Scoliosis Support Group

Well, I can't tell you what to expect, but I'm there for you. I am 34 and my curves are 46 in the thorasic spine and 34 in the lumbar. I was just told today I have to have the surgery. He referred me to the cleveland clinic.

I amso sorry sweetie that you are having to go through this, but it is better while you are young. Make sure you have a good doctor.
Hey you will be fine, it's normal to be scared one day you will look back and be glad you had it now. You might have a brace, its just
until everything is healed. you have it now, probably when school starts back you want have to wear it. It is just giving you support while everything is healing. Linda

It's normal to be scared, but you will be ok, My spine is fused from having very severe scoliosis , I had mine done a long time ago (almost 30yrs), I do know the surgery and recovery is easier now than when I had it done. I do understand how you feel, I was 14 and very scared when I had mine done. You'll be glad you had it done, if left untreated it can cause a lot of problems later in life. You are going to be fine- Bonnie

My daughter, Savannah is 13 and she is having the surgery on June 22nd. Although we are scared we have educated ourselves and have talked to many people though these support groups which are very helpful. From all that we have heard teens your age do very well and are so happy they had it done. I will keep everyone posted with Savannahs progress once she has the surgery. We also have a strong faith in the Lord and he is carrying us through.

thanku for giving me peace of mind, it was very kind of you. gives me hope for humanity that kind strangers are still out there!
thankyou.
Isla xxx

hello. i'm 15 yrs old and i had the same sugery last year. my curve was 58 degress. they call my surgery spinal fusion where they fused and put two long rods with 12 screws in my back. yes i do have a scar on my back. but actually i think its cool and defines me. i use to hate it. but whhy dwell on the little things in life like that. you can share you story with people who ask about your "cool" scar. at least thats what i do. i was reallly scared. but honestly you have nothing to worry about. just be happy you will be out of pain =). and i had two braces before the sugery but not after. but everyones different. i'm sure you'll do great. good luck! keep in touch if you have any questions i'll be glad to give you my suppory =)
-Abbey

My sunshines,
It's so normal to be scared of what's ahead. With the amount of your curvature at 58 degrees, you should have surgery. It won't get any better with a brace or on its own.
I went through the surgery almost 1 year ago with my daughter who is now 15yrs. Her curve was 54 degrees.
She did not have to wear a brace after. She was walking a little
each day more and more after surgery. It's a long surgery, her's was 9 hours but she is doing so well. She is back running
track again and will be playing summer soccer soon too!

You're young and our Doctor stressed to us how much easier
it is for recooperation of younger people at your age.
Find a good Doctor who you trust and feel comfortable with.
If you'd like to talk to my daughter anytime about things, I'm sure
she'd be happy to 'ease" your fears or help in any way.

Please take care....
we're all here for you.. just ask!

Read this book, Scoliosis Surgery: The Definitive Patient's Reference. It is extremely informative and is an easy read. I had my parents read it since I'm having surgery in August and neither of them have a medical background but they didn't have a problem understanding any of it.

http://www.amazon.com/Scoliosis-Su...

wow, thankyou for your support, after my exams i will buy the book. thankyou again.:D
you can add me as a friend f u want to and will tell you how it goes. :)
xxxxxxxx

Of course you are scared! That is totally normal... if you weren't, I'd be worried. For us the anticipation was worse than the actual surgery. My 13 year old daughter had the surgery about 4 months ago and did AMAZINGLY well! She did not have to wear a brace afterwards. 5 days in the hospital and 6 weeks "resting", which she was not good at - LOL! When she was in the hospital the nurses asked her to rate her pain 1-10, with 1 the least, 10 the worst and she never went past a 2 -- and that was the first day! The other days she would typically be a 1 or a 0! She looks and feels great now and I am so glad she is healed and no longer deformed. Good luck with you surgery and please keep us informed. We are here for you! Hugs!