Scoliosis Support Group

Scoliosis Surgery: The Definitive Patient's Reference
http://www.amazon.com/Scoliosis-Su...

It can be very scary but she will be fine. I had a spinal fusion in 1979 when I was 14. It will be so worth it, the surgery and recovery is so much easier than when I had it done years ago, she will be able to have a normal life with very few restrictions. I'm here anytime if you need to talk- Bonnie

Hi! I just read your message. You will be amazed to find out just how many people there are that have had rods and fusion of the back. I won't tell you not to worry because it's your kid and of course you will worry. I had my back done when I was 16 years old. That was in 1980! I had 2 curves a 47 degree and a 56 degree with a rotation. I am now a 45 year old Paralegal. I work full time, I also have 2 german shepards I play and rough house with all the time. I own my own home and just got done painting the entire front porch. I volunteer with an County Emergency Rescue Team and an County Emergency Animal Team. So she will have a pretty normal life. The surgery has come a LONGGGGG way since I had it. I was in a walking body cast for 9 months! It is much easier these days. It is a scary thing to face but your daughter will be much better off if she has it now while she is young. Then she can get on with a normal life. I was in school when I had it done just like your daughter. Talk to the school nurse and see if she can direct you to other students locally who have had it and you can talk to them and their parents. Best of luck... Keep us all posted! Denise

My daughter Savannah is 13 and she just had spinal fusion surgery on June 22, 2009. It went way better than anyone expected. Her curve was 58 degrees. The surgery only lasted 4 hours and 20 minutes. She was in PICU for 18 hours and moved to a regular patient room. We spend 6 days in the hospital. My daughter did remarkable. She gets tired easily but is already able to go to her friends house, the mall and even the pool (although she cant swim yet,just sit in the water). I was totally freaked out and scared to death but Savannah is doing great and she is so excited to have gained about 2 inches in height. The scariest part was those weeks and days leading uo to the surgery. I think I speak for everyone who has been through this when I say it was the best decision I made. We are all here for love and support when ever you need us. God Bless and I am praying for you!!

Huge hugs for having to have your daughter go through that!
First, make a couple appoointments to just talk with the ortho surgeon. Find out what they are doing and why they recommend that. There could be several things you need to do ahead of time (IE: have her donate her own blood for surgery, neuro testing, bend xrays, etc)..knowing all the little things along the way will help you stay informed.
Make a little scarpbook of the event because trust me, you'll look back and be so glad you did it. take pictures of her spine now to compare the results, it will amaze you!
And help her feel better by telling her that the surgery will help her look and feel better about herself, and getting it done while she is younger is the way to go.
I had a 48 degree curve finally fixed a month after my 21st birthday and it crippled me job wise, I had my own apartment, was attending college...getting it out of the way now will be such a relief for when she's older. oh, and study up on good ways to help her afterwards so you feel better in control (and connect with a great PT and OT, they will be your best friends!)
Good luck to her!