So, I went for the consultation with Dr. Kebaish at Hopkins in Baltimore. A long day, a lot of hurry up and wait and of course, a lot of X-rays. The bottom line is I have a thoraco-lumbar curve pushing 90 degrees (according to the Dr., the most difficult type to treat). Bending X-rays showed that my spine is very stiff which limits correction. I would have to be fused to the tailbone, 7 hour surgery and possibly a 2nd one for the tailbone? He did not make a strong recommendation one way or the other but estimated perhaps a 50 % correction at best and certainly no guarantees of pain-free living due the amount of re-structuring work that he would have to do. He commented several times that choosing to do this surgery would strictly be for "quality of life" and that my spine, deformed as it is, is not impacting my overall health. No organs are affected, lungs are fine, etc. And as far as preventing curve progression--it really can't get much worse. I can't justify doing this. What I was reading between the lines was in my case, the cure might end up being worse than the disease. He said my body has adapted very well to this. Obviously, I will be dealing with a lifetime of pain mgmt. which carries its own set of risks, I know. I just cannot imagine never being able to swim breastroke again, or reaching down to put leashes on my dogs. So, for now, we keep on, keeping on. I get tremendous relief from epidurals, which he said can be used on a long-term basis. My heart and head both say this is not the right thing for me right now. Maybe something will happen that will force the issue or make me change my mind--I don't know. I am worn out from obssessing over it and need to get on with my life.
Thanks for listening,
Anne
Thanks for listening,
Anne
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