Lordoscoliosis

[Aussiemum]

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone shed any light on Lordoscoliosis? Not much on the net that I can find.
We saw a a Professor today for a second opinion regarding surgery, and he diagnosed Elysia with Lordoscolioisis. I know about the curve inwards part - but.... what complications if any will this present during surgery?? I did find something on the net that it can cause Pulmanary problems.

Ramona, I know Patrick had this - did it cause any problems? Was his operation done differently because of this??

The specialist today said her prognosis was not very good (meaning in avoiding the surgery) and better sooner than later for the best outcome.

Any thoughts on this?

Also..... on last x-ray she was 36 in brace (but she had had it off for school and only put it on for the x-ray) would this have affected the outcome? I can't understand how the curve would reduce in the brace after wearing it for 8 hours. Doesn't it correct itself immediately the brace in put on??
These appointments are always information overload and I feel you could sit there all day and bombard the doctors with questions. I always feel annoyed when I come away and haven't asked something... something that I only think about after going over in my head what has just been told to us.

Thanks everyone.

Cheers
Del

[scoliboymom]

Hi Del,
I was also very concerned when I found out Patrick had lordoscoliosis because I knew that it had a crushing effect on the chest cavity. Patrick's thoracic curve was probably above 80 degrees when he had surgery but even still it didn't change the way his surgery was done. I was afraid that he may need anterior surgery but it wasn't necessary. He never had any really noticable symptoms, the surgeon didn't even do one of those pulmonary tests before hand. Patrick did complain of shortness of breath but I think that may have been somewhat psychological because he was aware of the effects that lordoscoliosis can have. The lordoscoliosis is still there after surgery, might have been slightly reduced, but it is not in any way an issue.
Before surgery the doctor said that if he were to brace Patrick it would make the lordoscoliosis much worse as the pressure applied by the brace would force the spine to move more inwards. It made sense to me. Now that doesn't mean that is the case with Elysia. And keep in mind that Patrick's curve was in the low 70's when he was seen for the first time by his surgeon. I don't know if the bracing would have effected the lordoscoliosis in the same way if his curves were smaller. You may want to question the doctor on this though.
I did a lot of my question asking via e-mail directly with his surgeon. You may wanty to inquire if your doctor does this. Like you the questions always seem to come after you've had time to process what was said at the appointment and then its another 3-6 months before you see him again.
Patrick went for his 5 month checkup last week and his surgeon was very pleased with his progress. He is well balanced, his lower unfused curve is not increasing which apparently it still can.
If you have any more questions about the lordoscoliosis or his surgery I'd be happy to answer them, let me know.
Ramona

[Aussiemum]

thank you so much Ramona, I'll have to start writing down questions to take in with me to the doctors and ask about the emailing.

Glad to hear Patricks doing well. I don't post often on the forum but I do come on a lot and read everyone's stories and progress on their children.

Cyber hugs
Del