Double curvature

[mbeckett]

Hi everyone,

I am 53 years old and have had scoliosis since I was 13 years old. It wasn't until 8 years ago that I started having problems. I use to be an advid walker but each year I've had to cut back more and more because of the pain. I've had epidural injections, facet joint injections and recently they wanted me to do a nerve abalation procedure. Has anyone had this procedure done? If so, do you feel it was worth it?

I see the surgeon on April 9 and have all kinds of questions for him. I have a double curve and from what I have heard from people who have had surgery, it isn't a pleasant surgery to go through.

I would just really like to hear from some people who have had the surgery and/or RF ablation procedure and your thoughts on either one.

[sccrm08]

HI Mbeckett

I have had both done. For me the nerve abalation procedure did not help. I was getting ready to have a second one done when we decided to have the surgery. Best of luck with making your decesion.

[txmarinemom]

A link to a thread where it was discussed ... (that links to *another* thread where it was discussed ;-)

http://scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8070&highlight=ablation

Regards,
Pam

[mbeckett]

Thank you for providing that link to where nerve ablation was discussed. Many of the same concerns that I have were brought up. I had cancelled my procedure and decided to wait until I talk with the surgeon. Burning nerves for some reason just doesn't set right with me. From all my reading, the nerves do grow back. And the doctor even told me that they grow back so in 6-8-12 months, your faced with the pain all over again. In most cases, the doctors only speak about doing the procedure a second time. Well, then what? If the ultimate cure if you can call it that is to have surgery, then I guess we might as well cut to the chase and do the surgery. Can't believe I'm even at this point. I hear the surgery is long and the recovery is painful. I'd like to hear from some folks that have had surgery and give me their honest feedback as to whether or not they are glad they had it done, would do it again if they had to or wished they never had surgery.

[CHRIS WBS]

I’m glad I had surgery. I regret that I did not have it at a younger age though, but I was not even aware that this surgery was available to adults my age until I started having problems and began consulting with surgeons. There’s no denying it. It’s one rough surgery especially for those of us who are older and require more extensive surgeries. But I think I’ve come a long way since my surgery last June and while I still get achy from time to time, for the most part I’m pain free and enjoying the benefits of the surgery such as improved posture and appearance, standing duration and increased stamina for activities such as shopping, long walks and hopefully some traveling this summer. Yes, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.