Hi everyone,
I've been reading this forum for almost a year now. I have followed many of you through your pre and post op ups and downs. I have learned so much from all of your posts and threads. Well, I finally decided to register in the forum and join all of you in the conversation, especially since my day is looming near.
Here is my story:
My name is Cathy. I'm a 58 year old elementary school teacher, wife, mother and pretty active gal. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12 years old - had a 42 degree curve at that time - we chose not to correct it at that time. My older sister had just gone through the whole ordeal (full body cast, this was back in the 60 s) and my family just couldn't handle it again. I always ignored it and just went on with my life. I ski, bike, hike, go to Jazzercise and work with busy 8 year olds at school, which I love. But about 8 years ago I started noticing the pain and it eventually started to slow me down. So, I started the process of seeing many doctors - my xrays showed my curve had progressed to 70 degrees.
My surgeries are scheduled for March 15 (anterior) and 17 (posterior) at UCSF. I mostly feel a sense of peace and calm now that it's getting so close. I really feel like I am prepared for what is ahead of me - reading this forum has educated me more than anything else.
I am hoping to return to teaching in the fall - is that too hopeful for an old(ish) gal like me?
Any advise any of you can offer will be appreciated.
Cathy
California - Sierra Mountains
70 degree curve
Surgery - March 15 and 17 -
UCSF - Dr. V. Deviren
I've been reading this forum for almost a year now. I have followed many of you through your pre and post op ups and downs. I have learned so much from all of your posts and threads. Well, I finally decided to register in the forum and join all of you in the conversation, especially since my day is looming near.
Here is my story:
My name is Cathy. I'm a 58 year old elementary school teacher, wife, mother and pretty active gal. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12 years old - had a 42 degree curve at that time - we chose not to correct it at that time. My older sister had just gone through the whole ordeal (full body cast, this was back in the 60 s) and my family just couldn't handle it again. I always ignored it and just went on with my life. I ski, bike, hike, go to Jazzercise and work with busy 8 year olds at school, which I love. But about 8 years ago I started noticing the pain and it eventually started to slow me down. So, I started the process of seeing many doctors - my xrays showed my curve had progressed to 70 degrees.
My surgeries are scheduled for March 15 (anterior) and 17 (posterior) at UCSF. I mostly feel a sense of peace and calm now that it's getting so close. I really feel like I am prepared for what is ahead of me - reading this forum has educated me more than anything else.
I am hoping to return to teaching in the fall - is that too hopeful for an old(ish) gal like me?
Any advise any of you can offer will be appreciated.
Cathy
California - Sierra Mountains
70 degree curve
Surgery - March 15 and 17 -
UCSF - Dr. V. Deviren
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