Hello
My name is Maria and I am new to this forum. I love reading all the stories, and I can't believe their are soo many people out there with scoliosis.
I am 40 yrs old and was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 12. I wore the Milwalkee Brace for 2 years and I also saw many chiropractors. Throughout all these years I never had pain, even when I was pregnant with my children, who are now 14 and 10 yrs old.
I started to experience pain in my lower back and in my legs in Sept 2005. I followed up with several drs. and I was told that I have degenerative disc disease. I would need two surgeries (anterior and posterior). I will need to be in yhe hospital for 10 days, with plenty of rehab afterwards.
The Dr. that I am seeing is Dr. Michael Neuwirth from Beth Israel, N.Y. He wanted me to have surgery July of this year, but I was afraid that it was too close to September and I wouldn't be emotionally or physically ready for when my children go back to school. I am also very very scared to have this surgery. I keep saying that I want to have it in June of 2007, but I have yet to schedule it. I guess I am procrastinating, aren't I? Is this normal? I feel confused, but when I read these stories it gives me a lot of encouragement.
My familiy is very worried. They think it is a very complicated surgery, with a lot of risks(paralysis). Some family members (parents) don't want me to go through with this. They think I should wait. Wait for what? I don't know!!!!!
They tell me that there is no guarantee that I will be pain free, and that I will be in more pain after the surgery, and that i will regret it afterwards.
My husband and one of my brothers feel that I should have had it done already or have it done ASAP. Am I wrong for waiting till June 2007?
So if someone has had a similar experience and has felt the same way, can you help me with some suggestions and advice?
Thanks
Maria
70 degree lumbar curve from T12 - L4
40 degree thoracic curve fromT5 - 11
Dr. Michael Neuwirth
Beth Israel Spine Institute
N.Y.,N.Y.
My name is Maria and I am new to this forum. I love reading all the stories, and I can't believe their are soo many people out there with scoliosis.
I am 40 yrs old and was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 12. I wore the Milwalkee Brace for 2 years and I also saw many chiropractors. Throughout all these years I never had pain, even when I was pregnant with my children, who are now 14 and 10 yrs old.
I started to experience pain in my lower back and in my legs in Sept 2005. I followed up with several drs. and I was told that I have degenerative disc disease. I would need two surgeries (anterior and posterior). I will need to be in yhe hospital for 10 days, with plenty of rehab afterwards.
The Dr. that I am seeing is Dr. Michael Neuwirth from Beth Israel, N.Y. He wanted me to have surgery July of this year, but I was afraid that it was too close to September and I wouldn't be emotionally or physically ready for when my children go back to school. I am also very very scared to have this surgery. I keep saying that I want to have it in June of 2007, but I have yet to schedule it. I guess I am procrastinating, aren't I? Is this normal? I feel confused, but when I read these stories it gives me a lot of encouragement.
My familiy is very worried. They think it is a very complicated surgery, with a lot of risks(paralysis). Some family members (parents) don't want me to go through with this. They think I should wait. Wait for what? I don't know!!!!!
They tell me that there is no guarantee that I will be pain free, and that I will be in more pain after the surgery, and that i will regret it afterwards.
My husband and one of my brothers feel that I should have had it done already or have it done ASAP. Am I wrong for waiting till June 2007?
So if someone has had a similar experience and has felt the same way, can you help me with some suggestions and advice?
Thanks
Maria
70 degree lumbar curve from T12 - L4
40 degree thoracic curve fromT5 - 11
Dr. Michael Neuwirth
Beth Israel Spine Institute
N.Y.,N.Y.
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