Hi all,
I have been reading the forums for a while and have some questions (really glad I found this place, seems to have heaps of good info).
I'm 23 years old and have been diagnosed with a 46 degree curve. I have visited two orthopedic surgeons and both recommended that I have surgery. I'm from Melbourne, Australia and from these consultations Dr Turner in Richmond seems to be my preferred choice. Does anyone know about him or have had experience with him? If not, does anyone have experience with other really good surgeons in Melbourne?
Both surgeons said that with my angle, it is very likely (90%+ chance apparently) that it will worsen and by the time I'm 50ish, it'll be very serious. Now being female, if I'm going to have the surgery, I'm thinking I might as well have it now, so that I can enjoy the benefits while I'm still young. It might sound vain, but the possible improvements to my appearance is the main motivating factor for me. I find it really annoying that I can't wear what I like and have to constantly work around the scoliosis. It would be a huge relief to me to not have to do this. When thinking about surgery, the thing that most excites me is finally being able to buy some fitted tops, some skirts and a swimsuit. Haven't done any of these things for a very long time. I experience mild pain, but this is very occasionally, and more often it is just stiffness around my hips/lower back.
Is it realistic to hope that my hips will straighten after surgery?
Secondly, Dr Turner said that I would have to wear a brace after the surgery for three months but the other surgeon didn't say this. Why is this the case?
Lastly, I am currently in grad school. I was thinking of doing a part-time load (one subject instead of three) while I'm recovering from the surgery to keep myself busy. Would this be advisable?
Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance
I have been reading the forums for a while and have some questions (really glad I found this place, seems to have heaps of good info).
I'm 23 years old and have been diagnosed with a 46 degree curve. I have visited two orthopedic surgeons and both recommended that I have surgery. I'm from Melbourne, Australia and from these consultations Dr Turner in Richmond seems to be my preferred choice. Does anyone know about him or have had experience with him? If not, does anyone have experience with other really good surgeons in Melbourne?
Both surgeons said that with my angle, it is very likely (90%+ chance apparently) that it will worsen and by the time I'm 50ish, it'll be very serious. Now being female, if I'm going to have the surgery, I'm thinking I might as well have it now, so that I can enjoy the benefits while I'm still young. It might sound vain, but the possible improvements to my appearance is the main motivating factor for me. I find it really annoying that I can't wear what I like and have to constantly work around the scoliosis. It would be a huge relief to me to not have to do this. When thinking about surgery, the thing that most excites me is finally being able to buy some fitted tops, some skirts and a swimsuit. Haven't done any of these things for a very long time. I experience mild pain, but this is very occasionally, and more often it is just stiffness around my hips/lower back.
Is it realistic to hope that my hips will straighten after surgery?
Secondly, Dr Turner said that I would have to wear a brace after the surgery for three months but the other surgeon didn't say this. Why is this the case?
Lastly, I am currently in grad school. I was thinking of doing a part-time load (one subject instead of three) while I'm recovering from the surgery to keep myself busy. Would this be advisable?
Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance
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