Hey, Wheels. Visit us also at Adult Scoliosis Surgical Revision. You will find many a kindred spirit in addition to those you have found here. You will also find some folk who got the initial run around from some doctors. I joined recently and have led the effort to virtually thwack them. Mama joins in the cause, via a phone call.
I have disc degeneration in my neck but was told it was too far above my rod to have anything to do with it. I believe my doctor. I believe others too though with disc degeneration above and below the rod.
I'm 43 and just came out of a really good scare and near 8 weeks continuous pain mostly in my shoulder. Slept fine most nights though.
You are too young to be in a wheel chair.
Traction at 13, body cast 1 mos., Milwaukee, first plastic (severe allergy, abdomen skin burst, watery) then leather. Harrington Rod @ 15, 9 mos body cast, hips up. 9 more mos being careful and protective. Degenerated disc C4-5 I think well above the rod. Degenerated disc below the rod now? Probably.