Adult Scoliosis Surgeons in the VA/DC/MD area?

[mauxi]

After browsing the forum for a while, I decided to venture in. You are all very inspirational people. Here it goes: I have had scoliosis since age 9, wore the Boston brace for several years during my infancy/teen years. The S curve progressed slowly during those years and other than the cosmetic discomfort, I am one very lucky individual because I have never had back pain. Doctors did not suggest surgery during my younger years given the lack of pain and slow progression rate.

At 36 (after having three kids), I still don't have back pain but the curves have increased a lot (I'll include measures in the next post - they are bad!) and they continue to progress. I want to get several medical opinions and wonder if anyone could recommend doctors in the VA/DC/MD area. I am afraid of the consequences down the road if I don’t get surgery while still young and in good health. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Doodles]

Welcome Mauxi! It seems we are getting a lot of new people lately. I wish it was for a happier reason. You were lucky to not experience the pain but sorry your curves have worsened. I'm in the Midwest so can't help you out there; just wanted to welcome you to the forum. Janet

[doodie]

Welcome Mauxi! If it's answers you're looking for you've come to the right place!

I live in northern Virginia and had surgery March 16th at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. My surgeon is Dr. Kahled Kabaish but there are a few other spine guys at JH. Dr. Kabaish's specialties were more in line with my needs. the whole surgical team was just top notch and I couldn't be more pleased with their team approach and thoroughness.

If you would like more information I'd be happy to send you a pm - just let me know okay?

again, welcome and please keep asking questions

[lumbar3491]

Doctors in the VA/DC/MD area

Welcome Mauxi

I too am new to this forum and will be consulting with a top notch adult scoliosis surgeon at Georgetown University Hospital in DC in May (earlier if I can). Like you, my scoliosis has progressed badly and I have no other option but surgery at this point.

The surgeon's name is: Dr. William Lauerman. Three other people at my church have had scoliosis surgery with him and have been thrilled. Here are three references you may want to check out:

1) Do a search for Lauerman on this forum. When you find someone who had surgery with him, send them a message

2) Scoliosis Research Society (http://www.srs.org). Do a search and enter "DC" and "Adult Scoliosis"

3) Do a search for "Lauerman" at: http://www.georgetownuniversityhospital.org

Hope this helps.

Karen

[mauxi]

Welcome Mauxi! It seems we are getting a lot of new people lately. I wish it was for a happier reason. You were lucky to not experience the pain but sorry your curves have worsened. I'm in the Midwest so can't help you out there; just wanted to welcome you to the forum. Janet

Thanks for your welcoming e-mail! Best luck during your surgery and recovery. This forum is incredible. I think it'll be invaluable to help me make a good decision.

Maria

[dailystrength]

Hi Karen, I am pretty new to this forum also. How did everything go at Georgetown? My Dr. in central VA wants to wait a year and watch my 49* curve. I am in pain a lot and starting to research surgical options, just "for fun" (ha!). This recommendation is appreciated. Let me know how it went; thanks!

--Christina

[jrnyc]

pain

hi christina
just wondering if you've been to any pain management doctors? i have & they have helped me w/pain..i am resisting surgey, & so have just finished a series of 3 epidurals...the 1st & 3rd (yesterday!) helped me the most...will also repeat facet block injections & nerve ablation...all tx seems to have temporary results, but i'm grateful for every bit of help, & for anything that helps me reduce my amount of oral pain meds!

write any time
take care
jess

[dailystrength]

Thanks so much Jess for your encouaraging post. The Dr. gave me Daypro to take and that helped for a while; I am also finding now that if I do my PT exercises (core and flexibility mainly) daily, my body gets into a better alignment, which is helping the pain. Yesterday I had no pain so there are good days and bad, I guess. How bad is your curve? I guess it's a mute issue as the pain level is what matters. Thanks for the tips on the epidurals and facet block and nerve treatments. Good to know. I just ordered a Lafuma recliner - my boss got one and it's amazing - takes the weight off the hips. Thanks again and keep in touch. --Christina

[lumbar3491]

Hi Christina

I won't be having my surgery with Dr. William Lauerman at Georgetown University Hospital until August 24. For sure, I'll report back on the experience.

Karen

[kt2009]

Welcome Mauxi! I live in Northern Virginia and my doctor is C. Michael Reing. You won't find much by Googling him. He is known as a pediatric orthoepedist and scoliosis specialist. I met him when he was recommended to look at my son's broken finger...now we all go to him! (my daughter has a very tiny curve and my son is very asymmetrical ...one leg longer than the other and hasn't started maturing yet...so I'm worried!). I like him, but you wait about an hour and a half everytime you go to his office.

My doctor when I was a teen was Wood Lovell (google him!), who I know now was a pioneer in pediatric orthopaedics...I believe he was involved in developing the Boston Brace. I was his last patient (at Scootish Rite Hospital in Atlanta) before he retired. Anyway...info you don't need, but Dr. Reing of course studied all his work and we talk about that a lot.

I'll be having my surgery at Fairfax Hospital on Aug. 26. Good Luck!