what to do?

[augemac]

I have had 2 fusions and 2 rod removals and a 7 rib thoracoplasty.

These past few months my body has been talking to me again. Don't know if it is arthritis or symptoms of something new is happening to me. So i went to a local dr. that doesn't really specialize in Scoliosis and well I went for an MRI but still haven't seen him back yet to get the results. I have been thinking it over and I went with a specialist that was with my previous Dr. in Denver. They have my file there and I hope to get some sort of answer. I guess??

They scheduled me right away for this Thursday Nov 6th. My husband is going to be off of work and will go with me. I told him today that I made an appointment and he asked me a question that I didn't expect. He said "what do you hope to get from this appointment?"

After thinking about it I don't know. All I know is that I am worried, not feeling good, hurting in my breast bone and ribs on my right side, numbness in my right arm at times, and lower back and leg pains. I am sorry but I need to vent and get some words down and out. Because I don't know what they can do for me? Another surgery? I am at a loss and wondering if I should go or ignore it.

I am a wife, mother and I have young kids that need me and it is hard to take care of myself first. I push myself to much. I don't always use my knees when picking up something. I have all wood floors and when I have to sweep, mop and wax them it is a task. Without thinking I just do it even when I am in pain. I figure I can handle the pain but don't think about if there is consequences with causing problems in my back.

Sorry just rambling here and venting. Thank you to all that there is such a place to just let off some feelings even if there is really no solution. Just having a moment here.

[PNUTTRO]

Best wishes.

Auge.

See if you can get your MRI films from radiology before you see the new doctor. If the Dr. can see the films and review the comments from the report, you may get more from this visit than you thought.

Also, a specialist that can schedule an appointment immediately may not be the busiest guy around. He may not do this type of surgery often (if at all). Its ok to ask him about his experience with revision surgery. If he isn't "the guy", ask for a referral to someone else that may be better suited to help you. If he thinks he can help you, you still need a second opinion or third or fifth.

Write your questions down. You'll forget once you get there. Go over the list with your husband and see if he has any concerns that maybe you are missing.

Don't be surprised if the doctor sends you off for PT, exercise, or pain management. He wants to make sure that you have tried everything else possible before recommending surgery.

I hope the appointment goes well and you get out of it what you need. Your husband seems like a wise man.

p

[augemac]

Thanks P,

I was a little off there the other day and I can't believe I rambled as such. But it is done.

Thank you for the advice for getting my films and report. I already had the films but I will get the report. And I will say I was surprised that I got an appointment so soon! But definitely will have to make other appointments with other dr's.

Thank you for the good advice. And well thank you to all who read.

Take care to everyone. I know that there is many out there that are going through more then me. I need to keep a positive out look. It maybe nothing. I appreciate all who are here on the forum. You have helped out more then you know.

[augemac]

Went to the Dr

Well I went to the new Dr. today. He told me that my kyphosis is now at 75 degrees. Which before I didn't have a problem before. In the cervical area I have arthritis and the vertebrae are too close together. That is why I get the burning pain in my neck and continued headaches.

They found a bulging disc between L4 and L5. My fusion goes down to L4 so I really wasn't so surprised. But I now know why my back has been hurting more then usual.

He wants to do a surgery to correct my kyphosis which is straining those cervical and lumbar vertebrae before they get wore out and then are no good. Well my husband and I opted for PT and some medicine. Now he gave me celebrex but my father told me that it could leads to heart problems. So I need to do some research for that.

But I need to see another Dr. for another opinion. The Dr was real layed back and asked me what I wanted to do. Is my pain so bad that I need it now or should I wait. He kinda left it up to me. At this time we are waiting and seeing what we should do if there is another option of therapy.

[Diane BCSW]

Hi Augemac. I have so much feeling for you as it was kyphosis that I had much more than scoliosis. My degree was around 65 and here you are already at 75. Bless your heart! PNuttro's response was very good. PT, exercise and pain management could buy you time, that is, IF your bend doesn't get worse by waiting. I remember the pain of that bending over. My very strong advise to you is stop doing those floors and I'll well aware of how hard that advise would be to take. I'd bet you your husband would do those floors or hire someone to come in to do them. Right now, after finally learning some hard lessons, I've stopped mopping or waxing and I do have someone come in. She doesn't do them to my liking, but still, they're clean and I didn't have to hurt my back doing them. This is true for any task that requires bending over and also please remember, keep weight lifting to a minimum. This may not be a valid comparison, but I have two great-grandchildren, ages 2-1/2 and 9 months, and I've never been able to pick up either one of them. Hang in there.

[augemac]

Diane,

Thank you very much. My husband is already looking to hire someone. He doesn't have enough time because he is working full time and going to school full time online. Plus, he does enough for me already. He is a wonderful supportive husband and great kids that are very helpful without being asked too.

It is hard to not do things. But I am going to go through the PT, get strengthen, and lose some weight. Mostly toning my muscles. Get my body in shape if and when i have another surgery. Thank you for the advice. Also it is nice to have someone know how it feels.