Worked until the instrumentation failed. Foot drop got markedly better and all bladder problems virtually disappeared within 2 weeks of the surgery.

still some pain

As a child I had 3 major operations of which two were spinal fusion ops to prevent further progression of the curve. Back then 1970s Harrington Rods were not yet available in South Africa so I was placed in a plaster cast to help the fusion.Did it work? It stopped the progression so in that sense yes. It did not change the curvature though. With congenital scoliosis there are defects to the spine itself and it causes everything to grow crooked if it is as severe as in my case.

Spinal fusion in 1979, very traumatized, I wore a full body cast for 9 months, it was awful. I understand that the surgery and recovery are much easier now. I dont have a rod in my back, there was a complication during my surgery where it slipped through my bone - I was told because my bones are very soft and thin. And there is no way to re-insert it. Thats probably why my curve is so much worse and I've had so many problems.

It's keeping me alive, keeping my lungs from collapsing, but I was told I'll be in pain for the rest of my life.

for most part life has been on. Now however age is rearing its head from head to foot.

Kept the curvature from worsening. 8 vertabra fused and an 8 in steel rod screwed into spine.

did relieve weakness, but now nerve damage

The Spinal Fusion I had when I was small was to correct the curve in my lower back. It did correct it but my spine refused to let that straighten it and pushed up so now my upper spine has severe scoliosis.

pain is life