Waiting for first appt - 80+ curve

[RitaR]

Need to know from someone who has had this large of curve - I'm waiting on seeing Dr. Lenke on Aug 19th, first time they had. And, already I can tell I'm having problems, great deal actually, breathing. I get out of breath just walking into the other room (at times) and I bust into a sweat and my chest actually feels heavy at times. Sometimes I go to talk during one of these moments and I just don't see to have the air and have to take a breath mid-sentence.
Does this sound familiar to anyone and it's nothing unusual? I was told 3 weeks ago that my curve had progressed to 80+ and I had done the Milwaukee Brace thing when I was around 13, not sure that did anything though now. I don't have any problems sleeping, although I can tell rolling over is becoming more painful day to day,

[CHRIS WBS]

Hi Rita,

Prior to my surgery a year ago, my thoracolumbar curve reached 80°. I never experienced any breathing issues however. Most of my deformity was in my lumbar spine. Have you been checked out by your primary care physician to rule out anything serious? You will most likely require a stress test as part of your pre-op work as I did; but if you’re having a lot of chest discomfort and difficulty breathing now, I would certainly bring it to the attention of your physician. Two months is a long time to wait for your appointment with Dr. Lenke when you’re so uncomfortable and perhaps your doctor can prescribe something for you in the meantime. I wish you well.

[Doodles]

I agree with Chris. Two months would be too long to wait. Strangely enough with my curve I didn't have breathing problems. In fact pulmonary function tests were great. However, I think that can be a problem but yours sounds like it needs some attention soon. Good luck. Janet

[RitaR]

Hello Doodles - My dr tells me my curve is putting pressure on my lungs - does that sound anyting familiar to you or make any sense? This dr is supposed to be reputable and good and it's not really that I'm trying to second guess him or anything, just concerned.

[Wishing]

Hi Rita: I think it would be a good idea for your doctor to refer you to a pulmonologist and to have pulmonary function studies. Large curves can cause lung restriction and breathing problems which I experience with a thoracic curve of 95-100 degrees (depending on who measures the curve). I also experience similar symptoms and feel I have to squeeze out my words before I run out of breath. Pulmonary function studies will be ordered before you have surgery, but with your symptoms I think it would be a good idea to see a lung specialist soon. That way you can get treatment for your lungs if needed although surgery to correct the curve also would be very helpful. The earlier the intervention the better. Regards, also Rita

[Doodles]

Yes, it does make sense that the curve could squeeze the lungs. I remember being warned about this by doctors over the years that it was something that could happen if I didn't do something. For some reason it just didn't happen with me. Janet

[RitaR]

I can't help but think that's probably what's going on here because sometimes it really hurts when I take a breath. And, of course, if you're out of breath that doesn't make it any better. And, I've noticed my pulse is a little faster than it used to be - so I'm sure that's because I'm breathless. Even walking around at work, going upstairs, etc. I'm breathless. And, in the morning and evenings I'm in terrible pain. Like today I had a long conversation iwth someone and I just like had no breath - would hve to stop every now and then - and then once that was oer my back was killing me.
Ugh! I can hope that having surgery will make the pain go away.... because this is getting old quick.

[RitaR]

Hey Doodles,
How long ago did you have surgery by Dr. Lenke? Did you have a lot of pain afterwards from the surgery?

[Doodles]

March 30. The first 2 weeks were especially tough but it gets better a little at a time. Janet