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  • Choosing surgery

    How bad do things have to be before you select surgery? Can only the physician make that call? Has anyone had surgery for cosmetic reasons only? I am afraid if I wait the risks will be higher than now when I am fairly young and in good health. Any advise?
    Midwest
    Last edited by midwest; 07-20-2006, 12:45 PM.

  • #2
    Hi Midwest...

    I think it's different for everyone. Some of the things that surgeons generally look for in adults are: curves >50 degrees, documented progression, significant back pain, and loss of function. In addition, in borderline cases, I think many surgeons would want their patients to try some conservative methods before embarking on surgery.

    Regards,
    Linda
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

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    • #3
      Hey Midwest,

      You sound a lot like me. My curve is "moderate" at 34 degrees (both lumbar and thoracic but it causes me constant pain and I have a rib hump due to the rotation of my ribcage. The cosmetic deformity is the main reason I want the surgery. I have a lot of body image issues and I wrote a letter to the surgeon explaining exactly why I want the surgery and documenting my depression, self-loathing, self imposed isolation etc. due to the scoliosis. I am also working with a therapist who will work with the surgeon (if need be) to allow him/her to better understand why I feel the way I do. I have a lot of health issues and I deal just fine. But this is the last straw. Every person has their breaking point and this is mine. was molested as a child and because of that my body image is terrible! The hump on my back is crushing me. So yes, I want surgery for cosmetic reasons. I have to believe that there must be 1 surgeon in the US who will operate on me.
      28 years old. Dx at age 14.

      1994 20T/20L
      1998 22T/20L
      2002 30T/28L
      2006 34T/28L
      2008 43T/34L

      considering surgery in the near future as the curvature is getting progressively worse and for pain management.

      XRAYS and pics at 28 years old. http://www.freewebs.com/skiergirl24/apps/photos/

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      • #4
        I really want the surgery and I do understand the risks. I work in the medical profession and see cosmetic surgery for almost everything these days. I hate the way I look and feel. I avoid so many things and am always trying to find clothes that will somewhat cover my hump. I just wish I knew what to do. My crystal ball seems to not be working.
        Midwest

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        • #5
          Midwest, you could be my twin!! Seriously! Please email me if you like...I haven't run across anyone else who is battling this ugly condition the same way Iam with the same concerns as me!

          mobeemaster@gmail.com
          28 years old. Dx at age 14.

          1994 20T/20L
          1998 22T/20L
          2002 30T/28L
          2006 34T/28L
          2008 43T/34L

          considering surgery in the near future as the curvature is getting progressively worse and for pain management.

          XRAYS and pics at 28 years old. http://www.freewebs.com/skiergirl24/apps/photos/

          Comment


          • #6
            Hi Midwest,

            do you know the degree of your curve(s)?
            35 y/old female from Montreal, Canada
            Diagnosed with scoliosis(double major) at age 12, wore Boston brace 4 years at least 23 hours a day-curve progressed
            Surgery age 26 for 60 degree curve in Oct. 1997 by Dr.Max Aebi-fused T5 to L2
            Surgery age 28 for a hook removal in Feb. 1999 by Dr.Max Aebi-pain free for 5 years
            Surgery age 34 in Dec.2005 for broken rod replacement, bigger screws and crosslinks added and pseudarthrosis(non union) by Dr. Jean Ouellet

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            • #7
              I will find out my measurements Friday. I was diagnosed as a teen and went to a specialist who wanted to brace me. My parents were divorced and we had no health insurance, so no treatment. I really just lived with the ridicule and pain. Lately I can feel changes in my body shape and the pain is becoming more severe. It feels like the options are very limited.

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              • #8
                I am 38 and wore a brace as a teenager, then I have pretty much ignored it for 20 years. I did go through some Advil though,lol. Last year I could no longer ignore it Advil didn't work anymore. I have a 55 degree lumbar curve which is borderline surgical, but because of disc problems and stenosis I will be having surgery on 9/6 and 9/8. The pain has affected my life and is stopping me from doing things that I want to do. That is the ultimate decision for surgery.
                surgery 9/06
                Rothman institute

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                • #9
                  You may want to keep in mind that besides pain, these severe curves can affect the positioning of your organs...they have in my case....
                  My lower lumbar curve has scrunched my stomach so bad that I can't eat much at all by dinner time.....
                  60/60 c...surg Aug 1st http://lynnebackattack.blogspot.com

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