new to this forum

[drumgod]

Hi everyone
I'm new to this forum and after reading posts from its members I decided to join. Its nice to see I'm not alone in the world when it comes to living with scoliosis. I've had scoliosis all my life . So I know the pain the members write about . So I guess I can say thank god I'm not alone!!!!

[Gail]

Welcome Drumgod,

You will find a lot of support and a wealth of knowledge on the forum.

Kindest Regards,
Gail

[Cakedec]

Glad you found us

Hi Drumgod,

How old are you and what degree are your curve(s). Are you looking for help with your pain or considering surgery?

[drumgod]

I'm 32 I'II be 33 this Friday my curve is in my lower back about 45 degrees or so doctors never give me the same number it always changes. I'm not looking for surgery ( I was told I'm too old ) Plus doctors told me if I were to have the surgery I might never walk again! I'm just looking for ways to manage the pain..

[Cakedec]

Did your dr. suggest any physical therapy? The stretching and strengthening exercises help many, also chiropractic manipulations have helped me with the pain flare ups for many years.

By the way, you are not too old for surgery at 32. We have many people on this forum having scoliosis surgery in their 40's, 50's, and into 60's. But at 45 degrees, you are probably on the borderline for it. Many doctors, even orthopedics, are in the dark ages as far as knowing what is being done now surgically for scoliosis. You should be evaluated by a scoliosis specialist. There is a website you can go to which lists them for each state. Can someone on this forum give it to him? Also, the risk of paralysis from the surgery is much less now than it was years ago -- something like 1%, I think I was told. I have not seen anyone on this board who has been paralyzed.

But then again, you may not at this time be a surgical candidate. If the pain is manageable and you can function and do pretty much anything you want, and your curve isn't progressively getting worse, probably you aren't.

By the way, there is a person on this board who goes by the name of Curvy Corky your age who had surgery for a 45 degree curve in January. She just posted today under the First Time Surgery section a thread titled " Back to work and hurting" . You can click on her name and go back to all of her old posts to read about her story, also send her a private message if you wish.

Deb

[drumgod]

Thanks for the advice, You have be a great help I'll look into physical therpy. Plus I do need to have a specialist look at my scoliosis anyway!!

[green m&m]

Thanks for the advice, You have be a great help I'll look into physical therpy. Plus I do need to have a specialist look at my scoliosis anyway!!

Since you are in NYC you have tons to choose from good luck

[Shari]

Why are so many medical professional unaware of what can be done with scoliosis now???

Shari

[drumgod]

Good question!! Every time a medical professional sees my scoliosis I get one of two things. The first is they have never seen it before and give me bad advice . The second is they have seen it before and scare the **** out of me with medical advice

[green m&m]

Why are so many medical professional unaware of what can be done with scoliosis now???

Shari

I'd guess mostly because most people with scoliosis never need any treatment beyond watching it every few years...