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    I was just diagnosed with severe scoliosis. They did not give me my curve angle but I have a thoracic and lumbar curve greater than 40 degrees. I'm a 20 year old full time student who also works full time (and lives alone). I've recently lost 2 inches in the past year from my scoliosis. The first time I was diagnosed was 2 weeks ago from a chiropractor and after that I went to a non-surgical orthopetic doctor. They both wouldn't tell me definately if I needed surgery but said that I may still benefit from it. One suggested stretching and the other pain managment via medications. Although, they both reccommended I also see an orthopetic surgeon because they might be wrong about needing surgery. All the stuff i have read about scoliosis surgery says it's reccommended in a curver greater than 40 degrees in adults.

    I have a lot of pain from my scoliosis and always have. I can't stand for longer than 10 minutes or sit down in a chair for longer than an hour. If I go from sitting to laying down fast, my lower back kills. I was always misdiagnosed as a child for the reason as to my back pain. I'm very confused. I don't know if I would benefit from surgery but I am going to school to be a nurse and they stand up for all of their day (12+ hours) and I can't for longer than 10 minutes without being in intense pain. Could I benefit from surgery???

  • #2
    Welcome :-)

    I think you're right - your next port of call needs to be an orthopaedic surgeon, preferably one who specialises in scoliosis - it's actually recommended that people get opinions from at least 2 different surgeons, if possible. If your curve/s are significant, causing you a lot of pain &/or problems with breathing, or are still progressing - surgery is usually considered quite seriously.

    Even if your surgeon/s don't think that surgery is the way to go right now, being under the care of an orthopaedic surgeon is A Very Good Thing. The surgeon can monitor your curve with regular visits & x-rays, work with you to get your pain under control, & let you air all your concerns re. scoliosis.

    As a quick side note, in case it is a concern of yours - I know a couple of (fantastic) nurses who have had extensive fusion surgery for scoliosis. After time off to recover, they had no problems with getting back to work or doing almost all the work nurses do - with exception of heavy lifting, which workplace health & safety laws usually rule-out anyway.

    Best of luck to you. I hope you'll stick around & keep us posted. Take care

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    • #3
      I was about your age when I had my first surgery and after 6 months I was told I could do everythingbut bungee jump and skydive. !

      I would encourage you to see an orthopod - preferably a scoli specialist. You have your whole life ahead of you!

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