I am 60 years old, soon to be 61. I only learned 3 years ago that I have severe scoliosis. That was the beginning of my back pain. I was told when I was 21 that I had scoliosis by my PCP, but only that it probably wouldn't give me any trouble.
I am now told that if I choose to have surgery, I have to do it before I turn 65. I have a double major with a thoracic curve of about 55 degrees and a lumbar curve of 75 degrees. If I have surgery, it would be two separate surgeries, fusing from T4 to S1.
I have read many postings on this forum, and swing from pro-surgery to con-surgery. Most recently, I read "Scared but scheduled for T4 to pelvis surgery Oct 2015." What I got from this is choose the best doctor, rely on your family, and be in the best shape you can. I live in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, and I am not finding any doctor listed anywhere specifically for adult scoliosis surgery. Additionally, I have bad knees, and have restricted my activities for many years because of this. I work and I rest. I can't do squats. I am a terrible swimmer, but have tried, unsuccessfully, over the last couple of years to improve. The crawl hurts my back, kicking hurts my knees. I can't walk for exercise because of back pain. My family consists of my husband, who is 14 years older than I, but in excellent health, and my 85 year old mother. I am my mother's only support. While she lives independently, I help her with shopping and give her emotional support. She has a caregiver once weekly to help with homemaking tasks and she gets meals on wheels.
I cannot travel to St. Louis to see Dr. Lenke. I had an unsuccessful right knee replacement last year. I am told that if I have the scoliosis surgery, I will not be able to return to work, so I would not qualify for a medical LOA. I would lose my health insurance, have to go to COBRA, then when that runs out, the (not-so) Affordable Health Care Act. I will have to apply for disability. I live in a bi-level house, with all living space on the 2nd floor.
I would like to have the surgery, and hope to be able to walk and enjoy life, but the obstacles are daunting. Any words of wisdom?
I am now told that if I choose to have surgery, I have to do it before I turn 65. I have a double major with a thoracic curve of about 55 degrees and a lumbar curve of 75 degrees. If I have surgery, it would be two separate surgeries, fusing from T4 to S1.
I have read many postings on this forum, and swing from pro-surgery to con-surgery. Most recently, I read "Scared but scheduled for T4 to pelvis surgery Oct 2015." What I got from this is choose the best doctor, rely on your family, and be in the best shape you can. I live in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, and I am not finding any doctor listed anywhere specifically for adult scoliosis surgery. Additionally, I have bad knees, and have restricted my activities for many years because of this. I work and I rest. I can't do squats. I am a terrible swimmer, but have tried, unsuccessfully, over the last couple of years to improve. The crawl hurts my back, kicking hurts my knees. I can't walk for exercise because of back pain. My family consists of my husband, who is 14 years older than I, but in excellent health, and my 85 year old mother. I am my mother's only support. While she lives independently, I help her with shopping and give her emotional support. She has a caregiver once weekly to help with homemaking tasks and she gets meals on wheels.
I cannot travel to St. Louis to see Dr. Lenke. I had an unsuccessful right knee replacement last year. I am told that if I have the scoliosis surgery, I will not be able to return to work, so I would not qualify for a medical LOA. I would lose my health insurance, have to go to COBRA, then when that runs out, the (not-so) Affordable Health Care Act. I will have to apply for disability. I live in a bi-level house, with all living space on the 2nd floor.
I would like to have the surgery, and hope to be able to walk and enjoy life, but the obstacles are daunting. Any words of wisdom?
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