I've been reading these posts for so long truly believing that despite a significant curve I was going to be the exception and escape surgey. Not! I've had scoliosis since I was a kid and as a child was always a borderline candidate for surgery. (Curve was in the 40's and wore a brace for years - treated by Dr. Richard Ulin in NYC). Flash forward to my 30's and 40's and increased pain and increased curves. Went to see Drs. Neuwirth, Lonner and Boachie. All agreed surgery was the inevitable way to go. I decided to stay with Boachie and take a wait and see approach. Began "training" for surgery by going to the gym and staying fit. Pain was always there but hey, I'm tough so living around it wasn't a big deal. My fear of surgery was bigger. Well, now at the ripe old age of 49 my lumbar curve is 91 degrees (up 10 degrees from a year ago) and with Dr. Biachie relocating in October the writing is on the wall.
I'm scheduled with Drs. Boachie and Kim at HSS for surgery in July. Fusion will be from T9 - sacrum. Help! You'd think after all the time I'd be prepared but not even close! Fear is huge! I've always been way physical despite my condition - I workout, garden, clean, travel and just generally live! I fear what is going to happen to me post surgery and that the pain that is now bearable is going to be replaced by surgical agony.
Any insights that anyone can give me would be much appreciated. The fear of making an irreversible mistake is daunting!
I'm scheduled with Drs. Boachie and Kim at HSS for surgery in July. Fusion will be from T9 - sacrum. Help! You'd think after all the time I'd be prepared but not even close! Fear is huge! I've always been way physical despite my condition - I workout, garden, clean, travel and just generally live! I fear what is going to happen to me post surgery and that the pain that is now bearable is going to be replaced by surgical agony.
Any insights that anyone can give me would be much appreciated. The fear of making an irreversible mistake is daunting!
Comment