considering surgery

[Magdelenna]

I have lived with scoliosis so long I can't remember a day I have not felt back and neck pain. I do not take an pain pills (not my choice, husband won't agree to let me). I excersize to keep my wieght down, core stomach muscles strong, and I practice strong posture techniques. This minimizes my pain. Just doesn't take it away completely. If I have a bad day my pain level is about an 8, medically speaking. I get migraine headaches and throw up on these days. I am non- functioning to put it lightly. I am contimplating corrective surgery to fix the 28 degree curve between my shoulder blades. It is almost completly undetectable and I can get away with wearing any swimsuit I want. I am just thinking I could solve my problems of pain with surgery. My question is this, is it worth the risk? I have heard that there could be worse results. And going under the knife on my spine seems dangerous. What would the recovery time possibly be? I need feedback from someone who knows what they are talking about. Thanks

[selmaS]

  It is true, that some will feel worse post op....and some have rejection issues to some implants such as Rae mentioned.

Many with Chiari can have Ehlers-Danlos which can cause us to have rejection issues....and even issues with meds.It is the EDS, that can add to the spine disk issues, DDD and scoliosis.

As for the surgeries and feeling worse, we r all diff and do not know how our bodies will respond to the surgery.....some develop other conditions, and some have the misfortune of having an inexperienced dr.

  Be sure to research ur drs and go with one u feel most comfortable, big name clinics does not mean u have the best dr for a particular condition.....and going to a well known NS does not mean u have the best either......

  U have to know what is going on b4 u make ne decision, so do get testing done.

     "selma"

[Magdelenna]

I am sorry to hear that. I will listen to your advice. I am afraid of the pain increasing after surgery and it sounds like it would. I want to be 100% for my children and it looks like this may just be by continuing the way things are. I do know this, If I keep the weight to a minimum and keep my muscles tone, I am not in as much pain. As much as it hurts to exsersize, i just do it anyways. I push myself. So if that is the best answer I am going to keep it up. Thanks you for sharing your story. It really gives me perspective on things.

[RaeAlexandra90]

I had severe scoliosis along with headaches, nausea and fainting. I had Chiari Malformation. I had a spinal fusion and was in severe pain for a year when they realized I was alergic to the metal.. They took the hardware out and this time put new hardware in, fusing my entire spine instead of just the upper half. (the bottom of my spine curved after the first surgery) The second surgery corrected the Chiari, but here I am 4 years later in pain constantly. I have nerve damage because of the surgery (GUARANTEED to have. The doctors will say you don't have it, or it will be temporary.... thats not true. You will have it. And it will not go away.)

I don't suggest surgery at all. I think what you are doing with the exercising is great. It is very hard for me to exercise because of my back. I am overweight and trying so hard to find exercises that I can do to lose the weight but won't have me bedridden the next day because of the back pain.

Ask to be checked for Chiari which might explain the migraines, etc.. but I think you should just seek physical therapy and stay fit to ease the pain...

I wish I had something good to say about my back after surgery.. but I don't. At all. :(

[Magdelenna]

Thank you ladies! I am going to look into it a lot deeper. I cannot afford to take a risk of more pain. I have 3 small baby boys to look after. I will check out the FB page. I am on FB a lot.

[selmaS]

Hi...just a thought, were u ever checked to see if u have tethered cord and or chiari malformation along with ur scoliosis?

  It may explain some of ur HA's and nausea...

Surgery is never a fix or cure we would like it to be, and many times it can cause m many other issues we did not have b4.....do check out other options, and I am sure  u may feel u have....but do look a bit deeper and share with the above poster.

Good luck to u

"selma"

[Photohappy03]

I have Harrington rods and if I were you I would not do surgery at all!!  It will most likely not take any of your pain away but cause you much more problems and issues.  I have tons of issues along with so many others because of the surgery.  I believe your curve is too small of a number to need surgery anyway.  Most surgeries are performed on much higher curvatures.  Please join the FB group: scoliosis, how to look good twisted for more answers and opinions.  I would love to chat with you more and introduce you to other Scoli-twisted-sisters :). Cherylspencersmith on FB