Long time since I've been on here-update.

[katiev25]

Well it has now been 20 months since I was fused from T4-T12 in July 2006 at the age of 25. I have since travelled to Eastern Europe, Hawaii and Israel in seperate trips from Australia without any problems. My final curve reading was 25 and 18 from 66 and 45 which is amazing. Physically I am very straight, my hips are even and my shoulders are good. My rib hump is still prominent but barely noticed by others. My scars have healed beautifully and I actually love them. They remind me that I can get through whatever the day might throw at me. Negatively, the only downsides to this surgery has been that I still have an area between my right shoulder and neck which is noticably more prominent and uneven and my breasts are probably more uneven now and noticeable. But the good far outways the bad. I get slight uncomfortable stiffness in my rib cages but apart from that nothing. No more leg cramps and I have even started hip hop and contemporary dance classes again which I can do almost as good as before the operation. I can not touch my toes by stretching my legs in front of me on the floor but can do it from standing and I wear high heels daily which are no problem. I am currently trying for a baby with my husband and look forward to the joys that will bring. To anyone contemplating this surgery, It is the biggest decision of your life. For me it was the best I ever made but be sure it is right for you. The emotional scars are everlasting. I still cry when I watch a show when a patient is being wheeled because of the memories which flood back and I suffer fairly bad anxiety and nerves. Not to try and persuade you to make any decision or anything here, just to let you know both sides and possibilities which might affect you. Good Luck!-xxoo-

[JamieR]

Awesom!!

It is great to see how much you have traveled since your surgery. We are close to the same age so I am hoping for a smooth recovery. Thanks for sharing some of your experience. Sounds like surgery was the right decision for you and it is great everything worked out. Good luck on trying for a baby. I currently have a four year old daughter and me and my husband will try for another baby once I have healed and get the ok from my doctor. Keep us posted !

[mariya]

That's GREAT!!

Hi Katie

I am so happy for you and glad to hear that you are doing great. I myself did not have surgery yet, i had a surgery date scheduled about two years ago but cancelled the surgery for many reasons. Now, i am strarting to think that i will have to have surgery someday because i am 26 years old now and most likey the curves will just get worse and the pain that i wouldn't be able to live with forever. I have two daughters ages 3 and 5. I just recently was told by their pediatrician that they too need to be seen by a specialist. I am in total shock that they might have scoliosis as well. I scheduled an appointment for all three of us on April 1st and will find out how many degrees my curve progressed, if any.

Again, i am very happy to hear about your recovery going well and i wish you all the best with trying for a baby.


Mariya

[katiev25]

oh my surgeon was Dr Angus Gray at the Sydney Childrens Hospital or prince of Wales depending on your age. He is the most amazing man I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and you can see some of the incredible work he is doing with kids on Saving Kids on channel 10. Could not recommend anyone more highly then this incredible surgeon.

[mariya]

Well, thanks Katie, but I live in NY and will see a doctor in NYC. At this point my kids will just get x-rays for now and will find out what they have. Then i will start looking for treatment options and doctors to treat them. Thanks for the information!!