Hello everybody,
My name is Elyse, and I've just joined this forum. This is my first post. I've been reading everybody else's posts for quite some time, and I finally caved in and joined to get some help.
I've had scoliosis for as long as I can remember. I was one of those watch and wait cases (also, by the time I saw a specialist, it was too late for a brace, but not bad enough for surgery). It hasn't really bothered me until the past few years, when I've been noticing constant pain/uncomfort and disgust with the way I look. I saw 2 orthopedic surgeons in Orlando, FL that only recommended physical therapy, and another in Easton, PA that recommended the same. I finally caved and went to PT in Easton, which definitely helped with the pain, but they only prescribed me 8 visits, so after that, what do I do?
I finally made an appt with a scoliosis specialist in Princeton, NJ. Dr. Antonacci from the Institute of Spine & Scoliosis--he has offices in both NJ and NY, and also practices at Shriners in Philadelphia. He looked over my records and said while I don't NEED surgery persay, it would help my pain and the way I look. I left his office with the decision in my hands. I spoke with his PA a few days later for some more information, and I'm going to convince myself to call him again this week for some more questions.
So, now you know my background. I know it's not medically necessary for me to get the surgery, so I know a lot of people would question why I would even be thinking about it. But the truth is, my life is miserable right now. Although there are days that I"m fine, there's also days where I do nothing at night except lay in bed. I also worry about my future. At this point, I do not want to have kids because I can barely keep up with myself, let alone children I'll have to take care of. I'm only 26 years old, but sometimes I feel like 80, lol.
Basically, if anybody can help me with their experiences/opions it would be GREATLY appreciated. To hear from people who have been there and can offer advice is probably the best idea for me right now. I also have a few questions if anybody feels like answering:
*What are some of the long-term effects? Will I be able to play tennis and work out again the future? What are other limitations? How is this surgery going to affect me when I'm 60, 70, 80 years old (or is there no research at this point)?
*Am I going to have problems with pregnancy?
*What kind of care am I looking at for the years following the surgery?
I'm thinking of moving back to FL, so if I get the surgery, it's going to be soon while I have really good medical insurance and also, as the doctor says, while I'm still flexible and can heal better. When I talked to the PA, he acted like it was no big deal (the surgery)--Dr. Antonacci can perform it in 4 hours since it'll only be the top of my back, and I can probably return to work in 4 weeks. I"ll ahve to be careful with lifting and everything for 6 months, but after a year I should be back to (almost) normal.
Again, any help/advice/experience/opionions on anything would be soooooo helpful.
Thank you!!!!!
My name is Elyse, and I've just joined this forum. This is my first post. I've been reading everybody else's posts for quite some time, and I finally caved in and joined to get some help.
I've had scoliosis for as long as I can remember. I was one of those watch and wait cases (also, by the time I saw a specialist, it was too late for a brace, but not bad enough for surgery). It hasn't really bothered me until the past few years, when I've been noticing constant pain/uncomfort and disgust with the way I look. I saw 2 orthopedic surgeons in Orlando, FL that only recommended physical therapy, and another in Easton, PA that recommended the same. I finally caved and went to PT in Easton, which definitely helped with the pain, but they only prescribed me 8 visits, so after that, what do I do?
I finally made an appt with a scoliosis specialist in Princeton, NJ. Dr. Antonacci from the Institute of Spine & Scoliosis--he has offices in both NJ and NY, and also practices at Shriners in Philadelphia. He looked over my records and said while I don't NEED surgery persay, it would help my pain and the way I look. I left his office with the decision in my hands. I spoke with his PA a few days later for some more information, and I'm going to convince myself to call him again this week for some more questions.
So, now you know my background. I know it's not medically necessary for me to get the surgery, so I know a lot of people would question why I would even be thinking about it. But the truth is, my life is miserable right now. Although there are days that I"m fine, there's also days where I do nothing at night except lay in bed. I also worry about my future. At this point, I do not want to have kids because I can barely keep up with myself, let alone children I'll have to take care of. I'm only 26 years old, but sometimes I feel like 80, lol.
Basically, if anybody can help me with their experiences/opions it would be GREATLY appreciated. To hear from people who have been there and can offer advice is probably the best idea for me right now. I also have a few questions if anybody feels like answering:
*What are some of the long-term effects? Will I be able to play tennis and work out again the future? What are other limitations? How is this surgery going to affect me when I'm 60, 70, 80 years old (or is there no research at this point)?
*Am I going to have problems with pregnancy?
*What kind of care am I looking at for the years following the surgery?
I'm thinking of moving back to FL, so if I get the surgery, it's going to be soon while I have really good medical insurance and also, as the doctor says, while I'm still flexible and can heal better. When I talked to the PA, he acted like it was no big deal (the surgery)--Dr. Antonacci can perform it in 4 hours since it'll only be the top of my back, and I can probably return to work in 4 weeks. I"ll ahve to be careful with lifting and everything for 6 months, but after a year I should be back to (almost) normal.
Again, any help/advice/experience/opionions on anything would be soooooo helpful.
Thank you!!!!!
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