First of all, let me introduce myself, as I am new to this forum. My name is Beth and I was diagnosed with scoliosis by one of those "bend over" tests at school when I was 14 years old. I wore a Charleston brace (night only) for about 2 years. When I was released from my ortho's care in 1994, my curves were at 43 thoracic and 48 lumbar. I was told that I had stopped growing, would have no further progression in my curves, and that surgery would not be necessary. But, about 6 months ago I noticed that my right hip was hurting when I tried to get comfortable in bed and I could no longer sleep on my stomach, as that caused a lot of lower back pain. I noticed my back started getting fatigued more easily than usual. I went back to the doctor (different doctor than before) to do current x-rays and see if my curves had progressed any in the last 14 years. Well, I am now at 55 thoracic and 53 lumbar. He has prescribed physical therapy, which I've been doing the last couple of weeks, but I can't tell a huge difference. He said to come back in a year to get more x-rays so we can tell how much it has progressed in that time. I'm pretty sure he's convinced I'll need surgery eventually, but just doesn't want to say it for sure. But he did say if/when we do surgery it will be very major due to the fact that my thoracic is pretty high and lumbar is very low.
What do you guys think? Do you think I should have surgery? If so, when? I'm 31 years old, have a 2 year old son, and am trying to get pregnant with my second child. I really would like to wait for at least 10 years so that I don't have "babies" anymore, but I'm wondering...how bad will the pain get? Do you think I have any other valid options? Any advice or thoughts you guys have would be greatly appreciated. I am a big baby when it comes to surgery!!
Thanks!
What do you guys think? Do you think I should have surgery? If so, when? I'm 31 years old, have a 2 year old son, and am trying to get pregnant with my second child. I really would like to wait for at least 10 years so that I don't have "babies" anymore, but I'm wondering...how bad will the pain get? Do you think I have any other valid options? Any advice or thoughts you guys have would be greatly appreciated. I am a big baby when it comes to surgery!!
Thanks!
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