Picture!

[KristyH]

I'm attaching a picture of my back which was taken a couple months ago. I have a 45 degree lumbar curve and possible thoracic curve (my upper back hasn't been xrayed yet). I am on a waiting list to see an orthopedic specialist but I'm just wondering if anybody has had luck with getting in to see a specialist in Eastern Canada without waiting more than 6 months? I live in Nova Scotia but I'm willing to travel as far as Ontario to see one if I can get in within 6 months. In NS, I will likely not get in until the end of this year. If I could get the name of somebody who might be able to see me sooner, my doctor will fax the referral. Please help! I'm in pain!

[lelc2002@yahoo]

Kristy-----interesting to see what a 45 degree curve looks like! you still look ok to me.....add 50 degrees to that & then you'll know what I looked like before my surgery! I've got to call my Dr. & get mine sent to me!...Ly

[debigolebiwski]

45 Degrees?

As a child, my curve was 45/31 so they braced me at age 2. By the time my bones had matured, I was corrected to 32/25. I never had anyone to even evaluate my spine for the next 30 years. It's been a constant problem now for the past three years or so and it has worsened over the past year to the point that I can hardly concentrate on what I am doing anymore! I am 49 years old now. I have severe thoracolumbar scoliosis with convexity to the left centered at L3. My thoracic region is convexed to the right, centered at T10. I have disc bulges, disc herniation that narrows the left neuroforaminal recess. I have degenerative bony facet hypertrophy and if I understand this correctly, that means I have arthritis in my spine. The left foraminal narrowing compromises the exiting nerve root. At C5-6 and C6-7, I have broadbased disc neuroforaminal recess. Now, I am in a body jacket that covers the length of my torso on the front and back. It is not made to correct my curves but it is to avoid it getting any worse (if that is possible). My condition is painful, I suppose from the arthritis. I have a 48/41 curve that twists inward near my waist. So, I am aware of the pains that so many of you are talking about.