New here - scared, but considering surgery

[backissues]

KathyK,
I was diagnosed at age 28. I have a 40-degree lumbar curve and a 50-degree thoracic curve. It is idiopathic scoliosis. I have bulging discs and disc space degeneration. At the L4-L5 level, there is pressure on the L5 nerve root. There is ligamental and facet hypertrophy at L4-L5. The stenosis is worse at this level as well.

Did your mother have any surgery? Does she use a walker? wheelchair?

Hope this information helps you.

Thanks.
Irene

[jrnyc]

hi Irene & Nancylynne
welcome to the forum...
there is much information, support and experience to be found here...

jess

[kennedy]

Welcome Nancylynne welcome to the forum
I'm Kara I had Scoliosis Surgery 6 months ago
If you have any questions about the surgery feel free to ask

[Debra JGL]

NancyLynne, Welcome to the forum. I remember feeling that mix of scared and excited when I found out the surgery was possible. First, yeah - they can fix this, then - ut oh they can fix this. I'm a 'baby' too. I've passed out from needles, and just about passed out from donating blood (for the surgery). My surgery was 4 weeks ago, I felt a braveness and a determination come over me a couple days before surgery. Even my husband was emotional the day of surgery, but I just knew I wantd/needed to stay calm. But, when I was being prepped just before surgery they put in an IV, I took one look and almost passed out (brave me). Shortly after that the anethesiologist came in and asked if I wanted something to relax me. That's the last thing I remember until I woke up from surgery. Being in alot of pain is a good motivator for surgery for sure too, especially if it's getting in the way of shopping. I just got out this weekend for the first time since surgery, and of course I went to the mall. I was in the dressing room, always a dreaded place for me with all those mirrors, while my daughter tried on clothes i dared look and I felt so good looking into the mirror. I didn't look squashed around my middle. Did your doc mention how many disks they would fuse? Good luck! You'll find out alot and recieve much support on the forum.

[backissues]

Debra,
How many hours was your surgery? Were you in intensive care after? How was the pain controlled right after surgery?

Shopping without pain, without a cart to push ....Ahhhh!! That's something to enjoy!

Good luck.
Irene

[Davis]

Jennifer,
Looks like an amazing correction. You are a warrior, no doubts. Finish it up, don't let your guard down too soon. Blessings ~ The whole Davis family

[Davis]

I'm scheduled for surgery but can't just say okay do what you do, I need to understand it first. I made a misstake by saying I was deformed when I was in 3rd grade and was attacked because of it. I faught back. I faught back hard. Here's a place we can meet. Scream people, ya know you wanna. Ed is my temporary hero. I'm sure that's alot of weight on Ed's shoulders. Quit lookin from afar, step in and lets get it all together. I vote ED. Fought?

[fashionista]

Hi, Nancylynne,

I just went to see Dr. Pashman today. My curves have progressed to 68/80. i was bursting into tears. I'm in S.CA too. I'd like to chat w/ you.