Spinal Deformity Flat Back

[debsherbs]

I was diagnosed with a spinal deformity "Flat Back" at Mayo Clinic in April 2013 & was told to never go to any one but a Spinal Deformity Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon.  I was told you can't correct one end or the other the entire spine has to be worked on to correct the deformity.   I went to a Spinal Deformity Orthopedic Surgeon & He blasted every thing every doctor ever did on me & told me he wants to only work on T-10 down, not the entire spine.  I told him he just sat there & blasted everything every doctor ever did to me. (7 surgeries) and I would get at least 1 or 2 other opinions, because no offense, but I don't trust you either.  I don't want to be sitting in some other doctor 2 or 3 years in the future & be told that he screwed me up.  He did not like what I said, but backed off with his hostility.  He also wants to do this in 2 to 3 surgeries each a week apart.  I have Common Variable Immune Deficiency & can't fight bacteria.  Doing this surgery in such a long period leaves me on strong IV AB's one for the bone the other for tissue to help my body fight infection.  But it also puts me at high risk for C-Diff from the Antibiotics (AB's).  To know that all these surgeons who operated on me were supposed to be really good surgeons.  I'm having real trust issues with all doctors.  I know that I can't continue to live this way, but am confused.    What would you do?

[lighthousegirl]

I know exactly what you are going through. I also have flatback from this. Look on the scoliosis research society website for qualified surgeons. Have seen others talk of Dr. Hey in N.C. as being very qualified. Best to you on what ever  you decide to do.

[philnoir]

MYoungAtHeart is still around and visits from time to time. Perhaps if you message her directly you will get her answer.

I agree -- you need multiple opinions on surgery of this intensity. I had 4 opinions on my back surgery, and chose in the end, to do without. Three out of four doctors wanted to operate.

[pencilgirl]

I would like to know what you decided to do. I am faced with this.

[pencilgirl]

I have been told also that due to the Harrington rod, I have flat back. doctor wants to do very complicated surgery to me as you described. I am considering it. I liver in SC. where do you live?

[MYoungAtHeart]

I have severe scoliosis and its been 3 years since I last saw my surgeon when he told me that nothing else could ever be done for me and to not come back and see him again.

I took him at his word for many reasons, I don't want another surgery and long healing time with possibly no good coming out of all that pain, expense and time.

Now I am told by another doctor I had to see as a follow up, that they can
actually break my back, remove all old rods and screws and make it straight.

So when I read your post I had to reply.   I do know what you are going through...All I can suggest is to get another opinion even if you have to pay for it yourself.  Once you have all the info you are comfortable with, you will be able to make the intelligent decision I can see you are capable of making....

I wish you the very best with your health and back.  Please let us know if you have any thing else you are concerned with regarding your surgery...

M