My name is Debbe, I will be 46 next week. I was diagnosed w/scoliosis at 14yrs old in 1976. I had the Milwalkee brace through highschool, and when I was discharged from my original Dr. in '84 my S curves were 35 and 30. What I never knew and no one told me was that I would progress as I aged. I have had low back pain (not terrible) off and on over the years, and since December have been having thigh ache/tingling/burning, more uncomfortable than pain. The thigh symptoms are what got me to the Dr.
I eventually got to a local NJ orthopedic who tells me that my curves are now 66 and 60. This guy really turned me off; the first appointment he only xrayed the bottom and said no one would touch me, we'd just watch me once per year, and did I want any pain meds? I left hysterical crying that I would end up in a wheel chair like my grandmother did. Then I think he felt guilty over the weekend and called me back, did more X rays and recommended surgery. He couldn't even give me a number of surgeries that he has done. He tells me that I should probably have surgery sooner rather than later because I will get 1 to 1.5 degree worse per year. All I know is this guy isn't touching me.
So then I was referred to Dr. Boachie by a scoliosis study that my kids and I are part of, and I have an appointment on June 5th. I see mention of him all over this board, and I know I'll definitely be in qualified hands. I'm worried about the financial costs since he doesn't take insurance, but I don't want that to be the main factor in my decision of who to go with.
Yesterday I also found out that Dr. Neuwirth whose name I have also seen here, is in my insurance network, so I got an appointment with him next week.
I am excited, nervous, and scared out of my wits. Over the past week, I have gone through periods of crying like a lunatic. Reading your stories has inspired me and made me cry because some of what you are saying is so familiar.
I will definitely be around here much more. Thanks for listening.
Debbe in NJ
I eventually got to a local NJ orthopedic who tells me that my curves are now 66 and 60. This guy really turned me off; the first appointment he only xrayed the bottom and said no one would touch me, we'd just watch me once per year, and did I want any pain meds? I left hysterical crying that I would end up in a wheel chair like my grandmother did. Then I think he felt guilty over the weekend and called me back, did more X rays and recommended surgery. He couldn't even give me a number of surgeries that he has done. He tells me that I should probably have surgery sooner rather than later because I will get 1 to 1.5 degree worse per year. All I know is this guy isn't touching me.
So then I was referred to Dr. Boachie by a scoliosis study that my kids and I are part of, and I have an appointment on June 5th. I see mention of him all over this board, and I know I'll definitely be in qualified hands. I'm worried about the financial costs since he doesn't take insurance, but I don't want that to be the main factor in my decision of who to go with.
Yesterday I also found out that Dr. Neuwirth whose name I have also seen here, is in my insurance network, so I got an appointment with him next week.
I am excited, nervous, and scared out of my wits. Over the past week, I have gone through periods of crying like a lunatic. Reading your stories has inspired me and made me cry because some of what you are saying is so familiar.
I will definitely be around here much more. Thanks for listening.
Debbe in NJ
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