No pain before surgery

[BrianB]

I know one or two of you that have commented about not having any pain going into surgery, but that you were doing it more for preventative reasons, etc. As most know, I am in the same boat. For the most part, I feel fantastic and can do anything I want without any pain. But I know this curve is going to get worse and now is a better time. I'm curious - are there others out there who had surgery done despite the fact that you were mostly pain free? I have an appointment for a second opinion on Nov. 16, so we'll see how that goes...

[LindaRacine]

Hi Brian...

While your curves have a good chance of increasing, it's not a given.

I think this type of decision is the hardest to make. I think if I were in your shoes, I'd try to hold off on having the surgery for at least another 3-5 years to see if the curves do increase. During that waiting period, I'd do everything I can do keep myself in good shape.

Best of luck with your decision.

Regards,
Linda

[sweetness514]

Hi Brian,

yeah that is a tough one. I held off when I was 18(backed out the night before in the hospital), until I had pain at 26. But you have to also think that your spine is now flexible enough to not have anterior yet, like you posted at another time. Waiting a few years to see if the curve progresses can't change things much, even in flexibility, but that's a decision you have to make for yourself, and I would keep a close watch on your back if I was in your shoes.

[green m&m]

I guess I'm in a similar situation you are in. I'm waiting a few more years before I'll seriously consider surgery.

Has your curve been measured and followed in the past few years?

[ashleym8118]

I am having anterior surgery on December 14th to correct a 46 degree thoracolumbar curve...I also have very little back pain. Only when I have to stand or sit for more than a couple of hours do I start to hurt, which is pretty normal I think. But my curve has progressed and is expected to continue to progress...surgery is inevitable and like with you, this is the best time for me to have surgery, really. I think most people, including my doctors, would agree that the younger you have this type of surgery, the better. You'll probably have a faster recovery, better chance for correction, and less risk. If your doctor believes that you'll need surgery eventually, and you're at an OK time in your life to go through with it, go for it.

[dorigirl]

Hi Brian,

I just had my surgery on Oct. 9th by Dr. Kebaish, (I think that is who you are seeing, right?) My curve was 60*. I was diagnosed at age 12 and back then it was 35*. I wore a brace and was pain free up until age 30. I had two kids and with each one felt more discomfort. Could be from childbirth or from constantly holding and picking up a baby. Even though I felt daily pain, my pain level was never disabling. I could always manage it quite well with tylenol and rest. I know that some people are in constant pain, I was not one of them. I always knew my limits. I knew if I was on my feet all day then I would pay later, so I tried to be very careful.

Even so, when I did see my first surgeon and discovered that my curve had progressed from 35* as a child to 60* as an adult, I knew I had some decisions to make. That is the main reason I started looking and luckily found this site. The people here, along with my surgeon helped me make the decision I did. I learned that the likelihood of progression was very high and my chances for a healthy recovery and a good outcome were higher at a younger age.

Thank God, my surgery was a success. My curve is now less than 10* and 3 weeks later I am feeling better every day. I"ll be honest, these last 3 weeks have been hell and in my weak moments have questioned why I did it. Deep down though I know it was the right decision for me. I believe that the progression of my curve would have ultimately left me with no choice. And I am glad I did this at 35 rather than 65.

I think it is important to look at the rate of your progression if you can. Do you have a base line from years back? Mine for example was progressing steadily 1* per year. At that rate, if I did nothing I would be at 80* by age 55.

I wish you the best of luck with your decision, it is not an easy one. Please feel free to send me a private message if you would like some feedback on Dr. K.

[lelc2002@yahoo]

I have to say I was one that really did'nt have major pain at 46..but a huge 95 degree curve so go figure! I did have digestive issues,as I've said before since the curve started low & basically pushed my stomach into a tiny space.. I also had a horrible back/hump which, now as far as I can see, is pretty much history! I did'nt realize until about 4 mths until surgery that I was a really bad case! Looking back, I guess I should have been checked sooner as things got worse but I had been told by one surgeon that nothing could be done--too risky... thank god I found Dr. Boachie in NYcity...he said he could do it & he did!
fused T-11 to L-5/aug 1 2006 @HSS/ 3 mths post-op

[gayle]

i have never really had bad pain either but for some reason the only pain i get is when winter hits,my side where it curves in hurts so bad constant and even worse if i stand too long.my pain only started i think 4 years ago and thats why i decided to see a specialist.i started at T55and L60degree curves and within these 4 years its gone to a T60 and L70 degree curve.i know that it will get bad and will be miserable as i get older,i can already see the change.