When the Surgeons get it wrong!

[Aussiemum]

Hi guys,

First post here!!!

Here's a little story to share for all those who've just been told their child needs surgery!

I'll give it in the readers digest version so it's not so long.....

Went to an Orthopeadic Surgeon with my 11.75 year old Daughter. Found she had a 25 degree curve.
Came back in 4 months found it had progressed to 37 degrees.
Advised would need bracing and got sent off to see a Spinal Surgeon who specialises in Scoliosis.
Before seeing specialist bombarded ourselves with information on bracing and ways to cope with it. Tried to boost moral of 12 year old for life in a brace.
Got to see Spinal Surgeon who stated - no! It's gone to 50 in a month - surgery would be necessary - brace won't work. Go for more x-rays and come and see me in two weeks. Gave us all the paperwork explaining operation.
Mum and Dad now total basket cases!
Went and had more x-rays and MRI for "PRE-OP planning"
Once again had to boost moral of 12 year old for Major operation and 1 year of recovery before back to sports etc.
After X-rays back to Specialist - "SURPRISE!" Curve is only at 37 degrees she can go into a brace.
Result - Mother wants to kill Surgeon!!!!! Happy that child can wear brace (I think!) but 2 weeks of stress for NOTHING!
Now after telling child how horrible brace was going to be and operation is the best outcome - now have to reprogram back to thinking - no brace will be better!!!!!!!

Just telling this story because - NEVER listen to the docs until all the cards are down on the table and all the tests have been completed!
But in saying all this - we have been praying VERY hard that this would be the outcome and she wouldn't have to have the operation at such a young age.

So do I punch the surgeon or kiss him! LOL!

I'll be back - we go for the fitting of the brace in two weeks!!!!!! Whaaaaaa!
Life is going to be interesting for awhile!

xxx
Aussie Mum

[laurieg6]

Hi Aussie Mum,

Your experiences sound awful. How could the surgeon have made such a mistake? I'm glad you found out after only two weeks but what a rotten two weeks. I've been going through the process of deciding on surgery & which Dr. to use for my 12 yr old son. It's very stressful & to do it all for nothing seems ridiculous. But it is sort of my dream/fantasy that someone will tell me it's all a big mistake & there's no need for surgery.

My son's been wearing a brace for almost 4 years now & he's sort of used to it. It takes some getting used to but sometimes he seems to prefer it (esp. in cold weather). All his friends have been great about it. We call him our "man of steel"; he's been our superboy about all of this. He recommends that your daughter stay in a cool place during the summer.

Hang in there! Your daughter will adjust & it sounds like you guys are handling it all very well. Write back if you want.

Laurie

[marthak]

Yeah! I'm happy for you. My daughter wore the brace for a year and a half through middle school and into high school, she did great with it. No one picked on her, she didn't have to carry her books (anti-backpack bonus), she always took it off for exercise which is several hours per day for her, and WOW what a waist the girl has and a flat tummy. Its okay to struggle, and sometimes choosing to wear something different to gain a possible no-surgery is the kind of choice that builds your strength. Here's what my girl says now, Mom, it's just a longer road and a little struggle is good.

I love that kid! If she is anything like you, she'll be great!

- Martha K, CAlifornia

[The Slice]

Aussie Mom, That's tough and it IS too bad that you had to go through that. There's a lesson here for everyone. Doctors are NOT infallable, they do make mistakes. It's the main reason why it's always important to get a second opinion before committing to a major surgical procedure. The exception to this is when the surgery is for emergency reasons. Be glad that this was discovered before your daughter had surgery. Be assured that if she does complain about having to wear the brace, that most of it is driven by the fear of being teased and ostracised(s). Once she gets used to it and realizes that most of the other kids will accept her with or without the brace, she'll settle down about it. Maybe you can help her and her friends to have fun with it by helping her to decorate the brace. Some places now make braces with cool designs already in the plastic.

[Mom37]

Agree second opinion is never a mistake!

We even had a third opinion. OPur third opinion was our best and found out more the others did not. I am so sorry that they gave you a scare, but I am glad that bracing is an option. This is a great reason for more opinions since surgeons and opinions vary. My daughter will have to have surgery, but I know we did what we needed to. I wish you the very best outcome.