almost forgotten how to do before the surgery.... Like hopping right up the front steps of my house.... I was at the top of them the other day before i realized it.. didn't have to hold on and pull myself up and step-pause-step-pause the way i used to... it's almost a new lease on life!
                Think about the surgery like a swinging bridge over a river... don't look down, just look to the end of the bridge and work toward getting there... Just take it slow and steady, and you will soon be at the end of the ordeal and ready to start off on the other side in lots less pain and straighter and stronger than before..
                We are here as close as your computer for support and comfort and advice... Some here are very knowledgable, and some, like me, can just offer a hug, some encouragement, and the sharing of our experiences. God bless...

                JoAnn

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                • #9
                  many thanks -

                  Dear Jo Ann,
                  Thank you for your encouraging words. How interesting that you too are a teacher. What do you teach? Are you back to work? I am a French teacher and academic dean. I plan on ending the year early and recovering over the summer. I am lucky that I have a very supportive school. It is a small, private school in Bethesda, MD. I've been there for 25 years! Your positive spirit and suggestions on how to move forward are wonderful. I am inspired by your words. I am glad you are doing so well. I will work on moving forward without looking back.
                  Annette (crooked teacher)

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                  • #10
                    To Summer

                    Dear Summer,
                    I too am taking it a day at a time. I wish I could take vacation time, but I am a teacher and can't just leave. I am also exercising a lot. I do pilates and aerobic stuff, just about every day. I guess we are in the same boat. Thanks for responding to me. I hope you have a great vacation and can relax before surgery. Annette (crooked teacher)

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                    • #11
                      Hi crooked spine

                      Hi crooked spine - Glad to know there is such a great future after surgery. I too researched my doctor carefully. He is a scoliosis specialist and I do trust him. You are right. That is very important. I was told I would be in a brace for 3 months. Has it been longer for you? Also, did you buy all of the suggested items for your home when you came home from the hospital? Many thanks for your response and words of encouragement. Annette - (crooked teacher)

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                      • #12
                        Dear Caligirl

                        Hi Caligirl - Thank you so much for all your support. I am leaning on my loved ones a lot. I too, knew in my heart that surgery was likely at some point. I was always a border line case growing up. But you are right, the thought of just getting worse and worse is more frightening, in some ways, than the surgery. I'm happy for you that you now feel normal and are no longer hiding behind a crooked back. I know exactly what you mean. Many have told me that they don't even notice. I hide it well, but is has always bothered me. I never want to walk in front of anyone! Silly isn't it? Anyway, thanks for your kind words and for leading me toward a positive attitude about this surgery. Annette (crooked teacher)

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                        • #13
                          Hi Annette,
                          I know what you mean about hiding your back. I really have trouble even seeing myself in the mirror(back) so deformed! I really have'nt had much interest in new clothes because I always feel I have to buy a 16 size top(& normally I'd be a 10-11. I just hate to have anythg tight on my back.
                          It sounds like you've made the right decision if you've been in pain for yrs. All the best to you, summer & the others for upcoming surgeries. My thoughts are with you all....Lynne (46 & surg. in Aug.)

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                          • #14
                            I actually have had to wear my brace longer. I was in the "turtle shell" to begin with, and will be moving on to another type in the next few weeks. I like it because I feel more support. But then, everyone's different. Linda

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                            • #15
                              you too Lynn

                              Lynn - we are on the same wave length! And best wishes to you too for your August date!!! Annette

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