Okay, I have now seen 3 different ortho surgeons, and I'm confused all over again. I saw Dr. Shelokov back in 2000-2003, and he said either then or later, I was going to require surgery due to the progression and pain. The I saw Hanson 1/07, and he said that he agrees with Dr. Shelokov and I need surgery, but it isn't an emergency and I have time. Now I saw Dr. Marco yesterday and HE said that, while surgery is an option, he would wait. Of course, he didn't have all of my films from past years as Dr. S's office didn't send the films yet. So he can't judge the progression. However, he said that (and this is what really confuses me) (i) pain is usually a contraindication for surgery and (ii) if it were him, he would pass on surgery for now. He suggested exercise (like I have time) as a treatment for the pain and said that my pain is probably mostly related to a secondary condition like fibromyalgia (sp?) and not my back.
Well, first of all, I've seen on this site that pain is probably the #1 indication for surgery and not a contraindication. I mean, I do appreciate a conservative approach, but I've been doing that for 30+ years. The only things that have worked were injections and pills. The problem is that I don't have TIME for me. I work 45 hours a week, spend 15 hours a week commuting (1 1/2 hours each way), and have twins to take care of when I get home - I also am not sleeping well due to pain. So, (i) I don't have time for that (wether it's work or my kids doctor and therapy schedules), (ii) I don't have time for exercise, and (iii) I don't have time for surgery. Of those three, I can make time for a surgery as it is for a defined period of time. If there are complications, well..., everyone will just have to take a deep breath and let me TAKE time.
The one thing Dr. Marco really didn't have an answer for was "what can I do if I don't have surgery to help me with this pain?" His answer was exercise to get my endorphins going. Please, do not misunderstand me. I believe Dr. Marco is a really nice doctor and he took a lot of time with me. I just don't know that he has a realistic idea of my situation and, from what he said, I doubt he has experience with long term non-surgical scoliosis treatment.
Please, let me know your thoughts as I am right back to the beginning - doubting my decision. Thanks.
Ann
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