Scoliosis Correction Surgury?

[AmandaSparks730]

Hi...I don't know how to really start this...

But I'm Meg (not Amanda, as my username says), and I'm 15 years old. I usually can be found on the Teen Board, but I lurk occasionally on the TPAS and TR Boards.

I just found this forum today ( ) and wanted to ask a question...

Has anyone here had (or known someone who has had) spinal fusion surgury? In July this year, I went to my back doctor, just to see how I was growing. I've been seeing a chiropractor for scoliosis since I was about 8. My back doctor took x-rays of my spine, and saw that it was curving at such a bad angle, that it was starting to smoosh my lung and ribcage.

Thus, he said I must have spinal fusion surgury in November. I'm really quite scared for it. I'm not sure exactly what they're going to do, and what the success rate is.

I was diagnosed with Fanconi's Anemia when I was 5, and my platelets have always been low. I also bleed and bruise VERY easily.

Can anyone offer any stories or advice? I'm really upset about this surgury. I have to quit dance for a few months, and I'll be out of school for 2 months (but will have a tutor at home).

Thanks in advance!

 

[kimis]

My cousin had the same problem when she was 13-14. The doctors tried the braces but that did not work and her lungs were getting less room. They had no choice when she was 15 but to do the spinal surgery. She also has a rod up her spine. Other than having a perfectly straight back no one would know any different. That was 30 years ago and she is still awesome. She is a mother to two boys and waiting for grandchildren someday. She works, shops, plays and goes to disneyland---yes she rides the rides. For her it was necessary and worth it.
If you are nervous about it than maybe your parents could take you for a second opinion. Or maybe your dr could arrange for you to talk to other teenagers in your situation.
Good luck and you will be in my prayers,

 

[Emma's Mom 03]

While I do not know anyone with the surgery, there is a whole post about spinal issues in the disabilities thread. My daughter, who is 5, may need surgery one day for spondy. It is so sad to have such young people have back problems. I am sorry to hear of your upcoming surgery...

 

[tazdev3225]

My niece had the surgery many years ago. She has had 2 children, became an x-ray tech and a very happylife. The 1st month or so as it is after any surgery but the outcome is well worth it. Good luck.

 

[Sehsun]

Hi Meg,
I have scoliosis as well, and while I have not had to have a spinal fusion yet for it, I did have to wear a brace for a couple years. I was an avid dancer, and I was very upset at the amount of dance classes I had to quit due to having to wear the brace for 23 hours a day.

I did a lot of reading on the spinal fusion surgery when I was younger because I became interested in learning all about scoliosis and the treatments. I thought I read somewhere that you can donate your own blood prior to the surgery, and they can use this blood during your surgery.

It seems that nowadays patients do pretty well with this surgery, and they don't stay in the hospital as long as they used to. The recovery seems to be more quick as well.

I am going to send you a few links that may be helpful to you. Please feel free to PM me anytime!