Improvement in curvature?

[Paula H.]

I had Harrington Rods put in when I was 12yrs. old back in 1986. Over the course of the yrs my left rods had broken and the right one isn't fused to the top of my spine anymore(you can feel a lump at top of my back from this). I decided after knowing this for the past 10 or so yrs to go ahead and have it checked. I was sent to Kenner, LA (near New Orleans) to see an Ortho. there ( 6 months ago). I found out that the curve was worse than it was preop. (I was 45 degrees before surgery and 55 degrees last checked 6 mo. ago). The doc said he didn't really think it was anything to worry about since I'm really not in much pain at all. He said he thinks if the pain is minor that I should probably just stay the way I am. He garaunteed me that nothing bad would happen leaving the rods the way they were.
Well I went back for another check up about 2 weeks ago and he said he can't explain it, but my curve is at 33 degrees now. He said he doesn't know how this happened. He told me he remeasured it 6 times and it came out the same everytime.
Has this ever happened to anyone here or has anyone heard of this happening?? I was really happy about it, but in the back of my mind
something tells me I should possible get another opinion.
Any thoughts or advise on this is greatly appreciated!
thanks!!

[jono]

i can believe that because some days when i feel tied i think my back is moor over. and when i feel good i even feel taller.

and some times i can like crack it and it feels streater.

even some people like family and friends have knowest that some days i look strater.

i had the rods in 14 years ago.

so is this all in my head are wot.
so it would be good to know even with the rods in can anything make a deference like how you sleep and exercise.

[rainbow2010]

Does the doctor you went to specialize in scoliosis? I was sent to a neurologist who didn't know how to handle my back. Through this site, I found a doctor that handles adult scoliosis patients. He happened to train under my original doctor. He looked at my MRI, CAT scan and xrays and was able to tell me all that was going on with my back and plan treatment.

[Paula H.]

I don't think he specializes in scoliosis, no. I was told he was just about the only docotor around here that would handle this kind of thing. I've never had a CAT scan or MRI, only x-rays done.

[SARAHK]

That seems really strange to me. I have had a difference of a couple degrees between checkups but 22º better sounds really strange. If I were you I would travel to see another doctor for a 2nd opinion. Just for your peace of mind. Because this is your back, not something that you want to put on the back burner. I'm sure there's someone on here who could recommend someone who's not too far away.

What I did to find a new doctor (before I found out about this site) was look up big hospitals close by on the internet and then search their orthopedic section. I found a doctor who specialized in adult scholiosis and basically picked him because he looked like a caring person in his picture! I'm not recommending you do that, but it did work out for me! The bigger the city you look in, the more options and better pool of doctors you'll have to choose from. Good luck!

[LindaRacine]

Hi Paula...

I definitely would recommend that you find a doctor who specializes in scoliosis. There's definitely something going on. You can find a list of specialists here:

http://www.srs.org/directory/directory.asp

If it's an option, I'd recommend that you try to see Keith Bridwell in St. Louis.

Regards,
Linda

[Paula H.]

Thanks for the advice guys..I agree with the second opinion..just something in my gut tells me to have it checked again by someone else. I'm definitaly going to check out the link that was posted. As far a St. Louis ..I wish I could go there, but money of course would be my hold up. I will check and see if maybe I can find someone in the Houston area.
Thanks again!