Time to make a decision

[pfla]

I need some feedback please. I have idiopathic scoliosis, 50 degrees and seems to have been stable for the last 2 years. I'm also over 50 and my doctor who is Dr Shelokov in Plano, Tx says I need to start thinking along the lines of surgery. The pain can be extreme most days. I like this doctor but I have not gotten a second opinion nor have I ever had surgery before. He did not say I'd be in a wheelchair or anything like that, I think he's mainly concerned about my quality of life in my golden years. My question is, should I get a second opinion, he also says I'll be back at work 6 weeks post op. I like him alot and feel he is being honest with me. It does take alot to get his attention sometimes and I understand he is a busy man. I did drive 3 hours to see him (one way) so the trip after surgery will not be a picnic I'm sure. I do have a good support system so that will be a good thing. Feedback is welcome and very much appreciated!

[CHRIS WBS]

Hello and welcome,

I strongly believe in second opinions for a surgery of this magnitude. I’m guessing that surgery has been brought up because of the extreme pain you are in even though your curve is stable. Another surgeon may suggest first trying conservative treatments to address your pain before resorting to surgery. Surgery should always be the last resort. I don’t know what surgical treatment Dr. Shelekov has proposed for you, but I think it’s premature to tell a patient that they will be able to return to work in six weeks, and especially since you are over 50. I’ve yet to read here about anyone over 50 returning to work in that timeframe following this surgery.

Good luck to you.

[pfla]

Hi Chris, thanks for the reply. That was what I wanted to know if anyone had ever returned to work in 6 weeks. I think I've read almost every post on here and could not find one that had returned to work that soon. Especially since I work part time in a warehouse, lifting, loading, etc and the rest of the time I'm behind a desk. He said I could resume my job on light duty. I was still not sure how this could be. I think a second opinion is in order and hope someone on here could recommend their doctor in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. I know there are alot of doctors in this area but I personally like getting a recommendation from people who have actually used one of these doctors. I believe he's recommending it due to the pain. He has also suggested I do more research before commiting to the surgery so I'm glad for that. I think he senses the fear I'm having. Have you been through the surgery? Thanks again for the response because I feel like I'm in over my head and tend to feel alone in my journey.