I'm new here and so very scared!
My scoliosis was diagnosed in my early 20's, by a dressmaker of all people! Over the years, the curve has progressed and so has the pain. I take some sort of pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) every day and use a heating pad often. Now that I have a surgical date, I'm beginning to question if the pain is bad enough to go through with it.
While I don't have a specific surgical plan yet, I am scheduled for a 2 day procedure, Anterior Fusion L4 to S1 and Posterior Fusion T4 to Pelvis.
The last doctor I saw (not the one doing the surgery) told me it wasn't a matter of if I have surgery, but when. He said if I don't have it, my rib cage will end up on my hip.
According to my X-rays and MRI, I have a lumbar scoliosis with a rotary component convex left measuring 60 degrees and a compensatory lower thoracic curvature convex right measuring 24 degrees. I was also told that I have significant subluxation of L2 laterally to the left with respect to L3. Mild spinal stenosis. Encroachment of the neural foramina on the left specifically T7/T8-T10/T11. Large disc bulges involving the cervical spine. Kyphosis, not sure what degree.
I hate to say it, but I don't completely understand it all! I do know that, if possible, I avoid activities that I know will cause me discomfort/pain (standing, walking, etc). I've shrunk 2 inches. The curve is progressing. I now get a "sensation" down my left leg all the way to my toes. I had a CT Myelogram, but didn't get the results explained because I was referred to another surgeon.
I'm a 47 year old married mother of 4. I have a pretty good support network, and timing-wise, it seems like now is good. But I keep thinking, what if my surgeon isn't good enough? What if the hospital provides lousy care? Is the "potential" improvement worth the risk? Does the pain really warrant me having major surgery like this?
I've changed my mind a hundred times since I scheduled. I'm going back to see my surgeon on Monday to ask more questions. The week after that, I am scheduled to start donating blood.
Any thoughts would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
Thanks!
Nancy
My scoliosis was diagnosed in my early 20's, by a dressmaker of all people! Over the years, the curve has progressed and so has the pain. I take some sort of pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) every day and use a heating pad often. Now that I have a surgical date, I'm beginning to question if the pain is bad enough to go through with it.
While I don't have a specific surgical plan yet, I am scheduled for a 2 day procedure, Anterior Fusion L4 to S1 and Posterior Fusion T4 to Pelvis.
The last doctor I saw (not the one doing the surgery) told me it wasn't a matter of if I have surgery, but when. He said if I don't have it, my rib cage will end up on my hip.
According to my X-rays and MRI, I have a lumbar scoliosis with a rotary component convex left measuring 60 degrees and a compensatory lower thoracic curvature convex right measuring 24 degrees. I was also told that I have significant subluxation of L2 laterally to the left with respect to L3. Mild spinal stenosis. Encroachment of the neural foramina on the left specifically T7/T8-T10/T11. Large disc bulges involving the cervical spine. Kyphosis, not sure what degree.
I hate to say it, but I don't completely understand it all! I do know that, if possible, I avoid activities that I know will cause me discomfort/pain (standing, walking, etc). I've shrunk 2 inches. The curve is progressing. I now get a "sensation" down my left leg all the way to my toes. I had a CT Myelogram, but didn't get the results explained because I was referred to another surgeon.
I'm a 47 year old married mother of 4. I have a pretty good support network, and timing-wise, it seems like now is good. But I keep thinking, what if my surgeon isn't good enough? What if the hospital provides lousy care? Is the "potential" improvement worth the risk? Does the pain really warrant me having major surgery like this?
I've changed my mind a hundred times since I scheduled. I'm going back to see my surgeon on Monday to ask more questions. The week after that, I am scheduled to start donating blood.
Any thoughts would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
Thanks!
Nancy
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