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  • Not sure what to expect!?!

    Yikes! I have been reading all of your post about post op pain etc... I have my first ortho appointment on monday! I have been putting it off for nearly 10 years! I am afraid of what they are going to say! How bad does you scoliosis have to be before they will cut you open?!? I am 28 and have had increasing pain steadily for about 5 years now. The last 6 bmonts have been almost unbearable. My poor kids think I am the worst mom ever because I don't want to go to the park and play or wressle with them on the floor! I feel like such an old lady! Any advice aobut what to expect?

  • #2
    hi, melanie!

    remain calm! remember, no one can make you do anything. at 56 degrees, my lumbar curve has been well within the "let's do surgery" range for a long time, but i have managed pretty well with 50+ degree curvature until the past two years. so. i hope your doctor will do whatever tests/exams are required (like x-rays, ct scans, emg's) to get to the root cause of your pain; maybe it's the scoliosis, maybe it isn't. i hope your doctor will take things other than the degree of curvature into consideration before recommending surgery: health problems that can be directly related to your scoliosis; the progression of the curves; how successful treatment for pain can be without correction, your current quality of life, etc. if surgery is recommended, seek a second opinion. your appointment on monday is a first step; there are lots of ways it can go. let us know what you find out!
    Sue


    Milwaukee Brace from ages 8 - 16
    T36 degrees/L56 degrees Pre-Op
    Fused T3 - S1
    Surgery done Sept. 15, 2004
    Dr. Robert G. Viere
    North Texas Spine Care @ Baylor

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    • #3
      curves minor, pain major

      Hi Melani...I am 30 years old and been dealing with the scoliosis since I was 16 after a car accident. I broke my right femur in half and it healed one inch shorter than the left causing a 27 degree thoracic curve and a 22 or 24 degree lumbar curve over time. I am in pain 24/7 especially in my left lower ribs, pain wraps around to back. I have been told that my curves are minor, but the pain I am in is major. I am having an MRI done in a week and my ortho wants me to see a neurosurgeon. I have already seen a back specialist and he turned me away. I don't know what to expect either and don't know where to turn. I don't really want surgery, but am looking for answers. I am currently in physical therapy but it has not helped with the pain. I am seeing a pain management dr but all he likes to do is throw pills at me. Unlike yourself, I have no children and still live at home with my parents because I am physically unable to live on my own and need their help. Anyway, I came to this site looking for support. I will keep you posted if I find further info that may help you.

      JCGal

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      • #4
        If you are just now going to the Doctor to find out what your situation is, it in not yet the time to panic. You usually need 10 degrees of curvature before they call it scoliosis. The pain might come from scoliosis or from some other cause.

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        • #5
          saw the doc

          Well, I saw the ortho on moday. He saw my old xray and said there is a "mild" scoiliosis, but that past back fractures are also possible causing pain. He wants to see my MRI and EMG I had sone in the past year so that I won't have to repeat them! YEAH! He also prescribed "neurontin" a seizure med that he says could help. Anyone else try that? I will let you all know what happens. Thanks for your support!

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          • #6
            hi, melani!

            i'll bet you (mentally) jumped for joy knowing that you will not have to repeat that emg...those things HURT! it sounds like your visit was a real success...get to the cause of that pain and fix it! let us know what the doctor thinks of your previous tests...aren't you glad to think that you might be able to enjoy your family again? good luck....
            Sue


            Milwaukee Brace from ages 8 - 16
            T36 degrees/L56 degrees Pre-Op
            Fused T3 - S1
            Surgery done Sept. 15, 2004
            Dr. Robert G. Viere
            North Texas Spine Care @ Baylor

            Comment


            • #7
              Melani,
              Yes, I take Neurontin 300 mg X4 day since my A&P surgery in 2002. It is non additive and works really well for me. Just be sure that after you start taking it that you just don't stop taking it. It is one of those drugs that you have to gradually stop. I hope it works as well for you as it does for me
              SandyC
              SandyC

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