surgery for scoliosis

jenniferbezotte · Joined: 23 Jul 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Kenosha, WI

My daughter, Kennedy, was diagnosed with scoliosis about 1 year ago. We tried bracing, but because her reflux issues worsened, we did not go full force with the bracing schedule. Now her curve is over 50% and the physician is insisting that she needs surgery before the end of this year. We would like to try to use a "c" brace at night to see if this will help at all, but her physician insists that this will only prolong the inevitable. I would like to hear any surgery stories for scoliosis that you might have. I am terrified of the long term ramifications of surgery of the spine. I am also concerned about the recovery process. I feel as though I need to make every decision an educated one and for the first time in eleven years I have no idea where to start or what to do.

Kristy Houston · Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 1

I cant believe there not posts on this. My Riley, AS del+, has an S curve we've been whaching forever it seems and now it's at 45 degrees. We have an appointment next month, and I'm sure it's bigger now and surgery is comming soon and I'm terrified. I've been praying about it for years now. What was your experience?
Kristy

pjsmom · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 3:30 am Post subject:

We haven't had a good expereince with our surgery so I voided posting anything. I will be happy to email you privately about it.

sallyshackcloth · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 2:21 pm Post subject:

Dear Kristy, I found a newsletter from ASSERT (AS Support Education and Research Trust) from October 1998 that has a report written by Eileen Marsh about her daughter Lyndsey's scoliosis operation. You might be able to find that on the ASSERT website or send me a private message and I could summarise it for you! Best wishes, Sally. Very Happy

DusTinS-MaMa · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 5:41 pm Post subject: Scoliosis

Hi Kristy...my son Dustin had surgery for his scoliosis when he was 10...he recently turned 17. The surg took 14 hrs...(fusion and rods) and a weeks stay. His body was pretty swollen and he was in extreme pain...although the morphine helped alot. He slept most of the time but did manage a few smiles when he was awake. Going home was pretty scary as it was difficult to get him comfy in the car without him screaming in pain. I had rented a hospital bed beforehand, so it was ready for him in the livingroom. The pain lasted a few days more (only when moved) and the swelling a few days more. He got back to his happy self within the week of being home but it took about a month for him to actually get back to his normal self.

It was emotionally draining...we both cried ALOT! but I'm glad it was done. The rods will have to be replaced in 2013...not looking forwards to it and I think about it daily but now I know what to expect more or less. Hope this helps and our best wishes to you and Riley when and if he needs it.

Take care,
Cindy & Dustin

mleonguerrero · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:52 pm Post subject: recently diagnose with scoliosis

My son Coby Jake will be 12 in October and i we were just informed that his spine is at a 45 degree angle. Surgery was the option given because i was told that the curve is high and close to his lungs. If I dont get the surgery done-it will cause major health issue later in life with coby having difficulty breathing. I'm afraid and I too, for the first time in 11 years... i'm at a loss... Has anyone similar to my situation refused the surgery? I have until December 2010 to decide... Sad