Scheuremanns Kyphosis

[ShellyLynn3630]

Hi guys. I have never really posted much on this board here, but I haven't had any issues with any type of disability before, maybe except for my disney addiction. Anyway, my 14 year old daughter is having back surgery next week for scheuremann's kyphosis, ( don't know if it is spelled right) and I am really heartbroken. Anyone else can give me any feedback on this surgery if they have know anyone else whose had it. She had a curve of about 75 degrees right now and I know that it will get worse if it is not done. I am so worried that this may effect her later on in life to. Do you know anyone who has been declared disabled due to this? TIA

 

[Bete]

I don't know about the condition, but hopefully others will chime in that do.

Our prayers are with you.

 

[dis-happy]

Wow, I just read about it and can see how it all seems overwhelming. My SIL has severe scoliosis....she turned down surgery while it was still available as an option and now lives a life bedridden, in severe pain, and drugged on painkillers all the time. So as scary as it is, I know you and the doctors are doing what's best for your dd....and giving her the opportunity of living a better life. Saying prayers for you all. Hugs.

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

Thank you to all.

 

[SueM in MN]

Since this question is not about WDW, I am going to move this to the disABILITIES Community Board where it will be on topic and hopefully more people will see it.
I did scoliosis screening when I was a school nurse - we were screening for scoliosis (a side to side curve) and also kyphosis (a front to back curve). The purpose of screening was to find kids who needed further evaluation by their doctor.
In some cases, the curve was small and was just watched because some will not progress to a bigger curve. Some larger curves were treated with exercise or bracing. The largest ones might need surgery because they would probably progress until the child reaches full growth. Once the child is fully grown, the curve usually becomes stable and doesn't progress more. This is fine if the curve is small and causing no problems, but as the curve becomes larger, it can cause more future problems and will be harder to correct.

Here are a couple of resources for you:
Google Health

Spine Universe

EOrthopod

 

[Earstou]

I had cervical kyphosis, and when I posted here and on my support group (support for another illness), I received no replies, so it appears kyphosis is somewhat rare.
The only advice I can give you is to try to get a very good surgeon. I traveled to another state for the best surgeon and I had a three level fusion and had no problems. (I understand my surgery was far less complicated than the one you're talking about.) But I knew someone who had the same surgery locally 2 months before I did. She was struggling with pain and other issues months later. I really believe the skill of my surgeon made the difference.

 

[celestialred]

Hugs to you and her!! I had scoliosis surgery done when I was 9 for a double curve - Harrington Rod fusion, this procedure from what I understand is no longer done BTW - and it was hard the first few months afterward because of the activity restrictions, but am glad I had it done then, hearing about how those who didn't do it are now suffering. I also had a torso brace to wear for 6 months post-op (not the Milwaukee brace). I had pain and a bit of post-op bleeding the first few weeks but it eventually went away.

I realize that kyphosis is a bit of a different animal and that everyone's experiences are unique so YMMV, but I can tell you now (25 years post-op) that the day-to-day issues I have run into are due to the fact I had my surgery so young that it stunted my torso growth, not so much from the surgery itself. I'm short and my clothes fit funny! Personally, I don't live with chronic pain from it thankfully, although I do get muscle spasms from time to time since I've had my kids. Flexeril and I have become good friends from this . I was pretty watchful about how my scoliosis and subsequent surgery could affect my pregnancies and deliveries. I had a failed epidural during my first L&D but made sure the second time around that I had my x-rays to show the anesthetist, and went with a spinal block, which was successful. Both my girls were c/sections out of necessity due to the growth stunting from the spinal surgery. I know that pregnancy is not an immediate concern, but it's always something to bear in mind for the long term.

Where on her back is the curve if you don't mind me asking?

 

[cirquelovers]

I hope your DD's surgery went well.

My nephew has Scheurmanns(sp) too but so far they just have him in a back brace. He is also doing PT and sees the Dr regularly to monitor any changes. I have been reading all I can find about it.