15 years post op, in pain, and looking for help

[depesto325]

I had a double curve 55 degrees and 50 degrees. In 1994 I had spinal fusion from T2 to L3 with CD rods and my curves were reduced to about 25 degrees each. I'm glad I had the surgery because at 14, my curve would have just continued to get worse and I would have had severe lung, heart and mobility problems.

However, its fifteen years later and I'm always in pain. I've gone through periods were its better or worse but its never good. I'm pretty active lately. I run, do yoga and in general we walk a lot.

I get lower back pain here and there but most of my pain is in my middle back or right at the bottom pointy tips of my shoulder blades.

I've tried a couple of doctors and physical therapists but haven't had any luck. My insurance is tri-care (military) through my husband and they are rather frustrating. I've tried to tell them that I need to see a physical therapist or doctor with scoliosis experience but they send me to the pt on base with no scoliosis experience or any md with "ortho" in their title. gvt insurance sucks

I've decided that, for next year, I'm getting insurance through my employer so that I can see whatever doctor I want even if I have to pay a bit for it.

Here is my question, finally. Does anyone have any suggestions for the type of pt or doctor I should see?

[LindaRacine]

I had a double curve 55 degrees and 50 degrees. In 1994 I had spinal fusion from T2 to L3 with CD rods and my curves were reduced to about 25 degrees each. I'm glad I had the surgery because at 14, my curve would have just continued to get worse and I would have had severe lung, heart and mobility problems.

However, its fifteen years later and I'm always in pain. I've gone through periods were its better or worse but its never good. I'm pretty active lately. I run, do yoga and in general we walk a lot.

I get lower back pain here and there but most of my pain is in my middle back or right at the bottom pointy tips of my shoulder blades.

I've tried a couple of doctors and physical therapists but haven't had any luck. My insurance is tri-care (military) through my husband and they are rather frustrating. I've tried to tell them that I need to see a physical therapist or doctor with scoliosis experience but they send me to the pt on base with no scoliosis experience or any md with "ortho" in their title. gvt insurance sucks

I've decided that, for next year, I'm getting insurance through my employer so that I can see whatever doctor I want even if I have to pay a bit for it.

Here is my question, finally. Does anyone have any suggestions for the type of pt or doctor I should see?

Hi....

You need to find a scoliosis specialist who has a lot of experience treating patients with long fusions. I think changing to a PPO insurance plan is an excellent idea. Where do you live?

Regards,
Linda