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Location: Living near our Nation's Capitol since 2010
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I saw my spine specialist yesterday because of my severe scoliosis. It is starting to cause some real problems for me with nerve impingement, etc. He said about the only thing he can do is fuse the verterbrae in my lower back. I have often heard people warn against back surgery. Have any of you had a similar condition and had the surgery? I don't know...sounds like pretty serious stuff to me.
I saw my spine specialist yesterday because of my severe scoliosis. It is starting to cause some real problems for me with nerve impingement, etc. He said about the only thing he can do is fuse the verterbrae in my lower back. I have often heard people warn against back surgery. Have any of you had a similar condition and had the surgery? I don't know...sounds like pretty serious stuff to me.
Of course it is serious and something for you to consider very closely. That being said, I can't count the number of people in our church who have had this done, not to mention my own daughter at 54 years old. I can only think of 2 stories that were not 100% successful: one, a friend from church and my bridge partner. Her surgery was successful, but she had a huge allergic reaction to the pain meds. As soon as that was adjusted she was fine. Our daughter had successful surgery but is still in pain, 6 months later: it isn't the surgery that caused the pain, but her arthritis is just so bad.
I can tell you, most have been thrilled they had the surgery; well maybe not the first 3 or 4 days, but after that.
I have a similar situation and my doctor says surgery should be a last resort remedy. I'm being treated with shots and lidocaine patches at the present.
There is a lot of pro and con for back surgeries. You can google them for more info.
I have a friend that has a child with cerebral palsy. She developed scoliosis from being in a wheels chair and slumping constantly. She had a successful surgery but was in a rehab post-op for over 4 weeks.
Two other people I know had fusion surgeries and have more pain and much limited range of motion than before.
I have a similar situation and my doctor says surgery should be a last resort remedy. I'm being treated with shots and lidocaine patches at the present.
There is a lot of pro and con for back surgeries. You can google them for more info.
sorry, I take google with a grain of salt. We can all find anything we want on the internet. If we want to convince ourselves being 50 lbs over weight is healthy, we can find it on the net, If we want to be convinced such and such drugs will kills us, we can find that as well. Using the net as a guide line is fine, but listening to a doctor is the best advise. If you are unsure as to what to do, get a second opinion. As for shots, they do not always work and if they do, only for so long. I am facing this with me knee. My doctor has said the same, proceed with caution: have shots, but they will only work so long. as he says, all these surgeries are considered elective, but there comes a time when it is the right choice.
I do know that some surgeries are involving disk replacement as opposed to fusion. For scoliosis the surgery to brace and stabilize the spine can be the primary solution. It is difficult, but my aunt had an extremely twisted spine, and was essentially bent at the waist permanently. Not a good alternative.
Just research the surgeons and alternatives before making the decision.
I would definitely recommend getting back surgery. The longer you go, the more the pain will escalate. And the problems will probably get worse the longer you let them be. Back surgery is scary, but it does more good than harm, and you will be grateful for it in the long run [mod]no ads [/mod]
Last edited by SouthernBelleInUtah; 12-19-2014 at 04:41 PM..
I've been to 3 different pain management specialist bone doctors and all 3 have said that it's a gamble for back surgery and there is always the possibility of paralysis.
If you do elect to go the surgery route, like most surgeries you'll sign a waiver against lawsuit if it fails and/or you get paralyzed.
Doctors have a license to PRACTICE, not cure.
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